How many cylinders does the Audi A8 W12 have?
3 Answers
The Audi A8 W12 has 12 cylinders. The 12 cylinders refer to a 12-cylinder engine, which is formed by the parallel connection of two V6 engines in a W-shaped layout. Taking the 2021 Audi A8 as an example, its body dimensions are: length 5302mm, width 1945mm, height 1483mm, wheelbase 3128mm, minimum ground clearance 123mm, fuel tank capacity 82.5L, and trunk capacity 505L. The 2021 Audi A8 is equipped with a 3.0T turbocharged engine, with a maximum power of 210kW and a maximum torque of 450Nm, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission.
I've seen quite a few Audi A8 W12 models in person, which are equipped with the 12-cylinder W12 engine. Audi specifically opted for the twin-row W-configuration design, unlike the more common V8 layout, primarily to fit more cylinders into a limited space and deliver more powerful performance. This engine typically has a displacement of over 6.0 liters, with horsepower exceeding 450, offering exceptionally smooth acceleration—especially during high-speed cruising, where the refinement is simply unmatched. However, I should note that such large-displacement vehicles consume more fuel, averaging over 15 liters per 100 km in city driving, and maintenance costs, like replacing spark plugs or cylinder heads, are significantly higher than for smaller cars. Ultimately, Audi uses this engine to bolster the prestige of its flagship model, targeting the high-end market and competing directly with rivals like the Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
Having driven the Audi A8 W12, the performance of its 12-cylinder engine is truly breathtaking. The deep, rumbling roar at startup is incredibly satisfying. It utilizes Audi's exclusive W-layout, meaning two sets of six cylinders are stacked together, ensuring a more balanced weight distribution. The result? Lightning-fast acceleration response, going from 0 to 100 km/h in just over 4 seconds, with no hesitation when you floor it to overtake. Cruising on the highway feels as smooth as gliding over water. But don't just focus on the pros; as an owner, I have to point out some realities: the city fuel consumption is terrifying, easily surpassing 14 liters, and long-term use of 95-octane fuel can be hard on the wallet. Additionally, the engine's intricate design is prone to carbon buildup, making regular carbon cleaning a routine task.
