Audi A8 D5 (4N)
Full-Size SedanProduct Gallery
Product Overview
Audi A8 D5 (Typ 4N) is a full-size luxury sedan in production from 2017 to 2021, whereupon it received a facelift. It was available with a range of V6 and V8 engines that displaced 3.0 to 4.0 liters.
Unfortunately, the naturally-aspirated W12 engine is no more. The remaining engines all became "greener" (or rather more complex and harder to fix should things go wrong, at the expense of repeated environmental damages and wastes). This is also the generation when Audi adopted its new nomenclature (with numbers roughly double the engine displacement).
An interesting note is that every engine available is a bi-turbo, which just over a decade ago meant "fun". How times change!
The more desirable engines are the 60 TFSI (not to be confused with the 60 TFSI e) and the 60 TDI. These torquey monsters are quite good to drive but not meant for long-term relationships.
Audi has made a good effort in aerodynamics, with a decent 0.26 coefficient of drag to show for it. The official fuel economy rating is exceptionally rosy, though it may cast more doubts on the trustworthiness of the regulators and perhaps the owner's own sanity than it relates to reality.
Drivers who appreciate handling will be pleased to know that the Audi A8 (D5) comes with multi-link suspensions at all four corners. This provides the best cornering performance and tunability, at the expense of cost and a little bit of durability.
Ratings
What we found
Neofiliac score 75%
Pros
- Tremendous torque from the 60 TDI and 60 TFSI
- Good 0.26 drag coefficient
- 60 TFSI e with low fuel consumption rating for those who don't like paying taxes
Cons
- Styling even more generic than before
- No more W12
- Questionable long-term reliability and repair-ability
- Car with gadgets or gadgets masquerading as car?
What external reviewers found
External score 76%
Pros
- Superb handling
- Excellent sound quality
- Excellent build quality
- Superb infotainment system
- Excellent tech and quality
Cons
- Lack of standard equipment
- Lacklustre performance with classical music
- Lack of refinement
- Poor ride quality
- Lack of dynamic agility
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Price Comparison
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Specifications
Variants shown:
50 TDI
50 TDI Euro6d
50 TDI Euro6d LWB
50 TDI LWB
55 TFSI
55 TFSI Euro6d
55 TFSI Euro6d LWB
55 TFSI LWB
60 TDI
60 TDI LWB
60 TFSI
60 TFSI LWB
60 TFSI e
60 TFSI e LWB
Related Products
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Related Articles
External Reviews
autocar[1]
Reviewer score 72% (normalized by Neofiliac)The new A8 60 TFSIe is on a par with its petrol and diesel equivalents. But then again, it should be. Both BMW and Mercedes have had plug-in versions of their respective limos on sale for the past couple of years. That tech includes a 126bhp ‘permanently excited’ electric motor paired to a more conventional 335bhp 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 petrol engine. 0-62mph takes just 4.9 seconds (quicker than both the S560e and 745e) and given the run of a German Autobahn it will accelerate up to an electronically-limited 155mph.
Pros
- Punchy electric powertrain
- Comfortable to drive
- Frugal interior
Cons
- Alternatives are more fun to drive
autoexpress[2]
Reviewer score 76% (normalized by Neofiliac)The Audi A8 and longer wheelbase A8 L showcase the company's latest technology, including the TFSI e petrol/electric hybrid models. It's for sale in the luxury limousine sector, and with a starting price of around £70,000, it's not a purchase for the faint hearted. But what you get for the money is one of the most technologically advanced cars you can buy.
Pros
- Class-leading fuel economy
- Comfortable to drive
- Lots of standard kit
Cons
- More expensive than rivals
- Not as comfortable as rivals
carmagazine[3]
Reviewer score 81% (normalized by Neofiliac)The new A8 comes in standard- and long-wheelbase forms, with orders opening in December 2021 ahead of UK deliveries early in 2022. The dashboard remains pretty much as it was. It's a sleek and polished affair with the latest version of Audi's Virtual Display and a haptic-touch sensitive screen and central infotainment screen. There are three digital screens facing the driver, but they're not particularly large or intuitive and are a long way behind Mercedes-Benz's brilliant set-up in the S-Class.
Pros
- Powerful V8 engine
- Impressive infotainment tech
Cons
- Lacklustre ride quality
theear[4]
Reviewer score 66% (normalized by Neofiliac)The Bluetooth performance is rock solid, reliable and oh-so sweet. The hypnotic guitars from Intro by The xx are delivered with great gusto. The jaunty French Navy from Camera Obscura is sure to get you swaying. Where the amp is less successful is with classical music.
Pros
- Excellent sound quality
- Excellent battery life
- Excellent build quality
Cons
- Lacklustre performance with classical music
whathifi[5]
Reviewer score 87% (normalized by Neofiliac)Cambridge Audio CXA81 sets a new baseline for thousand-pound integrated amps. Powerful and weighty in the low end, but lean and agile enough to dance around with the most excitable bass lines. Full-bodied and expressive midrange deals out melodies that are given space to soar, yet still sound definitively part of a musical whole.
Pros
- Punchy, dynamic presentation
- Excellent build quality
Cons
- No phono input
Also Check
References
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