AUDI A8 D2 1994-2002

The Audi A8 is the luxury sedan from Audi and was first introduced in 1994. It replaces the V8 from 1988, which was the largest, most powerful and most luxurious car from Audi, which was equipped with a 250 hp V8 engine, automatic transmission and Quattro all-wheel drive system. The purpose of the A8 was to be lighter, being the first production car with an aluminum body and chassis, called the Audi Space Frame.

The first generation Audi A8 was built on the VolksWagen Group D2 platform, and in addition to the standard model, a long-wheelbase version, the A8 L, was also available.

Because it competes with the most powerful luxury car manufacturers, Audi impressed more with the technology and comfort from the inside than with the exterior design. Therefore, in the interior, Audi used premium materials, with standard leather upholstery and wooden elements. It featured dual-zone climate control, power and heated seats, and a Bose audio system. Moreover, the A8 was also the first car to be equipped with six airbags.

Under the hood, the A8 debuted with a 2.8-liter 193 hp engine, and a 3.7-liter V8 producing 230 hp and a 4.2-liter V8 producing 300 hp with Quattro permanent all-wheel drive.

AUDI A8 D3 2002-2005

The second generation of the Audi A8 was first launched in 2002. It was built on the VolksWagen Group D3 platform, which allowed it to be longer than the previous generation. Also, the body of the A8 was made entirely of aluminum, making it the lightest car in its segment.

Compared to the previous generation, Audi has completely changed the exterior design. It used rounded shapes, redesigned headlights, being the first Audi with Bi-Xenon HID headlights for both high beam and low beam. In addition to the main grille, Audi introduced an additional one at the bottom of the bumper.

Changes were also brought to the interior, Audi focusing mainly on the area dedicated to the driver. The controls were closer to the driver, creating a more airy and spacious feeling in the cabin. But, the most notable feature introduced was the MMI (Multi Media Interface) infotainment system.

The adaptive pneumatic suspension with self-leveling, the electric parking brake and the driver identification systems with fingerprint scanner were also firsts for Audi.

Under the hood, the Audi A8 featured a wide range of engines, including the V6 and V8. It also had a 6-liter W12 engine that produced 450 hp, and the more powerful version, the S8, was powered by a 5.2-liter V10. The option of a 4.2-liter V8 diesel engine with 322 hp made it the most powerful diesel engine ever offered by Audi in a passenger car.

AUDI A8 D3 Facelift 2005-2007

In 2005, the Audi A8 was redesigned, receiving a new larger grille and rectangular fog lights. Also, the interior came with improvements, but it also came with new engines. A 3.0-liter TDI, a 3.2-liter V6, a 4.2-liter V8 and two 4.2-liter V8s and a 6.0-liter V12.

AUDI A8 D4 2010-2013

The third generation A8 was launched in 2010 and was based on the Volkswagen Group MLB platform, keeping the same aluminum construction.

On the outside, Audi gave up the rounded shapes, and brought the new A8 more lines along the car, thus giving it an elegant, but also sporty look. The A8 from 2010 keeps the same type of front grill, but the headlights are new with Xenon and LED. The back is also well contoured, and receives new taillights.

The interior is completely new and came with a retractable infotainment screen, motorized speakers that rose from the dashboard, and a touchpad for controlling the infotainment system was installed on the central console.

In terms of safety, the A8 has come with many new functions, for example Matrix LED technology, Audi Active Lane Assist or night vision assistant.

Again, this generation of A8 came with many engine versions, from the 3.0 liter V6 turbodiesel, to the 6.3 liter V12 and even a 2.0 liter hybrid model.

In addition to the standard model, Audi also launched the long version, the A8L. Compared to the standard model, the A8L was longer and offered more space inside, especially for the rear passengers. Moreover, the back bench offered only two seats, more precisely, two very comfortable individual armchairs. And this time, Audi has included powerful engines, which develop between 250 HP and 500 HP.

AUDI A8 D4 Facelift 2013-2017

Both versions of A8 received a facelift version in 2013. So, the Facelift version came with a fresh design, being better outlined this time. It received new Matrix-Led headlights, a redesigned main grille, and the lower grille now makes the connection from both sides. At the back, the most visible change was the trapezoidal exhaust this time.

The interior has not been modified much, but it received a new multimedia system and a Wi-Fi LTE modem.

AUDI A8 D5 2017-2022

The major changes were brought to the fourth generation of A8, launched in 2017. The exterior is completely new and offers an imposing and slightly aggressive look. The new A8 comes with a new, hexagonal grille, the headlights are new, and the lower front grille is much more pronounced. As impressive as the front is, the rear is just as interesting, especially with the new taillights, with which drivers can customize their lights with three different “light signatures”.

Inside, Audi used, as always, premium materials, as well as innovative technologies. The steering wheel is equipped with touch buttons, and the central console comes with two huge displays, one for the multimedia system and one for the air conditioning system. In the back, the passengers enjoy a central console equipped with a removable tablet, with which they can set various functions of the car. More than that, the rear passengers also enjoy the foot massage function.

The fourth-generation A8 is the first production car in the world to be developed for level 3 automatic driving. It comes equipped with Traffic Jam Pilot, which handles driving in slow-moving traffic at speeds of up to 60 km/h and can accelerate , brake and even change lanes.

What’s more, the Audi AI remote parking function, accompanied by the Audi AI remote garage pilot function, allow the A8 to be driven autonomously into and out of the parking space or garage, without the driver’s participation.

Under the hood, the Audi A8 comes in 5 engine variants: 3.0-liter gasoline with 340 horsepower and diesel with 286 horsepower. The A8 range is completed with the 4.0 TDI units of 435 horsepower and the 4.0 TFSI of 460 horsepower. All engines come with a mild hybrid installation.

In addition to the standard model, Audi also launched the version with a long wheelbase, the A8 L. The differences can be seen in the interior, where the A8L offers more space to the rear passengers and numerous functions for their relaxation.

AUDI A8 D5 Facelift 2022-Present

In 2021, the facelift version for the fourth generation of A8 was launched, which comes with changes both externally and internally. For the first time, Audi offers an S Line trim level for the Audi A8 that brings a series of more aggressive design elements inspired by the sporty S8 model. On the outside, the front grille is wider, with chrome accessories, and the headlights are slightly revised. The side air intakes have been repositioned, and on the back we have OLED taillights.

Inside, Audi has introduced a new range of seats, a new ambient lighting package, and two new 10.1-inch screens are included in the back.