The average new car costs about $47,000, but luxury vehicles typically cost far more. Audi is one of the most beloved German luxury car manufacturers, and many Audi vehicles cost $100,000 or more. But what are the most expensive Audi cars ever made?
The most expensive Audi of all time is the 2016 Audi R18, a sports car valued at $30 million. Audi Sport only created three of these hybrid vehicles, making them incredibly rare. Notably, the 2016 Audi R18 was an upgraded version of the Audi R18 E-Tron Quattro.
If you’d like to own one of the priciest Audi cars (or you’re a fan of the Audi brand), you’ll want to explore this ranking to learn more about the most expensive vehicles ever released by this company.
Here Are the Top 10 Most Expensive Audi Cars of All Time:
- 2016 Audi R18 – $30 million
- 2003 Audi Le Mans Concept – $5 million
- 1991 Audi Avus Quattro Concept – $3 million
- 2000 Audi Rosemeyer Concept – $3 million
- 2009 Audi E-Tron Concept – $3 million
- 2010 Audi E-Tron Spyder Concept – $2.7 million
- 2012 Audi F12 E Performance Prototype – $2 million
- 2013 Audi Nanuk Quattro Concept – $2 million
- 2013 Audi Sport Quattro Concept – $2 million
- 2014 Audi TT Offroad Concept – $2 million
10. 2014 Audi TT Offroad Concept – $2 Million
The 2014 Audi TT Offroad Concept is one of the few SUV Audi concept vehicles ever released and is hands-down the most valuable. It’s also distinctly colorful (with a canary yellow exterior), breaking away from the automaker’s tendency to release silver or chrome concept cars.
While the SUV version of this vehicle never entered production, it inspired the Audi 2016 TT, a lineup of sporty sedans and coupe convertibles. The body style and shape also led to the 2022 Audi E-Tron, an electric luxury-tier SUV.
This car’s $2 million price tag far exceeds the price of other luxury cars, including the most expensive Lexus cars.
Why It’s Expensive
This hybrid vehicle is the result of years of research and development, as electric cars were still relatively rare during the early 2010s. The funds required to create this concept car is the primary reason it’s valued at $2 million.
Naturally, it’s also the only concept car of its kind, making it a valuable commodity that attracts only the most dedicated Audi fans and collectors.
9. 2013 Audi Sport Quattro Concept – $2 Million
The 2013 Audi Sport Quattro Concept is an homage to the automaker’s original Audi Quattro, a sporty competition-ready vehicle produced from 1980 until 1991.
But this version of the Audi Quattro features a laundry list of upgrades, from a sleek, luxurious exterior to a powerful 700-horsepower system output (twin-turbo V8 engine + electric motor). While it was rumored that this car would enter production and sell for $150,000 each, this concept vehicle never transitioned from a prototype to a consumer-ready car.
The cost to make this rare concept car yours is $2 million, which is a low price considering its hi-tech features and visionary design.
Why It’s Expensive
Many features built into the 2013 Audi Sport Quattro Concept would become standard in luxury sedans of the late 2010s. This includes an LED dashboard (complete with GPS directions) and a lightweight aluminum body.
Because this concept car helped inspire future Audi masterpieces (and is the only one of its kind), it’s a dream acquisition for any car collector.
8. 2013 Audi Nanuk Quattro Concept – $2 Million
2013 was a pivotal year for Audi. It was the culmination of intense research and development that resulted in multiple industry-changing concept cars.
The 2013 Audi Nanuk Quattro Concept is a fantastic example, but it’s also one of the most distinctive-looking concept vehicles released in 2013.
This bright red sports car has noticeable design elements from the 1970s, but its body is distinctly modern, made of carbon fiber and aluminum. Though this vehicle’s components helped inspire the competition-ready Audi R18 E-Tron Quattro, this specific model never made it to widespread production.
Consequently, this prototype is the only version of this model, easily placing its value at $2 million.
Why It’s Expensive
Many of Audi’s concept cars are exceptionally expensive due to their uniqueness and high-quality components. This model is no exception, making it a valuable addition to any garage or museum.
7. 2012 Audi F12 E Performance Prototype – $2 Million
The 2012 Audi F12 E Performance was a prototype that never made it to widespread production. However, the effort that went into creating this concept car wasn’t wasted, as the body style was eventually adapted into the Audi R8’s design.
Additionally, this was one of the automaker’s first all-electric prototypes, helping lead the way for future Audi EVs. In short, the brilliant white Audi F12 E Performance is a $2 million flagship that helped inspire some of the company’s most iconic and well-loved electric vehicles.
Why It’s Expensive
This car paved the way for hi-tech Audi EVs, making it a significant concept car in terms of the company’s changing direction and increased EV lineup. Anyone looking to own a piece of automotive history (particularly Audi collectibles) would likely be more than willing to pay millions to take this prototype home.
6. 2010 Audi E-Tron Spyder Concept – $2.7 Million
The Audi R8 Spyder is one of the priciest vehicles currently available. But it didn’t appear overnight. Several concept cars came and went before the company settled on its design and components, many of which are the direct descendants of this concept car.
This concept vehicle exudes luxury with a smooth, sleek body and a wide grille. It holds the honor of being one of the first Audi hybrid prototypes, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best-looking of the bunch.
Still, with a $2.7 million value, it’s not the most affordable Audi concept car.
Why It’s Expensive
The Audi R8 Spyder coupe convertible is one of the most sought-after luxury vehicles in the world, and it’s one of the automaker’s priciest. But without this concept car, the distinctive R8 Spyder might have never reached widespread production.
So this unique concept car’s incredible price stems from the research and labor that went into making it and its brand-specific significance.
5. 2009 Audi E-Tron Concept – $3 Million
Another concept car that paved the way for the stunning Audi R8 is the 2009 Audi E-Tron Concept. This bright red vehicle contains four electric motors (making it a Quattro), each of which helps propel it to a top speed of 124 mph. In addition, it features a racecar-style body with a broad wheelset and shrunken cockpit.
While this concept car is outdated and slow compared to Audi’s current lineup of EVs, it was jaw-droppingly impressive when it debuted in 2009. Without this concept car, the current Audi EV lineup would likely look very different, and the competition-ready Audi R18 E-Tron Quattro might have never become a reality.
Those looking to make this inspirational prototype theirs can expect to spend at least $3 million.
Why It’s Expensive
This car led to the creation of Audi Sport’s most successful competition vehicle, the Audi R18 E-Tron Quattro. Wealthy car enthusiasts who enjoy owning one-of-a-kind memorabilia would love to have this historically significant concept car in their garage, making it a naturally valuable commodity.
4. 2000 Audi Rosemeyer Concept – $3 Million
Though Audi produced this concept car for the new millennium, it has a distinct throwback design that’s reminiscent of the luxury vehicles of the 1920s and 1930s. It has a massive Rolls-Royce-esque grill, a silver industrial-style exterior, and a compact cabin that shrinks away from the open-wheel body design.
The 2000 Audi Rosemeyer Concept is a well-built tribute to Bernd Rosemeyer, a German racecar driver who perished while operating an Auto Union streamliner. Auto Union was the progenitor of Audi, officially becoming the widely recognized automotive manufacturer after Volkswagen purchased it in the 1960s.
This concept vehicle’s gargantuan W16 engine would inspire other automakers, eventually leading to the creation of the Bugatti Veyron, one of the most expensive cars on the planet. So it’s no surprise that this distinct vehicle is worth a whopping $3 million.
Why It’s Expensive
The 2000 Audi Rosemeyer Concept’s incredible price tag stems from its historical significance and innovative W16 engine.
While this vehicle’s components aren’t quite as impressive nowadays, this is the only car created to honor the memory and legacy of the speed-record-setting German racecar driver, Bernd Rosemeyer. As such, it’s a notable release that would look at home in any wealthy car collector’s garage.
3. 1991 Audi Avus Quattro Concept – $3 Million
Though this is the oldest concept car to top the list of the most expensive Audi cars of all time, it’s also one of the most futuristic-looking vehicles ever produced by the German automaker.
The 1991 Audi Avus Quattro Concept debuted at the Tokyo Motor Show, turning eyes with its shiny chrome exterior and lightweight aluminum body. Unfortunately, it was designed before the emergence of W12 engines, so Audi put a fake engine inside.
Still, anyone fortunate enough to acquire this concept car could install a real 509-horsepower W12 engine in this gorgeous prototype. But interested buyers may struggle to make this concept car theirs, as it currently resides at the Audi Forum Ingolstadt, an Audi museum in Germany.
However, the museum might be willing to do business if you’re willing to throw down $3 million (or more).
Why It’s Expensive
This unique Audi concept car is a one-of-a-kind piece worthy of a museum. Moreover, it’s one of the most recognizable of Audi’s prototypes, making it particularly attractive to buyers.
The combination of rarity, brand-specific significance, and demand easily make this vehicle worth millions—with or without an engine.
2. 2003 Audi Le Mans Concept – $5 Million
This Audi concept car looks more like a luxury sedan than a formula one sports car. But don’t let its stylish exterior fool you!
The 2003 Audi Le Mans Concept is a two-door coupe that packs a ton of power beneath its hood, with a twin-turbocharged engine that rocks a speedy 610 horsepower. This concept car didn’t remain a prototype for long, as it was eventually converted into the automaker’s current Audi R8 lineup.
As such, the original concept version is a historically significant piece that’s as attractive as it is capable. It’s no wonder it’s valued at a steep $5 million.
Why It’s Expensive
This sleek and sporty vehicle’s incredible value is the result of top-of-the-line components (for 2003, at least), brand significance (this car inspired the current R8 lineup), and rarity (there’s only one). As a result, it’s a must-have collectible for any car enthusiast or Audi collector.
But as you’ll soon find out, this concept car isn’t the priciest vehicle Audi related to the Le Mans racing event.
1. 2016 Audi R18 – $30 Million
The most expensive Audi car is the 2016 Audi R18, a hybrid sports car produced by Audi Sport. This vehicle is valued at $30 million, making it more valuable than all the other cars on this list—combined!
This hybrid sports vehicle is an upgraded version of the Audi R18 E-Tron Quattro, which placed first in multiple Le Mans events (consecutively from 2012 to 2014). It has a formula one look (one of the most expensive sports) but features a noticeably wider body.
The 2016 Audi R18 is the redesigned R18 with significantly altered aerodynamics and an upgraded kinetic energy recovery system (KERS) changed from a flywheel system to a lithium-ion battery to improve boosting. Given that the estimated value for the 2014 Audi R18 e-Tron Quattro is around $30 million, the upgraded 2016 Audi R18 could be valued the same or even more than $30 million.
Audi has dropped the e-Tron Quattro name badge for the 2016 season so unlike the 2014 Audi R18 e-Tron Quattro, the 2016 Audi R18 no longer carries “e-Tron Quattro” in its name.
While the 2016 Audi R18 couldn’t continue the legacy, it set a new Audi record for being the priciest vehicle the company has ever produced, costing $30 million to build.
Why It’s Expensive
The 2016 Audi R18 was built to compete against other racecars released by the world’s greatest automakers, including fellow German car manufacturer Porsche. As such, millions of dollars went into research and production for this vehicle.
Rarity also contributes to this racecar’s incredible value. After all, Audi Sport only created three 2016 Audi R18 cars, making them almost as scarce as Audi’s highest-value concept cars.
As the law of supply and demand states, rare items tend to be worth far more than commonly available ones!
Why Are Concept Cars So Expensive?
You may have noticed that nearly all of the priciest Audi cars of all time are concept cars. But why is that so?
Concept cars are costly for several reasons. However, some of the most significant factors contributing to the high price of these unique vehicles include:
- Rarity
- Research
- Marketing
Let’s take a moment to consider these factors and discuss why they result in million-dollar vehicles.
Rarity
Most concept cars are one-of-a-kind prototypes. As such, they’re not readily available to buyers, even those with plenty of money to spend.
For some, this exclusivity is undeniably enticing. Audi fanatics who enjoy owning Audi collectibles may spend months or years negotiating with the company for the opportunity to purchase a concept car.
Still, scarcity isn’t the only reason concept cars often have multi-million-dollar values.
Research
The research required to create a concept car is immense. Many companies, including Audi, spend millions on concept car research and development.
After all, concept car prototypes must be captivating and innovative to attract consumers and investors. As such, automakers need to be familiar with automotive trends.
Getting ahead of these trends is no small feat, often requiring months of in-depth consumer research. Still, the payoff is often worth the intense study and labor needed to release a concept car prototype.
Marketing
Many people wonder why vehicle manufacturers spend millions on concept cars. After all, many concept cars aren’t street legal, and some don’t even contain working engines!
So, wouldn’t producing a concept car be a significant financial loss for companies?
While the buyer market for concept cars is comparatively small (especially compared to the standard vehicle market), these automobiles are often well worth their production costs. That’s because automakers use concept cars as a form of advertisement.
When a company releases a concept car at an auto show or expo, audiences often get excited about the potential of that vehicle. Concept cars generate interest from potential buyers and investors. Many of these individuals are willing to invest millions to ensure the car ends up on the production line.
The hype generated from showcasing a concept car can also drum up interest in available models. As such, a concept car functions as a self-contained marketing strategy, often generating profits and investments that help manufacturers recoup research and production costs.
What’s the Most Expensive Audi Car You Can Buy Today?
The most expensive Audi vehicle you could buy today is the 2022 Audi R8 Spyder V10 Performance RWD. This sporty, speedy car has an MSRP of $160,000, but customization options can quickly push the final sale price above $200,000.
This luxurious convertible has a 562-horsepower V10 engine, leather heated seats, and a streamlined dashboard that puts all the attention on the experience of driving and riding in this magnificent vehicle.
Even used versions of this car sell for higher-than-average prices. For example, the Audi R8 V10 vehicles sell for between $80,000 and $200,000!
What’s the Most Expensive Audi of All Time?
The most expensive Audi car of all time is the 2016 Audi R18. Unfortunately, Audi Sport only built three of these racecars, each of which had a value of $30 million. For that money, you could afford to purchase all of the other high-cost Audi concept cars in this ranking!
This hybrid vehicle ranked third and fourth at the 84th 24 Hours of Le Mans racing event in 2016, only beaten by the Toyota TS050 Hybrid and Porsche 919 Hybrid.
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