1997-2003 Audi A8: Year-to-Year Changes

1998 Audi A8: A glass moonroof replaced the previous aluminum sunroof for 1998. The mandatory 5-speed automatic transmission was now a Porsche designed Tiptronic unit, with manual-shifting feature. Dual-pane "acoustic" glass was newly standard. A new option package included high-intensity xenon headlamps.

1999 Audi A8: Nothing of consequence was new for 1999 in Audi's premium sedan, again offered in A8 3.7 form with front-drive, or as the A8 4.2 with Quattro all-wheel drive.

2000 Audi A8: In addition to a mild restyling for 2000, Audi's flagship lost its lower-priced, front-drive A8 3.7 model, and the A8 4.2 earned a $3000 base price cut. New "curtain" side airbags were installed, and the 4.2-liter V8 engine gained 10 horsepower (now rated at 310). The Sideguard airbags were designed to drop down from above the doors in a side-impact collision. Also added: a 3-point rear center seatbelt, steering-wheel audio controls, and automatic-dimming mirrors. Three new options joined the list: a satellite-linked navigation system, an "Acoustic" parking system that warned of obstacles when backing up, and an antiskid Electronic Stability Program. A longer-wheelbase sedan was scheduled for debut during 2000, promising three extra inches of rear legroom.

2001 Audi A8: A 360-horsepower S8 and a longer-body A8L joined the line-up in 2001. New standard features for the A8 and L included an antiskid system, an oil-level sensor, front passenger-seat memory, and a new steering wheel with controls for manual shifting, audio, and available cell phone. Audi extended its warranty from 3 years/50,000 miles to 4/50,000.

2002 Audi A8: A new radio with in-dash 6-disc changer, a "Sport" setting for the transmission, and new wheels marked 2002 versions of Audi's flagship line. New safety features for '02 included an in-trunk emergency release and an optional tire-pressure-monitoring system. OnStar assistance became available midyear, and could be enhanced with extra-cost in-car e-mail service.

2003 Audi A8: Audi's flagship sedan sees little change in preparation for a model-year 2004 redesign.