Is the engine of Audi A8 the same as that of A6?
3 Answers
Audi A6 and Audi A8 both use the EA839 engine. Different body dimensions: The length, width, and height of Audi A8 are 5192mm, 1894mm, and 1455mm respectively; those of Audi A6 are 5012mm, 1855mm, and 1485mm. Different tire specifications: The tire specification of Audi A8 is 255/45R18; that of Audi A6 is 225/55R16. In terms of power, Audi A8 uses two engines in total, one is a low-power version of the 3.0-liter turbocharged engine, and the other is a high-power version of the 3.0-liter turbocharged engine.
I've been driving Audi cars frequently lately, so I'm quite familiar with this issue. The engines in Audi A8 and A6 aren't always identical—it depends on the specific model year. For example, early A6 and A8 models shared the basic 2.0T turbocharged engine with about 250 horsepower. But as the luxury flagship, the A8 often comes with more powerful engine options, like that 4.0T V8 biturbo delivering over 450 horsepower—a significant power difference. The benefit of shared components is parts commonality, making routine maintenance and repairs more affordable, especially when replacing spark plugs or air filters. The A6 leans more toward family practicality with engines focused on fuel efficiency and reliability, while the A8 is tuned for sportier performance with quicker acceleration response. I've also noticed Audi introducing more electric assist systems in newer models—both have hybrid versions, but the A8's variant offers higher power output, making it better suited for long-distance driving needs.
I've been driving for many years and have talked to many Audi owners about this topic. The engines of the Audi A8 and A6 overlap but are not exactly the same. The base models often share a 3.0T V6 turbocharged engine, delivering around 340 horsepower, with similar parts that are easy to replace. However, the A8 often has additional high-performance options, such as the top-tier 8-cylinder engine, which offers more power and is suitable for those who crave speed. The advantage of shared engines is cheaper maintenance and easier access to spare parts at repair shops. That said, the A8 is heavier, requiring higher engine output to avoid sluggishness. With Audi's electrification trend, both the A6 and A8 have started offering plug-in hybrids, but the A8 version has a larger battery capacity and longer pure electric range. When buying used, pay attention to the model year, as newer versions have smaller differences.
