Specifications of Audi A8 (D5) 50 TDI (286 HP) quattro tiptronic

General characteristics of Audi A8 (D5) 50 TDI (286 HP) quattro tiptronic

The EPA estimates the 2021 A8 sedan with the standard six-cylinder powertrain will earn 17 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. The V-8 version has ratings of 15 mpg city and 23 highway. The plug-in-hybrid has a combined estimate of 23 mpg and an electric-only range of 18 miles. However, we can't evaluate the real-world mpg for any of these A8 models until we run them on our 75-mph highway fuel-economy route, which is part of our extensive testing regimen.

mpressive passenger space is an A8 hallmark, and its long wheelbase ensures that rear-seat passengers are well accommodated. Five-passenger seating is standard, but an optional four-passenger seating package deletes the rear center seat and provides a pair of power-adjustable rear seats with heating, ventilation, and massage as well as a heated foot-massage function and a pair of individual entertainment tablets (while reducing power adjustments for the front passenger seat to make room for all that). Fine materials are in abundance, and you can order up extended leather and a small forest's worth of wood inlays. But much like the A8's exterior, the interior ambience is sober and not as lavish as that of the Mercedes S-class. Trunk capacity is modest for a big luxury sedan at just 13 cubic feet.

Audi's excellent 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit instrument cluster is standard as are the 10.3-inch upper and 8.6-inch lower haptic center screens with the MMI Touch Response system. There's a lone volume knob for the audio system, since most functions are controlled through the touchscreens. It can be overwhelming initially, but the system is quick to respond and highly configurable, allowing owners to choose their own dedicated buttons on the lower screen while offering permanent buttons for navigation, weather, telephone functions, and radio on the left side of the upper screen. Just know that you'll wear out the included microfiber wipe trying to remove fingerprints. Up front, there are two USB ports with combined data and charging capability, and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay phone integration is standard along with Amazon Alexa compatibility. Wi-Fi via Audi Connect Plus is available for an additional subscription fee.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Neither the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) nor Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has crash-tested the 2021 A8. It does have much the same driver-assistance technologies as other high-end sedans. When equipped with Traffic Jam Assist (Driver Assistance package), the A8 will help you out with acceleration and braking in heavy traffic, but your hands can't leave the wheel for more than a few seconds. Key safety features include:

Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection

Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist

Available adaptive cruise control.