Used 2021 Audi A8 L Base for sale 

  A worthy flagship, the 2021 Audi A8 is thoroughly modern and eminently comfortable. - Thecarconnection

For the 2021 model year, Audi A8 is offered in three distinct trim levels in the United States out of which two are gasoline-powered that combine a 48-volt mild hybrid system for the best possible combination of efficiency, refinement, and performance. The 2021 Audi A8 L gets two trims, namely 55 TFSI and 60 TFSI. The 55 TFSI is powered by a 3L turbocharged V6 motor producing 335 hp and the 60 TFSI trim is powered by the 4L twin-turbo V8 motor putting out 453 hp. The 60 TFSI e trim (reviewed separately) comes with a 3L turbocharged V6 motor mated to a 14.1 kWh battery, putting out 443 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque.

The 2021 Audi A8 L sees no major changes to the exterior design and hence retains the Matrix LED headlights with LED DRLs, 20" alloy wheels (with Sport Style Package), LED taillights, heated and powered side mirrors, and a panoramic sunroof. The major update has to be in the interior of the A8 L, which now gets wireless charging, heated and powered seats, leather upholstery, ventilation support for the seats, 10.3" MMI Touch Response infotainment system, 17-speaker audio system, and many more. Safety and driver-assistance features like automated emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, etc are standard too.

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The 2021 Audi A8 L is one of the most value-for-money offerings of the segment, mainly due to the excellent powertrain, long list of standard features, and a lower base price tag. However, of the two trims on offer, we would recommend you to go with the more expensive 60 TFSI trim, which is available with a base MSRP of $98,900, mainly due to the 453 hp twin-turbo V8 motor and a more impressive list of standard interior features on offer. This trim also offers optional packages like Executive Package and Rear Seat Comfort Package, both of which make those long freeway rides even more comfortable.

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The 2021 Audi A8 delivers smooth, effortless power and a buttery ride. - Thecarconnection

The 2021 Audi A8 L comes in two trim configurations and both the trims come with different engines. Similar to the outgoing 2020 model, the 2021 A8 L retains the 3L turbocharged V6 motor mated to the 8-speed automatic transmission putting out 335 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. However, the more powerful 60 TFSI trim, which is available for sale at a base MSRP of $98,900, comes with the 4L twin-turbo V8 motor putting out 453 hp and 487 lb-ft of torque, mated to the same transmission. A Quattro AWD drivetrain is standard for both the trims too.  Along with that, a 48-volt mild hybrid system is on board as well.

The 2021 A8 L is one of the most comfortable cars to ride in. With the adaptive dampers and adjustable air suspension, the 2021 Audi A8 L offers a magic carpet-like ride, absorbing all the undulations during the slow city speeds. Even as the speed rises during highway riding, the 2021 Audi A8 L offers very minimal vertical movement, making it an impressive freeway cruiser. With a heavy curb weight of 4,905 lbs, the 2021 A8 L turned out to be an impressive proposition while taking corners as well, with very minimal body roll and excellent driving dynamics. The steering is well-weighted and offers decent feedback. 

The 2021 Audi A8 L can do the 0-60 mph in a respectable time of 5.6 seconds and the quarter-mile in just 13.8 seconds. When going flat out, the 2021 A8 L managed to do a top speed of 128 MPH. Coming with 15.8" front rotors and 13.8" rear rotors, the 2021 Audi A8 L can do the 60-0 mph braking in 118 feet, which is quite decent. In comparison, the 2021 Audi A8 L PHEV did the same 0-60 mph in 4.9 seconds and the quarter-mile in 12.9 seconds, both of which are better than the 2021 A8 L with the base V6 motor. However, the V8 twin-turbo motor can do even better figures.

The 2021 Audi A8 L turned out to be one of the lowest performers of the full-size luxury sedan segment, with 335 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. The 2021 Mercedes Benz S Class managed to put out the best in class 429 hp, which is followed by the 2021 Lexus LS 500, which came out with 416 hp. In terms of 0-60 mph time, both the 2021 BMW 7 Series and the 2021 Lexus LS 500 gave out a better time of 4.8 seconds and 4.6 seconds, respectively. The 2021 Mercedes Benz S Class also came out with a slightly better 0-60 mph time of 5.4 seconds.

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The Audi A8 will cost you at the pumps, as it isn't quite as thrifty as its chief rivals. - Carbuzz

The 2021 Audi A8 L, which is available for sale at a base MSRP of $86,500, comes with two different engines for the two trim configurations. The base 3L turbocharged V6 motor offers a city gas mileage of 17 MPG and 26 MPG on the highway, which equates to combined gas mileage of 21 MPG. However, the more powerful 4L twin-turbo V8 motor that comes with the 60 TFSI trim offers a gas mileage of 18 MPG.

The 2021 Audi A8 L also retains the 21.7-gallon fuel tank which helps this luxury full-size sedan to give out a city range of 369.9 miles and a highway range of 564.2 miles, both of which are quite decent for the segment. Nevertheless, if you are looking for a more fuel-efficient offering, we would highly recommend you to opt for the A8 L 60 TFSI e, which offers a combined 54 MPGe.

The 2021 BMW 7 Series and the 2021 Lexus LS 500 turned out to be the most fuel-efficient full-size luxury sedans of the lot, coming in with combined gas mileage of 23 MPG. This is followed by the 2021 Mercedes Benz S Class and the 2021 Audi A8 L with combined gas mileage of 21 MPG. However, the 2021 LS 500 took the crown for offering the best-in-class combined tank range of 499.1 miles.

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The 2021 Audi A8’s interior is high tech and high comfort. - Edmunds

Step into this cabin and you would be surprised with the opulence and the quality on offer. Coming in with no major changes from the outgoing 2020 model, the 2021 Audi A8 L retains the same 9 dashboard and upholstery colors along with three different decorative inlays materials, all of which make this cabin the best looking of the lot. The soft leather and wooden inserts coupled with chrome and aluminum accents are also on board. Being a full-size luxury sedan, the 2021 Audi A8 Lis also a comfortable 5-seater sedan, that comes with one of the most spacious front rows, with excellent legroom and shoulder room.

When it comes to the rear row of the 2021 Audi A8 L, it managed to strike a chord with the front row, retaining the excellent headroom and shoulder room. The legroom of 44.4" is also the best of the lot, especially in comparison to the 2021 S Class and the 2021 LS 500. The rear seat offers excellent under-thigh and lower back support as well.  However, when it comes to the cargo capacity, the 2021 Audi A8 L turned out to be mediocre, offering just 12.5 cu ft. For the rear-seat passengers, the 2021 A8 L offers many features like a leather armrest, powered sunblinds, massaging rear seats, etc, all of which adds to the comfort.

The 2021 Audi A8 L offered an impressive interior space, both for the front and rear row passengers. In comparison, the 2021 BMW 7 Series offered a slightly better headroom and shoulder room for both rows, similar to the 2021 Mercedes Benz S Class. However, overall we felt that the 2021 A8 L was the most spacious and opulent offering of the lot. Unfortunately, the cargo capacity on offer with the 2021 A8 L is the worst of the lot and both the 2021 BMW 7 Series and the 2021 Lexus LS 500 offered a much superior 18.2 cu ft and 16.9 cu ft, respectively. The entertainment duties of the A8 L are taken care of by the 10.3" MMI infotainment and the 17-speaker audio system.

This touchscreen infotainment system comes with two screens, an upper 10.3" inch screen which houses the infotainment functions, and a lower 8.6" touchscreen which houses all the functionalities related to air conditioning, seat heating and massaging, and many more. The infotainment system turned out to be one of the best of the lot, with an excellent user interface and a very minimal learning curve. The display quality and touch sensitivity were impressive too. All the connectivity features like Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, Audi Connect Care, Prime & Plus, Wi-Fi hotspot, and many more are standard. The audio through the standard 17-speaker audio system is brilliant. Some of the interior and infotainment features available with the A8 L are:

• Leather upholstery
• Heated and powered seats
• Ventilated seats
• 17-speaker audio system
• 10.3" touchscreen infotainment system
• Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
• Navigation
• SiriusXM radio
• Navigation
• Audi Connect Care
• Panoramic sunroof
• Heated steering wheel

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The quietly luxurious 2021 Audi A8 is handsome and looks expensive without being flashy. - Caranddriver

The 2021 Audi A8 L retains the same exterior design language as the outgoing 2020 model. The 2021 Audi A8 L can be had in 10 exterior colors along with the Audi exclusive special paint color. When it comes to the front view, the 2021 A8 L retains the Matrix LED headlights with LED DRLs, chrome wrapped hexagonal grille, chrome fittings on the bumpers, and the wide 255/45R19 all-season tires, all of which adds character to this luxury full-size sedan. The 2021 A8 L's width of 76.6" and height of 58.6" also give it an impressive road presence along with excellent interior space. 

The 2021 Audi A8 L's side view stands out with the help of the 19" 15-spoke alloy wheels, chrome window lining, and striking character lines that start from the front fenders and go all the way to the rear of the A8 L. The sloping roofline and blacked-out pillars also retain the DNA of Audi A8 L's. The rear view of the 2021 Audi A8 L comes with a full-LED taillight, shark fin antenna, chrome bumper lining, and dual exhaust tips. The best-in-class length of 208.7" helps the car to come out with excellent legroom too. However, the ground clearance of 4.8" is lower than most of the rivals, making it scrape the underbody quite easily.

The 2021 Audi A8 L is the biggest of the lot in terms of exterior dimensions, coming with the best in class length and width. Along with that, it is also the heaviest of the lot, which affects its outright acceleration performance. The 2021 BMW 7 Series turned out to be the lightest of the lot, which is more than 1,000 lbs lighter than the 2021 A8 L. The 2021 Mercedes Benz S Class offered the best-in-class wheelbase, which is 1.5" longer than the 2021 A8 L, and the 2021 Lexus LS 500 is lighter by about 200 lbs too. Some of the exterior features on offer with the 2021 Audi A8 L are:

• Heated and powered side mirrors
• Automatic rain-sensing wipers
• Matrix automatic LED headlights with LED DRLs
• 19" 15-spoke alloy wheels
• 10 exterior colors
• Front and rear foglights
• LED taillights

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The Audi A8 comes equipped with a total of nine airbags, which include a driver's knee airbag and rear side airbags. - Carbuzz

The 2021 Audi A8 L hasn't been crash-tested by both the NHTSA and IIHS yet. Even the outgoing 2020 model hasn't been crash-tested by both organizations. However, the excellent build quality coupled with an impressive list of standard and optional safety features will help the 2021 A8 L to come out with the best in class crash safety rating when it gets tested.

When it comes to the safety features on offer, the 2021 Audi A8 L comes with automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, airbags, ABS with EBD, 360-degree camera, rain brake support, brake assist, and many more as standard. Some of the safety and driver-assistance features on offer are:

• Active cruise control with lane-keep assistance
• Audi Pre Sense Front, Pre Sense Basic, Pre Sense Rear
• Tire pressure monitoring system
• Rear Cross-Traffic alert
• Night vision assist
• Audi Park Steering assist
• ABS with EBD
• Forward collision monitoring system
• Automated emergency braking system
• Lane change assist
• Blind-spot monitoring system

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2021 Audi A8 L Vs 2021 Mercedes Benz S Class

The 2021 Mercedes Benz S Class is an all-new updated model and is available for sale at a base MSRP of $107,450. Coming in with a rich interior, exquisite exterior design, and a punchy 3L turbocharged inline-6 motor, the 2021 S Class has a lot of things going for it. However, in comparison to the 2021 A8 L, the S Class's interior is not as opulent. It is also not as spacious too. Many interior and exterior features are optional as well. Apart from that, it is more expensive by close to $20,000, making it less value for money of the lot.

2021 Audi A8 L Vs. 2021 BMW 7 Series

The 2021 BMW 7 Series turned out to be the faster and fun to drive offering of the segment. Coming in for sale at a base MSRP of $89,450, the 2021 7 Series also offers a similar list of interior and safety features. However, it managed to trump the 2021 A8 L when it comes to the fuel efficiency front. Priced at a $3,000 premium, the 2021 7 Series is not as opulent and spacious as the 2021 A8 L. The optional features and packages are slightly more expensive too.

2021 Audi A8 L Vs. 2021 Lexus LS 500

The 2021 Lexus LS 500 is the most reliable offering of the segment. It is also the cheapest of the lot, coming in with a base MSRP of $77,000, undercutting the 2021 A8 L by close to $9,000. Even though the 2021 LS 500 is more powerful and offers better acceleration figures, it is nowhere close to the A8 L in terms of cabin space and quality on offer. The interior and infotainment features are also not the best. However, it gets more driver-assistance features as standard, some of which are missed out by the 2021 A8 L.

The 2021 Audi A8 L retains the essence of what a proper luxury full-size should be. It is spacious, comfortable, and offers a sense of richness everywhere inside the cabin, all of which makes it one of the best offerings of the segment, especially for the back seat passengers. Along with that, this luxury sedan is also decently powerful and offers many interior, infotainment, and safety features as standard. Hence, if you are not very concerned about the expensive optional packages and mediocre gas mileage on offer, the 2021 Audi A8 L should fit the bill of a luxurious and comfortable daily driver perfectly.

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