2023 Audi A8

Thanks to its substantial refresh last year, the Audi A8 is more handsome and tech-rich than ever, but underneath all that stylish sheet metal, it's still the same luxurious and competent executive sedan it has always been. This is largely thanks to the turbo V6 under the hood, delivering 335 horsepower to all four wheels. As a large luxury liner, the Audi A8's competitors include the likes of the BMW 7 Series and Mercedes-Benz S-Class, and each brings its own flair to the scene. The 2023 A8 keeps up with these class leaders without being pretentious. It's well-stocked with all the latest tech, handles well, and supplies a modicum of practicality, ticking all the right boxes for a daily driver. However, the high-end luxury sedan segment is extremely competitive, and Audi has made only minimal updates for the new year, so will this be the year that American shoppers finally notice this value-packed sleeper, or will it remain the secret pleasure of those in the know?

The Audi A8 goes on sale for $87,800 MSRP. This excludes licensing, registration, tax, and Audi's $1,095 destination charge. The Audi A8 represents exceptional value for money. Even if you decided to tick every box on the options list, it would still be cheaper than the near-$112K Mercedes-Benz S500.

Fully loaded, the Audi A8 price will quickly shoot past $106k (including the destination fee). Practice some restraint and you can net yourself a decently specified Audi A8 for less than $100,000.

First and foremost, the A8 is a large, luxury sedan, so you know comfort is a priority. The adaptive air suspension easily eats even large bumps in the road, while the well-constructed cabin insulates you from the world to help you feel like a true VIP. There are a number of high-end comfort features standard and available to enhance the experience further. Meanwhile, the V6 rumbles joyfully when pushed to perform, creating the perfect soundtrack for those who prize performance as well as comfort. It generates a respectable 335 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, which is managed by a competent eight-speed automatic transmission.

Luckily, the vehicle knows exactly how to make use of all that power. Audi's patented quattro all-wheel drivetrain provides amazing grip, even at higher speeds. Meanwhile, the light and precise steering makes it a breeze to maneuver this hefty exec. There is a noticeable lack of feedback, though, so don't expect a particularly visceral driving experience. But the A8 is all about comfortable cruising, and the effortless power works well to this end. The available all-wheel steering only makes it easier to gracefully pivot the large sedan, too.

What few flaws the Audi A8 may possess are easily outweighed by its many stellar qualities. The lack of an available V8 engine may put off some motoring enthusiasts, but the turbocharged V6 is more than enough to make this large sedan feel quick. Nevertheless, it's the gorgeously appointed cabin, with upscale materials and all the latest tech, that will really clinch the deal for shoppers. This will mean overlooking the subpar cargo space, though. The updated exterior from last year helps the A8 stand out, but it's still understated in comparison to the 7 Series or S-Class. But, if you review the Audi A8 from a more objective perspective, you'll see that it's just as luxurious and capable as its similarly priced countrymen. It's becoming a more common sight in the USA as buyers realize its understated brilliance and true value.

With just one trim level to choose from, all that's left for potential owners to do is spec their ideal A8. If it was our money, we'd go for the sinister Mythos Black Metallic paintwork and finish off the exterior with the 20-inch, ten-spoke wheels contained in the Executive package.

The Comfort Plus package is a must for what this car represents and it includes the more desirable Valcona leather interior (we'd have ours in black, please) along with massaging front seats, a head-up display, dual-pane acoustic glass, heated rear outboard seats and, lastly, heated door and center armrests.

The aforementioned Executive package has several handy safety and comfort features, including a heated steering wheel, Audi side assist with pre-sense rear, intersection assist, and adaptive cruise control with lane guidance. Despite the lengthy list of optional extras, our ideal Audi A8 totals around $97k, including the destination fee - not bad for a well-equipped luxury sedan.