2014 Audi A8L Facelift India Review
We were totally astounded by 2013 A8L’s eclectic mix of technology and craftsmanship. Now with the 2014 facelift, we review the A8L powered by a V6 3.0 L TDI and subtle changes. Audi has splashed a lot more attention, new materials all around and visual tweaks apart. On the inside, though, the 2014 facelift is a little difficult to differentiate than its predecessor.
You can read our earlier Audi A8 4.2 TDI review here
Images: Hanoz Patel and Amit Chhangani
Exterior
The 2014 A8L retains majority of the lines of the 2013 version only to further refine them and make the A8L look more elegant. While the massive front grille remains similar like before, the current car receives twin creases on the engine hood. If you missed that, you just cannot overlook the new and stunning Matrix LED headlamps with integrated day time running lights. The lower bumper has received a revision too with surround effect chrome strip treatment. The trademark Audi Bulgarian beard grille bears 7 chrome strips as opposed to the earlier 8 making it look well defined and less cluttered.
The 2014 version also gets the new cast aluminium 18 inch wheels in 10 spoke V design. While it remains similar from the sides as before, the rear end has seen some clever changes to changing it from bland (somewhat) to beautiful. Take for instance the revised tail lights which are still LEDs, however they have a chrome strip running through them imparting a slimmer look, further accentuating the curved boot lid. The lower chrome strip on the bumper now wraps around enhancing the curved profile. The tail pipes are now a set of slim trapezoidal chrome tips, a big departure from the earlier simplistic round tips.
Cabin and features
As they say, it’s hard to improve perfection. Audi, however, has still managed to find ways to improve the already stunning interiors. Overall, the glossiness has been toned down with polished veneer wood inserts being replaced by raw textured wood trims. The most important change remains the all new 3 spoke steering wheel instead of the earlier 4 spoke one. The new multifunction steering wheel bears a big round boss and Audi has also done away with the glossy wood trim found on the earlier version.
The facelifted A8L gets a brushed aluminium strip running across the length of the dashboard which used to be piano black earlier. The test car you see in the pictures dressed in Sand beige pearl effect paint especially complements the interior of the car. The seats are upholstered in high quality Valcona leather`s Baloa brown and snow white combination. The door pads are a mix of Alacantara, leather and brushed aluminium inlays. As always, pictures do better justice to the interiors, feast your eyes on them along with the description
Alcantara lined door pads look rich
19 speakers, 5.1 surround sound, 1400 watts of distilled music experience
Raw texture – Fine grain ash, natural balsamic brown wood trim with brushed aluminium inlays
There is no dearth of storage spaces whatsoever. Pictured above: Longitudinally stacked twin cup/bottle holders with cigarette lighter coil
The 2014 A8L’s cabin looks swish with the selection of materials and build quality.
The steering wheel on the new A8 has been redesigned and features three spokes, unlike the 4 spoke unit on the previous version
Simple yet classy instrument cluster
Rear seat comfort is business class like with high level of attention to detail, simple luxe.
Even sparingly used parts like the ash tray has great finish
Aircraft cockpit like reading lights, LEDs here too
The rear central console has a refrigerator inside
Triple cup holders near the rear AC vents
Rear view parking camera has a hi-definition, bright display with steering guides
It can power any 2 pin device, the voltage numbers say it all
Rear passenger seat adjustments and settings
No need to yank the ash tray out, there is a button for it as well!
Individual display screens, vanity mirrors, panoramic sunroof, refrigerator, you name it and the A8 has it!
Spare wheel isn’t full sized. It’s a space saver with a maximum permissible speed of 80 km/h
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