Overview

What's New for 2012:
- New flagship model with 500-horsepower engine
- Standard Wi-Fi hotspot capability and Google Earth mapping
- New leather interior packages available on all trims

Exterior Features
The 2012 Audi A8 is an all-wheel-drive, full-size luxury sedan offered in three trim levels, including standard- and long-wheelbase (L) versions and top-of-the-line A8 L W12. Nineteen-inch wheels are standard equipment on all but the W12 model, which is fitted with 20-inch wheels.

Interior Features
The 2012 Audi A8 seats up to 5 passengers and offers 13.2 cubic feet of trunk space. The base A8 4.2 and A8 4.2 L both feature leather seats, heated power front seats, navigation system, Audi's proprietary Multi Media Interface touch-screen system, Bluetooth connectivity, and a Bose sound system. The flagship A8 L W12 comes with upgraded leather upholstery; heated steering wheel; and heated, massaging rear seats. Additionally, the L W12 offers upgraded 4-zone automatic climate control and a rear-seat entertainment system.

Optional Features
Options for the 2012 Audi A8 are grouped into several packages, but can also be added individually.  The Premium package features 22-way power massaging front seats, while the Rear-Seat Comfort package includes power recline and lumbar adjustments and rear vanity mirrors. The Executive Rear-Seating package is only available for L models and includes individual rear seats with upgraded leather, as well as a dual-screen DVD system and a refrigerator. Stand-alone options include 20-inch wheels, night-vision camera, and a premium Bang & Olufsen audio system.

Under the Hood
A8 4.2 models are equipped with a 4.2-liter V-8 engine rated at 372 horsepower, while the new A8 L W12 model comes with a larger 6.3-liter W-12 engine rated at 500 horsepower. An 8-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission is standard on each version.

Fuel Economy
EPA fuel-economy figures for the 2012 Audi A8 are:
- A8 and A8 L with 4.2-liter V-8 engine: 18/28/21 mpg (city/highway/combined)
- A8 L W12 with 6.3-liter W-12 engine: 14/21/16 mpg

Safety
Standard safety features on the 2012 Audi A8 include anti-lock brakes and air bags in front-side, side-curtain, and rear-side positions.

Neither the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) nor the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has tested the 2012 Audi A8.