Audi A8
The Audi A8 is a five-seat sedan that has been in production since 1994. This petrol-powered model features a 3.6-litre engine with 7 cylinders producing 226 kW, enabling a top speed of 248 km/h, whilst weighing 2,038 kg and measuring 5,151 mm in length. In Norway, new registrations of the A8 totalled 9 vehicles between 2019 and 2022, with peaks of 3 registrations in both 2019 and 2022, and emissions of 312 g/km CO₂.
| Manufacturer | Audi |
|---|---|
| Production | From 1994 |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Fuel | Petrol |
| Kerb weight | 2,129 kg |
| Displacement | 3,274 cc |
| Cylinders | 8 |
| Top speed | 248 km/h |
| Drivetrain | All-wheel drive |
| Fuel economy (comb.) | 12.2 l/100 km |
| Length | 5,216 mm |
|---|---|
| Width | 1,949 mm |
| Height | 1,465 mm |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
New registrations in Norway
Number of Audi A8 registered for the first time in Norway per year.
Source: EEA CO₂ monitoring (CC BY 4.0).
New registrations by country (2025)
Number of Audi A8 cars registered for the first time across 26 European countries in 2025.
| Country | Registrations |
|---|---|
| Germany | 1,021 |
| United Kingdom | 154 |
| Austria | 115 |
| Italy | 104 |
| Spain | 36 |
| Poland | 31 |
| Belgium | 24 |
| Czechia | 19 |
| France | 12 |
| Netherlands | 11 |
| Ireland | 11 |
| Luxembourg | 9 |
| Romania | 8 |
| Bulgaria | 8 |
| Hungary | 8 |
Source: EEA CO₂ monitoring (CC BY 4.0), 2025 data.
Engine variants
Different engine versions of the Audi A8 (from registration data). 8 variants.
| Engine | Fuel | Transmission | Top speed | Economy | Model year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0 l · 6-cyl | Petrol | Automatic | – | 11 l/100 km | 2013–2015 |
| 3.7 l · 8-cyl | Petrol | Automatic | – | 13.1 l/100 km | 1997–1999 |
| 4.0 l · 8-cyl | Petrol | Automatic | – | 11 l/100 km | 2013–2015 |
| 4.2 l · 8-cyl | Petrol | Automatic | – | 13.1 l/100 km | 1997–1998 |
| 4.2 l · 8-cyl | Petrol | Automatic | – | 13.1 l/100 km | 2003 |
| 4.2 l · 8-cyl | Petrol | Automatic | – | 13.1 l/100 km | 2005–2009 |
| 4.2 l · 8-cyl | Petrol | Automatic | – | 13.1 l/100 km | 2010 |
| 4.2 l · 8-cyl | Petrol | Automatic | – | 11.2 l/100 km | 2011–2012 |
Source: EPA (US). Fuel economy converted to l/100 km.
Generations
Other Audi models
Similar Sedan models
Common problems & reliability
In the UK, 89% of Audi A8s pass their MOT test first time, based on 11,784 inspections in 2023. (2023 is the most recent annual release published by the DfT.)
Based on real owner complaints and inspection data — not an editorial rating. Sources: DVSA MOT (UK, Open Government Licence).
Recalls & safety
10 recalls recorded in the EU Safety Gate (European market) and 5 in the US-market NHTSA database for the Audi A8. Recalls can flag known weaknesses of the model.
- Passenger carEU · Safety Gate (Germany)
EU Safety Gate · alerted 2020-07-10
- Passenger carEU · Safety Gate (Germany)
The adhesion of the glass cover on the sunroof may be insufficient due to impurities in the area of the adhesive surfaces. The glass cover may consequently fall onto the road while driving, endangering traffic following behind.
EU Safety Gate · alerted 2016-07-08
- Passenger carEU · Safety Gate (Germany)
EU Safety Gate · alerted 2020-05-08
- Passenger carEU · Safety Gate (Germany)
EU Safety Gate · alerted 2021-07-30
- Passenger carEU · Safety Gate (Germany)
EU Safety Gate · alerted 2020-09-25
- Passenger carEU · Safety Gate (Germany)
This can cause the rivet connection to fail in the event of an accident, impairing the restraining effect of the seat and belt system and increasing the risk of injuries.
EU Safety Gate · alerted 2019-07-12
- Passenger carEU · Safety Gate (Spain)
The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
EU Safety Gate · alerted 2025-01-10
- Passenger carEU · Safety Gate (Germany)
As a consequence, the tyre may press against the wheel arch which poses a risk of accidents.
EU Safety Gate · alerted 2019-04-12
- Passenger carEU · Safety Gate (Germany)
EU Safety Gate · alerted 2020-02-28
- Passenger carEU · Safety Gate (Germany)
The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
EU Safety Gate · alerted 2025-11-07
- FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGSUS · NHTSAModel year 2015
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Audi S8 and A8 vehicles. The fuel supply line for the high pressure fuel pump may become porous over time, resulting in a fuel leak.
Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel line, free of charge. The recall began July 20, 2018. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 20AV.
NHTSA campaign 18V430000 · reported 25/06/2018
- FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM:FUEL RAILUS · NHTSAModel year 2015
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Q7, A6 and A7 vehicles, and 2015-2018 Audi A8 vehicles. The left and right fuel rails may leak fuel.
Remedy: Audi has notified owners, and dealers will replace the left and right fuel rail, free of charge. The recall began February 28, 2019. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 24DP.
NHTSA campaign 19V035000 · reported 16/01/2019
- FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGSUS · NHTSAModel year 2015
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2016 Audi A8 and S8 vehicles. The fuel supply line for the high pressure fuel pump may become porous and leak fuel.
Remedy: Audi has notified owners, and dealers will install a fuel pressure damper, free of charge. The recall began February 21, 2019. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 20BM.
NHTSA campaign 19V057000 · reported 28/01/2019
- STRUCTURE:BODY:HOODUS · NHTSAModel year 2015
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Audi S8 and A8 vehicles. The seal around the engine compartment may come loose and contact hot engine components.
Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will install a retaining plate to prevent the engine compartment seal from loosening. The recall began September 4, 2020. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 51G6.
NHTSA campaign 20V397000 · reported 07/07/2020
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGERUS · NHTSAModel year 2015
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2013-2017 A8, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, and 2014-2017 RS7 vehicles. The turbocharger oil supply strainer can become blocked, causing wear to the bearings due to lack of lubrication.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the oil strainer and perform an oil change, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 4, 2022. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 21H7.
NHTSA campaign 22V178000 · reported 23/03/2022
Sources: EU Safety Gate (European market) and NHTSA (US market). See all Audi recalls.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the top speed of the Audi A8?
- The Audi A8 has a rated top speed of 248 km/h.
- What are the dimensions of the Audi A8?
- The Audi A8 is 5,216 mm long, 1,949 mm wide and 1,465 mm tall.
- How much does the Audi A8 weigh?
- The Audi A8 has a kerb weight of about 2,129 kg.
- How many seats does the Audi A8 have?
- The Audi A8 has 5 seats.