2012 Audi A8

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Rating8.1

Ranked #2 in 

Sedan
Write Review
$78,750
Starting Price 
Nathan Dyer's image
Nathan Dyer 

Senior Editor,

Updated on November 3, 2023

ProsConsWhat's New

Powerful yet efficient V8 powertrain

Rivals offer a more elegant-looking cabin

Remains unchanged for 2012

Loaded with advanced technology and features

Unimpressive cargo space for a fullsize sedan

One of the most engaging ones to drive in the segment

Confusing control layout and Audi MMI infotainment system

Specs & Features

$78,750

price

372 hp @ 6800 rpm

horsepower

328 lb.-ft. @ 3500 rpm

torque

8-Speed Shiftable Automatic

transmission

4.2L 8cyl AWD 8A

engine

-

basic warranty

Overview

Competing in the fullsize sedan segment, the 2012 Audi A8 Sedan is a direct competitor to the BMW 7 Series, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Sedan, and the Jaguar XJ. The A8 Sedan starts off at an MSRP of $78,750, with a single trim in the lineup. It is offered with a 4.2L V8 engine and an 8-speed automatic transmission, producing 372 horsepower and 328 lb-ft of torque. Through this powertrain, the A8 Sedan manages a 0-60 of 5.2 seconds and a combined fuel economy of 21 MPG.

Buying Advice

The 2012 Audi A8 Sedan is a powerful and luxurious option in its segment. There is only one trim offered while it comes loaded with features including dual-zone automatic climate control, 18-way power front seats, with power lumbar adjustment, and Valetta leather seating surface as standard. Optional features include fine Nappa leather upholstery, ventilated front seats with massage function, and four-zone automatic climate control.

Trims

    Base
    $78,750 onwards
    • 19-inch silver aluminum Wheels
    • 2 - 1st row LCD monitor
    • A-Spec Sport Seats
    • Dual zone automatic front air conditioning
    • Fog/Driving lights
    • Front passengers heated-cushion
    • Heated mirrors
    • Remote keyless entry
    • Sirius AM/FM/HD/Satellite
    • Sliding and tilting glass Sunroof

Compare to similar cars

Price

$78,750

Engine

Gasoline

Rating

8.06

Horsepower

372 hp @ 6800 rpm

Torque

328 lb.-ft. @ 3500 rpm

Capacity

5

Read Review

$84,700- $133,500

Gasoline

8.32

372 hp @ 6800 rpm

328 lb.-ft. @ 3500 rpm

5

Read Review

$290,000

Gasoline

8.44

505 hp @ 4200 rpm

752 lb.-ft. @ 1750 rpm

5

Read Review

$184,200- $209,600

Gasoline

8.62

552 hp @ 6100 rpm

479 lb.-ft. @ 1600 rpm

5

Read Review

$71,000- $137,300

Gasoline

8.38

326 hp @ 5800 rpm

330 lb.-ft. @ 1600 rpm

5

Read Review

$27,670- $47,670

Gasoline

7.83

292 hp @ 6350 rpm

260 lb.-ft. @ 4800 rpm

5

Read Review

$73,700- $117,700

Gasoline

8.07

385 hp @ 6500 rpm

380 lb.-ft. @ 3500 rpm

5

Read Review

$41,500- $48,390

Gasoline

8.47

273 hp @ 6250 rpm

270 lb.-ft. @ 4250 rpm

5

Read Review

$127,250- $135,200

Gasoline

7.83

425 hp @ 7000 rpm

361 lb.-ft. @ 4750 rpm

5

Read Review

$430,450- $470,350

Gasoline

7.66

543 hp @ 5250 rpm

664 lb.-ft. @ 2300 rpm

4

Read Review

2012 Audi A8 vs competitor's 0-60

    Car Name
    0-60 MPH
    Quarter Mile
    Top Speed
    SourceCompare
    2012 Audi A8

    Ranked #8

    5.7 sec13.9 sec130 mph
    4.8 sec-188 mph
    4.9 sec-200 mph
    5.1 sec13.5 sec-
    5.3 sec13.7 sec174 mph
    5.4 sec13.5 sec121 mph

    2012 Audi A8 vs competitor's MPG

      Car Name
      MPG City
      MPG Highway
      MPG Combined
      Fuel Tank Capacity
      Range (C/H)
      SourceCompare
      2012 Audi A8

      Ranked #2

      18 mpg28 mpg21 mpg23.8 gal.428.4/666.4 mi.
      20 mpg30 mpg23 mpg17.8 gal.356/534 mi.
      19 mpg31 mpg21 mpg19.1 gal.-
      18 mpg27 mpg21 mpg21.1 gal.475.2/712.8 mi.
      18 mpg28 mpg21 mpg23.8 gal.428.4/666.4 mi.
      17 mpg25 mpg20 mpg19 gal.323/475 mi.

      2012 Audi A8 vs competitor's dimensions

        Car Name
        Length
        Width
        Height
        Ground Clearance
        Wheelbase
        SourceCompare
        2012 Audi A8

        Ranked #10

        202.2 in.76.7 in.57.5 in.4.7 in.117.8 in.
        242.7 in.78 in.62 in.7 in.150.7 in.
        229.9 in.78.3 in.64.5 in.6 in.140.6 in.
        225.3 in.78 in.62 in.7 in.133.5 in.
        219.5 in.75.8 in.59.9 in.6 in.128.6 in.
        212.6 in.76.7 in.61 in.6 in.129.7 in.

        2012 Audi A8 vs competitor's trunk space

          Car Name
          Trunk Capacity
          Passenger Volume
          Max Trunk Volume
          SourceCompare
          2012 Audi A8

          Ranked #6

          13.2 cu.ft.115.1 cu.ft.13.2 cu.ft.
          13.2 cu.ft.121.9 cu.ft.13.2 cu.ft.
          11 cu.ft.130.5 cu.ft.11 cu.ft.
          16.3 cu.ft.106.3 cu.ft.68.8 cu.ft.
          16.7 cu.ft.102 cu.ft.16.7 cu.ft.
          18.7 cu.ft.105.8 cu.ft.18.7 cu.ft.

          2012 Audi A8 vs competitor's cargo space

            Car Name
            Cargo Volume
            Cargo Volume w/ Seat Area
            Max Cargo Volume
            Bed Length
            SourceCompare
            2012 Audi A8

            Ranked #1

            50.3 cu.ft.13.2 cu.ft.13.2 cu.ft.76 ft.
            57.5 cu.ft.16.7 cu.ft.16.7 cu.ft.76 ft.
            15 cu.ft.14 cu.ft.14 cu.ft.-
            97.1 cu.ft.13.2 cu.ft.13.2 cu.ft.-
            16.2 cu.ft.16.2 cu.ft.16.2 cu.ft.-
            14 cu.ft.14 cu.ft.14 cu.ft.-

            2012 Audi A8 vs competitor's towing capacity

              Car Name
              Towing Capacity
              Payload Capacity
              Weight
              SourceCompare
              2012 Audi A8

              Ranked #3

              -1213 lbs.4409 lbs.
              3307 lbs.890 lbs.3548 lbs.
              1000 lbs.1101 lbs.3999 lbs.
              1000 lbs.-4151 lbs.
              -970 lbs.4453 lbs.
              -860 lbs.5798 lbs.

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