What does 8AT mean?
4 Answers
8AT refers to a hydraulic automatic transmission with 8 forward gears. A hydraulic automatic transmission is a type of gear-shifting device composed of a torque converter and a planetary gear transmission. The torque converter is a hydraulic transmission device capable of altering the transmitted torque. There are four common types of automatic transmissions: Hydraulic Automatic Transmission (abbreviated as AT), Continuously Variable Transmission (abbreviated as CVT), Automated Manual Transmission (abbreviated as AMT), and Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT). Vehicles equipped with an 8AT transmission include the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo, BMW 5 Series, Lexus LS460L, Lexus GS460, ISF, Rolls-Royce Ghost, Audi A8, Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8, among others.
8AT stands for 8-speed automatic transmission. As someone who has been repairing cars for years, I find its design quite ingenious, using eight forward gears to optimize power output. Gear shifts are smoother compared to old 4-speed transmissions, with minimal jerking, especially when climbing or accelerating, as the engine load is well-distributed, saving a lot of fuel. The downside is its more complex structure, making maintenance costlier. Regular transmission fluid changes are necessary to prevent wear, recommended every 60,000 kilometers. Overall, 8AT is a great choice for owners who frequently drive on highways, significantly improving driving comfort and reducing fatigue on long trips. Many mid-to-high-end vehicles now use it, eliminating the hassle of manual transmissions.
In the eyes of young car owners, 8AT represents an eight-speed automatic transmission, which makes driving particularly exhilarating. From my own experience, the acceleration response is incredibly fast, and gear shifts are almost imperceptible during frequent stops and starts in the city, making it smoother than a six-speed transmission. The fuel-saving effect is noticeable—for example, during highway cruising, the RPM can drop significantly, saving a considerable amount on fuel costs over a year. In terms of performance, sports cars like BMWs equipped with 8AT achieve faster 0-100 km/h acceleration, delivering a fully immersive driving experience. Paying attention to this feature when choosing a car elevates the overall driving pleasure by a notch—once you've driven one, you won't want to go back to a car with fewer gears.
8AT refers to an 8-speed automatic transmission. I mostly drive to pick up and drop off my family, and what I love most is the comfort this transmission provides. The gear shifts are incredibly smooth, making it less likely for children to get carsick, especially during stop-and-go traffic where braking and restarting are seamless. It also offers good fuel efficiency, helping to reduce monthly expenses for family car use. Compared to manual transmissions or those with fewer gears, driving is much more effortless, allowing you to focus solely on the road conditions. Comfort is its biggest selling point, making it ideal for daily commuting.
