DecodedCars2017 Audi A8
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2017 models.
- Class
- Large Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Sedan 3.0 Tfsi Quattro, 4dr Sedan 4.0 Tfsi Quattro/3.0 Tdi Quattro, L 4dr Sedan Lwb 4.2 Tfsi Quattro/3.0 Tdi Quattro, L 4dr Sedan Lwb W12 6.3 Fsi Quattro
- Engines
- 3.0L 6-cyl, 4.0L 8-cyl turbo
- Horsepower
- 333–450 hp
- Transmission
- automatic
- Drivetrain
- All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 22 combined · 19 city / 29 hwy
- Length
- 202–207.1 in
- Curb weight
- 4,376–4,806 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 3 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Strong performanceUp to 450 hp, versus about 340 hp for similar 2017 models.
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 30 similar 2017 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2017 Audi A8 is a large car offered with 2 engines (3.0L 6-cyl and 4.0L 8-cyl turbo) and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 202 inches long and 77 inches wide on a 118-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,376 lb (4dr Sedan 3.0 Tfsi Quattro).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 22 MPG combined (19 city / 29 highway), 2% worse than the 2017 large car average of 22.4 MPG, for an estimated $3,750 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 3 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 8 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2017
- No diesel version any more
- Engines dropped: 3.0L 6-cyl turbo and 6.3L 12-cyl
- Best combined MPG down from 28 to 22
Compared with 2016; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2016 A8 →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Built in: Neckarsulm, Germany
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 2 2017 A8 configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Sedan 3.0 Tfsi Quattro | 202 in | 76.8 in | 57.5 in | 117.7 in | 64.2 / 64.2 in | 4,376 lb | 56/44 |
| 4dr Sedan 4.0 Tfsi Quattro/3.0 Tdi Quattro | 202 in | 76.8 in | 57.5 in | 117.7 in | 64.2 / 64.2 in | 4,531 lb | 56/44 |
| L 4dr Sedan Lwb 4.2 Tfsi Quattro/3.0 Tdi Quattro | 207.1 in | 76.8 in | 57.5 in | 122.8 in | 64.2 / 64.2 in | 4,586 lb | 56/44 |
| L 4dr Sedan Lwb W12 6.3 Fsi Quattro | 207.1 in | 76.8 in | 57.5 in | 122.8 in | 64.2 / 64.2 in | 4,806 lb | 56/44 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A8 L | 3.0L 6-cyl | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 19 / 29 / 22 | -2% | $3,750 | 397 |
| A8 L | 4.0L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 18 / 29 / 22 | -2% | $3,750 | 410 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2017 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2017 Audi A8.
Similar 2017 large cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Audi A8 (this car) | 22 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2017 BMW 5 Series | 27 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 25 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2017 Audi A6 | 28 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2017 Lexus LS | 19 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2017 Lincoln Continental | 21 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2017 Tesla Model S | 335 mi | Not rated | 9 |
Recalls (3)
Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Turbo/Supercharger · Mar 23, 2022
NHTSA campaign 22V178000 · 26,093 vehicles
- Problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2013-2017 A8, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, and 2014-2017 RS7 vehicles. The turbocharger oil supply strainer can become blocked, causing wear to the bearings due to lack of lubrication.
- Risk
- Worn bearings can cause the turbine wheel to contact the turbocharger housing or cause the shaft to break, causing an engine stall and increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the oil strainer and perform an oil change, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 4, 2022. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 21H7.
Structure › Body › Hood · Jul 7, 2020
NHTSA campaign 20V397000 · 12,964 vehicles
- Problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Audi S8 and A8 vehicles. The seal around the engine compartment may come loose and contact hot engine components.
- Risk
- If the seal contacts hot engine components, there could be an increased risk of a fire.
- Fix
- Audi will notify owners, and dealers will install a retaining plate to prevent the engine compartment seal from loosening. The recall began September 4, 2020. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 51G6.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Fuel Injection System › Fuel Rail · Jan 16, 2019
NHTSA campaign 19V035000 · 74,881 vehicles
- Problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Q7, A6 and A7 vehicles, and 2015-2018 Audi A8 vehicles. The left and right fuel rails may leak fuel.
- Risk
- A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase risk of a fire.
- Fix
- Audi has notified owners, and dealers will replace the left and right fuel rail, free of charge. The recall began February 28, 2019. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 24DP.
Not every 2017 Audi A8 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2017 Audi A8 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Engine — 2 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Service Brakes — 2 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Power Train — 1 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 51,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2017 Audi A8. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other A8 years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 A8 | 22 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 A8 | 22 | 208.7 in | Not rated | 1 | 0 |
| 2025 A8 | 22 | 208.7 in | Not rated | 1 | 0 |
| 2024 A8 | 22 | 208.7 in | Not rated | 2 | 0 |
| 2023 A8 | 22 | 208.7 in | Not rated | 2 | 0 |
| 2022 A8 | 22 | 208.7 in | Not rated | 3 | 0 |
| 2021 A8 | 23 | 208.7 in | Not rated | 10 | 6 |
| 2020 A8 | 23 | 208.7 in | Not rated | 5 | 3 |
| 2019 A8 | 22 | 203.5 in | Not rated | 3 | 14 |
| 2018 A8 | 22 | 202 in | Not rated | 2 | 0 |
| 2016 A8 | 28 | 202 in | Not rated | 4 | 11 |
| 2015 A8 | 28 | 202 in | Not rated | 5 | 31 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Audi. How we calculate this →