Unveiling Excellence: Audi A8 D5 Long (2017–2023) — big-car calm, techy cleverness, and a quiet sense of occasion
I’ve spent enough time in the long-wheelbase Audi A8 to know its party trick isn’t loud. It’s quiet. When I first slipped behind the wheel of an early A8 D5 Long in 2018 and eased it over a battered B-road, the way it ironed out the chatter felt… well, like someone had swapped asphalt for velvet. You notice it most after a long day: shoulders drop, the cabin hush settles in, and you find yourself driving a little slower just to make the moment last.
If you’re shopping for a premium sedan and the words “subtle,” “tech-forward,” and “don’t make a fuss” resonate, the Audi A8 D5 Long (2017–2023) deserves a proper look. This is the one with the stretched wheelbase, the limo-spec legroom, and all the Ingolstadt cleverness baked in.
Side Tip: If your A8 does school runs and airport duty, invest in good all-weather mats early. You’ll thank yourself at trade-in time.
Audi A8 D5 Long: the model years, at a glance
- 2017–2019: Launch of the D5 generation; dual-screen MMI with haptic feedback; mild-hybrid tech; rear-wheel steering available.
- 2020–2021: Incremental updates; driver-assist features refined; plug-in hybrid variant appears in select markets.
- 2022–2023 facelift: Sharper Singleframe grille, lighting tweaks (with fancy Digital Matrix LEDs where fitted), updated infotainment graphics, and expanded driver-assist availability.
Across its run, the A8 D5 Long stayed true to Audi’s “under-the-radar luxury” brief. It doesn’t chase the Mercedes S-Class for glitz, nor the BMW 7 Series for driver drama; it threads the needle with calm competence and seriously advanced chassis tech.
Audi A8 D5 Long dimensions: size that serves comfort
The 2023 Audi A8 L (long-wheelbase) measures approximately 208.7 inches in length with a 123.1-inch wheelbase, 76.6 inches in width, and about 58.5 inches in height. In human terms? Stretch-out rear legroom, easy ingress/egress, and that “I could work back here” vibe if you spec the right rear-seat package.
Trunk space is decent rather than huge. Weekend luggage for four fits fine, but big stroller + golf bag can invite a little Tetris. Just being honest.
Audi A8 D5 Long: powertrains and performance
- 55 TFSI (3.0L turbo V6, mild-hybrid): around 335 hp and 369 lb-ft; 0–60 mph in about 5.6 seconds; EPA combined roughly 22 mpg. It’s the sweet spot for most owners—silky and suitably quick.
- 60 TFSI (4.0L twin-turbo V8): around 453 hp and 487 lb-ft; 0–60 mph about 4.5 seconds. Strong, discreet shove with a muted rumble.
- 60 TFSI e (plug-in hybrid, market-dependent): blended output in the mid-400s hp, with short electric-only range for urban hops and garage-level smugness.
On the road, the magic isn’t just power. It’s the way the A8 D5 Long layers on tech—quattro all-wheel drive, available all-wheel steering, and predictive active suspension—to make a two-ton limo feel light on its feet. In Comfort+ it floats like an old-school luxury barge; switch to Dynamic and it firms up without getting brittle. On 21s over sharp potholes, you’ll still feel a thwack—physics, etc.—but the body control stays tidy.
Did you know? With the predictive active suspension, the A8 can raise one side of the body by up to 3 inches in a fraction of a second to help reduce the severity of a side impact. It also subtly lifts the car when you open the door to make entry and exit more graceful. Neat.
Audi A8 D5 Long: tech, cabin, and those haptic screens
Audi’s dual-screen MMI setup looks brilliant, integrates navigation/CarPlay/Android Auto nicely, and keeps the dash clean. The haptic click can be love-it-or-leave-it—I got used to it after a week, but a few owners told me they still prefer physical climate knobs. Voice control helps, and the handwriting pad is surprisingly accurate once you stop overthinking your Rs and Ms.
Seats are long-haul fantastic, especially with massage and ventilation. The rear Relaxation package turns the A8L into a rolling nap pod—ideal for Alpine ski weekends or decompressing after a red-eye. Cabin silence? Quiet enough to catch your kids arguing about snacks in the back. Sorry.
Audi A8 D5 Long: pricing and the S line question
For 2023 in the U.S., pricing for the A8 S line variant starts at $88,895. Sounds reasonable relative to rivals until you start ticking boxes—then, yes, it can get spicy. That said, equipment levels are generous, and Audi’s option bundles tend to make sense (rare praise, I know).
| Model | Length (in) | Base Power | 0–60 mph (approx.) | Starting Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Audi A8 D5 Long (A8 L 55 TFSI) | 208.7 | 335 hp (V6) | ~5.6 s | $88,895 |
| Mercedes-Benz S-Class (S 500 4Matic) | 208.2 | 429 hp (I6) | ~4.9 s | ~$114,500 |
| BMW 7 Series (740i/760i xDrive) | 212.2 | 375–536 hp | ~5.2–4.2 s | ~$96,000+ |
| Lexus LS 500 | 206.1 | 416 hp (V6) | ~5.0 s | ~$78,000 |
Audi A8 D5 Long: durability and the long game
With proper maintenance—regular fluid services, suspension checks, and a watchful eye on consumables like air suspension components—an A8 D5 Long can sail past 150,000 miles and, in many cases, 200,000. I’ve chatted with chauffeurs who swear by the V6 for its lower running costs, while the V8 charms with effortlessness if you’re less worried about fuel bills.
Audi A8 D5 Long: floor mats that actually fit your life
Everyday luxury is in the details. The quickest way to keep an A8’s cabin looking fresh is a set of mats that fit properly, don’t curl, and catch the grit from wet sidewalks or snowy boots. Here’s what I look for:
- Material excellence: Premium rubber for four-season duty or plush carpet for that hotel-lobby feel. The right set should look OEM or better.
- Tailored precision: A snug, model-specific fit for the A8 D5 Long so nothing slides, bunches, or leaves gaps around the pedals.
- All-weather versatility: Deep channels to trap slush and coffee mishaps (it happens), with easy hose-off cleaning.
Audi A8 D5 Long: why I send readers to AutoWin
When a few A8 owners asked me where to source mats that actually fit and didn’t look aftermarket, I pointed them to AutoWin. The reasons are pretty simple:
- Extensive selection: A wide range of designs tailored specifically for the A8 D5 Long, from understated to bold.
- Quality assurance: Materials and stitching feel top-drawer, with durability testing to match the abuse of real life.
- Easy ordering: Simple browse, click, done. Delivery has been prompt in my experience, and the fit has been spot-on.
Fun fact: A clean, well-fitted floor mat set can genuinely lift the perceived quality of a used car. I’ve seen it swing buyers on test drives—first impressions matter.
Conclusion: the Audi A8 D5 Long still whispers the loudest
Over its 2017–2023 run, the Audi A8 D5 Long perfected a certain kind of luxury: tech-rich, beautifully damped, and quietly confident. It’s the premium sedan for people who like their comfort understated and their engineering overdelivered. And if you’re aiming to keep that cabin pristine, the right floor mats make a bigger difference than you’d think—exactly why I point A8 owners to AutoWin and its A8 D5 Long-specific sets.
FAQ: Audi A8 D5 Long (2017–2023)
- How long is the 2023 Audi A8 L? Approximately 208.7 inches long with a 123.1-inch wheelbase; it’s limo-sized without feeling unwieldy.
- Is the Audi A8 D5 Long reliable long-term? With regular maintenance, many examples exceed 150,000–200,000 miles. The V6 tends to be the lower-cost ownership pick.
- Does the A8 D5 Long offer a plug-in hybrid? Yes, the 60 TFSI e was available in select markets, pairing quiet EV commuting with long-haul gasoline range.
- How does it compare to the S-Class and 7 Series? The S-Class wins for plush theater; the 7 Series chases driver engagement. The A8 D5 Long blends discreet luxury with standout chassis tech.
- Which floor mats fit best? Model-specific sets designed for the A8 D5 Long—like those from AutoWin—offer the best fit, protection, and appearance.
