Audi has finally launched its flagship Limousine, the A8 L at ₹1.29 crores for the base Celebration edition and ₹1.57 crores for the Technology trim. For the 2022 model year, Audi has added a host of features to the A8 L to keep it fresh. Pre-bookings for the A8 L were already commenced last month for a token amount of ₹10 lakh. The A8 L comes to India via the CBU route and it comes with a single petrol powertrain in the long-wheelbase format. Let’s take a look at what’s new:
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Design
The front features a new face with a new, revised, larger grille. The bumper’s side air intakes feature a more upright layout and on top of them sit the redesigned headlights encompassing no fewer than 1.3 million micromirrors for the digital matrix function making them highly adaptable. They also come with an anti-dazzle function for the high beams. The side gets new 19-inch 5-arm graphite grey alloy wheels. The rear is dominated by wide chrome clasps, a customizable taillight signature with digital OLEDs, and a continuous, segmented light strip with a different signature design. The diffusor insert in the bumper is delicately accentuated and redesigned with horizontal bars. It also gets four new metallic paint schemes namely District Green, Firmament Blue, Manhattan Gray, and Ultra Blue.
Interior
The changes to the interiors are much more subtle than the exterior. It gets the latest version of Audi Virtual Cockpit which is joined by an optional head-up display while the center console accommodates a pair of touchscreens. Audi has updated the infotainment system with its latest MIB 3 software. There are two more screens in the back for the rear-seat entertainment system featuring 10.1-inch displays. Audi is also offering a rear relaxation package with a recliner for added comfort. This package paired with the rear passenger side foot massager elevates the back seat experience. The car also gets a folding center console table and cooler with a bar compartment.
Other features include all-wheel steering, B&O 23 speaker 3D sound system, Audi cool box, 4 zone air conditioning, soft close doors, and wireless phone charging. There are about 40 driver assistance systems available in the new Audi A8 L. Some of them – including the Audi pre-sense basic and Audi pre-sense front safety systems – are standard equipment. In terms of safety, it comes with Audi Pre-Sense basic which includes 8 Standard airbags and has an option to upgrade to 10 airbags with 2 central airbags for additional protection. Active Head restraints protect your neck from whiplash in the event of a rear-end collision. The Surround Cameras enable you to negotiate tight spaces with a superior 3D view. The display can be pinched and zoomed in for the best view of that tight corner.
Powertrain
The facelifted A8 is offered with a sole petrol powertrain. The 3.0L TFSI engine is paired to a 48V mild-hybrid system generating 340 hp and 540 Nm of torque and it comes mated to an 8-speed torque converter automatic gearbox. Power is sent to all wheels via the Quattro all-wheel-drive system. It also gets predictive air suspension for superior ride quality.