Unveiling Elegance: Audi A8 D4 (2010–2017)

I’ve always had a soft spot for big Audis. They’re like perfectly tailored suits: quiet confidence, no loud logos, but the fit is everything. The Audi A8 D4 (2010–2017) is exactly that—an aluminum-bodied flagship that sneaks up on you with tech, comfort, and a surprising turn of speed. The first time I took an A8 D4 across a stretch of frost-heaved backroad, it floated just enough to feel cosseting yet still tied down—air suspension doing its thing—while the cabin stayed whisper-quiet. You can hear your kids arguing in the back. Ask me how I know.

Why the Audi A8 D4 Still Matters

The A8 D4 marked a sweet spot for Audi’s flagship sedan—lighter than rivals thanks to the aluminum spaceframe, dense with technology (night vision, MMI Touch handwriting pad, soft-close doors), and endowed with quattro all-wheel drive as standard. In 2014 it picked up a facelift with crisper detailing and, in some markets, those trick Matrix LED headlights that made country lanes feel like a theatre stage. The long-wheelbase A8 L adds rear legroom you can measure in sighs—perfect for airport runs, Alpine weekends, or letting your teenager pretend to be a CEO.

Engines and Performance in the Audi A8 D4

Under the bonnet, the Audi A8 D4 offered a menu of personalities—from efficient cruisers to Autobahn assassins. No drama, just big, clean thrust.

• 3.0 TFSI V6 (supercharged): 290–333 hp, effortless daily-driver pace; 0–60 mph around 5.5 seconds in later cars.
• 4.2 FSI V8 (early D4): around 372 hp, traditional V8 charm; 0–60 mph roughly 5.6 seconds.
• 4.0 TFSI V8 (twin-turbo): 420–435 hp; 0–60 mph near 4.4 seconds in the facelifted cars. Silly fast for a “quiet” luxury sedan.
• S8 4.0 TFSI: 520 hp (and 605 hp in the S8 Plus), 0–60 mph in 3.7–3.9 seconds. Yes, really.
• 3.0 TDI V6: 240–258 hp (markets vary), mountains of torque and long legs for road trips.
• 4.2 TDI V8: around 350 hp and a tidal 590 lb-ft—rare, but a torque lover’s dream in Europe.

Context for the nostalgics: the outgoing 2009 A8 4.2 (previous-gen) made about 350 hp and 325 lb-ft. Respectable, but the D4’s turbo era moved the game on.

On the Road: Calm, Quick, and Quiet

Point an Audi A8 D4 at a fast highway and it settles into a gentle lope—like driving in slippers, if slippers did 120 mph without a bead of sweat. quattro traction means wet on-ramps are just… on-ramps. The steering is accurate but a touch light and aloof, especially if you’re used to an F01 7 Series’ chatter. The trade-off is serenity. In Comfort mode, the air suspension smooths the edges off rough city streets; in Dynamic, it keeps the body neatly in check without punishing you. I noticed right away how little wind noise there is around the mirrors—little details that make long drives feel short.

Audi A8 D4 Interior: Quiet Theater, Better with the Right Mats

Inside, it’s business-class minimalism: layered woods, Valcona leather, a crisp MMI screen, and (if optioned) a Bang & Olufsen sound system that makes even traffic jams feel like rehearsals. The rear in the A8 L? That’s where the power naps happen.

And then there are the little things you touch every day—like floor mats. I’m a big believer in keeping the interior neat; good mats make a difference when winter slush or beach sand tries to move in. If you’re kitting out your A8, start here:

• Material matters: Premium rubber for all-weather duty or plush carpet for that lounge feel. Either way, choose mats that are easy to clean and won’t curl at the edges.
• Exact fit: The Audi A8 D4 has specific anchor points. A proper, tailored mat locks down securely and covers the right spots—especially the driver’s heel area.
• All-season sanity: If you see rain, snow, or kids with juice boxes, go all-weather up front and carpet in the rear. Best of both worlds.

Feature Highlights That Still Impress

• quattro all-wheel drive with an 8-speed automatic—smooth, decisive shifts.
• Air suspension with multiple drive modes—comfort when you want it, control when you need it.
• Available night vision and a superb heads-up display—genuinely helpful on dark B-roads.
• Heated, ventilated, and massaging seats—front and rear in the A8 L.
• MMI Touch with handwriting recognition—clever, though CarPlay wasn’t widely integrated back then.

Audi A8 D4 vs Competitors (2015 examples)

Figures vary by configuration and source; consider these directional.

AutoWin Eshop: Elevating Your Audi A8 D4 Experience

If you’re hunting for properly made mats for your Audi A8 D4, AutoWin Eshop is refreshingly straightforward. You get:

• Lots of choice: From minimalist black to bold stitched designs, all cut to the A8 D4’s floor plan.
• Real quality: Materials that hold their shape, don’t smell weird, and survive winter. They’re tested for fit, durability, and cleanability.
• Easy ordering: The site is simple to navigate and shipping is quick—handy when the first snowstorm surprises you.
  

Living With It: The Bits You Only Learn After Miles

Trunk space is generous, though the ski pass-through isn’t huge; I managed a week’s worth of luggage plus a stroller without swearing, which is rare. The rear seat in the A8 L will spoil your passengers—massage and footrests make people strangely punctual. Downsides? The steering could talk more, and the user interface shows its age next to modern touch-heavy systems. But as a long-haul luxury tool, the Audi A8 D4 absolutely nails the brief.

Conclusion: The Audi A8 D4 Is the Quiet Achiever

In a world where some luxury sedans shout, the Audi A8 D4 murmurs—and somehow feels more confident for it. It’s fast when you need it, serene when you don’t, and with the right accessories (start with good floor mats), it still feels every inch a modern premium sedan. If you’re considering a used flagship, the Audi A8 D4 belongs on your short list.

Frequently Asked Questions

What years are the Audi A8 D4?

The Audi A8 D4 covers model years 2010 through 2017, including the facelift introduced for 2014–2015 depending on market.

Is there a hybrid version of the Audi A8 D4?

Yes—some markets received an A8 Hybrid with a 2.0 TFSI-based system. It’s rare, so availability and parts support can vary by region.

Which engine is the best all‑rounder for daily use?

The 3.0 TFSI is the sweet spot for most drivers—strong, refined, and efficient. If you want effortless overtaking and a bit of theater, the 4.0 TFSI is the one.

How much horsepower does an Audi A8 4.2 (2009) have?

The 2009 A8 4.2 (previous generation) makes about 350 hp and 325 lb‑ft from its 4.2‑liter V8—solid, but the D4’s turbocharged engines are notably quicker and more efficient.

What floor mats fit the Audi A8 D4 best?

Mats designed specifically for the A8 D4 with factory anchor compatibility offer the best protection and fit. See the full selection here: A8 D4 floor mats.