The 2012 Audi A8 Quattro sits in Audi’s modern flagship luxury-sedan tradition, blending all-wheel-drive confidence with the restrained engineering focus that defines the A8 line. In this generation, the car’s appeal comes as much from its road manners and long-distance composure as from its technology and presence. Tire selection centers on two radial fitments, 255/45R19 and 265/40R20, so the first step is confirming which wheel diameter is on the car. Because both sizes appear across the A8 Quattro range, the real decision often comes down to matching the tire to the actual wheel setup, ride preference, and any changes made since the car left stock form.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 2012 Audi A8 Quattro
The 2012 Audi A8 Quattro uses two primary tire sizes, and the difference comes down first to wheel diameter: 19-inch wheels use 255/45R19, while 20-inch wheels use 265/40R20. Both are radial fitments and both appear across the covered sub-models, so the key step is confirming the exact wheel package currently on the car before choosing a tire.
255/45R19 is a metric radial size in which 255 identifies the nominal section width in millimeters, 45 is the aspect ratio, R denotes radial construction, and 19 is the rim diameter in inches. On the 2012 Audi A8 Quattro, this size belongs to cars equipped with 19-inch wheels and reflects a modern low-profile luxury-performance fitment. Its dimensions make it a useful reference point when verifying the wheel package already on the vehicle. This is the size to use when the car retains the 19-inch setup and wheel diameter has been confirmed.
265/40R20 is a metric radial size with a 265-millimeter nominal section width, a 40-series aspect ratio, radial construction, and a 20-inch rim requirement. For the 2012 Audi A8 Quattro, this size applies to vehicles fitted with 20-inch wheels and represents the larger of the two factory-style fitment directions shown here. Its sizing convention is familiar to modern buyers, but the important distinction is the wheel diameter rather than the code alone. This size should be evaluated when the car is on the 20-inch setup and clearance or wheel changes are being checked carefully.
Tire fitment is straightforward across the covered 2012 Audi A8 Quattro sub-models because each one uses the same two radial size options. What matters most is not the trim name alone, but which wheel diameter is actually on the car now.
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2012 Audi A8 Quattro Base
The 2012 Audi A8 Quattro Base uses the same two radial fitment paths found across the range, with tire choice tied to either the 19-inch or 20-inch wheel setup. Selection starts with confirming the installed wheels, then matching the tire size to the car’s actual configuration and any later wheel changes.
The 2012 Audi A8 Quattro L follows the same tire-size pattern as the other covered sub-models, using one of two radial sizes depending on wheel diameter. That means the practical step is checking whether the car is on 19-inch or 20-inch wheels before narrowing the tire choices.
The 2012 Audi A8 Quattro L W12 also shares the same two radial size options used elsewhere in the A8 Quattro lineup. Tire selection depends on the wheel package fitted to the car, so confirming wheel diameter comes before comparing tires within the correct size.
The tire sizes listed on this page assume factory-standard vehicle configuration. The following modifications may affect tire fitment and are not reflected in this guide:
Suspension changes (lowering, lift kits, spring replacements)
Body alterations (fender modifications, custom bodywork)
If your vehicle has been modified from factory specifications, verify tire clearance before purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
For a 2012 Audi A8 Quattro, the biggest questions usually involve the two tire sizes, the difference between the 19-inch and 20-inch setups, and what to inspect before putting the car back into regular road use.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 2012 Audi A8 Quattro?
The 2012 Audi A8 Quattro uses two tire sizes: 255/45R19 and 265/40R20. Both are radial fitments, and both appear across the covered A8 Quattro sub-models, including Base, L, and L W12.
The deciding factor is the wheel diameter on the car. A8 models with 19-inch wheels use 255/45R19, while cars with 20-inch wheels use 265/40R20. Since both sizes are used throughout the model range, selecting a tire starts with verifying the actual wheel setup rather than relying on trim name alone, especially if the car has had aftermarket wheels or previous replacement changes.
What size rim does a 2012 Audi A8 Quattro use?
A 2012 Audi A8 Quattro uses either a 19-inch rim or a 20-inch rim, depending on which tire size is on the car. The 255/45R19 size mounts on a 19-inch rim, while 265/40R20 mounts on a 20-inch rim.
Rim diameter is the first fitment check because the tire must match the wheel exactly. A 19-inch tire cannot be mounted on a 20-inch wheel, and a 20-inch tire cannot be mounted on a 19-inch wheel. Before choosing a replacement, check the tire sidewall and confirm the wheel size on the vehicle now, particularly if the A8 has seen wheel upgrades or package changes over time.
Do all 2012 Audi A8 Quattro sub-models use the same tire size?
The covered 2012 Audi A8 Quattro sub-models share the same fitment pattern rather than one single size. Base, L, and L W12 can use either 255/45R19 or 265/40R20, with the correct choice determined by the wheel diameter fitted to the individual car.
That makes sub-model identification less important than wheel verification. Even though the same two sizes appear across the lineup, the car still needs the tire that matches its current 19-inch or 20-inch wheels. Checking the sidewall of the existing tire, confirming the wheel diameter, and inspecting for any non-stock wheel changes will keep the selection focused on the right fitment.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a tire for a 2012 Audi A8 Quattro?
Start with the correct size and wheel diameter. The 2012 Audi A8 Quattro uses either 255/45R19 or 265/40R20, so the first step is matching the replacement tire to the wheel that is actually on the car.
After confirming size, look at how the car is used. A regularly driven sedan may call for different priorities than a low-mileage example that spends more time stored than on the road. Wheel condition, alignment, age of the existing tires, and any suspension or wheel modifications should all be checked before replacement, since those factors can affect wear, clearance, and how well the new tires suit the vehicle.
How do I choose between the available 255/45R19 and 265/40R20 tires for a 2012 Audi A8 Quattro?
The choice between 255/45R19 and 265/40R20 is not a matter of preference alone; it depends on the wheel diameter already installed on the 2012 Audi A8 Quattro. Each size is tied to a different wheel package, so the tire has to match that setup first.
Once the wheel diameter is confirmed, compare the tires available within that exact size rather than crossing between sizes casually. Tire age, intended driving use, and the condition of the wheels all matter. A car that has been modified with different wheels or suspension settings needs an especially careful check so the new tire works with the actual stance and clearance of the vehicle.
What rim-fitment details should I compare when choosing 2012 Audi A8 Quattro tires?
Rim diameter is the most important rim-fitment detail for a 2012 Audi A8 Quattro. The vehicle uses either a 19-inch wheel with 255/45R19 tires or a 20-inch wheel with 265/40R20 tires, so that match has to be exact.
Beyond diameter, it is wise to confirm that the wheel itself is appropriate for the tire and for the car’s current setup. Wheel width, offset, and any aftermarket design changes can influence clearance at the fender, suspension, and steering components. Using the size printed on the current tire and inspecting the full wheel package before ordering helps avoid choosing a tire that matches the code but not the actual vehicle configuration.
Restoration & Appearance
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 2012 Audi A8 Quattro restoration?
Correct tire fitment matters on a 2012 Audi A8 Quattro because the car’s appearance and stance depend heavily on using the proper wheel-and-tire combination. The right starting point is whichever original-style fitment the car carries now: 255/45R19 on 19-inch wheels or 265/40R20 on 20-inch wheels.
A restoration-oriented approach should keep the wheel diameter, tire size, and overall presentation in balance with the car’s intended look. If exact originality is the goal, compare the car against marque references, window-sticker documentation, or other vehicle-specific records before changing wheels or tire size. That extra step is especially useful on preserved luxury cars where wheel-package details affect both style and authenticity.
Which tire should I choose for a period-appropriate 2012 Audi A8 Quattro?
A period-appropriate choice for a 2012 Audi A8 Quattro starts with using the correct modern radial size for the wheel package on the car. That means 255/45R19 for a 19-inch setup or 265/40R20 for a 20-inch setup, rather than substituting a different size for convenience.
Because this A8 comes from a modern luxury-sedan era, the visual goal is usually a proper contemporary fit rather than a vintage sidewall treatment. Keeping the tire size matched to the correct wheel diameter preserves the car’s intended proportions and presentation. If the car has been altered with non-stock wheels, returning to an original-style wheel-and-tire combination is often the clearest path toward a more authentic appearance.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 2012 Audi A8 Quattro?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 2012 Audi A8 Quattro. Even though the primary sizes are 255/45R19 and 265/40R20, aftermarket wheels, altered offsets, suspension changes, or lowering can change how much room the tire has around the fenders and steering components.
A modified car should be checked as it sits now, not just by original trim designation. Wheel diameter is only the first part of the equation; wheel width, offset, and ride height can all influence clearance. Inspecting the current setup before replacement helps prevent selecting a tire that matches the size code but creates rubbing or steering-clearance problems in actual use.
What should I inspect before driving a 2012 Audi A8 Quattro on new tires?
Before driving a 2012 Audi A8 Quattro on new tires, inspect the wheels, valve stems, and general condition of the suspension and steering components. The new tires should match the correct size for the wheel package, and the wheels themselves should be free of obvious damage or distortion.
It also helps to check alignment, inflation pressure, and clearance at full steering lock once the tires are mounted. Any signs of uneven wear on the old tires can point to issues that should be corrected before regular driving. A quick road-use inspection after installation can confirm that the car tracks properly and that nothing rubs under normal movement.
What should I check before a longer drive in a 2012 Audi A8 Quattro?
Before a longer drive in a 2012 Audi A8 Quattro, confirm that the car is on the correct tire size for its wheel diameter and that all four tires are in sound condition. Tread condition, visible cracking, bulges, cuts, and steady air pressure are the main starting points.
Longer trips also make it worth checking wheel condition, alignment behavior, and any vibration that may have developed during local driving. A sedan that spends time parked should have its tires inspected for age-related issues even if the tread still looks good. Making those checks before a highway run is especially important on a large, all-wheel-drive luxury car that depends on stable, consistent tire condition.
