How Many Quarts of Oil Does a 2018 Audi Take?
Most 2018 Audi models take between 4.9 and 7.2 quarts of engine oil, depending on the specific engine and model. Smaller 4‑cylinder engines generally require around 4.9–5.5 quarts, while V6 and V8 engines can need 6–7.2 quarts. The exact capacity depends on the model (A3, A4, Q5, etc.) and engine code, so checking the owner’s manual or the under‑hood label is essential.
Contents
Why Oil Capacity Varies in 2018 Audi Models
A single “one-size-fits-all” figure doesn’t exist for how many quarts of oil a 2018 Audi takes because Audi sold a range of engines that year—from compact 4‑cylinder turbos to larger V6 and V8 powertrains. Each engine is designed with a different oil pan size, internal oil passages and cooling requirements, which all affect total oil capacity.
Typical Oil Capacities by Common 2018 Audi Models
The following section outlines typical oil capacities for the most common 2018 Audi models sold in North America, based on widely referenced service data. These figures assume an oil change with filter replacement and use approximate U.S. quart equivalents.
2018 Audi A3 / S3
The 2018 A3 lineup uses mainly 4‑cylinder turbocharged engines, which are relatively oil-efficient compared with larger V6 and V8 engines in bigger Audis.
- A3 2.0 TFSI (4‑cyl turbo, most trims): about 4.9–5.0 quarts (≈ 4.6–4.7 liters)
- S3 2.0 TFSI (higher‑output 4‑cyl turbo): about 5.5 quarts (≈ 5.2 liters)
These capacities reflect the compact nature of the A3 platform and its engines, which need less oil than larger sedans and SUVs but still require high-quality synthetic oil that meets Audi/VW specifications.
2018 Audi A4 / S4 / Allroad
The A4 family is one of Audi’s most popular lines. Oil capacity differs slightly depending on whether it’s a standard A4, the performance‑oriented S4, or the A4 Allroad wagon.
- A4 2.0 TFSI (B9, 4‑cyl turbo): about 4.9–5.5 quarts (≈ 4.6–5.2 liters)
- A4 Allroad 2.0 TFSI: typically around 5.5 quarts
- S4 3.0 TFSI (turbo V6): about 6.5–7.0 quarts (≈ 6.1–6.6 liters)
While base A4 engines remain near the 5‑quart mark, the S4’s larger V6 needs substantially more oil for lubrication and thermal management under higher performance loads.
2018 Audi A5 / S5 / RS 5
The A5 range shares many powertrains with the A4 but includes higher‑performance options that increase oil capacity.
- A5 2.0 TFSI (coupe, Sportback, cabriolet): about 4.9–5.5 quarts
- S5 3.0 TFSI (V6 turbo): about 6.5–7.0 quarts
- RS 5 2.9 TFSI (V6 twin‑turbo): about 7.0–7.2 quarts (≈ 6.6–6.8 liters)
As performance escalates from A5 to S5 to RS 5, oil volume increases to support higher engine stresses and temperatures, making correct fill volumes even more critical.
2018 Audi A6 / S6 / A7 / S7
Mid-size luxury models like the A6 and A7, and their S variants, feature more robust engines that naturally require more oil than compact sedans.
- A6 2.0 TFSI (4‑cyl turbo): about 4.9–5.5 quarts
- A6 3.0 TFSI (V6 supercharged, where equipped): about 6.5–7.0 quarts
- S6 4.0 TFSI (V8 twin‑turbo): around 7.2 quarts (≈ 6.8 liters)
- A7 3.0 TFSI: about 6.5–7.0 quarts
- S7 4.0 TFSI: around 7.2 quarts
These mid-size models demonstrate how engine configuration—from 4‑cylinder to V8—has a direct impact on oil capacity, with performance V8s sitting at the high end of the range.
2018 Audi A8 / S8
The flagship A8 and its high-performance S8 variant typically receive the largest engines and correspondingly large oil capacities.
- A8 3.0 TFSI (V6): about 6.5–7.0 quarts
- A8 4.0 TFSI (V8, where equipped): about 7.0–7.2 quarts
- S8 4.0 TFSI (V8 twin‑turbo): around 7.2 quarts
With their emphasis on smooth, powerful performance, A8 and S8 engines rely on higher oil volumes for consistent lubrication and temperature control, especially during extended highway or high‑load driving.
2018 Audi Q3 / Q5 / Q7 / SQ5
Among Audi’s SUVs, oil capacities mirror the engine lineup: smaller crossovers with 4‑cylinders stay near 5 quarts, while larger models and V6 variants use more.
- Q3 2.0 TFSI: around 4.9–5.0 quarts
- Q5 2.0 TFSI: about 4.9–5.5 quarts
- SQ5 3.0 TFSI (V6 turbo): about 6.5–7.0 quarts
- Q7 2.0 TFSI (4‑cyl): about 4.9–5.5 quarts
- Q7 3.0 TFSI (V6): about 6.5–7.0 quarts
Because SUVs are often used for towing, hauling, and long-distance trips, using the correct oil volume and specification is particularly important to protect the drivetrains over time.
How to Find the Exact Oil Capacity for Your 2018 Audi
While the ranges above are useful guidelines, the exact figure for your particular car depends on its engine code and market. Owners have several reliable sources to confirm the precise amount.
Owner’s Manual and Under‑Hood Labels
Audi lists the official oil quantities and specifications in the car’s documentation and, in some cases, under the hood near the engine bay.
- Check the “Capacities” or “Technical Data” section of the owner’s manual.
- Look for a sticker or label under the hood that may specify oil type and capacity.
- Confirm whether the capacity listed is with or without filter change (Audi capacities are usually quoted with a new filter).
Using the manual and labels ensures you are following Audi’s official recommendations, which is critical both for reliability and for maintaining warranty compliance, where applicable.
VIN Lookup and Dealer/Service Department
Because many 2018 Audis were configurable with multiple engines and trims, a VIN-based lookup can pinpoint your exact engine and oil capacity.
- Call or visit an Audi dealership and provide your VIN.
- Use reputable
that query by VIN. - Ask a certified Audi technician to confirm the oil fill quantity and spec.
This approach avoids guesswork in cases where online information is conflicting or where the vehicle’s engine may have been replaced or updated.
Why Correct Oil Quantity Matters
Getting the quantity right is just as important as choosing the correct oil specification. Overfilling or underfilling can both cause problems in modern Audi engines, which often have tight tolerances and sophisticated emission systems.
Risks of Too Little or Too Much Oil
Owners who change oil themselves should be cautious not to deviate significantly from the recommended volume and dipstick/electronic level reading.
- Underfilling: can lead to oil starvation, increased wear, low oil pressure warnings, and potential engine damage.
- Overfilling: can cause foaming, increased crankcase pressure, oil leaks, and damage to catalytic converters and turbochargers.
- Modern level sensors: Audi’s electronic oil level systems still require careful filling, as errors may not appear immediately.
Filling to the recommended capacity, then confirming with the dipstick or on‑screen oil level display (if equipped), is the safest way to protect the engine over the long term.
Summary
A 2018 Audi typically takes between 4.9 and 7.2 quarts of oil, with compact 4‑cylinder models around 5 quarts and high‑performance V6 and V8 engines closer to 6.5–7.2 quarts. Because there is no single capacity that applies to every 2018 Audi, the only precise answer depends on your model and engine: consult your owner’s manual, under‑hood labels, or a dealer using your VIN. Ensuring both the correct amount and the correct oil specification is crucial to maintaining performance, preventing damage, and keeping your Audi running reliably for years.


