
Audi A8 (2027)
Quiet, spacious, and refined with effortless power, though aging tech and upkeep costs temper appeal.
The Audi A8 (2027) is a quiet rolling lounge for executives, families, and frequent travelers who want flagship comfort without flashy status signaling. Its adaptive air suspension, hushed cabin, spacious rear seats, and smooth 335-hp V6 make long journeys feel unusually easy, and expert as well as owner feedback largely supports Audi’s refinement claims. Standard quattro all-wheel drive adds all-weather confidence, while four-wheel steering makes this large sedan less intimidating in town. At roughly $90,000 to $100,000, it offers discreet value against pricier S-Class and 7 Series rivals, but aging infotainment, modest trunk space, and potentially costly repairs complicate the bargain. Overall, the Buyary Score reflects exceptional comfort and polish balanced against technology, practicality, and ownership costs.

Find Yours
What is your primary use for a gas-powered sedan or compact?
Answer to find your best matches.
The Scoreboard
Does this improve your life? Considers, health, habits, and environmental impact.

Join the Circle
Where real meets deal
Know what's worth buying-and when.
Tips, special offers, and rewards for buying and sharing.
Publications
2 LEADING PUBLICATION REVIEWS
Car and Driver is positive about the 2027 Audi A8, though its enthusiasm is clearly tempered. The sedan remains exceptionally quiet, spacious, comfortable, and surprisingly agile for such a large luxury car, with polished technology and an impressive range of rear-seat amenities. Its turbocharged V6 provides smooth, suitably brisk performance, but rivals such as the BMW 7-series and Mercedes-Benz S-class offer more power and quicker acceleration. The A8’s understated styling, aging design, average warranty, and expensive optional driver-assistance features also make it feel less compelling than newer competitors. Still, the available Luxury and Executive packages can create an especially serene, well-equipped limousine, and the standard all-wheel drive, adaptive air suspension, and strong cabin refinement preserve its appeal. Overall, it is a refined and likable flagship, but no longer an especially exciting or forward-looking choice.
By Drew Dorian
Carwow’s Mat Watson is strongly positive about the Audi A8, rating it 8/10. He portrays it as an exceptionally comfortable, spacious and polished luxury saloon, especially impressive on motorways and in long-wheelbase form with the rear comfort package. The cabin earns particular praise for its plush materials, excellent seats, intuitive physical controls and high-tech triple-screen layout, while air suspension and four-wheel steering make the huge car surprisingly manageable in town. The A8 is also seen as a smarter-value alternative to the Mercedes S-Class, though it falls slightly short in refinement and plug-in electric range. Watson’s reservations include expensive options, a sometimes slow automatic gearbox, reduced hybrid boot space, and a ride that suffers somewhat on 21-inch wheels. It is not the driver’s choice for excitement—the BMW 7 Series is better there—but it comes across as a highly accomplished, understated and comfortable limousine.
By Mat Watson
YouTube
4 LEADING EXPERT & INFLUENCER REVIEWS
Nobby On Cars is strongly impressed by the Audi A8’s understated luxury and refinement. He praises its exceptionally smooth air suspension, hushed cabin, spacious rear seating, polished interior, strong V6 performance, and quattro traction, calling it an appealing alternative to pricier S-Class and 7 Series rivals. The plug-in hybrid can return roughly 8 L/100 km in hybrid use, though its real-world electric range falls well short of its official figure and reduces boot space. It is heavy and cumbersome in corners, while driver-assistance speed adjustments can brake too aggressively. Overall, he considers it a highly comfortable, discreet, surprisingly engaging luxury cruiser and would own one.
Ben Hardy is highly enthusiastic about the Audi A8 L, praising its quiet cabin, smooth turbocharged V6, air suspension, comfortable massaging seats, quality construction, and understated design. He considers it a compelling bargain against the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and BMW 7 Series, arguing that its focus on mechanical fundamentals makes it feel more genuinely luxurious than newer cars overloaded with screens and gimmicks. Hardy admits the A8 uses older technology and suggests the available V8 would add even more effortless power, but he views those as minor tradeoffs. Overall, he strongly recommends its refined, comfortable driving experience.
Nobby On Cars is strongly impressed by the Audi A8’s understated luxury and refinement. He praises its exceptionally smooth air suspension, hushed cabin, spacious rear seating, polished interior, strong V6 performance, and quattro traction, calling it an appealing alternative to pricier S-Class and 7 Series rivals. The plug-in hybrid can return roughly 8 L/100 km in hybrid use, though its real-world electric range falls well short of its official figure and reduces boot space. It is heavy and cumbersome in corners, while driver-assistance speed adjustments can brake too aggressively. Overall, he considers it a highly comfortable, discreet, surprisingly engaging luxury cruiser and would own one.
Ben Hardy is highly enthusiastic about the Audi A8 L, praising its quiet cabin, smooth turbocharged V6, air suspension, comfortable massaging seats, quality construction, and understated design. He considers it a compelling bargain against the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and BMW 7 Series, arguing that its focus on mechanical fundamentals makes it feel more genuinely luxurious than newer cars overloaded with screens and gimmicks. Hardy admits the A8 uses older technology and suggests the available V8 would add even more effortless power, but he views those as minor tradeoffs. Overall, he strongly recommends its refined, comfortable driving experience.
Social
2 INFLUENCER REVIEWS
Car News Network takes a decidedly gloomy view of the Audi A8’s future. The post points to sales falling over a quarter to 14,955 units, the sedan’s age, and the failure of the 2022 facelift and China-only Horch edition to revive interest. Audi’s uncertainty over a replacement platform leaves the A8’s powertrain direction unclear, while a potential gas-powered PPC-based successor may not arrive until 2029. The tone is analytical but pessimistic, portraying the A8 as increasingly vulnerable to SUVs, the S-Class, and BMW 7 Series.
CarsandKeySPICY is strongly impressed by the Audi A8’s craftsmanship, calling its interior exceptionally cozy and luxurious. They admire the intricate exterior lighting, smooth door mechanisms, wood trim, Alcantara, hidden storage, retracting vents, and tactile details, even calling these features the minimum expected in a $46,000 vehicle. Still, the enthusiasm is tempered by criticism: the styling lacks clear A8 distinction, piano black replaces desired wood, some surfaces feel cheaper without Alcantara, and the infotainment tablet raises concerns. Overall, it feels like an excited but discerning assessment of impressive luxury undermined by a few questionable design choices.
Forum Reviews
CUSTOMER REVIEWS FROM 1 FORUM
Redditors are broadly enthusiastic about the Audi A8, especially its refinement, comfort, understated design, and surprising agility. Owners describe it as a superb long-distance and family car, with spacious rear seats, strong V8 performance, excellent materials, quietness, and impressive durability when maintained properly. Its discreet styling appeals to those seeking luxury without obvious status signaling, though others find it too anonymous or pedestrian. The main reservation is ownership cost: air suspension, tires, brakes, electronics, turbos, and routine servicing can become expensive, while depreciation is severe. For 2027 shoppers, the consensus favors buying carefully and budgeting realistically rather than expecting bargain-car running costs.
Many comments
In-Depth Review
Highlights
- •Supple Air SuspensionDesigned for exceptionally smooth long-distance travel.
- •Hushed CabinMarketed as a remarkably quiet luxury environment.
- •Effortless V6 PowerAdvertised to deliver smooth, confident acceleration.
- •Spacious Rear SeatingDesigned for comfortable executive-style passenger travel.
Considerations
- •Costly Ongoing MaintenanceAir suspension and electronics can require expensive repairs.
- •Aging Cabin TechnologyInfotainment feels dated beside newer competitors.
- •Bulky Urban ManeuveringLarge dimensions complicate tight streets and parking.
- •Limited Trunk SpaceCargo capacity is modest for a flagship sedan.
Audi’s flagship A8 continues the brand’s reputation for understated, technically polished luxury, aimed at executives, families, and frequent long-distance travelers rather than driving enthusiasts. Its core appeal is a serene, spacious experience built around adaptive air suspension, standard quattro traction, and a smooth 335-hp V6. Compared with the more extroverted BMW 7 Series and Mercedes-Benz S-Class, the A8 emphasizes calm craftsmanship over headline performance, with generous rear space, refined seats, and a notably hushed cabin. Its size is easier to manage than expected, though city maneuvering and occasional transmission hesitation deserve attention, as do the aging screens and potentially costly upkeep. The following sections examine the ride, noise isolation, powertrain response, passenger comfort, agility, and cabin finish most closely. If your ideal flagship feels more like a quiet lounge than a rolling status announcement, these details reveal whether the rear comfort package, four-wheel steering, and massaging seats earn their keep.

Powertrain Response
The 335-hp turbocharged V6 supplies smooth, confident acceleration rather than theatrical performance. With 369 lb-ft of torque, standard quattro traction, and an eight-speed automatic, the A8 handles merging and passing with little effort, while the 48-volt mild-hybrid system supports refinement and efficiency. The 5.6-second 0–60-mph figure is respectable, but BMW 7 Series and Mercedes-Benz S-Class alternatives can feel quicker. Reviewers also note occasional transmission hesitation, especially when immediate response matters.

Handling In Town
Despite its full-size proportions, the A8 is easier to place than expected. Four-wheel steering on equipped versions reduces the apparent bulk in tight streets, while quattro and composed suspension provide reassuring stability. Reviewers describe it as surprisingly agile, though it remains heavy and cumbersome when pushed through corners. Its 42.3-foot turning circle and roughly 209-inch length still demand care in garages and narrow roads, making parking assistance useful rather than merely decorative.
Materials And Seats
The cabin feels genuinely luxurious through craftsmanship rather than visual excess. Heated, ventilated, massaging seats can make extended drives unusually comfortable, while wood trim, Alcantara, tactile controls, and carefully integrated storage support the premium impression. Reviewers appreciate the polished construction and physical controls, although some social-media feedback criticizes piano-black trim, cheaper-feeling surfaces without Alcantara, and an aging infotainment interface. The result is a high-quality, understated interior with excellent seating but inconsistent modernity.

Rear Seat Comfort
The A8 is especially convincing when passenger comfort matters. Its 44.3 inches of rear legroom create generous space, and the available rear comfort package adds executive-minded amenities such as upgraded seating functions. Reviewers praise the long-wheelbase cabin for relaxed rear travel, making it suitable for family use or chauffeured transport. The trade-off is a relatively modest 12.5-cubic-foot trunk, with hybrid versions losing additional cargo room, so passenger space is stronger than luggage flexibility.

Ride Comfort Control
The A8’s adaptive air suspension is central to its flagship character. It absorbs highway imperfections with exceptional smoothness while keeping the large sedan composed, a strength repeatedly praised by professional reviewers and video testers. The system helps turn long trips into relaxed travel, though optional 21-inch wheels can make rough urban roads feel noticeably firmer. Owners also flag potential air-suspension repair costs, so the ride is a major quality advantage but not a carefree one to maintain.

Cabin Quietness
The A8 creates a remarkably calm environment for commuting or executive travel. Its hushed cabin limits road and wind noise, allowing conversations and the available 23-speaker audio system to come through clearly without excessive volume. Reviewers and owners consistently support Audi’s refinement claims, describing the sedan as especially relaxing at highway speeds. That quietness matters because it reduces fatigue over long journeys, although it cannot offset the model’s aging infotainment design for buyers seeking the newest digital experience.
Conclusion
The A8 makes its case as a quiet, rolling lounge rather than a sports sedan: adaptive air suspension and excellent noise isolation deliver the relaxed ride experts and owners consistently praise. Its 335-hp turbocharged V6 provides easy passing with quattro confidence, though the automatic can hesitate and rivals feel quicker. Generous rear legroom, supportive seats, and available massage functions suit executives, families, and long-distance travelers, while polished materials and physical controls feel more enduring than flashy—if somewhat dated beside newer cabins. Four-wheel steering helps in town, but this remains a large car, and optional 21-inch wheels can blunt comfort on rough streets. Add modest trunk space and potentially expensive suspension, tire, brake, and electronic repairs, and it is not the carefree luxury choice. For buyers who value discreet craftsmanship and serene travel over cutting-edge tech or sporty excitement, the A8 remains a compelling, well-rounded flagship.
Feature Scores
This reflects reviews and ratings from established critics, journalists, and users who have evaluated the item. Their opinions provide a comprehensive assessment.
Performance
Engine Power
4/5
Acceleration
4/5
Reliability & Durability
3/5
Handling & Ride Comfort
5/5
Braking Performance
TBD
Value
Purchase Price Competitiveness
4/5
Cost of Ownership
2/5
Resale Value
2/5
Feature Value
4/5
Design
Exterior Styling
4/5
Interior Ergonomics
4/5
Cargo Space
3/5
Infotainment Quality
4/5
Health
Cabin Air Quality
TBD
Material Toxicity
TBD
Safety
Crashworthiness
TBD
Active Safety Systems
4/5
Visibility & Lighting
4/5
Child Occupant Protection
TBD
Sustainability
Fuel Efficiency
3/5
Tailpipe Emissions
2/5
Recyclability
TBD
Manufacturing Footprint
TBD
Experience Style
Driver Engagement
4/5
Customization Options
4/5
Ease of Use
4/5
Ownership Convenience
3/5
Specifications
This section outlines the product's key facts, covering essential features, details, dimensions, materials, and any unique characteristics that define its functionality and usability.
Performance
Value
Design
Safety
Sustainability
Experience Style
Frequently Asked Questions
8 Questions
Find Yours
What is your primary use for a gas-powered sedan or compact?
Answer to find your best matches.


























