Audi Engines: A List of All V8, V10, and W12 Models (2024)

Do you like the thunderous roar of a high-displacement engine?

Audi has been making some of the best engines in the automotive industry for years.

From the V8 to the W12, this German carmaker certainly knows how to build an engine that keeps car enthusiasts returning for more.

So, without further ado, let’s dive into the world of Audi models with V8, V10, and W12 engines and discover the magic within these impressive machines!

17 Audi models equipped with a V8 engine

Let’s take a closer look at some of the Audi models equipped with V8 engines.

The following Audi models have a V8 engine:

• V8 | V8 (1988-1993)
• S4 | C4 S4 Plus (1992-1994), B6 S4 (2003-2005), B7 S4 (2005-2009)
• RS4 | B7 RS4 (2006-2008), B8 RS4 (2012-2015)
• S5 | B8 S5 (2007-2012)
• RS5 | B8 RS5 (2010-2017)
• A6 | C5 A6 (1997-2004), C6 A6 (2004-2011)
• S6 | C4 S6 (1994-1997), C5 S6 (1999-2003), C7 S6 (2012-2018)
• RS6 | C5 RS6 (2002-2004), C7 RS6 (2013-2018), C8 RS6 (2019-present)
• S7 | 4G8 S7 (2012-2017)
• RS7 | 4G8 RS7 (2013-2017), 4K8 RS7 (2018-present)
• Q7 | 4L Q7 (2007-2010)
• SQ7 | SQ7 TDI (2016-2020), SQ7 TFSI (2020-present)
• A8 | D2 A8 (1994-2002), D3 A8 (2003-2009), D4 A8 (2010-2018), D5 A8 (2020-present)
• S8 | D2 S8 (1996-2003), D4 S8 (2012-2018), D5 S8 (2019-present)
• R8 | R8 (2006-2015)
• SQ8 | SQ8 TDI (2019-present), SQ8 TFSI (2020-present)
• RS Q8 | RS Q8 (2020-present)

Tip: If you’re interested in who makes Audi cars, we’d recommend reading this article for a behind-the-scenes look at how Audi operates!

1. Audi V8

The Audi V8 was Audi’s first V8-powered car and was produced from 1988 to 1994.

The V8 engine in the car was a 3.6-liter unit that produced 250 horsepower and 251 lb-ft of torque, which was paired with a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic transmission.

From 1991 to 1993, the Audi V8 was also available with a 4.2-liter V8 engine paired with a 6-speed manual.

2. Audi S4 & RS4

The Audi S4 and RS4 are high-performance versions of the Audi A4.

The V8 was first placed in the S4 in 1992 when Audi introduced the ‘Plus’ variant of the S4, but it was built in very small numbers.

The V8-powered S4 of the second and third generations, produced from 2003 to 2009, was much more popular. It was equipped with a 4.2-liter V8 engine that delivered an impressive 344 horsepower. It’s among the best engines of the Audi A4 B7!

The RS4, produced in limited numbers from 2006 to 2008, was even more powerful, thanks to its 4.2-liter V8 engine that produced a whopping 420 horsepower.

Later, the 4.2-liter V8 engine came back in the Audi RS4 (B8) produced between 2012 and 2015, delivering 450 horsepower. You can read our buyer’s guide for the Audi A4 B8 here!

3. Audi S5 & RS5

The Audi S5 and RS5 models are the high-performance siblings of Audi’s popular A5 compact executive car.

The first generation S5, produced between 2007 and 2012, was equipped with a beastly 4.2-liter V8 engine with 354 horsepower.

But wait, there’s more!

The RS5, produced between 2010 and 2017, upped the ante with its 4.2-liter V8 engine, producing an earth-shaking 450 horsepower.

Needless to say, the Audi S5 and RS5 are high-performance cars that pack a punch thanks to their impressive V8 engines.

Related article: Audi S5 Reliability: An In-Depth Look At The Years To Avoid

4. Audi A6, S6 & RS6

The Audi A6, S6, and RS6 are all well-known for being Audi’s luxury sedan or wagon.

The A6 was available with a 4.2-liter V8 engine in both the C5 and C6 generations, offering drivers a potent 300 horsepower.

The S6, on the other hand, took things up a notch, with its 4.2-liter V8 engine producing a hefty 340 horsepower in the C4 and C5 generations.

The latest S6, in the C7 generation, boasts a 4.0-liter V8 engine that delivers an impressive 420 horsepower.

But the show’s real star is the RS6, which is available in three different generations.

The first, the C5 generation, was equipped with a 4.2-liter V8 engine that produced an awe-inspiring 450 horsepower.

The latest two generations, the C7 and C8, feature a 4.0-liter V8 engine that delivers an astounding 560 or 600 horsepower.

So, when you choose the right A6, S6, or RS6, you’ll be treated to an impressive V8 engine that delivers exceptional performance!

Related article: If you’re interested in the Audi A6, you can find some examples of how it looks with 19-, 20-, and 21-inch wheels in this article!

5. Audi S7 & RS7

The Audi S7 and RS7 models are known for their sleek design, exceptional performance, and powerful V8 engines.

The S7, produced from 2012 to 2017, was equipped with a 4.0-liter V8 engine that produced 420 horsepower, which allowed the car to reach 60 mph in just 4.7 seconds.

The RS7, produced from 2013 to 2017 in the 4G8 generation, featured the same 4.0-liter V8 engine but with an upgraded turbocharger system that delivered an impressive 560 horsepower and a 0-60 mph time of just 3.9 seconds.

The latest RS7, in the 4K8 generation, boasts a 4.0-liter V8 engine with a whopping 592 horsepower!

6. Audi Q7 & SQ7

The Audi Q7 and SQ7 models are popular for drivers seeking a powerful and spacious SUV.

The Q7, produced from 2007 to 2010, featured a 4.2-liter V8 engine that delivered 322 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque.

In 2016, the SQ7 was introduced, which featured a 4.0-liter V8 engine, but with a twist – it was a diesel engine. This powerful engine delivered an impressive 435 horsepower and an incredible 664 lb-ft of torque.

The latest SQ7, introduced in 2020, offers a petrol variant of the same 4.0-liter V8 engine, which produces an impressive 500 horsepower and 568 lb-ft of torque.

7. Audi A8 & S8

Of course, we can’t forget about the Audi S8, the flagship sedan that’s as luxurious as it is powerful.

The Audi A8 and S8 have been in production since 1994, and during that time, they were equipped with many different V8 engines, both petrol and diesel.

For example, the D3 generation of the Audi A8 already had four variations of the V8 engine, with a 3.7-liter, 3.9-liter, 4.1-liter & 4.2-liter model.

The latest Audi S8, produced from 2019 onwards, has a 4.0-liter V8 engine that can deliver up to 563 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque!

8. Audi R8

The Audi R8 could be the most impressive Audi model with a V8 engine.

This beauty boasts a 4.2-liter V10 engine that can deliver up to 420 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque.

That’s enough power to go from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.0 seconds, making the R8 one of the fastest cars on the road. And with its aerodynamic design, it’s also one of the most beautiful.

9. Audi SQ8 & RS Q8

The Audi SQ8 and RS Q8 models are both high-performance SUVs designed for those who demand the ultimate driving experience.

The SQ8 is available in both diesel and petrol variants, with a 4.0-liter V8 engine that delivers an impressive 430 horsepower and 663 lb-ft of torque for the diesel version and a massive 500 horsepower and 570 lb-ft of torque for the petrol version.

Meanwhile, the RS Q8 features the same 4.0-liter V8 engine but with an impressive 591 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque, making it the most powerful SUV Audi has ever produced.

What is the best Audi V8 engine?

Ah, the age-old question – what is the best Audi V8 engine?

Well, that’s tough, as no one answer will be universally accepted.

From the list of Audi models with a V8 engine above, it’s clear that the 4.2-liter V8 is the most common.

However, we’d say that the 4.0-liter V8 engine found in Audi’s like the RS6 (C7 and C7) or the RS Q8 is the best Audi V8 engine, and even one of the best Audi engines, period!

With up to 597 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque, it’s like strapping a rocket to the back of your car!

Plus, it’s just so much fun to drive. But hey, don’t take our word for it – go out and test drive one for yourself.

Who knows, maybe you’ll find that the 4.2-liter V8 in the RS5 is more to your taste.

Either way, you can’t go wrong with an Audi V8 engine!

4 Audi models equipped with a V10 engine

Alright, it’s time to turn up the volume and get ready for some serious power.

We’re talking about the V10 engine, the monstrous heart that beats within some of Audi’s most iconic cars.

The V10 engine delivers incredible horsepower and torque while producing one of the most recognizable engine notes on the road.

Some V10 engines of specific Audi models even come from Lamborghini!

It’s no wonder that Audi has chosen to include this powerhouse in some of its most impressive models.

The following Audi models have a V10 engine:

• S6 | C6 S6 (2006-2011)
• RS6 | C6 RS6 (2008-2010)
• S8 | D3 S8 (2006-2009)
• R8 | Type 42 R8 (2009-2015), Type 4S R8 (2016-present)

1. Audi S6 & RS6

The Audi S6 and RS6 from the C6 generation are known for their impressive V10 engines.

The 5.2-liter V10 used in the S6 is a derivative of Lamborghini’s 5.0-liter V10 engine but slightly modified to produce more low-end torque for the heavier sedan.

The RS6 (C6) takes things up a notch with a 5.0-liter V10 engine capable of producing up to 571 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque.

At the time, the RS6 was Audi’s most powerful car ever, outperforming both the BMW M5 and Mercedes E63 AMG in engine output!

2. Audi S8

The Audi S8 is the epitome of luxury and performance, and the V10 engine that powers it is nothing short of impressive.

The S8 (D3) model, produced from 2006-2009, boasts a 5.2-liter V10 engine capable of producing up to 444 horsepower and 398 lb-ft of torque.

The 5.2-liter V10 engine used in the Audi S8 of the D3 generation is technically the same as in the Audi S6 of the C6 generation, just in a higher tuning state. And it’s also based on Audi’s 4.2-liter V8 engine!

It’s a silky-smooth powerplant that effortlessly delivers power, making it a joy to drive on long trips.

But don’t be fooled by its refined nature – the S8 can also hit 60 mph in just 5.1 seconds, making it a true performance sedan.

3. Audi R8

At last, we have the Audi R8, one of the most iconic supercars on the planet, and the V10 engine that powers it is a major reason why.

The R8 (Type 42) with a 5.2-liter V10 engine that produced up to 525 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque was produced from 2009-2015, while the current R8 (Type 4S) model comes with a more powerful 5.2-liter V10 that generates up to 612 horsepower.

It’s the same engine as you’ll find in the Lamborghini Huracan!

Both Audi R8s are paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive system, providing exceptional handling and control.

And let’s not forget about that sound – the roar of the V10 is music to any car enthusiast’s ears.

Reader’s tip: Audi R8 – Every Generation Ranked From Best To Worst (2024)

What is the best Audi V10 engine?

Let’s discuss the same question we asked ourselves for Audi’s V8 engines, but this time for the V10 ones. Which V10 engine is best?

Generally, the 5.2-liter V10 engine found in the Audi R8 produced from 2016 onwards is the best Audi V10.

It’s like a musical instrument that propels a car to ridiculous speeds. Its spine-tingling sound feels like it’s just begging to be revved.

Plus, enthusiasts consistently praised it for its performance and reliability. This engine is so good that even Lamborghini uses it for their Huracan!

Audi A8 L: The Audi model that’s equipped with a W12 engine

The Audi A8 L is a luxurious full-size sedan with spacious interiors, advanced technology, and a refined driving experience.

The A8 L has seen three generations of models that were equipped with a powerful W12 engine.

The following Audi A8 models have a W12 engine:

• A8 L (D2) / 2001-2002 / 6.0-liter W12
• A8 L (D3) / 2005-2009 / 6.0-liter W12
• A8 L (D4) / 2010-2017 / 6.3-liter W12

The first A8 L (D2) with a W12 engine was introduced in 2001 and was produced until 2002. Although it was a 12-cylinder engine, it was relatively compact since it was developed by effectively mating two VR6 engines at the crankshaft.

The second generation A8 L (D3) was produced from 2005 to 2009, and it also had an option for the 6.0-liter W12 engine generating 450 horsepower and 428 lb-ft of torque.

The third generation A8 L (D4) was produced from 2010 to 2017, and it featured a 6.3-liter W12 engine that delivered 500 horsepower and 463 lb-ft of torque.

Are Audi V8, V10, or W12 engines any good?

Are Audi V8, V10, or W12 engines any good? Really? Of course, they are!

These engines are the heart and soul of Audi’s high-performance models, and they pack a punch that will make any car enthusiast weak in the knees.

Audi’s engines are among the best in the world, whether it’s the thunderous sound of the V8, the high-pitched sensations of a V10, or the power and smoothness of a W12.

So if you want a car that’s more than just a mode of transportation, but an experience that will leave you grinning from ear to ear, then look no further than an Audi with a V8, V10, or W12 engine.

And if you’re afraid of these engines being unreliable, we recommend reading our research article about Audi’s reliability!

FAQs about Audi V8, V10, or W12 engines

If you’ve any doubts about Audi’s V8, V10, or W12 engines, take a look at these FAQs below:

Conclusion

In conclusion, Audi has truly outdone itself with its V8, V10, and W12 engines.

And that’s also seen in the number of models they were used in, a total of 21!

Whether you’re looking for a high-end sedan, a powerful sports car, or a versatile SUV, Audi has a V8, V10, or W12 engine that will meet your needs.

What do you think of Audi’s engines? Let us know in the comments below!