DecodedCars2018 Audi S8
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2018 models.
- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Body styles
- Plus 4dr Sedan 4.0 Tfsi Quattro
- Engines
- 4.0L 8-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 18 combined · 14 city / 24 hwy
- Length
- 201.6 in
- Curb weight
- 4,685 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
Nothing stands out against similar models in the data.
Watch out for
- Below-average fuel economyBest version gets 18 MPG combined, 34% below the 2018 midsize car average of 27.2 MPG.
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 31 similar 2018 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2018 Audi S8 is a midsize car offered with a 4.0L 8-cyl turbo engine and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 202 inches long and 77 inches wide on a 118-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,685 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 18 MPG combined (14 city / 24 highway), 34% worse than the 2018 midsize car average of 27.2 MPG, for an estimated $4,550 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 1 recall campaign on file.
What changed for 2018
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2017 S8 — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2017; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2017 S8 →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plus 4dr Sedan 4.0 Tfsi Quattro | 201.6 in | 76.8 in | 57.5 in | 117.7 in | 64.2 / 64.2 in | 4,685 lb | 56/44 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S8 | 4.0L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 14 / 24 / 18 | -34% | $4,550 | 503 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2018 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2018 Audi S8.
Similar 2018 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Audi S8 (this car) | 18 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2018 BMW 5 Series | 30 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 25 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2018 Audi A6 | 28 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2018 Lexus LS | 28 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2018 Lincoln Continental | 21 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2018 Tesla Model S | 335 mi | Not rated | 11 |
Recalls (1)
Structure › Body › Hood · Jul 7, 2020
NHTSA campaign 20V397000 · 12,964 vehicles
- Problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Audi S8 and A8 vehicles. The seal around the engine compartment may come loose and contact hot engine components.
- Risk
- If the seal contacts hot engine components, there could be an increased risk of a fire.
- Fix
- Audi will notify owners, and dealers will install a retaining plate to prevent the engine compartment seal from loosening. The recall began September 4, 2020. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 51G6.
Not every 2018 Audi S8 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
No owner complaints for the 2018 Audi S8 in NHTSA's database since 2015.
Used 2018 Audi S8 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2018 Audi S8. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other S8 years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 S8 | 18 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 S8 | 18 | 203.9 in | Not rated | 1 | 0 |
| 2025 S8 | 18 | 203.9 in | Not rated | 1 | 0 |
| 2024 S8 | 18 | 203.9 in | Not rated | 1 | 0 |
| 2023 S8 | 18 | 203.9 in | Not rated | 2 | 0 |
| 2022 S8 | 17 | 203.9 in | Not rated | 3 | 0 |
| 2021 S8 | 16 | 203.9 in | Not rated | 8 | 1 |
| 2020 S8 | 16 | 203.9 in | Not rated | 4 | 0 |
| 2017 S8 | 18 | 201.6 in | Not rated | 2 | 0 |
| 2016 S8 | 18 | 201.6 in | Not rated | 3 | 6 |
| 2015 S8 | 20 | 201.6 in | Not rated | 4 | 6 |
| 2014 S8 | 18 | 201.6 in | Not rated | 5 | 6 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Audi. How we calculate this →