Representative photo — may show another model year
Sedan
2020 Audi A8
Independent review & score by Carivo
Price Range
$78,232–$90,835
Fuel Economy20 MPG
Seating5 passengers
CategorySedan
Est. Annual Fuel$2,625/yr
The 2020 Audi A8 scores 7.0/10 at Carivo, ranking #1048 of 1310 sedans and an estimated $2,625/year fuel cost.
Scored by Carivo·Updated: September 8, 2026·How we score →
Key Specifications — 2020 Audi A8
Seating Capacity
5 passengers
Body Style
Sedan
Base Price
$78,232–$90,835
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
About the 2020 Audi A8
Our scoring places the 2020 Audi A8 at 7.0/10 overall, which translates to a Good rating for this sedan. Its strongest dimension is Technology at 8.7/10, while Value at 6.6/10 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 score reliability at 7.1/10 — better than most direct rivals, if short of the segment's best. The safety score of 8.4/10 is solid mid-pack territory. If advanced driver aids matter to you, compare standard equipment carefully and verify ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance scores 7.2/10 — competent for everyday use. Acceleration and handling are adequate for commuting and highway driving, though enthusiasts will want to look at higher-rated alternatives. The cabin tech earns 8.7/10 — infotainment, smartphone integration, and driver-assistance are all close to the best this class offers.
Priced from $78,232–$90,835, 20 MPG, seating 5, the Audi A8 sits in the luxury tier of the sedan market. The value score of 6.6/10 is a red flag — comparable alternatives offer meaningfully more for the same outlay. Shop the segment before deciding. At 6 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Our take: The 2020 Audi A8 is a passable sedan but not a standout one. Weaknesses in value hold it back from being a strong recommendation. It may suit buyers with specific needs it serves well, but we'd encourage comparing at least two or three higher-scored alternatives before deciding.
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 →
How It Ranks Among Sedans
The 2020 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 $78,232 starting price is about 183% above the segment's median of $27,664.
Varies widely by driver and state — always quote the exact trim before buying
We only print costs we can compute from sourced data (EPA fuel economy, NHTSA recalls). We don't estimate maintenance or depreciation — anyone who gives you one number for those is guessing.
Which A8 Year Should You Buy?
Smart-money pick: the 2017 Audi A8 scores 6.9/10 — within striking distance of the 2020'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.
Strong safety ratings from NHTSA and independent testers
Best-in-class infotainment, driver assistance, and connectivity features
✗ Where it falls short
Reliability scores are mid-pack; some owners report higher-than-expected maintenance needs
Driving dynamics are adequate but uninspiring; not the choice for enthusiast drivers
Fuel economy at 20 MPG is low — running costs will add up quickly
Premium price bracket — make sure the score justifies the outlay vs. segment alternatives
Common Questions — 2020 Audi A8
Is the 2020 Audi A8 reliable?
We rate the 2020 Audi A8's reliability 7.1/10 — above the middle of the pack for this class.
Is the 2020 Audi A8 worth buying?
It scores 7.0/10 overall, ranking #1048 of 1310 sedans in our database (better than 20% of the segment). Stronger-scoring alternatives exist at similar prices — use our compare tool before committing.
How much does the 2020 Audi A8 cost?
The 2020 Audi A8 starts at $78,232 and ranges up to $90,835 across trims (MSRP when new). At 20 MPG, expect roughly $2,625/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Which A8 years should you avoid?
Based on our year-by-year scoring, the weakest A8 years we've rated are 2015 (6.8/10), 2017 (6.9/10), 2016 (6.9/10) — each at least half a point below the nameplate's best (7.4/10). See the full year table above before deciding.
Owner Essentials — Audi A8
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