Audi has launched the facelifted version of its flagship sedan, the Audi A8 L, in the Indian market. The world premiere of the car took place earlier this year, and the brand has taken no time to get it to India. According to Audi, a much more technologically advanced car than earlier and now gets more luxury features as well. It has been launched in two variants-Celebration Edition and Technology-and some features are being offered as options. While the Celebration Edition is available as a 5-seater, the technology gets both 4- and 5-seat options.
DESIGN
When it comes to the exterior design, a lot has changed on the A8 L, especially its face, which gets a wider and sportier single-frame grille with chrome angles and chrome detailing, something that always works with the Indian buyer.
A big highlight is the new dynamic Digital Matrix headlamps that get an illuminated Audi logo with selectable animated projections for entry and exit. On the profile, you also get new dual-tone 19-inch alloy wheels with a 5-arm turbine design in graphite grey polish. There’s generous use of chrome on the profile as well, that takes up the glamour quotient.
Then there are the OLED tail lights with unique tail light signatures where the lighting pattern adapts to Dynamic Mode. The sedan is available in 8 standard exterior colours – Terra Grey, District Green, Firmament Blue, Floret Silver, Glacier White, Manhattan Grey, Vesuvius Grey, and Mythos Black.
INTERIOR
The real magic of the new A8 L is in its cabin, which has become even more luxurious than before. For most owners who will end up occupying the 2nd row, the rear seat executive package consists of a seat recliner, comfort individual seats with massage and ventilation, a heated foot massager with 2 massage programs and 3 intensities, and rear seat entertainment screens. Both the front and rear seats come with 8 massage functions and 3 intensity levels, and the Valcona leather seat upholstery feels quite premium.
When it comes to features, the car gets a head-up display, a virtual cockpit, 4 zone air conditioning with air ioniser and aromatization, and ambient lighting with 30 colours.
A big highlight inside the cabin is the 23-speaker Bang & Olufsen 3D Sound System, while you also get features like wireless charging in the front, a panoramic sunroof, and an Audi-exclusive cool box.
The car gets 4 interior colours – Mother of Pearl Beige, Cognac Brown, Sard Brown, and Black.
PERFORMANCE
The A8 L is powered by a 3.0L TFSI petrol engine that works with a 48V mild-hybrid system. The car produces 340 hp and 500 Nm of torque and accelerates from 0-100 kmph in 5.7 seconds. The quattro all-wheel drive with Adaptive Air suspension is being offered as a standard feature on the car. Then there is the predictive Active Suspension, which detects road undulations in advance using the front camera and predictively adjusts the suspension for a superior ride. The elevated entry function raises the vehicle when opening the doors by up to 50mm for easy entry and exit, while Audi Drive Select offers various drive modes.
SAFETY
The new A8 L comes with 8 airbags as standard which includes front and rear seat side airbags. This is upgradeable to 10 airbags, with the optional central airbags for the front and rear as a part of Safety Package plus. The sedan also gets Park Assist Plus with 360-degree cameras with obstacle detection and manoeuvre assist.
PRICES
While the A8 L Celebration Edition is priced at Rs. 1.29 crore (ex-showroom), the Technology trim will set you back by Rs. 1.57 crore. 5 years warranty is being offered as standard on the car which is extendable up to 7 years; 5 years Road-Side.
The author is a senior editor at carandbike.com
‘When it comes to features, the car gets a head-up display, a virtual cockpit, 4-zone air conditioning with air ioniser and aromatization, and ambient lighting with 30 colours’.