The 2016 Audi A8 Quattro sits at the top of Audi’s full-size luxury sedan lineup, blending long-wheelbase comfort with all-wheel-drive composure and the understated styling that defined the brand’s flagship cars in this era. Buyers looking at one today are often balancing daily-road manners, original character, and wheel-specific fitment. Tire selection centers on three radial sizes: 255/45R19, 265/40R20, and 275/35R21, with fitment varying by sub-model and wheel option. That means the real choice is not just brand or tread pattern, but also confirming whether the car carries the standard 19-inch setup or one of the larger factory-style wheel packages before replacing tires.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 2016 Audi A8 Quattro
The 2016 Audi A8 Quattro uses three primary tire sizes, and the correct one depends on the exact sub-model and wheel package. These are all radial fitments, but they are spread across 19-inch, 20-inch, and 21-inch rims, so the first step is confirming the actual wheel diameter on the car before selecting a replacement tire.
255/45R19 is a metric radial size where 255 identifies nominal section width in millimeters, 45 is the aspect ratio, R marks radial construction, and 19 is the rim diameter in inches. On the 2016 Audi A8 Quattro, this size suits the standard 19-inch wheel fitment used across several covered sub-models. Its dimensions place it in the original fitment range for owners who want to stay with the stock wheel diameter and overall tire profile. This is the size to confirm first when the car has its standard wheel setup rather than an optional larger-diameter package.
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 diameter. For the 2016 Audi A8 Quattro, this size belongs to specific 20-inch wheel applications rather than every configuration. It keeps the car within the correct modern radial format while moving to a larger wheel diameter and slightly wider section than the 19-inch fitment. This is the size to evaluate when the car is equipped with the 20-inch option or when a sub-model is known to use either 19-inch or 20-inch wheels.
275/35R21 is a metric radial size that uses a 275-millimeter nominal section width, a 35-series profile, radial construction, and a 21-inch rim diameter. On the 2016 Audi A8 Quattro, this size is tied to the 21-inch wheel option rather than the broader range of sub-models. It represents the largest wheel-and-tire combination used within this vehicle family and should be chosen only after confirming that exact wheel diameter. For buyers replacing tires on an A8 with 21-inch wheels already installed, this is the fitment to match before comparing tire models.
Sub-model fitment on the 2016 Audi A8 Quattro is not one-size-fits-all, because tire selection changes with both trim and wheel option. Checking the exact sub-model name and confirming whether the car has 19-inch, 20-inch, or 21-inch wheels is the key step before ordering replacement tires.
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2016 Audi A8 Quattro L
The 2016 Audi A8 Quattro L uses the 19-inch radial fitment rather than one of the larger optional wheel packages. Tire selection here is mainly about matching the standard wheel diameter and maintaining the intended overall size and profile for the car’s factory-style setup.
The 2016 Audi A8 Quattro L with the 20 Inch Option moves to a dedicated 20-inch radial tire size. That makes wheel confirmation especially important, since this sub-model should be matched to the 20-inch fitment rather than the standard 19-inch setup.
The 2016 Audi A8 Quattro L with the 21 Inch Option uses the 21-inch radial tire fitment. Replacement choice starts with confirming that larger wheel package is still on the car, especially if wheels may have been changed since new.
The 2016 Audi A8 Quattro L TDI can use either the 19-inch or 20-inch radial fitment depending on wheel setup. Tire selection therefore depends on checking the actual rim diameter on the vehicle rather than choosing by model name alone.
The 2016 Audi A8 Quattro L W12 also appears with either 19-inch or 20-inch radial tire fitment. That makes wheel-size verification the practical first step before comparing replacement tires for appearance, road use, or brand preference.
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
Common questions for the 2016 Audi A8 Quattro usually center on the correct tire size by sub-model, the relationship between wheel diameter and fitment, and what to inspect before putting the car back into regular road use.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 2016 Audi A8 Quattro?
The 2016 Audi A8 Quattro uses three primary tire sizes: 255/45R19, 265/40R20, and 275/35R21. All three are radial fitments, but they do not apply across every version of the car in the same way, because some sub-models use one size while others are tied to specific wheel options.
The practical next step is matching the tire to the exact sub-model and actual wheel diameter on the car. An A8 Quattro L on 19-inch wheels needs a different size than one with the 20-inch or 21-inch option, and TDI or W12 versions may use either 19-inch or 20-inch setups.
What size rim does a 2016 Audi A8 Quattro use?
A 2016 Audi A8 Quattro can use 19-inch, 20-inch, or 21-inch rims depending on the sub-model and wheel package. The associated tire sizes are 255/45R19 for 19-inch wheels, 265/40R20 for 20-inch wheels, and 275/35R21 for 21-inch wheels.
Rim diameter is the first fitment point to confirm because a 19-inch tire cannot be mounted on a 20-inch or 21-inch wheel, and the reverse is also true. Checking the wheel itself is especially important on cars that may have had replacement wheels installed during their life.
Do all 2016 Audi A8 Quattro sub-models use the same tire size?
No. The 2016 Audi A8 Quattro range covered here uses more than one tire size, with fitment changing by sub-model and by wheel option. The standard A8 Quattro L uses 255/45R19, the 20 Inch Option uses 265/40R20, and the 21 Inch Option uses 275/35R21, while L TDI and L W12 versions may use either 19-inch or 20-inch fitment.
That variation means the model name alone is not always enough for tire selection. Looking at the wheel diameter already on the car is the quickest way to avoid ordering the wrong size, especially on TDI and W12 cars that can appear with more than one factory-style setup.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 255/45R19, 265/40R20, or 275/35R21 tire for a 2016 Audi A8 Quattro?
Start with the exact tire size that matches the car’s wheel diameter and sub-model. On a 2016 Audi A8 Quattro, that means choosing between 255/45R19, 265/40R20, and 275/35R21 only after confirming whether the sedan has the 19-inch standard setup or one of the larger wheel options.
After size is confirmed, compare the replacement tire’s intended use against how the car is driven. A regularly used A8 may call for different priorities than a lightly used luxury sedan, but the replacement should still preserve the proper size category, wheel compatibility, and clearance relationship built into the original setup.
How do I choose between the available tire sizes for my 2016 Audi A8 Quattro sub-model?
The correct way to choose is by fitment, not preference. Each primary size belongs to a particular wheel diameter, and some sub-models such as the L TDI and L W12 can appear with either 19-inch or 20-inch setups, while the 21-inch size is tied to the specific 21 Inch Option.
A buyer should confirm the actual wheel diameter on the car first, then match the tire size to that wheel. This matters even more on luxury cars that may have seen wheel changes over time, because the right answer depends on the setup in front of you rather than assumption from the badge alone.
Why does the 2016 Audi A8 Quattro have more than one tire size?
The 2016 Audi A8 Quattro has more than one tire size because the model range includes different wheel packages. Standard and optional setups use different rim diameters, which is why the covered fitments span 19-inch, 20-inch, and 21-inch applications rather than one universal tire size.
That matters during replacement because each size is built around a specific wheel diameter and overall fitment relationship. The safest path is to treat the car’s existing wheel package as the starting point, then verify the sidewall size marking before choosing a replacement tire for normal road use.
Restoration & Appearance
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 2016 Audi A8 Quattro restoration or preservation project?
Yes. Even on a modern flagship sedan like the 2016 Audi A8 Quattro, correct tire fitment matters for preserving the car’s intended stance, wheel-to-tire proportion, and overall presentation. Staying with the proper 19-inch, 20-inch, or 21-inch fitment keeps the visual relationship consistent with the wheel package the car carries.
For an owner focused on preservation, the first concern is matching the exact size already associated with that wheel setup. If originality at the trim-and-option level matters, checking vehicle records, original sales material, or marque-specific references can help confirm whether the current wheels match how the car was configured.
Which tire size should I keep for a period-appropriate 2016 Audi A8 Quattro appearance?
A period-appropriate appearance starts with keeping the tire size that belongs to the car’s existing wheel package: 255/45R19, 265/40R20, or 275/35R21. Because the 2016 Audi A8 Quattro used multiple wheel diameters across its sub-model range, the correct look depends on matching the tire to the wheel actually fitted to the car.
Owners trying to preserve the car’s original visual character should avoid treating all A8 Quattro trims as identical. Confirming whether the sedan has the standard wheel setup or one of the larger options helps maintain the proper sidewall proportion and prevents an appearance mismatch that can make the car look out of balance.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 2016 Audi A8 Quattro?
Yes. Modifications can change tire fitment on a 2016 Audi A8 Quattro even when the sidewall size looks close to original. Aftermarket wheels, changes in wheel width or offset, suspension lowering, or body alterations can all affect clearance and alter which tire size works properly on the car.
That is why the wheel diameter alone is not the only item to verify. A car that originally used 255/45R19 or 265/40R20 may need a closer inspection of wheel specs and fender or steering clearance if it has been modified, especially before moving back to a factory-style tire size.
What should I inspect before driving a 2016 Audi A8 Quattro on new tires?
Before driving, inspect the wheels for damage, confirm the tire size matches the rim diameter, and make sure each tire is mounted and inflated properly. It also helps to look over suspension and steering components so the new tires are not being asked to work with worn parts or alignment issues.
A careful road-use check should also include verifying that nothing rubs at full steering lock or over suspension movement. On a 2016 Audi A8 Quattro with optional wheel packages, this matters because the car may be running 19-inch, 20-inch, or 21-inch fitment, and each setup should be checked against the actual vehicle condition.
What should I check before a longer drive in a 2016 Audi A8 Quattro?
Before a longer drive, confirm that all four tires are the correct size for the car’s wheel setup and inspect them for cuts, bulges, cracking, uneven wear, or signs of air loss. On a 2016 Audi A8 Quattro, it is especially important to verify that the installed tires match the wheel diameter the car is using.
Longer trips also put more emphasis on basic condition checks such as pressure, tread condition, and wheel security. A luxury sedan that spends part of its life parked can look fine at a glance, so taking a few extra minutes to inspect tire age and general condition is worthwhile before extended road use.
