How many cylinders does the Audi A8 engine have?
4 Answers
Audi A8 engines come in three power specifications: 1. The 3.0-liter engine has 6 cylinders, with a maximum power of 206 kW and a maximum torque of 360 Nm; 2. The 4.2-liter engine has 8 cylinders, with a maximum power of 246 kW and a maximum torque of 430 Nm; 3. The 6.0-liter engine has 12 cylinders, with a maximum power of 331 kW and a maximum torque of 580 Nm. The Audi A8 measures 5267 mm in length, 1949 mm in width, and 1460 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3122 mm. The car's suspension is electronically controlled, acting on all wheels, and features a continuously adjustable damping system, enabling flexible and dynamic driving without compromising ride comfort.
I have quite some research on the cylinder count of Audi A8's engines. This luxury sedan has historically used several configurations, ranging from the early 4.2L V8 to the later W12 6.0L engine. Currently, the main models on sale mostly start with six-cylinder configurations. For example, the 55TFSI model promoted in the Chinese market features a 3.0L V6 turbocharged engine with a maximum output of 340 horsepower, which is more than sufficient for daily use. The top-tier 60TFSI version comes with a 4.0L V8 engine, delivering an impressive 460 horsepower and notably strong acceleration. Although there used to be entry-level four-cylinder versions, they have been mostly phased out now. Most A8 buyers opt for the six-cylinder version, which offers a good balance between power and fuel efficiency, and the 48V mild hybrid system ensures particularly smooth start-stop operation. Pay attention to the model year, as post-2015 versions predominantly shifted to six-cylinder as the main configuration.
When I test drove the Audi A8 last time, I specifically asked the salesperson about the engine. Most A8L models available in China now come with a 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine, the one codenamed EA839. Although it's a six-cylinder, it runs exceptionally quiet with early turbo engagement, delivering maximum torque at just 1,800 rpm. The salesperson mentioned that the eight-cylinder version is only available in the top trim, costing over 200,000 yuan more with an even larger fuel tank required. In actual driving, the six-cylinder feels more than adequate, handling highway overtaking effortlessly while maintaining decent fuel efficiency. Honestly, there's no need to obsess over cylinder count when choosing a car - modern six-cylinder technology is so refined that it outperforms older eight-cylinder models in power. Audi's strategy is quite clever, using cylinder count to differentiate model grades while ensuring even the base version delivers premium quality.
The engine configuration of the Audi A8 depends on the specific model. The 55TFSI features a six-cylinder 3.0T engine, while the eight-cylinder 60TFSI is relatively rare. Internationally, the performance-oriented S8 version also uses an eight-cylinder engine. The V6 version is lighter, making it more suitable for urban commuting; the V8 offers deeper power reserves but higher fuel consumption. The cylinder layout affects chassis weight distribution, with the A8 using a longitudinally mounted engine to achieve a near 50:50 front-to-rear weight ratio. When choosing a car, models with badges starting from 55 and above indicate six or eight-cylinder engines, while older four-cylinder models are labeled as 40TFSI. In the era of electrification, the significance of cylinder count has diminished, as hybrid systems compensate for low-end torque.
