NEWS

2013 Audi A8: What's Changed

318689340-1425510354691
  • Most significant changes: A V-6 and new V-8 are added
  • Price change: $6,530 lower 
  • On sale: V-6 and W12 models available now; V-8 in summer; S8 in fall 
  • Which should you buy, 2012 or 2013? If you’re looking for a more affordable A8, you should wait.
  • For the 2013 model year, the Audi A8 gets a series of new engines and trims, bringing down the model’s overall starting price.

    The 2013 A8 now has four engine choices instead of two. The new A8 can be equipped with a carryover 500-horsepower, 6.3-liter W12 or two new engine offerings: a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 (replacing last year’s 4.2-liter V-8) or a supercharged 3.0-liter V-6. A new Audi S8 model is equipped with a 520-hp, twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8. Both 4.0-liter V-8s come equipped with cylinder deactivation, which turns the V-8 into a four-cylinder under certain conditions. All the models are mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and Audi’s Quattro all-wheel-drive system.

    An A8 Hybrid — which has the same powertrain found in the Audi A6 Hybrid — is also set to debut sometime this year, but there’s no word yet on availability or pricing. Audi also plans to release a 3.0-liter V-6 diesel version of the A8, eventually bringing the total powertrain count to six.

    The A8 with the 3.0-liter V-6 comes standard with a start-stop system. The V-6 A8 will be available in regular and long-wheelbase body styles, and it is EPA-rated at 18/28 mpg city/highway — not any better than the 2012 model’s 4.2-liter V-8, which had more power. The V-6 model comes standard with a navigation system, rain-sensing wipers, real leather and wood cabin accruements and an adaptive suspension for $73,095 (including an $895 destination charge). This is a significant decrease in the starting price of the A8 compared with the previous model, which wasn’t available with a V-6.

    The V-6 and W12 A8s are available now, and the V-8 model is coming later this summer. The S8 will go on sale this fall, and the A8 diesel in early 2013.

    Continue below for more pricing details.

    • A8 V-6: $73,095 (N/A) 
    • A8 L V-6: $79,395 (N/A) 
    • A8 V-8: $81,795 ($79,625) 
    • A8 L V-8: $88,095 ($85,575) 
    • A8 L W12: $135,395 ($134,375) 
    • S8: $110,895 (N/A)

    Related
    New Audi S6, S7 and S8: First Look 
    Cars.com Family Reviews the 2012 Audi A8 L 
    More Audi News

    Latest expert reviews