As a showcase for Audi engineering, the 2023 Audi A8 L and performance-oriented S8 make fine representatives, earning exemplary marks for craftsmanship, luxury, technology, and performance. With its massive rear seat, the long-wheelbase A8 L is the vehicle for those who prefer to be chauffeured, while the shorter-wheelbase S8 is for those who love to drive.
With Cadillac and Lincoln wholly removed from the full-size sedan market, the A8’s only real competition comes from the BMW 7 Series, Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Genesis G90, and Lexus LS. S8 buyers might cross-shop the Porsche Panamera.
2023 Audi A8 L 55 (starting at $86,500)
The A8 L rides on a longer wheelbase than the S8, making it the ideal choice for corporate executives and well-timed crypto currency kings. Power for the A8 comes from a single source, a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 good for 335 horsepower. Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive (AWD) comes standard.
Luxury is the A8’s calling card, so it should come as no surprise that included in the standard equipment roster are heated and ventilated 22-way multi-contour front seats with memory, a panoramic glass sunroof, 4-zone automatic climate control, a power tilt/telescoping steering wheel, and power rear window (and side window) sunshades.
Fine Valetta leather covers the A8’s seats, door panels, armrest, airbag cover, and console.
The A8 comes fitted with stylish 19-inch alloy wheels and an adaptive air suspension. Also standard are power soft-close doors, heated auto-dimming and power-folding side mirrors, a power-operated trunk, and a panoramic sunroof.
Other standard equipment includes LED headlights, S-Line exterior styling, and Audi’s OLED (organic light-emitting diode) brake lights. These smart taillights can change their pattern depending on the situation, getting brighter when detecting a car getting too close to the A8’s bumper or becoming more prominent when the Audi Drive Select system is in the Dynamic setting.
Naturally, being the flagship model brings a full complement of safety equipment. Standard fare for the A8 includes forward collision warning with pedestrian and cyclist detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, automatic high-beam headlights, and front and rear parking sensors. A 360-degree top-view camera helps the driver avoid obstacles around the car, while back seat side-impact airbags add an extra layer of protection.
Inside the A8’s plush cabin, you’ll find several high-tech features, starting with the Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus. This 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster allows for configurable screens that can replicate an analog speedometer and tachometer or serve as the navigation display.
Above the center console is an 8.6-inch climate control touchscreen, and above that is a 10.3-inch infotainment touch screen. Audi’s MMI Touch Response makes it easy to navigate the screen’s many functions, which include Audi Navigation plus, wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and the numerous features contained in the Audi Connect Care and Plus apps. You also can control most functions via voice command.
Last, Audi equips the A8 with a sound system worthy of its status — a Bang & Olufsen 3D Premium Sound System, featuring a 755-watt amp driving 17 speakers. A wireless charging pad and signal booster are also standard.
Audi offers several package upgrades, bringing even more luxury and technology to the A8’s cabin.
The Executive Package adds Remote Park Assist Plus, which can automatically parallel or perpendicularly park the car. Also in the package is adaptive cruise control with lane guidance, rear cross-traffic alert with braking, a blind-spot monitor, traffic sign recognition, and Intersection Assist that watches for oncoming or cross-traffic situations and warns the driver.
A heated steering wheel, 20-inch alloy wheels, and multicolor ambient lighting complete the Executive Package upgrade.
Opting for the Comfort Plus Package brings HD Matrix-design LED headlights, Valcona leather seating surfaces, a color head-up display, heated rear seats, and a Dinamica faux-suede headliner.
Other notable options include heated and ventilated power rear seats with lumbar and massage, Dynamic all-wheel steering, heated rear armrests, and a back seat remote control.
With the $1,095 destination charge, the 2023 Audi A8 L 55 costs $87,595. On a 60-month loan at 3% financing and zero down, the monthly payment comes to about $1,574. See 2023 Audi A8 L 55 models for sale
2023 Audi A8 L 55 includes:
- 22-way multi-contour front seats – Provide excellent support with cooling ventilation to keep you comfortable on hot summer days.
- 360-degree top view camera – Provides a full 360-degree view outside the car.
- Bang & Olufsen premium audio – Creates a lifelike 3D surround sound system inside the A8’s swanky cabin.
2023 Audi S8 (starting at $117,500)
The S8 is the shorter, faster, and more agile counterpart to the A8. It includes a 563-hp 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine and quattro AWD. The S8 also gets an enhanced sport suspension, Dynamic all-wheel steering, 20-inch wheels, a sport rear differential, and larger brakes with red calipers.
In addition to A8’s standard equipment, the S8 gains heated and ventilated Valcona-clad leather sport seats with massage, a heated 3-spoke sport steering wheel with paddle shifters, and heated front armrests.
HD Matrix LED headlights come standard, as do headlight washers and multicolor ambient interior lighting.
In addition to the options offered in the A8’s packages, the S8 offers a Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System with 1,920 watts running through 24 speakers. A 4-passenger Rear Seat Comfort Package adds a rear center console with folding tables, illuminated rear seatbelt buckles, and a center airbag.
Other notable features include Night Vision Assist and Audi’s Predictive Active Suspension, which employs a front camera to read the road and automatically adjust the suspension.
With the $1,095 destination charge, the 2023 Audi S8 costs $118,595. On a 60-month loan at 3% financing and zero down, the monthly payment comes to about $2,131. See 2023 Audi S8 models for sale
2023 Audi S8 includes:
- Dynamic all-wheel steering – Using all four wheels to steer, the S8 can round corners quicker, lessen its turning radius, and make more precise emergency lane changes.
- Sport seats – These advanced sports seats include massage, as well as large side bolsters for a more snug fit.
- Twin-turbocharged V8 – No matter what anyone says, there’s nothing that can replace the power and sound of a well-tuned Audi V8.
