Who would have thought that one of Audi’s most advanced luxury sedans would be available to buy today for less than the cost of a brand-new Toyota Camry? We’re not talking about a heavily damaged or a half-finished restoration project either, but a real, solid, long-wheelbase Audi A8 L TDI with a posh interior and probably a squeaky-clean title. It’s strange to see a vehicle like this overlap directly with a mainstream midsize sedan when you consider that the A8 was meant to compete at the very top of the luxury sedan segment, especially in terms of complexity, technology, and even reputation.
2014 Audi A8 L TDI Specifications
Engine
3.0-liter turbocharged V6 diesel
Transmission
Eight-speed automatic
Drivetrain
Quattro all-wheel drive
Power
240 hp
Torque
406 lb-ft
Audi of America sold the A8 L TDI in the US between the 2013 and 2016 model years. It featured a diesel powertrain prioritizing torque, refinement, and long-distance composure. Buyers also got a first-class interior and superior ride quality. But today, in the current US used car market, you can get a clean example of this car for somewhere between the mid-teens and mid $20,000 range. Of course, the cost would depend on the specific car’s age, condition, service history, and mileage. Fully documented examples may typically command a small premium, but this isn’t a $40,000 used luxury sedan. Therefore, the A8 begs to be compared to the Camry.
Prices for the 2026 Camry start at $29,100 (before the destination charge) and go as high as $37,025 for the XSE AWD grade. This means that most folks are paying in the mid-$30,000 range for one. Even the base trim is a long way above bargain-basement territory that may once have been the case in this sector. There’s not so much of a gap between the used flagship and the new mainstream anymore, giving you a particularly stark comparison between the two classes.
Certainly, the Camry is well put together by Toyota, but it’s a mass-market sedan meant to have broad appeal. By contrast, Audi engineered the A8 L TDI with all the bells and whistles as a full-size luxury sedan. It came with standard Quattro all-wheel drive, an air suspension, and a cabin that you simply can’t compare to a Camry. However, a new Toyota comes with the peace of mind of a factory warranty, including 3 years/36,000 miles of basic coverage, 5 years/60,000 miles of powertrain coverage, 8 years/100,000 miles for the hybrid system, and 10 years/150,000 miles for the hybrid battery.
Overall, it’s not a huge surprise to see a luxury sedan depreciate quickly in the United States. However, this Audi certainly suffered due to shifting perceptions during its launch and some scandal-related bad timing. The A8 TDI debuted at a time when the automaker was actively promoting diesel technology as a strong alternative to gasoline. The company trumpeted the option’s extra torque and efficiency, but then the Dieselgate scandal hit. The situation not only affected the VW Group’s products but also significantly damaged consumer trust in diesel-powered passenger cars as an overall category. It didn’t matter if a particular vehicle was fully in compliance and had no mechanical relation to the controversy itself. People lost trust in diesel models.
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Luxury sedan buyers in America typically chose gas engines before Dieselgate, so the diesel A8 was always going to be at a disadvantage to some extent, even in an ideal world. Also, Audi didn’t really have the emotional performance branding at the time that some rivals could lean on, which contributed to this car’s depreciation woes. The situation means that the sedan’s resale value has collapsed much more quickly than gas-fueled A8 models, as demand for the diesel powertrain dried up and its prices went south. Dealers couldn’t really explain the appeal to a casual shopper and the overall depreciation curve reflects a lot of market anxiety rather than just mechanical reality.
Average Sale Values
Model Year
Dealer
Auction
2014
$13,625
2015
$16,100
2016
$17,450
Average over all years
$24,575
Dealership figures provided by JD Power represent average condition and mileage. Auction figures from Bring a Trailer show an average of all model year sales.
If you can look beyond scandals, public perception, and resale values, you might see that the Audi A8 L TDI is one of the company’s most coherent luxury designs of the era. It didn’t have an engine meant to chase horsepower numbers or acceleration records. Instead, the 3.0-liter turbo V6 diesel provided a broad plateau of torque for great all-around drivability. Drivers got immediate and unforced acceleration to make passing maneuvers a breeze, while cruising was also easy and lazy.
On board, owners received extensive sound insulation and acoustic glass for added refinement, so occupants wouldn’t be bothered by distant diesel-engine clatter. The ride was calm and engaging due to the standard air suspension, perfect for filtering out road imperfections. The A8 with the diesel should have been a real flagship in the form of a capable car meant to cover those miles efficiently, quietly, and with no stress.
When Audi launched the A8 L TDI, the company was already leaning on the success of its diesel SUVs, so the automaker firmly believed that a subset of luxury sedan buyers would also go for diesel technology. Audi therefore tested the market by placing the diesel engine into its long-wheelbase A8 as it felt that those buyers valued comfort and extra space far more than sporty driving dynamics. The Four Rings thought the powertrain would please that type of buyer by leaning on smoothness and range rather than outright excitement.
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At the time of launch, diesel was still acceptable in the public eye. If anything, it had an image of technical sophistication, thanks in part to Audi’s endurance racing success with the technology at the time. The landscape changed very quickly following Dieselgate. The public no longer trusted diesel cars, and regulatory scrutiny intensified. At the same time, customers started to look more towards electrification, so the A8 L TDI rapidly fell from grace.
In addition to the car’s unfortunate backstory, other factors help keep Audi’s used prices low. For example, prospective owners need to look closely at the air suspension, which can certainly deliver a composed ride when it’s working properly. However, the system can be very expensive to maintain as it gets older. If previous owners have deferred maintenance, that can also be a red flag, especially as diesel emission systems add layers of complexity.
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The A8 L TDI is not necessarily a car for those who want predictable running costs and minimal involvement. However, it could be a rewarding vehicle if the prospective car has a great past history and the new owner is willing to maintain it proactively. For an informed enthusiast, this former flagship is certainly worth looking at. The sedan still offers genuine luxury and a long-distance comfort that’s very difficult to replicate elsewhere. The diesel A8 can reward drivers who’d like some substance and capability in their lives.
Markets don’t always value cars based on engineering merit, but other real-world factors such as shifting narratives, misunderstandings, and even fear often come into the picture. Such has been the case with the Audi A8 L TDI, the former flagship that’s a compelling buy today. It projects a different interpretation of value when you consider that this flagship now costs less than a new Camry, but it’s surely an interesting proposition for some. People who understand its purpose may understand how outside forces can quickly erase prestige. And at the same time, they can also see how quickly opportunity can emerge from the ashes.
Sources: Cars and Bids, Auto Catalog, Toyota, Kelley Blue Book.
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