2020 Audi A8

This year's A8 range expands from one model to three. Joining the lineup is a version with a 4.0-liter V8 engine, the 2020 A8 60 TSFI, plus a plug-in hybrid variant, the A8 60 TSFI e. This has led to a slight shake-up of standard and optional features.

Lane departure warning and the most sophisticated version of Audi's Virtual Cockpit driver information display become standard across the board. Joining the options list are HD Matrix-design LED headlights with Audi "laser light" technology and dynamic all-wheel steering.

A Sport Plus package for the 4.0-liter A8 comes with the dynamic all-wheel steering as well as a predictive active suspension and some cosmetic additions.

The Executive package now includes multi-color ambient cabin lighting. Among the other extras are Sport Style and Black Optic packages, which include 20-in alloy wheels. See the Audi A8 models for sale near you

If finances allow, the A8 60 TSFI e looks like a great choice, since it has some pretty meaty torque as well as advantageous fuel consumption. Consider adding the Executive and Driver Assistance packages for plenty of luxury and safety. Find an Audi A8 for sale

The 2020 Audi A8 55 TSFI ($86,195) comes with 19-in alloy wheels, adaptive air suspension, full LED exterior lighting with automatic high beams and headlight washers, rain-sensing wipers and headlights, heated/power-folding/self-dimming side mirrors, a heat-insulated windshield, keyless entry/ignition, a panoramic sunroof, powered soft-closing doors, a power-operated trunk lid, quad-zone automatic climate control, a power-adjustable steering column, Drive Select (adjustable steering, suspension, transmission and throttle settings), variable-ratio steering, 18-way power-adjustable/heated front seats with memory settings, leather upholstery, powered sunshades for the rear window and rear side windows, a garage door opener, front/rear parking sensors, forward collision mitigation, lane departure warning, ambient LED cabin lighting, the Virtual Cockpit (a 12.3-inch configurable digital driver information display), navigation, wi-fi, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration, a dual-touchscreen infotainment system with a 10.1-in upper screen and an 8.6-in lower screen, HD/satellite radio, Bluetooth, a USB port, and a Bang & Olufsen 17-speaker/730-watt audio system.

The A8 60 TSFI e ($94,995) adds the plug-in hybrid drivetrain. This model is also eligible for a Rear Seat Connectivity package that includes dual tablets, a rear DVD changer, a power outlet and two rear USB ports.

The A8 60 TSFI ($97,795) has the V8 muscle. There's a plethora of extra features among the options bundles here. The Executive package includes blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, vehicle exit warning, a 360-degree/top-view camera system, a head-up display, heated/ventilated/massaging 22-way power-adjustable front seats with memory settings, multi-color ambient cabin lighting, dual-pane acoustic glass, a heated steering wheel, a phone signal booster and wireless charging.

The Driver Assistance package brings adaptive cruise control with Traffic Jam Assist, active lane-keeping assistance, Intersection Assist, Pre Sense 360 (including the aforementioned body raising in the case of a side impact) and road sign recognition.

There are two Rear Seat Comfort packages. The most luxurious is the 4-seater Executive version available in the 60 TSFI e and 60 TSFI models, which includes folding rear tables, reclining/ventilated/massaging rear seats, and remote controls for climate, lighting and moving the front passenger seat far forward. These controls also allow that lucky passenger to enjoy the heated/massaging footrest.

Other options include night vision with pedestrian/large animal detection, "Laser Light" headlights, dynamic all-wheel steering, fragranced/ionized cabin air system, heated rear seats, heated armrests, 20-in/21-in alloy wheels and a 23-speaker/1,920-watt Bang & Olufsen 5.1 surround-sound system.

The trunk space measures 12.5 cu ft, which is less than impressive. The 7 Series comes with 14.8 cu ft, the S-Class has 16.3 and the Lexus LS 500 offers 17 cubic feet. The 60 TSFI e only has 10.4 cubic feet because of the extra plug-in hybrid hardware.

Safety

Standard safety equipment includes stability/traction control, 4-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, active front head restraints and seven airbags, including a front center airbag. Pre Sense (standard in all Audi cars) is a collision mitigation feature that closes the sunroof and windows and pre-tightens seat belts in the event of hard braking.

The A8 has not been crash tested in the United States. Large luxury cars rarely are, but they're also usually the first to showcase fresh safety technologies. There's no need to feel anything but secure in the A8.