Audi A8
The Audi A8 is a sedan produced from 1994, measuring 5,151 mm in length with 5 seats and a top speed of 248 km/h. Engine options range from 3,000 to 6,000 cc displacement with 6 to 12 cylinders. For new registrations in the EU/EEA in 2025, COâ‚‚ emissions are 64 g/km for the plug-in hybrid petrol version, 193 g/km for the hybrid diesel, and 232 g/km for the hybrid petrol. Between 2019 and 2022, 9 were registered new in Norway, with a peak of 3 in 2019 and 3 in 2022. Ten recall campaigns are listed in EU Safety Gate and 5 with the US NHTSA.
| Manufacturer | Audi |
|---|---|
| Production | From 1994 |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Fuel | Plug-in hybrid (petrol) |
| Engine power (EU/EEA average) | 237 kW (317 hp) |
| COâ‚‚ (WLTP, EU/EEA 2025) | Plug-in hybrid (petrol) 64 g/km, hybrid (diesel) 193 g/km, hybrid (petrol) 232 g/km |
| Kerb weight (EU/EEA average) | 2,270 kg |
| Displacement (engines) | 3,000–6,000 cc |
| Cylinders | 7 |
| Top speed | 248 km/h |
| Length | 5,152 mm |
|---|---|
| Width | 1,913 mm |
| Height | 1,448 mm |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
Engine power and kerb weight are registration-weighted averages of the Audi A8 registered in the EU/EEA in 2025 (1,451 cars), engine power from 24 countries, kerb weight from 25 countries. Source: EEA COâ‚‚ monitoring (CC BY 4.0).
Engine power is the type-approved engine power (EEA field Ep). For hybrids and plug-in hybrids it is the power of the combustion engine, not the system power, and for electric cars it can differ from the peak power the manufacturer advertises.
New registrations in Norway
Number of Audi A8 registered for the first time in Norway per year.
Source: EEA COâ‚‚ 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 |
| Ireland | 11 |
| Netherlands | 11 |
| Luxembourg | 9 |
| Bulgaria | 8 |
| Hungary | 8 |
| Romania | 8 |
Source: EEA COâ‚‚ monitoring (CC BY 4.0), 2025 data.
Engine variants
European engine versions of the Audi A8 by displacement, from the Dutch register (RDW). 23 variants.
| Engine | Fuel | Transmission | Top speed | Economy | Model year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.8 l · 6-cyl | – | – | 238 km/h | – | – |
| 3.0 l · 6-cyl | – | – | 250 km/h | – | – |
| 3.0 l · 6-cyl | – | – | 242 km/h | – | – |
| 3.0 l · 6-cyl | – | – | 250 km/h | – | – |
| 3.0 l · 6-cyl | – | – | 250 km/h | – | – |
| 3.1 l · 6-cyl | – | – | 250 km/h | – | – |
| 3.7 l · 8-cyl | – | – | 250 km/h | – | – |
| 3.7 l · 8-cyl | – | – | 250 km/h | – | – |
| 3.9 l · 8-cyl | – | – | 250 km/h | – | – |
| 4.0 l · 8-cyl | – | – | 245 km/h | – | – |
| 4.0 l · 8-cyl | – | – | 241 km/h | – | – |
| 4.1 l · 8-cyl | – | – | 250 km/h | – | – |
| 4.1 l · 8-cyl | – | – | 250 km/h | – | – |
| 4.1 l · 8-cyl | – | – | 250 km/h | – | – |
| 4.1 l · 8-cyl | – | – | 250 km/h | – | – |
| 4.2 l · 8-cyl | – | – | 250 km/h | – | – |
| 4.2 l · 8-cyl | – | – | 250 km/h | – | – |
| 4.2 l · 8-cyl | – | – | 250 km/h | – | – |
| 6.0 l · 12-cyl | – | – | 250 km/h | – | – |
| 6.0 l · 12-cyl | – | – | 246 km/h | – | – |
| 6.0 l · 12-cyl | – | – | 250 km/h | – | – |
| 6.3 l · 12-cyl | – | – | – | – | – |
| 6.3 l · 12-cyl | – | – | 250 km/h | – | – |
Source: RDW (NL). European engine variants.
Other Audi models
Similar Sedan models
Common problems & reliability
US owners have filed 1 complaints for the Audi A8, most often about electrical system. These are owner-reported issues, useful for spotting recurring weaknesses before you buy. 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: NHTSA (US, public domain), DVSA MOT (UK, Open Government Licence).
Recalls & safety
10 recall campaigns recorded in the EU Safety Gate (European market) and 8 in the US-market NHTSA database for the Audi A8. Recalls can flag known weaknesses of the model.
- 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)
No description of the defect in Safety Gate.
EU Safety Gate · alerted 2021-07-30
- Passenger carEU · Safety Gate (Germany)
No description of the defect in Safety Gate.
EU Safety Gate · alerted 2020-05-08
- 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)
No description of the defect in Safety Gate.
EU Safety Gate · alerted 2020-07-10
- 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)
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
- 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 (Germany)
No description of the defect in Safety Gate.
EU Safety Gate · alerted 2020-09-25
- Passenger carEU · Safety Gate (Germany)
No description of the defect in Safety Gate.
EU Safety Gate · alerted 2020-02-28
- BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERAUS · NHTSAModel year 2019
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2026 vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. A software error may prevent the rearview camera image from displaying as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Remedy: Dealers will update the software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 14, 2026. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 90TV. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on December 23, 2025.
NHTSA campaign 25V900000 · reported 20/12/2025
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECU/ECM)US · NHTSAModel year 2019
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Audi A8 and 2020-2021 Audi S8 vehicles. A missing sealing pin may allow moisture to enter the engine control module connector, possibly causing a control module malfunction.
Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine control module connector for a missing sealing pin, and install it, if necessary. The connector will also be inspected for corrosion, and replaced as necessary. Repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 12, 20121. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 97EV.
NHTSA campaign 21V111000 · reported 24/02/2021
- SEATSUS · NHTSAModel year 2019
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019 Audi A8 vehicles equipped with rear relaxation seats. The front passenger seat track rivet may fail and cause the spindle bracket to separate.
Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger seat tracks, free of charge. The recall began July 25, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 72J3.
NHTSA campaign 19V415000 · reported 05/06/2019
- 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
- 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 2013-2015 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: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
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.
- How much power does the Audi A8 have?
- The Audi A8 produces 237 kW (317 hp).
- What are the dimensions of the Audi A8?
- The Audi A8 is 5,152 mm long, 1,913 mm wide and 1,448 mm tall.
- How much does the Audi A8 weigh?
- The Audi A8 has a kerb weight of about 2,270 kg.
- What are the CO2 emissions of the Audi A8?
- It depends on the drivetrain. For the Audi A8 registered in the EU/EEA in 2025: Plug-in hybrid (petrol) 64 g/km, hybrid (diesel) 193 g/km, hybrid (petrol) 232 g/km of CO2 (WLTP).
- How many seats does the Audi A8 have?
- The Audi A8 has 5 seats.