The Audi A8 L (D4, 4H facelift) with the 4.0 TFSI V8 engine, producing 435 horsepower, represented the pinnacle of the second-generation A8 lineup, manufactured from 2013 to 2017. This long-wheelbase variant, designated internally as the D4/4H, was Audi’s flagship luxury sedan, competing directly with the BMW 7 Series and Mercedes-Benz S-Class. The facelift brought updated styling, enhanced technology, and refinements to the already potent powertrain. This particular configuration, combining the high-output V8 with Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive system and an eight-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission, was positioned as the premium offering within the A8 range, emphasizing performance and sophisticated luxury.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Audi |
| Model | A8 |
| Generation | A8L (D4,4H facelift 2013) |
| Type (Engine) | 4.0 TFSI V8 (435 Hp) quattro Tiptronic |
| Start of production | 2013 |
| End of production | 2017 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – urban | 12.8 l/100 km (18.4 US mpg, 22.1 UK mpg, 7.8 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – extra urban | 7.2 l/100 km (32.7 US mpg, 39.2 UK mpg, 13.9 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined | 9.2 l/100 km (25.6 US mpg, 30.7 UK mpg, 10.9 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 216 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 4.6 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 4.6 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 4.4 sec |
| Maximum speed | 250 km/h (155.34 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 4.5 kg/Hp, 220.3 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 3.3 kg/Nm, 303.8 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 435 Hp @ 5100-6000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 108.9 Hp/l |
| Torque | 600 Nm @ 1500-5000 rpm (442.54 lb.-ft. @ 1500-5000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | CTGA |
| Engine displacement | 3993 cm3 (243.67 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 8 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 84.5 mm (3.33 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 89 mm (3.5 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10.1:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 8.7 l (9.19 US qt | 7.65 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 15 l (15.85 US qt | 13.2 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1975 kg (4354.13 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2625 kg (5787.13 lbs.) |
| Max load | 650 kg (1433 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 520 l (18.36 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 82 l (21.66 US gal | 18.04 UK gal) |
| Max. roof load | 100 kg (220.46 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (8%) | 2300 kg (5070.63 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 2300 kg (5070.63 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 750 kg (1653.47 lbs.) |
| Permitted towbar download | 95 kg (209.44 lbs.) |
| Length | 5265 mm (207.28 in.) |
| Width | 1949 mm (76.73 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2111 mm (83.11 in.) |
| Height | 1471 mm (57.91 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 3122 mm (122.91 in.) |
| Front track | 1644 mm (64.72 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1635 mm (64.37 in.) |
| Front overhang | 1000 mm (39.37 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 1143 mm (45 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.27 |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 12.7 m (41.67 ft.) |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 8 gears, automatic transmission Tiptronic |
| Front suspension | Independent multi-link suspension |
| Rear suspension | Independent on trapezoidal lever |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 235/55 R18 |
| Wheel rims size | 8J x 18 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of this A8 L variant is the 4.0 TFSI V8 engine, designated internally as the CTGA. This engine is a 3,993 cc (243.67 cu. in.) naturally aspirated V8, featuring direct fuel injection and twin-turbocharging. The engine utilizes a dual-scroll turbocharger design to minimize turbo lag and provide a broad torque curve. The engine’s valvetrain employs double overhead camshafts (DOHC) with four valves per cylinder. The eight-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission, a staple of Audi’s high-performance models, provides smooth and responsive gear changes. The quattro all-wheel-drive system distributes power between the front and rear axles, enhancing traction and stability in all weather conditions. The transmission features a torque converter and allows for manual gear selection via steering wheel-mounted paddles or the gear selector.
Driving Characteristics
The 4.0 TFSI V8 in the A8 L delivers a refined yet potent driving experience. The combination of 435 horsepower and 600 Nm (442.54 lb-ft) of torque results in brisk acceleration – 0 to 60 mph in approximately 4.4 seconds. The Tiptronic transmission is well-tuned for both comfortable cruising and spirited driving. While not as overtly sporty as some competitors, the A8 L offers a composed and confident ride, thanks to its sophisticated suspension and quattro all-wheel drive. The eight-speed transmission’s gear ratios are optimized for both fuel efficiency and performance, providing ample power for highway passing and merging. Compared to the A8’s 3.0-liter supercharged V6, the V8 offers significantly more power and a more authoritative feel. It also provides a more luxurious experience than the diesel variants, such as the 3.0 TDI, which prioritize fuel economy.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The A8 L 4.0 TFSI quattro Tiptronic came standard with a comprehensive array of luxury features. These included leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats with massage function, a premium sound system (typically Bang & Olufsen), a navigation system with MMI touch response, adaptive cruise control, and a panoramic sunroof. Optional extras included rear-seat entertainment, a head-up display, and various interior trim packages. The long-wheelbase configuration provided generous rear legroom, making it a popular choice for chauffeur-driven executives. Exterior features typically included LED headlights, chrome accents, and 19- or 20-inch alloy wheels.
Chassis & Braking
The A8 L’s chassis features an independent multi-link suspension at all four corners, providing a comfortable and controlled ride. The suspension is electronically adjustable, allowing the driver to select different driving modes (Comfort, Auto, Dynamic) to tailor the ride to their preferences. Braking duties are handled by ventilated discs on all four wheels, coupled with Audi’s ABS anti-lock braking system and electronic stability control. The braking system is powerful and provides confident stopping performance.
Market Reception & Comparison
The A8 L 4.0 TFSI was generally well-received by automotive critics. It was praised for its powerful engine, luxurious interior, and refined driving experience. However, some reviewers noted that its fuel economy was relatively poor compared to its competitors, particularly the hybrid models offered by Mercedes-Benz and BMW. The A8 L’s price point also positioned it at the higher end of the luxury sedan segment. Compared to the A8’s other engine options, the 4.0 TFSI offered the best performance but came with a higher price tag and increased running costs.
Legacy
The 4.0 TFSI V8 engine proved to be a robust and reliable powerplant. While maintenance costs are higher than those associated with the V6 or diesel engines, the V8 has generally demonstrated good long-term durability. On the used car market, the A8 L 4.0 TFSI commands a premium price due to its performance and luxury features. It remains a desirable choice for buyers seeking a high-performance luxury sedan with a proven track record.
