Audi India has launched the most powerful diesel variant of their flagship sedan, the A8, in India. The new A8 4.2 TDI Quattro is priced at Rs 1.07 crore (ex-showroom Maharashtra) to slot in between the Audi A8 4.2 FSI and the top-of-the-line A8 W12 petrol. As the name suggests, the new variant of the A8 is powered by a 4.2-litre V8 diesel engine that churns out more than sufficient 350bhp and 800Nm of torque.
The engine delivers power to all four wheels through Audi’s renowned all-wheel-drive system, Quattro. The mammoth torque and the top-of-the-line eight-speed gearbox propel this two ton car to 100kmph in less than 5.6 seconds, with electronically controlled top speed of 250kph. At Rs 1.07 crore a unit, the A8 4.2 TDI Quattro is a tad expensive, but that is mainly because it is imported to India as a CBU (Completely Built Unit), on order. Abhishek Bachchan will collect the delivery of the first Audi A8L 4.2 TDI in India - white car with red interiors.
The new A8 4.2 TDI Quattro is the most powerful luxury diesel sedan in India. The A8’s direct competitors – the S-Class, 7 Series and Jaguar XJ, don’t have a variant in India to match the 350bhp AWD specs. Also, we only get the long-wheel-base variants of the A8, which have even more legroom and headroom for the rear seats. The badge used on this premium sedan in India is ‘A8L’, with ‘L’ denoting long – almost the same format is followed by all of its competitors.
