Used 2023 Audi A8

It’s an exclusive club, the world of large luxury sedans. And in the VIP section, behind the velvet rope, are the German contenders like the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Porsche Panamera, BMW 7 Series, and this — the Audi A8, along with its sportier S8 variant.

An A8 is the embodiment of Audi values, such as the restrained yet polished style, classy materials, and excellent technology. There’s also a fluidity to the driving experience, with the potential for even greater thrills in the S8. Other contenders like the Lexus LS, for example, can’t quite reach the same sublime levels.

The combination of luxury accommodations and driving dynamics make full-size sedans like the Audi A8 distinct from a premium SUV, which would be heavier and have a higher center of gravity.

The Audi A8 has always had an aluminum-intensive construction to help keep weight in check. But there’s still quite a bit of heft in this 2023 model, what with all the luxury, safety, and mild-hybrid systems on board.

So the A8’s 335-horsepower V6 is merely adequate for motivating this full-size sedan. But there is a pleasing flow to the ride quality and how the car moves, thanks to an adaptive air suspension as standard.

For the kind of power that conquers autobahns and for dynamics that respond well to some enthusiastic driver input, there’s the 563-horsepower 2023 Audi S8. Along with a sport-tuned adaptive suspension, the S8 has all-wheel steering (optional in the A8) to bring an entertaining level of agility.

In most cars, the interesting stuff only happens up front. The 2023 A8 and S8 are definitely not most cars.

Both offer power-adjustable rear seats with heating and ventilation, plus heated armrests. The S8 is also eligible for a 2-person arrangement in the back, with massaging seats. Rear legroom is 44.3 inches. Calling Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson: Your new car has just arrived.

Which is not to say that the front seats don’t have their charms. They’re super comfortable — with heating, ventilation, and 22-way power adjustment as standard. Occupants can also admire the clean and elegant design of the dashboard. Everyone on board can enjoy the overall quality of the materials, the exemplary fit and finish, plus the standard Bang & Olufsen audio system.

For 2023, the S8 gains diamond-stitched Valcona leather upholstery, including the door panels.

We’re assuming Audi carried out its research and found that prospective buyers of a new A8 or new S8 did not require a trunk bigger than 12.5 cubic feet.

Although a large luxury sedan is often a way of telling the rest of the world that the owner is rich/powerful/important, Audi makes a true power move with the 2023 A8 by keeping a low profile.

One of just a few changes this year is that high-definition Matrix-design LED headlights (with multiple LEDs) are added to the A8’s optional Comfort Plus package (that also includes dual-pane side windows for greater sound insulation). These lights are standard in the 2023 S8.

Both variants are offered with Black Optic packages adding black-finished exterior elements including 21-inch alloy wheels.

1. Adaptive air suspension
Standard issue in both the 2023 Audi A8 and Audi S8. The former is set up for optimum comfort, the latter adding a sportier edge. The S8 can also be enhanced by a predictive active suspension.

2. Virtual Cockpit
This high-resolution 12.3-inch digital driver information display has the ability to show things like map details as well as the usual speedo/rev counter stuff. It’s easy to use and comes standard in every new A8/S8.

3. Powered rear shades
You never fail to feel pampered when shades cover the rear window and rear side windows at the mere touch of a button. Yet another standard feature.

4. S8
Yes, it’s a model rather than a feature, but this is the top of the Audi luxury sedan tree, offering the most luxurious equipment and the most powerful engine. The S8 is a true flagship sedan.

5. Night Vision Assistant
Available as an individual option in the S8, this system uses a front-facing thermal imaging camera with infrared technology to perceive anyone or anything else up ahead, such as pedestrians or wildlife.

6. Remote Park Assist Plus
Now available in the Executive packages for both the 2023 A8 and S8, this is a self-parking function for both parallel and perpendicular spaces. The driver can stay in the car or activate the system from outside the vehicle.

Propulsion for the 2023 A8 comes from a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 making 335 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. Audi calls this drivetrain 55 TSFI. There’s also a 48-volt mild-hybrid system on board that enables a smooth engine restart function once the car is about to move off from a stop.

The same electrical augmentation is in the 2023 S8, but bolted to a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 developing 563 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. Just because we’ve mentioned the word “hybrid,” however, don’t think that either of these large luxury sedans are sparing with their diet of premium gasoline.

Both variants have an 8-speed automatic transmission, plus Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive-system (AWD) as standard.

These fuel economy estimates supplied by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are from 2022, but there shouldn’t be any changes this year.

3.0-liter turbocharged V6 (A8)
335 horsepower @ 5,000 rpm
369 lb-ft of torque @ 1,370 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 19/28 mpg

4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 (S8)
563 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
590 horsepower @ 2,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 14/23 mpg