Audi A8 D5 (2017–2023): Innovation, Elegance, and the Quiet Confidence of a True Flagship
I’ve always had a soft spot for cars that do the big things quietly. The Audi A8 D5 is one of those. You don’t notice it shouting about air suspension trickery or laser lights when it rolls up to a hotel; it simply glides in, drops a heartbeat, and makes you wonder why every luxury sedan doesn’t feel this calm. I spent a week with an A8 L across city slogs, late-night airport runs, and my favorite stretch of battered B-road, and the immediate takeaway was simple: the Audi A8 D5 makes the tough stuff feel easy. Even more so if you kit it out properly inside. We’ll get to floor mats in a moment—yes, really—but stick with me.
Quick Background: What Makes the Audi A8 D5 Special?
Launched for 2017 (2018 in some markets) and running through the 2023 model year—then facelifted—the Audi A8 D5 rides on the MLB Evo platform and delivers that typical Audi storyboard: quattro all-wheel drive, an eight-speed automatic that never loses its cool, and an interior that looks like it was drawn with a laser pointer. Optional rear-wheel steering shrinks the car in a city. Predictive active suspension scans the road and preps itself like a gymnast. And at highway speeds, the cabin is quiet enough to hear your kids arguing about who stole the headphones. True story.
Best Year for the Audi A8 D5?
Ask five owners and you’ll get six opinions, but I lean toward 2020–2023. By then, the infotainment was snappier, driver-assistance tech matured, and the update in 2022 brought cleaner styling (those OLED tail lamps are a nice flex). If you’re hunting used, a late-2020 or 2021 example with the right options hits a sweet spot for tech, value, and reliability updates.
Model Years at a Glance
- 2017–2019: Launch era; big tech debut, including the dual-screen MMI Touch Response and advanced driver aids.
- 2020–2021: Refinements, more polished software, and broader availability of the plug-in hybrid in some regions.
- 2022–2023: Facelift with sharpened design, lighting updates, and feature tweaks that make it feel thoroughly modern.
Engines, Performance, and Real-World Efficiency
Depending on where you live, the Audi A8 D5 came with a 3.0-liter turbo V6 (roughly 335 hp), a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 in upper trims/markets, and a punchy plug-in hybrid that pairs the V6 with an electric motor (around 443 hp combined). The S8 gets the headline-grabbing numbers, but the regular A8 is more than brisk—think 0–60 mph in the mid-5s for the V6—with a rolling surge that’s more about effortlessness than drama.
On a mixed week of city and freeway miles in the V6 A8 L, I averaged around 23 mpg (EPA is roughly 19/28/22 mpg city/highway/combined in the US). The plug-in hybrid can cover short urban hops on electricity alone—perfect for school runs or late-night grocery raids—then settle into long-haul luxury when the V6 wakes up.
Longevity and Reliability: How Long Do Audi A8 Engines Last?
With regular servicing and sensible ownership, it’s reasonable to see well over 200,000 miles from an A8 drivetrain. I’ve spoken to a few owners who daily their cars (yes, really) and they all point to the same must-dos: stick to oil-change intervals, keep the 48-volt mild-hybrid system healthy, and don’t ignore small air-suspension niggles if they crop up. A8s are complex, but when looked after, they wear their miles gracefully.
On the Road: Ride, Handling, and The “Ahh” Factor
First day, I took the long way home. Rough roads, scarred tarmac, a few cobbles. The A8 D5 just… floated. Not sloppy—never that. More like driving in slippers that somehow grip. The steering is light but accurate, body movements are dignified, and with rear-wheel steering the long-wheelbase car tucks into tight streets like it’s half its size. It’s not a sports sedan. It’s a superb sedan.
Cabin Life: Tech, Trims, and a Few Quirks
- MMI Touch Response gives you dual screens (10.1-inch up top, 8.6-inch below) and haptic feedback. Slick, but yes, you’ll be wiping fingerprints.
- Virtual Cockpit is crisp and configurable. Easy win on long drives.
- Rear seats can be configured for relaxation mode with a footrest if you want first-class vibes in a sedan.
- Bang & Olufsen’s top-tier system will expose bad playlists. Consider yourself warned.
Quirks? The touch climate controls can be fiddly on the move, and the trunk on plug-in hybrid models gives up a bit of space to batteries. Not deal-breakers—just know before you buy.
Elevate the Interior: Floor Mats That Look the Part (and Keep It That Way)
If you’re going to live with a premium sedan, make it feel new every time you climb in. Floor mats are the unsung heroes here—especially in a car with beautifully finished carpeting like the Audi A8 D5. I’ve used AutoWin mats before and they’ve held up through snow, sand, and the occasional coffee disaster (don’t ask). For the A8, you can go plush and elegant or rugged and all-weather.
What to Look For in A8 D5 Floor Mats
- Material that matches your life: Premium rubber for wet seasons and family duty, or plush carpet for a more formal look.
- Precision fit: The A8’s cabin is meticulously finished—mats should hug the contours, not slide around like hotel slippers.
- All-weather durability: If you do Alpine weekends or coastal getaways, choose deep-channel designs that trap grit and moisture.
Why AutoWin Eshop Works Well for Audi A8 D5 Owners
AutoWin offers mats tailored to the Audi A8 cabin—fit, finish, and fast shipping. I’ve used their ordering system; it’s point-click-done, and what arrives actually looks like the pictures (underrated in 2025, frankly).
- Selection: Minimalist tones or bold accents—there’s a design for every A8 interior.
- Quality: Materials feel premium and hold up to daily use. Stitching and edging are tidy—no fray, no fuss.
- Ease: Ordering takes minutes, and fitment is straightforward.
Curious? Here’s a direct link used by A8 owners: Elite Protection for A8 D5 (2017–2023): Premium Floor Mats by AutoWin.
Audi A8 D5 vs. The Usual Suspects
| Luxury Sedan | Character | Typical Power | 0–60 mph (approx.) | Why You’d Pick It |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Audi A8 D5 | Understated tech and serenity | ~335–443 hp (V6 / PHEV) | ~4.9–5.6 s | Quattro confidence, sublime ride, discreet luxury |
| Mercedes-Benz S-Class | Opulent, traditional, wafty | ~362–496 hp | ~4.3–5.2 s | Indulgent rear cabin, lounge-like vibe |
| BMW 7 Series | Tech-forward, bolder personality | ~375–536 hp | ~4.1–5.4 s | Commanding presence, sporty edge |
| Lexus LS | Quietly confident, long-term ease | ~354–416 hp | ~4.6–5.4 s | Reliability focus, serene cabin |
Everyday Living With an A8 D5
- Fuel economy: Expect around 22 mpg combined for the V6 in the US; better in steady highway slogs, and the PHEV shines in short urban hops.
- Space: The A8 L’s rear legroom is grand. Trunk space is good; PHEV trims lose a bit to the battery pack.
- Running costs: Tires and brakes aren’t hatchback money. But drive it gently and you’ll be surprised how well it sips on long journeys.
- Quirks: Touch surfaces love fingerprints. Keep a microfiber cloth in the door bin—trust me.
Final Word: The Audi A8 D5 Still Feels Like the Smart Choice
It’s easy to shout about luxury. The Audi A8 D5 simply shows you. On rough roads it breathes. In traffic, it relaxes. On a cross-country haul, it feels like a cocoon at 75 mph. If you’re hunting for a premium sedan that avoids flash and focuses on real-world excellence, this is it. And if you want it to look fresh for years, don’t overlook the simple stuff—like well-fitted, quality mats from AutoWin. Small detail, big difference.
FAQ: Audi A8 D5 (2017–2023)
- What’s the best year for the Audi A8 D5? Many shoppers prefer 2020–2023 for refined tech and the 2022 facelift updates. As always, condition and service history matter more than model year.
- How long do Audi A8 engines last? With proper maintenance, it’s common to see well over 200,000 miles. Keep the mild-hybrid system and air suspension serviced on schedule.
- Is the A8 reliable? Generally solid for a complex flagship. Look for full maintenance records and inspect air suspension, electronics, and driver-assist sensors before buying used.
- Which engine should I get? The 3.0 TFSI V6 suits most drivers with effortless pace and decent economy. The plug-in hybrid is great for short daily commutes with a garage charger.
- Where can I find fitted floor mats for the A8 D5? Try AutoWin or the dedicated Audi A8 mat collection. Here’s a direct option many owners use: A8 D5 Premium Floor Mats by AutoWin.
