2024 Audi A8 while some large luxury sedans are designed to attract attention with their striking styling, the Audi A8 2023 sports a more tailored professional appearance that has a unique appeal. The big Audi is as roomy and comfortable as rivals like the BMW 7-series and Mercedes-Benz S-class inside, and a host of high-tech features make staying connected on the road easily.
Extensive noise-canceling action ensures the A8’s cab is silent, dampening even the sound of the turbocharged V-6 engine. This makes the A8 a relaxing place to reflect as the driver drives you to your next board meeting.
But the A8 isn’t just fun for drivers in the back. Drivers will be surprised at how well this big car can handle. While it’s not as athletic as the sporty S8 (reviewed separately), the A8 can hold up if you encounter a very curvy stretch of asphalt.
The Audi A8 is only sold in America as the long-wheelbase A8 L (read: extra rear legroom) and includes many standard features such as all-wheel drive, dual touchscreen displays, and a Bang & Olufsen audio system.
Audi also includes several drivers aids such as a 360-degree camera and lane departure warning and even more that can be added as optional equipment.
2024 Audi A8 Review
Just last week we showed you images of the new Audi Activsphere EV concept. It along with three other Sphere concepts looks good, but so what? Most great concepts are never produced, so this becomes a “what if” exercise. But now we know the Grandsphere concept is a thinly disguised 2024 Audi A8 sedan.
The next A8 will use Audi’s PPE EV platform, a collaboration between Audi and Porsche. Its first PPE vehicle is the 2024 Macan. Overall, Audi has a bunch of EVs coming for 2023 that include the Q6 E-Tron, A4, and A6. Then in early 2024, the A8 E-tron will debut.
Audi chief designer Marc Lichte told Autocar, “The Grandsphere is a very concrete teaser. Not far from what will be produced. It’s not one-to-one, but it’s very close.” Audi calls the Grandsphere a “private jet for the road.”
The concept is just one of the Sphere concepts that Activsphere spanned recently, along with Skysphere, Urbansphere, and Grandsphere. But Lichte says that the Grandsphere is the most similar of the four actual production Audis, in this case, the A8. It’s also host to Audi’s Level 4 autonomous driving system, although it wasn’t initially.
The Grandsphere is designed around its lounge-like cabin. Although shown with a steering wheel and controls, they fit under cover for autonomous mode. The back seat is a sofa-style bench with an armrest in the middle.
The tailgate opens clamshell-style, eliminating the B-pillars that interfere with entry and exit. “First class has now shifted to the front row,” said Audi. That’s because the front seat can be reclined 60 degrees.
Where technology takes over begins before you enter. The entertainment or information you watch on your phone continues after you sit down at the accompanying screen. There are no dials or controls instead they are projected into the cabin at various locations. Eye movement adjusts the controls or turns something on or off.
If the production version replicated the concept’s dimensions, it would be a significantly larger vehicle than the current long-wheelbase A8. Great importance is given to aerodynamics, which is visible in its long tail. The wheelbase is 125.5 inches with an overall length of 210.6 inches. Audi says its profile defines this as a grand touring machine, not a sedan.
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2024 Audi A8 Report
We’ve always known that the stunning Grandsphere concept would influence the design of the upcoming Audi A8. However, design boss Marc Lichte confirmed that Audi’s flagship sedan will adopt the Grandsphere design with minor modifications. This marks a radical overhaul of the A8’s design, which has remained very conservative so far.
Audi is one of the few automakers that aren’t crazy about the design of its cars. Sober and often understated, Audi designs have always been more evolutionary than revolutionary. This isn’t always a good thing, as the A8’s lackluster sales show. Fear not, however, Audi is now preparing to make radical changes to its car design, and the four “sphere” concepts have offered a glimpse into the future.
For the Audi A8, it may be more than just a passing glance, as Marc Lichte revealed to Autocar. If you think the Grandsphere’s design is too much for an Audi flagship, you better prepare for the unthinkable as it will be produced virtually unchanged. Consider it a “very concrete” teaser for what the 2024 Audi A8 will look like. Audi describes it as the closest of the four concept balls to a future production model.
The Grandsphere is akin to a private jet for the road and is said to have been designed from the inside out with autonomous driving in mind. The steering wheel and pedals engage the bulkhead when driving independently. This feature is likely to be lost on the 2024 Audi A8, given that Audi and parent Volkswagen Group missed the AD train when software subsidiary Cariad thwarted plans to develop autonomous driving software.
That’s a good reason why the Grandsphere’s interior has little chance of making its way into the upcoming A8. Most likely we’ll see a more conservative approach, but still heavily influenced by the concept of the cabin. Expect very few physical buttons and fewer screens, following a similar trend across the auto industry that started with the Tesla Model 3.
The Audi Grandsphere concept is slightly longer than the current A8, even when considering the long wheelbase version. At 5.35 meters (211 inches) long, the concept featured a long bonnet and a four-door GT silhouette. Expect the radical shape at the back toned down a bit, though the rest of the body might keep it in production.
The 2024 Audi A8 luxury sedan will be built on Audi’s new PPE platform, jointly developed with Porsche, and feature a high-performance electric powertrain. Audi has several models planned for this platform besides the A8, including the Audi Q6 e-tron, A4 e-tron, and A6 e-tron. The A8 will also get the moniker e-tron, which emphasizes its electric powertrain.
The PPE Platform (aka Premium Platform Electric) will debut on the Porsche Macan EV as soon as Porsche deems the software suitable for commercial launch. The sports car manufacturer said that development of the Macan EV has ended, but that the software is still in the works following the Cariad glitch. The Macan EV powertrain features a dual-motor configuration of up to 711 horsepower. 120 kWh battery can offer a range of over 466 miles (750 km).
2024 Audi A8 PPE EV Platform
Utilizing the PPE platform, the A8 2024 will carry a 120 kWh battery that can charge up to 270 kWh for a range of over 470 miles. However, the more powerful of the two versions use a dual-motor system that provides four-wheel drive and 711 hp. With 708 lb-ft of torque, estimates suggest zero to 62 mph in less than four seconds.
However, in an interesting addition, Philipp Gündert of Audi said that “driving and handling systems are no longer above design specifications in this new generation of cars.” It was a big change from its traditional calling. He said that it was up to Audi customers as to what should be their main focus. But remember, the A8 is not a performance car, but a luxury car. We doubt Audi is considering ignoring the importance of performance.
2024 Audi A8 Refresh
Mercedes has updated the S-Class and given it an electric equivalent by introducing the EQS as a dedicated EV. BMW is following a similar move with the 7 Series, although the i7 shares a platform with the ICE-powered version. Audi doesn’t have a full-size electric sedan, but that will change in 2024 with the launch of the next-gen A8. Unlike the two rivals, the guys from Ingolstadt intend to sell their next flagship as an electric car only.
While we haven’t seen any spy shots yet, the new range-topper from Four Rings will open next year in heavily Grandsphere-influenced styling. The stylish concept car, which will be launched in September 2021, is one of four Sphere concepts that Audi is developing for its all-electric lineup. As an update, the company intends to start rolling out EVs only in 2026 and end sales of the ICE model in 2033.
In an interview with Autocar, Audi design chief Marc Lichte said that the appearance of the grand sphere is “very similar” to the A8. He went on to mention that it would not be a copy of the show car, but that the latter was a “very specific teaser” of the road model. The British magazine claims it will be named the A8 E-Tron and will use the Premium Platform Electric (PPE) architecture co-developed with Porsche.
Not only is the concept larger than any globally available long-wheelbase model, but it’s also wider than the Chinese version of Maybach’s rival Horch. We will remind you that this concept is billed as a “road private jet,” measuring 5.35 meters (17.6 feet) in length and 3.19 meters (10.5 feet) in wheelbase.
While the technical specifications for the production car have yet to be announced, the Grandsphere has all-wheel drive with a pair of electric motors. Audi claims a combined output of 710 horsepower (530 kilowatts) and 960 Newton-meters (708 pound-feet) of torque for a 0-62 mph (100 km/h) time of just four seconds.
The large 120 kWh battery provides a range of over 466 miles (750 km) and supports 270 kWh charging, in which case a range of over 186 miles (300 km) can be achieved in under 10 minutes. Audi says the concept car can charge the battery from 5% to 80% in just 20 minutes.
Without a prototype, it is unlikely that the A8 E-Tron will arrive early next year because logically we will debut in 2024. It’s unclear whether the current-generation A8 will continue to be sold after EVs hit the market.
2024 Audi A8 Concept
Audi has set its sights on the full-size electric sedan market with the 2024 A8, a model that borrows from Audi’s 2021 concept car, the Grandsphere.
Audi is gearing up to launch its first electric full-size sedan, the 2024 A8. The automaker is moving aggressively into the electric market, with plans to launch electric-only vehicles from 2026 and end sales of combustion engine vehicles in 2033.
The style of the new A8 is reportedly inspired by the 2021 Audi concept car, Grandsphere. It is a sleek and streamlined vehicle with highly stylish headlights, a short bonnet, and sculpted side sections. According to Autocar, the official name of the A8 E-Tron is different from the concept car but very similar. It is built on the Premium Platform Electric (PPE) architecture co-developed by Audi and Porsche.
Audi hasn’t released any technical specifications for the A8, but the Grandsphere has all-wheel drive and a pair of electric motors that produce 710 horsepower and 708 pound-feet of torque, taking the EV from zero to 62 mph in just four seconds. A 120 kWh battery gives the Grandsphere concept a range of over 466 miles and can be charged from 5% to 80% in just 20 minutes.
Those are impressive stats, and we expect the price to be as impressive, even though Audi hasn’t disclosed its expected MSRP. The non-electric A8 2023 starts at $87,800.
The Grandsphere concept car’s interior is just as impressive as its exterior, with passengers entering via the rear door. The cabin features high-end materials including wood, wool, aluminum, and glass. Instead of a screen, the Grandsphere has a full-width MMI infotainment screen that projects above the surface of the wooden dashboard.
Audi hasn’t given a release date yet, but the A8 is expected to be available in late 2024. It’s unclear whether the current generation of A8 will still be available after the electric version hits the market.
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2024 Audi A8 EV
Audi isn’t building an electric alternative to the flagship A8 sedan, and frankly, that’s a huge loss for the German automaker. Mercedes-Benz has the equivalent battery-powered S-Class at EQS, and BMW recently unveiled the all-electric i7, which is identical to the 7 Series except for its powertrain.
Sure, Audi built the E-Tron GT, but that’s a smaller, less luxurious option. Will Audi offer an electric A8 in the future? We can only hope.
There’s only one engine option for the A8, assuming you don’t want to opt for the 563-hp Audi S8 performance model.
The only engine offered in the standard car is a turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6; it’s paired with an eight-speed automatic, and Audi estimates the combo is good for 0-60 mph in 5.6 seconds. The fuel economy figures from 2022 read a respectable 19/28 mpg city/highway.
2024 Audi A8 Exterior
While large luxury sedans are often a way to let the rest of the world know that their owners are rich/powerful/important, Audi made a true power move with the 2023 A8 by keeping a low profile.
One of the few changes this year is that high-definition Matrix design LED headlights (with multiple LEDs) are added to the A8’s optional Comfort Plus package (which also includes two-panel side windows for greater sound insulation). These lights are standard on the 2023 S8.
Both variants are offered with the Black Optic package which adds black exterior elements including 21-inch alloy wheels.
2024 Audi A8 Interior
The interior of the Audi Grandsphere Concept feels so luxurious because there is no infotainment screen. Well, not the conventional one.
Instead of a physical display, infotainment is projected onto a large interior surface. When the car is in Level 4 autonomous mode, the steering wheel disappears, and you can treat the Audi like a moving four-seater movie theater.
2024 Audi A8 Infotainment
Audi’s excellent 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit instrument cluster is standard, as are 10.1-inch top and bottom 8.6-inch haptic center screens with the MMI Touch Response system. There is a single volume knob for the audio system, as most functions are controlled via the touch screen.
It can be overwhelming at first, but the system is quick to respond and highly configurable, allowing owners to select their custom buttons on the bottom screen while offering permanent buttons for navigation, weather, phone, and radio functions on the top left side. screen.
Be aware that you will use the included microfiber cloth when trying to erase fingerprints.
Up front, there are two USB ports with combined data and charging capabilities, and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay phone integration is standard along with Amazon Alexa compatibility. Wi-Fi via Audi Connect Plus is available for an additional subscription fee.
Favorite Features
- Adaptive air suspension
Standard issue in Audi A8 2023 and Audi S8. The former is set for optimal comfort, the latter adds a sportier edge. The S8 can also be upgraded with predictive active suspension. - Virtual Cockpit
This high-resolution 12.3-inch digital driver information display can show things like map details as well as the usual speed/laptop stuff. Easy to use and comes standard in every new A8/S8. - Powerful rear feel
You will never fail to feel pampered when the curtains cover the rear windows and side windows at the touch of a button. Yet another standard feature. - S8
Yes, it’s a model rather than a feature, but it’s the top of the Audi luxury sedan tree, offering the most luxurious equipment and the most powerful engines. The S8 is a true flagship sedan. - Night Vision Assistant
Available as an individual option on the S8, this system uses a front-facing thermal imaging camera with infrared technology to spot anyone or anything in front, such as pedestrians or wildlife. - Remote Park Assist Plus
Now available in the Executive package for the 2023 A8 and S8, this is a self-parking function for parallel and perpendicular spaces. The driver can stay in the car or activate the system from outside the vehicle.
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Battery
The Audi Grandshere is an electric car with a 120kWh battery that gives it a range of up to 466 miles (750km).
Fast charging, using the car’s 800V charging system, charging 10 minutes is equivalent to 186 miles of range, and 25 minutes is enough to charge the battery from 5-80 percent.
2024 Audi A8 Performance
The performance is also impressive. The electric motors on the front and rear axles make the Audi four-wheel drive, and both motors produce 720PS and 960Nm of torque. The 0-62mph dash takes about four seconds, while the top speed will be limited to conserve battery.
Audi gets five-link front and multi-link rear suspension, along with the active suspension system first seen on the current Audi A8.
The active suspension can read the road ahead – using a camera mounted on the windshield – and can lift individual wheels over bumps to make travel easier.
Meanwhile, the information sent from the car’s sat-nav can adapt the suspension to deal with climbs and turns. Rear-wheel steering makes the Grandsphere Concept very maneuverable for a long car.
Audi A8 Engine
The A8 comes with a 335-horsepower turbocharged V-6 engine coupled with a 48-volt hybrid system. An eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive are standard.
The A8 we tested ran from zero to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds. Among the six-cylinder executive sedans, it places the A8 at a few tenths of the fast speed of the Mercedes-Benz S500.
The Audi engine is smooth, but there’s no fanfare for power delivery, and the sound-killing measures are so wide they’re practically inaudible with the window up. The A8 offers a very Audi-like mix of athleticism and ride comfort.
An adjustable air suspension and driver-adjustable adaptive dampers are standard. With this setting, the Audi A8 isolates you from the irregularities of the road but can still go back roads when you’re in a bad mood.
Audi A8 Transmission
The propulsion for the 2023 A8 comes from a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine that produces 335 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. Audi calls this drivetrain 55 TSFI. There is also a 48-volt mild hybrid system that allows a smooth engine restart function once the car is about to move from a stop position.
The same electric upgrade is in the 2023 S8 but bolted to a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 that makes 563 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque.
Just because we’ve mentioned the word “hybrid”, however, don’t think that any of these big luxury sedans are thrifty with their premium gasoline diet.
Both variants have an 8-speed automatic transmission, plus Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive (AWD) system as standard.
The fuel economy estimates supplied by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are from 2022, but there shouldn’t be any changes this year.
3.0 liter turbocharged V6 (A8)
335 horsepower @ 5,000 rpm
Torque 369 lb-ft @ 1,370 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 19/28 mpg
4.0 liter twin-turbocharged V8 (S8)
563 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
590 horsepower @ 2,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 14/23 mpg
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2024 Audi A8 MPG
The EPA estimates the Audi A8 will deliver 19 mpg city and 28 mpg highway. We couldn’t evaluate the real-world mpg for the A8 until we took it on the 75 mph highway fuel-efficient route, which is part of our extensive testing regimen.
For more information on the A8’s fuel economy, visit the EPA website.
2024 Audi A8 Price
If you’re using Audi’s flagship luxury sedan, do it right and book with the Luxury package, which includes heated rear seats with power and massage adjustments, a leather-wrapped dashboard, all-wheel steering, and more.
We also recommend the Executive package, which adds massaged front seats, a heads-up display, a heated steering wheel, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control with lane-keeping assistance, remote parking features, and interior ambient lighting.
We estimate the Price for 2024 A8 $87,595
People also ask Audi A8 2024
Q: Will the Audi A8 be discontinued?
A: Audi will cut production of their flagship A8 luxury sedan and, in turn, will increase production of the Audi E-Tron. The Audi E-Tron quickly became one of the brand’s most popular nameplates, easily outpacing the lackluster sales of the Audi A8.
Q: Is there a new Audi A8?
A: What’s New for 2023? Following a styling refresh for last year’s A8, Audi has only made two upgrades for 2023. A new remote parking feature is now included in the optional Executive package and the Comfort Plus package now includes more luxurious LED headlamps.
Q: Is the Audi A8 worth the money?
A: Yes, the 2023 A8 is a nice big luxury car. It hits all the hallmarks you’d expect from the brand’s top-of-the-line sedan, including executive-class seating, plush materials, indulgent ride quality, and a wealth of technology.
Q: When will the Audi A8 change?
A: The Audi A8 is getting tweaks to make it an even more attractive luxury sedan in 2022. The battle for ultra-luxury supremacy among sedans has always come down to 3 prime numbers – the Audi A8, the BMW 7 Series, and the Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
