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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | Sedan |
| Base Price | $75,565–$93,668 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
With an overall Carivo score of 7.1/10, the 2019 Audi A8 earns a Good rating among the sedans we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Value at 8.6/10, while Reliability at 6.8/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. 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. We rate reliability at 6.8/10 — below the segment average in our scoring. Budget for potentially higher maintenance costs and check the recall record below before buying. On safety it earns 7.4/10: respectable, if not class-leading — several competitors bundle more driver-assist tech as standard. Check your trim's official ratings at nhtsa.gov.
The 8.1/10 performance score reflects a chassis and powertrain that punch above the segment norm — this is a sedan you choose partly for the drive itself. Technology scores 8.6/10 — one of the stronger tech packages in the segment. Expect a responsive infotainment system, broad smartphone integration, and a solid suite of driver-assistance features.
Priced from $75,565–$93,668, 19 MPG, seating 5, the Audi A8 sits in the luxury tier of the sedan market. The 8.6/10 value score is the headline: relative to what it costs, this sedan delivers more than most of the class. At 7 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Bottom line: There's a case for the 2019 Audi A8, but it needs the right buyer. Its reliability scores trail the class, and several higher-rated rivals sell for similar money — comparison-shop before committing.
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 2019 Audi A8 ranks #982 of 1310 sedans in the Carivo database — better than 25% of the segment. Its 7.1/10 overall score is 0.4 points below the segment average of 7.5/10. Its $75,565 starting price is about 173% 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 2016 Audi A8 scores 6.9/10 — within striking distance of the 2019's 7.1 — 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 (this review) | 7.1/10 | $75,565 | |
| 2018 | 7.0/10 | $72,898 | Read review → |
| 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.
| Engine and engine cooling / Engine / Engine control module (ecu/ecm) 24/02/2021 · 21V111000 | Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Audi A8 and 2020-2021 Audi S8 vehicles. A missing sealing pin may allow moisture to enter the engine control module connector, possibly causing a control module malfunction. |
|---|---|
| Seats 05/06/2019 · 19V415000 | Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019 Audi A8 vehicles equipped with rear relaxation seats. The front passenger seat track rivet may fail and cause the spindle bracket to separate. |
| Back over prevention / sensing system / camera 19/12/2025 · 25V900000 | Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2026 vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. A software error may prevent the rearview camera image from displaying as intended. As such, these vehicles fail… |
Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
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Explore the full lineup of Audi models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.
