Thanks: ERCAR MOTORS
/ ercarmotors
2023 Audi A8
Starting at $88.895
Highs Hushed interior, plenty of high-tech features, handling is more playful than expected.
Lows Doesn’t look as grandiose as some rivals, V-6 engine provides only adequate power, the S8 is more entertaining.
Verdict The A8 doesn’t have the flash of most other high-dollar luxury cars, but for those who value subtlety it offers a lot of appeal.
Overview
While some large luxury sedans are designed to turn heads with their flamboyant styling, the 2023 Audi A8 wears a more tailored, professional appearance that has a unique appeal. The big Audi is just as roomy and comfortable as rivals such as the BMW 7-series and the Mercedes-Benz S-class inside, and a host of high-tech features makes staying connected during travel easy. Extensive sound deadening measures ensure the A8’s cabin is whisper-quiet, drowning out even the sound of the turbocharged V-6 engine. This makes the A8 a relaxing place to reflect as your driver shuttles you to your next board meeting. But the A8 isn’t only pleasing to those chauffeured in the back. Its driver will be pleasantly surprised at how nicely this large car can handle. While it’s not as athletic as the sportier S8 (reviewed separately), the A8 can hold its own if you come across a particularly curvy stretch of tarmac.
What's New for 2023?
Following a styling refresh for last year’s A8, Audi has made just two enhancements for the 2023. A new remote parking feature is now included in the optional Executive package and the Comfort Plus package now includes fancier LED headlights.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
A8: $88,895
If you're going with Audi's flagship luxury sedan, do it right and order it with the Luxury package, which includes heated rear seats with power adjustments and massage, leather-wrapped dashboard, all-wheel steering, and more. We'd also suggest the Executive package, which adds massaging front seats, a head-up display, a heated steering wheel, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control with lane-keeping assist, a remote parking feature, and interior ambient lighting.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The A8 comes with a turbocharged V-6 rated at 335 horsepower which is augmented by a 48-volt hybrid system. An eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive are standard. The A8 we tested sprinted from zero to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds. Among six-cylinder executive sedans, that puts the A8 a few tenths off the rapid pace the Mercedes-Benz S500. The Audi's engine is smooth, but there's no fanfare to its power delivery, and sound-deadening measures are so extensive that it's practically inaudible with the windows up. The A8 offers a very Audi-like blend of athleticism and ride comfort. An adjustable air suspension and driver-adjustable adaptive dampers are standard. With this setup, the Audi A8 isolates you from road irregularities but can still hammer down a back road when the mood strikes.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The EPA estimates the A8 will earn 19 mpg city and 28 mpg highway. We can't evaluate the real-world mpg for the A8 until we take it on our 75-mph highway fuel-economy route, which is part of our extensive testing regimen. For more information about the A8's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Impressive passenger space is an A8 hallmark, and its long wheelbase ensures that rear-seat passengers are well accommodated. Five-passenger seating is standard, but an optional four-passenger seating package deletes the rear center seat and provides a pair of power-adjustable rear seats with heating, ventilation, and massage as well as a heated foot-massage function and a pair of individual entertainment tablets (while reducing power adjustments for the front passenger seat to make room for all that). Fine materials are in abundance, and you can order up extended leather and a small forest's worth of wood inlays. But much like the A8's exterior, the interior ambience is sober and not as lavish as that of the Mercedes S-class. Trunk capacity is modest for a big luxury sedan at just 13 cubic feet.
Read More www.caranddriver.com/audi/a8
📌 Instagram ▶ / cartvpress
📌 Facebook ▶ / cartvpress