The Audi A8 L has landed its opulent self in the country to take on the Bimmers, Mercs, and Jags in the high-end sedan segment. With the ‘L’ standing for “long” (wheelbase), we can surely say this car will pamper its passengers with glee. The powerful engine will put a smile on anyone in the driver’s seat too, making the Audi A8 L a winner in many eyes. However, the starting price will burn a Rs 1.56 crore (ex-showroom) hole in one’s pocket, which was expected and understood.
This is the fourth-generation of the flagship sedan from the German manufacturer to be sold in the country and have certainly thrown in all the bells and whistles into the Audi A8 L. The car is the benchmark for Audi’s ‘Vorsprung Durch Technik‘ which translates to “progress via technology”. Audi have also used their new design language with the vehicle in order to enhance the car’s appeal.
Commenting on the launch, Balbir Singh Dhillon, Head of Audi India, said, “The new A8 L marks the dawn of a new design era for brand Audi. The car boasts sophisticated, technology and feature-rich. We have fundamentally re-engineered the Audi A8 L in its fourth generation – it now boasts larger dimensions and is heavily customizable. We want customers to customize their car keeping in mind their likes and requirements and are confident that the new Audi A8 L will witness the same success that its predecessors have enjoyed in the country. We are pushing the edge on modern luxury with a great-looking cabin and an ultra-luxurious rear with features that are irresistible for flagship followers. The A8 L is the epitome of luxury and forms an extremely important part of our product portfolio for 2020 that focuses on the push for C- and D-segment cars. The A8 L is our third completely new BS VI-compliant model launch after the All-New Audi A6 and Audi Q8.”
Engine-wise, the Audi A8 L is a 48-volt mild-hybrid that gets a 3.0-litre V6 TFSI turbo-petrol unit putting out 340 hp and 500 Nm mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The hybrid tech helps the car to coast between 55 and 160 km/h with the engine off for up to 40 seconds. This helps immensely with emissions and fuel consumption. Apart from that, we see the Quattro all-wheel-drive system, self-locking differentials, and more.
The inside is a plush and spacious place with ambient lighting to soothe one’s mood. Other flamboyance has been covered here too with the Audi A8 L receiving a bunch of massage features, entertainment control features, air quality indicators, and adjustments of all the above said and unsaid. Even the infotainment section gets navigation, a Bang & Olufsen surround-sound system, a phone box in the front and optional in the rear, including others.
On the safety front we see eight airbags, upgradeable to 10, surround cameras that can be pinched or zoomed, active head restraints that will keep one from receiving whiplash, and more. This is indeed quite a car that will be available in 54 colours options during customization. Hence, if the Rs 1.56 lakh (ex-showroom) starting price doesn’t worry you, an Audi A8 L is a good option.
