2020 Audi A8 Review: Well-Rounded Executive Sedan

Large luxury sedans are a hard class to break into, and Audi was already late to the party. The A8 nameplate has only been around for 26 years, whereas leading rivals like Mercedes-Benz have had almost a century to perfect their offerings. But while its German counterparts like the S-Class and BMW 7 Series might be a little more refined, the Audi A8 is certainly no slouch. With two capable turbocharged powertrains - a 335-horsepower V6 and a 453-hp V8 - the executive sedan has more than enough muscle to push smaller cars out of its way, even if it lacks the curb presence of more lavish rivals. The A8 also comes with an extensive list of standard features, as well as competitive fuel consumption figures. But then again, with a starting price of $85,200, that's not likely to concern many buyers. If you want pure luxury, without all the pomp and ceremony, the Audi A8 should definitely be on your shortlist.

What's the Price of the 2020 Audi A8?

Situated at the very top of Audi's non-performance vehicle range, it's no surprise that the Audi A8 bears a truly premium price tag. Getting behind the wheel, or rather in the back seat, of the 55 TFSI will set buyers back an impressive $85,200. If the turbocharged V6 under the hood of the base model isn't enough for you, then you can get the even more potent V8 in the 60 TFSI at a higher cost of $96,800. But don't expect that to be anywhere near your final bill; speccing on a few additional packages and safety features can easily increase the price to $120k. These prices exclude tax, registration, licensing, and Audi's $995 destination fee.

2020 A8 Exterior

Dimensions

2020 A8 Performance

Handling and Driving Impressions

While it may be designed to be driven in, rather than to drive, the Audi A8 is far from boring. You won't be swinging its rotund rump around hairpins turns in the hills, but the large sedan can still provide some thrills with its athletic acceleration, especially if you're willing to up-spec the car. The available all-wheel steering is particularly nice on an otherwise unwieldy car, giving the A8 a sharper turning circle and more high-speed agility and stability than you'd expect from a stately cruiser.

Naturally, the sedan really shines when it comes to road comfort. Bumps aren't completely swallowed up by the air suspension, but what does make it through to the cabin is so well damped that it's barely noticeable. Nevertheless, there are smoother rides out there, like Mercedes-Benz' silky smooth S-Class.

However, despite being eminently capable, the A8's steering can be a little numb, not really telling you what the wheels are doing, even as the column vibrates in your hands over rougher roads. We have no complaints when it comes to the brakes, though, which are more than powerful enough to bring the portly sedan to a stop in just 149 feet from 70 mph in independent testing without negatively impacting the vehicle's composure.

Overall, the Audi A8 is certainly more of a passenger vehicle than an exciting driver, but it doesn't discard fun completely in its pursuit of luxurious comfort.

2020 A8 Interior

2020 A8 Trunk and Cargo Space

Warranty

Verdict: Is the 2020 Audi A8 A Good car?

We could just say the Audi A8 is the German manufacturer's flagship luxury sedan and leave it that, but that would be selling it short. There is very little to complain about when it comes to the large cruiser, especially when you consider the market it is targeted at.

Yes, it may not be a thrill-seeker's car like so many smaller Audis are, but the A8 does a remarkably good job at being a comfortable, large, stately cruiser. Both of its powertrains do an excellent job of getting the hefty sedan around town in record time, and its handling dynamics are more engaging than you'd expect from a sedan targeted towards passenger comfort.

It also gets everything you could ever need or want on a luxury sedan, such as plush, power-adjustable front seats with similar available rear seats, a comprehensive infotainment suite, and enough standard safety features to give you peace of mind. However, there are rivals that do a better job in the areas they focus particularly hard on, such as the Merc S-Class's absurd luxury and comfort, and the BMW 7's extra fun factor. Both rivals also offer more cargo capacity than the A8, making them slightly more practical as daily drivers.

However, Audi does an excellent job of combining all these factors to produce a well-rounded executive sedan that covers all the bases, especially with the available packages. It may not excite or turn as many heads as some more lavish competitors, but the A8 is a solid offering at a respectable price for the segment.

What Audi A8 Model Should I Buy?

A price difference of $10k may be a big deal to some buyers, but when you're already looking at a starting price that nears the $100k mark, is it really? The two trims each offer the same list of features, so it really comes down to whether you want the stronger V8 engine or not. You certainly don't need it, since the standard turbo V6 is more than potent enough. In terms of sheer value for money, the base-model 55 TFSI is the better deal. But if you want utter opulence, the 60 TFSI with the Executive and Executive Rear Seat packages is the way to go, if you can afford $120k. At the very least, you should probably go for the Driver Assistance Package, since the base A8 is actually a bit light on advanced safety features, but this requires the Executive Package at an additional $4,600.

2020 Audi A8 Comparisons

2020 Audi A8 vs Audi A6

The smaller brother to the A8, the A6 shares its big bro's business-like approach to luxury without sacrificing too much playfulness, either. Being smaller than the full-size sedan, the A6 is a bit nimbler on the road, even if its powertrains are a little less potent: the standard turbo four-cylinder develops 248 hp and 273 lb-ft and there is the option of the A8's turbo V6, but the V8 remains beyond its reach in the run of the mill models. The midsize sedan still focuses more on passenger comfort than driver pleasure, but it's still more fun than the portly A8. Naturally, the smaller vehicle loses out on the A8's insane passenger space, but it manages to supply a larger 13.7-cubic-foot trunk. While both sedans come well equipped with the latest tech and available safety features, the A6 makes more sense from an economic perspective with its significantly lower starting price and better mileage figures. But, if you care more about prestige, the A8 is the way to go.

2020 Audi A8 vs Audi A7 Sportback

Mechanically identical to the A6, the A7 is a sleeker sedan with more curb appeal than either the A6 or the A8. It doesn't perform any better than the A6, with the same choice of powertrain, but it will turn more heads with its sloping roofline. Normally, a sloping roof means you sacrifice trunk space, but since it's a sportback, the A7 actually beats out the A6 with its standard cargo capacity of 19 cubic feet, which can be expanded to almost 50 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down, absolutely shaming the A8. However, the sportier-looking sedan sacrifices passenger headroom, making it feel cramped compared to the spacious A8. The A7 also costs quite a bit more than the A6, although it is significantly cheaper than the A8. In terms of practicality, the A7 makes more sense, but who buys a $100k sedan to be practical? The A8 is far more luxurious as a passenger vehicle.