Next generation Audi A8 L revealed

Audi has taken the wraps off the fourth generation A8 flagship sedan at the Audi Summit in Barcelona today. The first Audi summit revealed its new design language with the debut of new-gen A8 along with the German brand’s plan of becoming a premium digital car company.

As the flagship saloon for Audi, the A8 debuts the all-new family design which will make its way to the other sedans in the line-up. The sharp HD Matrix LED headlights with laser lights flanks the iconic Audi grille. The tail light is now a horizontal unit with OLED-infused with a new signature motif. A special highlight of the A8 is the coupe-like smooth flowing sloping roofline that gives the luxury sedan a sporty appeal. Overall, the new A8 stays true to the Audi Prologue design showcased back in 2014.

On the inside, the A8 cabin is all-new. There is a brand-new MMI system with haptic feedback, the 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment screen dominates the center dashboard and all the connected services the Ingolstadt carmaker has on offer. The perforated upholstery, electrically controlled air-con vents, ambient lighting, rear feet massage incorporated into the back of front-passenger seats completes the cabin of the Luxo-barge.

The A8 will initially have a pair of 3.0-litre V6 turbocharged petrol and diesel engine options. The TDI diesel produces 284bhp while the TFSI has an output of 340bhp. Two V8 engines – a 435bhp 4.0-litre TDI and a 460bhp 4.0-litre TFSI – will follow later. The top-of-the-line 6.0-litre W12 behemoth is expected to join after that. The A8 will come with a 48-volt mild-hybrid electric system as standard. The A8L e-tron quattro plug-in is also on the cards, with a 3.0-litre TFSI engine in conjunction with an electric motor, producing a combined output of 449bhp and 700 Nm.

The A8 also debuts the carmaker’s level 3 autonomous technology with remote parking, and Traffic Jam Pilot. The new A8 boasts of all-wheel steering as well, apart from the active adjustable suspension. 

The inaugural summit also revealed a roadmap of the brand’s transition towards becoming a premium digital car company with new concepts for individual mobility in the digital age. Also discussed at the summit were issues like sustainable manufacturing, lightweight construction, connectivity, piloted driving and digital services.

The new Audi A8 and A8 L will be built at the Neckarsulm facility and will hit the road late this year. The European pricing for the new A8 is EUR 90,600, while the A8 L retails at EUR 94,100. Audi will debut the new A8 in India as well once it goes on sale internationally.