Quick answer:
The 2025 Audi A8 L offers a refined 335-horsepower V6 powertrain starting at $93,295, while the high-performance S8 delivers 563 horsepower from a twin-turbo V8 starting at $126,595. Both models represent the final phase of the combustion-powered D5 generation. Contrary to early rumors, a production 2026 Audi A8 e-tron does not exist because the electric successor has been postponed to around 2030, meaning buyers must choose between current gas flagships or waiting until the end of the decade.
Key takeaways:
- The V6-powered A8 L 55 TFSI starts at $93,295, and the V8-powered S8 starts at $126,595.
- A standard heated steering wheel and new 20-inch bi-color wheels represent the primary updates for the 2025 A8 L.
- The S8 features a standard predictive active suspension that adjusts damping based on road-facing cameras.
- Early plans for a 2026 electric successor are delayed, with the official launch postponed to around 2030.
- The A8 L offers an exceptional rear legroom of 44.3 inches, outperforming key German competitors in passenger space.
What is New for the 2025 Audi A8 and S8?
As the current D5 generation approaches the end of its lifecycle, updates for the 2025 model year are minimal. Audi has consolidated its offerings to simplify production while maintaining the flagship’s appeal.
For the standard A8 L 55 TFSI, a heated steering wheel is now included as standard equipment. Additionally, the sedan now rides on standard 20-inch bi-color wheels with a multi-spoke design. Inside, the universal home-remote (HomeLink) controls have been integrated directly into the rearview mirror.
The high-performance S8 carries over into 2025 with no significant packaging or mechanical changes. These minor adjustments emphasize that Audi is keeping its combustion-powered flagship stable while preparing for future transitions. This stability is comparable to the package refinements observed in the 2024 Audi A8 and the 2023 Audi A8, which established the final baseline for this generation.
2025 Audi A8 L Specifications and Pricing
The standard combustion model is sold exclusively in the United States as the long-wheelbase A8 L 55 TFSI quattro. This configuration prioritizes rear-passenger comfort and executive styling. The starting manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) for the 2025 model is $93,295, including the destination charge.
Engine, Transmission, and Fuel Economy
The A8 L is powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine paired with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. The mild-hybrid setup assists with smooth stop-start operations and energy recuperation during deceleration.
| Specification | 2025 Audi A8 L 55 TFSI |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | Turbocharged 3.0L V6 with Mild Hybrid |
| Horsepower | 335 hp |
| Torque | 369 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic Tiptronic |
| Drivetrain | Quattro all-wheel drive |
| Acceleration (0 to 60 mph) | 5.6 seconds |
| EPA Fuel Economy | 19 city / 28 highway / 22 combined MPG |
| Curb Weight | 4,773 lbs |
| Cargo Capacity | 12.5 cubic feet |
The V6 engine delivers its power smoothly through the eight-speed automatic transmission. While it provides refined highway cruising, the acceleration is deliberate rather than sporty. The standard quattro system ensures maximum traction in inclement weather.
Interior Space and Luxury Amenities
The long-wheelbase configuration adds extra space to the rear cabin, giving the sedan a total wheelbase of 123.1 inches. This translation of physical size results in 44.3 inches of rear legroom, which is class-leading for this segment.
Standard luxury features inside the A8 L include:
- 22-way power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated front seats
- Extended leather package covering the dashboard and door armrests
- Four-zone automatic climate control
- Panoramic sunroof
- 17-speaker Bang & Olufsen 3D Premium sound system
The infotainment dashboard utilizes the dual-screen MMI Touch Response system. A 10.1-inch upper display manages navigation and media, while an 8.6-inch lower touchscreen controls climate settings.
2025 Audi S8: The High-Performance Sleeper Sedan
For buyers seeking sportier driving dynamics, the performance-oriented 2025 Audi S8 upgrades the powertrain to a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine. The S8 starts at $126,595. It features subtle exterior enhancements such as quad exhaust tips, unique front and rear bumpers, and distinct 21-inch wheels, maintaining an understated appearance.
V8 Engine Power and Acceleration Specs
The V8 engine transforms the vehicle’s performance characteristics, providing rapid acceleration that rivals dedicated sports cars while maintaining executive-level cabin quietness.
| Specification | 2025 Audi S8 |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | Twin-Turbocharged 4.0L V8 |
| Horsepower | 563 hp |
| Torque | 590 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic Tiptronic |
| Drivetrain | Quattro all-wheel drive |
| Acceleration (0 to 60 mph) | 3.8 seconds |
| EPA Fuel Economy | 15 city / 24 highway / 19 combined MPG |
| Curb Weight | 5,302 lbs |
The S8 V8 engine utilizes cylinder deactivation to shut down four cylinders under light loads, improving fuel economy during highway cruising. Power delivery is immediate, with peak torque available from 2,000 to 4,500 rpm.
Predictive Active Suspension and Handling Upgrades
To manage the extra power and weight of the V8 engine, the S8 comes standard with advanced chassis control systems. The most notable technology is the predictive active suspension. This system uses road-facing cameras to scan the pavement ahead for potholes or speed bumps. Electromechanical actuators then lift or lower each wheel individually to filter out road imperfections before the tires make contact.
Additional standard handling features on the S8 include:
- Dynamic All-Wheel Steering: Turns the rear wheels opposite to the front wheels at low speeds to reduce the turning radius, and in the same direction at high speeds for lane-change stability.
- Quattro Sport Rear Differential: Actively vectors torque between the rear wheels to reduce understeer during aggressive cornering.
- Upgraded Brakes: Larger ventilated discs manage stopping power, with red-painted calipers displaying the S logo.
How the 2025 Audi A8 Compares to Competitors
The full-size luxury sedan segment is highly competitive. Because the A8’s D5 platform has been in production since 2017, it lacks some of the newer technology found in its recently redesigned German rivals.
2025 Audi A8 vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class remains the segment benchmark for luxury. The entry-level S450 starts around $117,300, which is significantly more expensive than the base A8 L.
- Power: The S450 uses a turbocharged inline-six producing 362 horsepower, outperforming the A8’s V6 by 27 horsepower.
- Technology: The S-Class offers a more modern cabin design with a portrait-oriented central screen and an optional 3D gauge cluster.
- Value: The A8 L offers a starting price that is roughly $24,000 lower, making it a highly pragmatic option for buyers prioritizing quiet comfort and rear-seat space over digital novelties.
2025 Audi A8 vs 2025 BMW 7 Series
The BMW 7 Series represents a tech-forward competitor with polarizing exterior styling. The base BMW 740i starts at approximately $96,400.
- Performance: The 740i uses a 375-horsepower inline-six engine, accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds, which is faster than the A8 L.
- Rear Cabin Experience: The 7 Series offers an optional 31-inch theater screen for rear passengers. The A8 L counters with 44.3 inches of rear legroom, which beats the BMW’s 43.3 inches.
- Controls: The BMW’s iDrive 8.5 system relies heavily on touchscreen sub-menus, whereas the Audi dual-screen layout offers dedicated haptic controls for climate settings, which some drivers find easier to operate while driving.
2025 Audi S8 vs 2025 Mercedes-AMG S63 E Performance
While the standard A8 L focuses on value, the S8 competes directly with top-tier performance sedans. The Mercedes-AMG S63 E Performance is a plug-in hybrid V8 model producing 791 horsepower.
- Pricing: The AMG S63 E Performance starts at over $180,000, creating a massive $53,000 premium over the $126,595 S8.
- Character: The AMG is loud, aggressive, and visually prominent. The S8 serves as a traditional sleeper sedan, hiding its 563 horsepower behind a conservative, dignified design that does not draw unwanted attention.
- Ride Quality: Thanks to the predictive active suspension, the S8 maintains a more compliant ride over harsh roads than the stiffly sprung AMG model.
The Truth About the 2026 Audi A8 e-tron and Future Successor
Many early automotive reports predicted the arrival of an all-electric “2026 Audi A8 e-tron” to replace the current D5 platform. These predictions indicated that the gas-powered A8 would be discontinued entirely by 2026. However, official production timelines have shifted significantly.
Why the 2026 A8 e-tron Was Postponed
Audi has officially adjusted its electrification roadmap due to changing market conditions and software development delays. The company has extended the lifecycle of the current gas-powered D5 platform. Instead of ending production, the combustion-powered A8 L and S8 will remain available globally.
The planned electric flagship successor will not debut in 2026. Audi executives have confirmed that the next-generation luxury flagship sedan is now planned for release toward the end of the decade, around 2030. This delay ensures that the company can refine its Premium Platform Electric (PPE) architecture and software systems before introducing its premier executive vehicle.
The Legacy of the Grandsphere Concept
The design direction for the eventual electric flagship is previewed by the Audi Grandsphere concept, which was unveiled at the 2021 Munich Motor Show. The Grandsphere features a fastback silhouette, rear-hinged coach doors, and a minimalist interior designed to emulate a mobile lounge.
When the electric successor eventually arrives, it will utilize an 800-volt charging architecture co-developed with Porsche. This system supports DC fast charging up to 270 kW, allowing a large battery to charge from 10% to 80% in approximately 21 minutes. However, these features remain conceptual, and combustion power remains the sole option for the near term.
Should You Buy the 2025 Audi A8 or Wait for the Future Electric Model?
Because the electric successor is delayed until around 2030, buyers do not need to worry about immediate obsolescence.
You should buy the 2025 Audi A8 or S8 now if you:
- Prefer the reliable, predictable range and refueling network of a gasoline vehicle.
- Appreciate traditional luxury cabins with physical tactile controls instead of massive, distracting dashboard screens.
- Value a proven platform that has had its mechanical issues refined over an eight-year production run.
- Want to take advantage of competitive luxury sedan pricing.
You should wait if you are committed to a fully electric flagship and have the flexibility to drive a different vehicle for the next three to four years while Audi finalizes its next-generation platform. For most executive buyers, the current gas-powered models offer immediate, practical luxury that aligns with the established standards of the Audi A8 lineup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2025 Audi A8 a new generation?
No, the 2025 Audi A8 is a carryover model from the D5 generation that originally debuted for the 2018 model year. It received a mild exterior refresh for 2022 and continues to use the same platform and powertrains.
Is Audi discontinuing the gas-powered A8?
Audi has extended the production of the gasoline-powered D5 A8 L and S8. While early plans suggested discontinuation by 2026, the combustion models will continue to be sold globally for the near term due to the postponement of the electric replacement.
What is the price of the 2025 Audi A8 and S8?
The V6-powered 2025 Audi A8 L 55 TFSI starts at $93,295, including destination fees. The high-performance 2025 Audi S8 starts at $126,595. Option packages can increase these prices past $110,000 for the A8 L and $140,000 for the S8.
What is the electric range of the future Audi flagship?
While official specs are unavailable, the electric successor previewed by the Grandsphere concept is projected to target a range of over 400 miles on a single charge. This will be achieved using a large battery pack integrated into the Premium Platform Electric (PPE) architecture.
