2024 Audi A8 Expert Review
Reviewed by Alex Leanse
Audi's range-topping sedan carries over into 2024 with minor changes; a new black paint option is the most notable. The A8 remains Audi's flagship car, equipped with the technologies, features, and fineries expected of a large luxury sedan . Competitors to the A8 include the Genesis G90, Lucid Air, and BMW 7 Series .
For high-end luxury with V-8 performance, check out the 2024 Audi S8 .
What We Think
In a space where some sedans aim to balance luxury with sport, the 2024 Audi A8 takes an unabashed skew toward comfort. It's supremely comfortable and quiet, deftly isolating its occupants from the outside world—and the driving experience altogether.
Moving past the A8's somewhat anonymous exterior, its cabin is packed with world-class trim and materials. There's no shortage of plushness in the front seats, but the available executive back seats are even more spacious and coddling. Even though there's an abundance of digital real estate, some competitors now offer larger screens, albeit with more convoluted user interfaces.
On the move, seemingly nothing in the road can disturb the A8's placidity. Even though driving refinement is very high, the experience overall is quite numb and soulless. That changes in the V-8-powered S8, but the A8 with its mandatory V-6 is never truly fun.
For drivers (or chauffeurs) concerned with luxury more than anything, the A8 is a great choice—especially considering its relatively low price. Yet those who enjoy taking the wheel as much as they like relaxing in the back seat have better options.
Performance and MPGs
Every 2024 A8 is powered by a 3.0-liter turbocharged V-6 producing 335 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. That engine is joined to an eight-speed automatic transmission and Audi's famous Quattro all-wheel drive. In MotorTrend testing, the A8 launched from 0 to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds. Fuel economy is estimated at 19/28 mpg city/highway.
A8 vs. S8: What's the Difference?
Think of the S8 as the powerful, performance-oriented version of the A8. Key to that is its engine, a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 producing a healthy 563 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque—good for a 3.7-second 060 mph launch in our testing. Furthermore, the S8's enhanced brakes and chassis give it handling that rivals dedicated sports cars. Yet the S8 seems every bit as comfortable and luxurious as the standard A8, especially when the available predictive air suspension system is equipped. This setup uses a camera to scan the road ahead for imperfections, and cue each corner of the car accordingly. How well the Audi S8 can do so many things is impressive.
Safety Features
Few driver assist and active safety features are included on the A8 as standard, amounting to front automatic emergency braking, automatic high-beams, and parking proximity sensors. The optional Executive package must be selected to get adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, road sign recognition, side and rear cross-traffic alert, and intersection collision mitigation.
Cargo Space and Interior Room
When a car has more legroom in the rear than in the front, you know it's built with chauffeur duty in mind. The Audi A8 qualifies, providing tremendous legroom in both rows of seats. Its trunk is on the smaller side, but still sufficient for a few suitcases.
Technology
Every A8 comes equipped with a 12.3-inch digital gauge display, 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen, and 8.6-inch touchscreen used for climate and comfort controls. A head-up display, rear-seat touchscreen, and 360-degree camera are available. An optional 23-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium audio system sounds incredible. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included, but starting in 2024 Audi's built-in navigation, weather, news, productivity, streaming, and other apps require a paid subscription after a six-month trial period.
The Inexpensive Luxury Flagship?
Pricing for the 2024 A8 starts at just below $90,000—a hefty sum, for sure, but actually cheap relative to the segment. Consider that the BMW 7 Series begins at over $97,000 with RWD, and over $100,000 with AWD. The Mercedes-Benz S-Class nears $116,000 in its base specification. This leaves space for buyers to add several options on the A8—like the stealthy $2,750 Black Optic Plus package or luxury-enhancing $4,100 Comfort Plus package—while still undercutting the competition. Only the excellent Genesis G90, which starts at a Benjamin over $90,000, comes so close in being a high-end luxury car bargain.
