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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | Sedan |
| Base Price | $72,898–$96,980 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
The 2018 Audi A8 is a sedan that earns a Carivo score of 7.0/10 — rated Good. Its strongest dimension is Technology at 7.6/10. It's a capable but unexceptional sedan — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. The reliability picture is solid rather than spectacular: 7.4/10, which puts it comfortably above the class median. Safety lands at 7.2/10 — solid, though some rivals offer more advanced driver-assist features as standard. Confirm official results for your trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Performance at 6.6/10 is a genuine liability and a score that should factor heavily into any buying decision. The powertrain and chassis dynamics trail class rivals by a meaningful margin — don't overlook it. At 7.6/10 for technology, the infotainment and driver-assist package does its job without setting benchmarks — check which features cost extra on lower trims.
Priced from $72,898–$96,980, 18 MPG, seating 5, the Audi A8 sits in the luxury tier of the sedan market. The value score of 6.9/10 is a red flag — comparable alternatives offer meaningfully more for the same outlay. Shop the segment before deciding. At 8 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Verdict: The 2018 Audi A8 sits in the middle of the field. Until its value and performance scores improve, stronger options exist at this price. Worth a look if it fits a specific need; otherwise use our compare tool against the segment leaders first.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2018 Audi A8 ranks #1048 of 1310 sedans in the Carivo database — better than 20% of the segment. Its 7.0/10 overall score is 0.5 points below the segment average of 7.5/10. Its $72,898 starting price is about 164% above the segment's median of $27,664.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Sedan ranking →
Smart-money pick: the 2015 Audi A8 scores 6.8/10 — within striking distance of the 2018's 7.0 — and starts roughly $8,000 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 7.4/10 | $91,567 | Read review → |
| 2025 | 7.4/10 | $91,567 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 7.3/10 | $88,900 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 7.2/10 | $86,233 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 7.1/10 | $83,566 | Read review → |
| 2021 | 7.2/10 | $80,899 | Read review → |
| 2020 | 7.0/10 | $78,232 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 7.1/10 | $75,565 | Read review → |
| 2018 (this review) | 7.0/10 | $72,898 | |
| 2017 | 6.9/10 | $70,231 | Read review → |
| 2016 | 6.9/10 | $67,564 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 6.8/10 | $64,897 | Read review → |
The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
| Structure / Body / Hood 07/07/2020 · 20V397000 | 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. |
|---|---|
| Fuel system, gasoline / Fuel injection system / Fuel rail 16/01/2019 · 19V035000 | 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. |
Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
Explore the full lineup of Audi models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.