[Tarmac.terrorist]

Mod Note: Team-BHP's Audi A8L Review has been taken live at this link. Please continue the discussion over on the new thread. Thanks!

Audi India has launched the new generation A8L in the country priced at Rs. 1.56 crore, (ex-showroom). The bookings for the A8L officially started in August last year and Audi has also been testing the new-generation A8 in India for a while. The A8 will be offered in India only as a long-wheelbase model and will rival the likes of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and the BMW 7 Series, as the brand's flagship sedan. Based on the Prologue concept, the carmaker showcased in 2016, the new Audi A8 comes with a bold and sporty design with flat roof dome, upright front end, a high shoulder line and a gently inclined rear. The exterior design is accentuated by a host of smart features like the single-frame chrome grille, HD Matrix LED headlights and bold taillamps with OLED technology.

The A8's cabin offers a range of smart and modern equipment that have kicked things a notch higher. The new A8 gets a new and improved infotainment system and Virtual Cockpit is now part of standard fitment. There are hardly any knobs or buttons for in-car controls and almost everything is accessed by the two screens placed on the centre console. As the car will be mainly a chauffeur-driven vehicle, the A8 L, in particular, gets the optional relaxation seat which features options for adjustment as well as a footrest, on the backrest, of the front passenger seat. In fact, it will also get a foot massage function for rear-seat passengers.

The Audi A8L will be available in India with a BS6 3.0-litre, six-cylinder, petrol engine coupled with an electric motor. It puts out 336 bhp and 500 Nm of peak torque and can pull the car to triple-digit speeds in 5.7 seconds.

[Shreyans_Jain]

I half expected this car to also be powered by the 1.4 TSI
This seems rather expensive considering it is hard to differentiate from the A6 and that the Audi brand itself doesn’t really command the prestige of Merc or BMW at these prices. This seems more an exercise is PR and brand building rather than something that will result in actual sales.

[GTO]

Originally Posted by Tarmac.terrorist

Audi India has launched the new generation A8L in the country priced at Rs. 1.56 crore, (ex-showroom).

The Audi A8L will be available in India with a BS6 3.0-litre, six-cylinder, petrol engine coupled with an electric motor.

It appears that Audi simply cannot launch any car the right way. They botched up the A4 & new A6, and now the A8. The segment-leading S-Class as well as the 7-Series retail at significantly lower price points. Then, there is no diesel option which the segment loves.

I'd like to know more about how this hybrid / electric motor works, but I don't expect it to stop the 336 BHP 6-cylinder petrol from being a royal guzzler.

For those interested, here is the full press release:

Opulence redefined –Audi A8 L arrives in India

 Striking design and a futuristic luxury experience
 Revolutionary operating concept with next generation in-car digitalization
 Exclusivity through full customization – 54 exterior color options
 3.0 L petrol engine, 340 HP and 500 Nm torque
 0-100kmph in 5.7 seconds
 Priced at INR 1.56 Crore onwards

New Delhi, February 03, 2020:Audi, the German luxury car manufacturer, today launched the fourth generation of its flagship sedan, the Audi A8 L 55 TFSI in India. The Audi A8 L boasts a 3.0L petrol engine, generates 340hp and 500 Nm of torque propelling the car from 0-100 in 5.7 seconds. In its fourth generation, the new Audi A8 L provides the benchmark for “Vorsprung durch Technik” – with a new design language, an innovative touchscreen operating concept, host of luxury features and infotainment options.Price starts at INR 1.56 Crore onwards.

Commenting on the launch, Mr. 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 is 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 customizetheir 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.”

Mr. Dhillon further added, “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 & 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.”

Audi A8 L Highlights at a glance:

New line for the brand: the exterior design and body
 The new A8 L is 5.3 meters long, 1.95 meters wide and 1.49 meters tall.
 Body of the A8 L follows the Audi Space Frame principle.
 Consists of 58 percent aluminium parts increasing the strength significantly in comparison to its predecessor.
 Combination of four different materials embody a new level of multi-material design to the customer’s direct benefit and not just in terms of weight reduction.
 Cabin consists of hot-formed steel components, complemented by an ultra-high strength rigid rear panel made of carbon fibre polymer.
 Magnesium strut-tower bar completes the lightweight construction concept.
 State-of-the-art lighting with HD Matrix LED headlights including Audi laser light and rear lams with OLED Technology.
 Superior rigidity of the body provides the foundation for precise handling, excellent ride comfort and the acoustic tranquillity.
Spacious, clearly defined, progressive interior:
 Lavish and spacious lounge.
 Contour and ambient lighting elegantly outlines the striking design lines.
 Controllable Matrix LED reading lights in the rear.
 Bespoke quality range of equipment and materials – from the perforation in the seat upholstery to the electrically opening and closing of decorative shutters on the air vents and satiny leather of the comfortable head restraints.
 Rear left-hand seat is the most elegant place in the new Audi flagship.
 A relaxation seat features a host of options for seat, back and headrest adjustment.
 A footrest on the backrest of the front-passenger seat with a Foot Massager.
 Included as standard in the relaxation seats with a massage function feature, electrically height-adjustable comfort head restraints, footrests, a continuous leather-covered center console.
 Rear Seat Entertainment system comprises of two Audi tablets and a rear seat remote.
 Rear seat passenger can use the touch control on the Rear seat remote to run numerous convenience features as well as optionally make discreet phone calls.
 Interior Air-Quality package comprising on an ionizer and fragrance with adjustable intensity.

Sensitive, with understanding: operation
 Revolutionary operating concept – the 10.1 inch touchscreen display, which, when off, blends almost invisibly into the high-gloss black surround thanks to its black-panel look.
 Intuitive and flat menu structure, as with a modern smartphone.
 Second touchscreen display on the console of the center tunnel is used to operate the climate control and convenience features, as well as enter texts through handwriting recognition.
 Haptic and Acoustic feedback when the driver activates a function in one of the two displays by touch control. They hear and feel a click by way of confirmation. Audi is opening up a new chapter in user experience.
 The driver can activate an array of functions in the automobile using a new, natural form of voice control. The driver can freely formulate spoken commands – the voice recognition system understands.
 The ingenious dialog manager asks questions if necessary, allows corrections, offers choices and also defers to the speaker when interrupted.
 A multifunction steering wheel and an optional head-up display round off the operating concept.
 A total of 5 touch screens in the New Audi A8L to suit all your functional and entertainment needs.

Infotainment:
 MMI Navigation Plus and greatly optimized navigation system.
 B&O 3D Surround sound system with front 3D Spatial Sound as standard.
 Optionally available 23 speaker 1920 W Bang and Olufsen Advanced Sound System.
 Rear seats, are for the first time included in its fascinating 3D sound with height information unfolding the music as you hear it in a concert hall.
 Audi Phone box in the front and Optional in the rear with rear seat telephony.

Mild-hybrid technology for greater efficiency: the drive systems
 The Audi A8 L boasts a V6 3.0 TFSI motor generating 340 hp and 500 Nm of torque.
 Equipped with a 48V mild-hybrid technology that can coast at speeds between 55 and 160 km/h with the engine off allowing the Audi A8 L to travel with zero emissions for up to 40 seconds.
 Fuel consumption brought down by as much as 0.7 liters per 100 kilometres in customer operation due to the mild-hybrid technology.
 Eight-stage tiptronic transmission with lock-up clutch.
 Standard quattro permanent all-wheel drive system with self-locking differential.

New dimension: the chassis:
 Optionally available Dynamic all-wheel steering.
 The dynamic all-wheel steering redefines the limits of the physically possible by allowing the steering angles at the front and rear axles to be set independently of one another.
 Combines delay-free response and steering behaviour with superior driving stability.
 Audi Drive Select system with an Individual mode to customize your driving experience.
 Revolutionary technologies and control systems making the Audi A8 L even more comfortable, sporty and safe.

Safety:

 Safety on the Audi A8 L goes without saying. Audi Pre-Sense basic, 8 Standard airbags which optionally upgradeable 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 for the best view of that tight corner.

[PPS]

Autocar Review of the Audi A8L.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6LX1-V-5rWU&t=144s

[avira_tk]

Originally Posted by GTO

I'd like to know more about how this hybrid / electric motor works, but I don't expect it to stop the 336 BHP 6-cylinder petrol from being a royal guzzler.

The same drivetrain is available in the A7, the mild hybrid technology was highlighted during the launch of that model also. There is a really long review by Autogefuehl, and simply put, the gains are pathetic. About .5 litres per 100km. The recommendation was to get a diesel, this engine is quite old and there's really nothing much they can do with it. The A7 review drive showed 14l/100km, that's optimistic in our driving conditions.

Audi could've launched the a8 PHEV as a differentiator, or better still, get the Q3 and Q2, which people actually buy.

[Turbanator]

A total waste of Time, Monies and efforts in this launch. Until they get support from VW HQ, they won't be able to price any CBU at competitive launch. Whatever numbers they could do last year were due to sales on Euro 4 or otherwise on Q7 and other models. Coming to this particular car, by paying 25-30 % extra one can get a Maybach S class with far superior comfort and specifications including 8 cylinder Petrol. Or at about 25 % discounts on this, a new 7 or S class.

Will be surprised if they are able to do double-digit sales in the whole Year for this model.

[V12Doc]

Why wouldn't someone take a Maybach over this at this price point? Audi is too optimistic to succeed.

[lamborghini]

Originally Posted by Shreyans_Jain

This seems more an exercise is PR and brand building rather than something that will result in actual sales.

IMO the best PR exercise for these luxury barges is visibility.
These are the vehicles that build the brand - which trickles down into the lower segments. Most people see their respected peers / bosses / leaders being driven around in these cars and that becomes part of the lure of the brand.
In the case of the A8 with it's expected dismal sales figures - people will not appreciate what they cannot see

It doesn't help that Audi took their own time in launching this here. IMO this should have been launched before the A6 if they wanted a PR exercise as is the case with most brands - BMW 7 / X7 features BMW's new design direction, same with Mercedes & the S Class - which then trickles down into the lower segments. Part of the aspiration & appeal to be honest : people want to be seen in a mini S Class, not a grown up C Class!

Originally Posted by GTO

It appears that Audi simply cannot launch any car the right way. They botched up the A4 & new A6, and now the A8. The segment-leading S-Class as well as the 7-Series retail at significantly lower price points. Then, there is no diesel option which the segment loves.

Can't agree more! The only real value add from Audi is the ability to customize the car & the decent kit.
But even then, nothing really ground breaking.

[aman-bh]

Stupidly expensive. About 30 lakhs more expensive than the 7 series and 15 lakhs more than the S, cannot seem to understand Audi's future intended direction.

[G-One]

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[YashD]

When is Audi leaving the country blaming the economy & the consumers? What kind of high headed blokes has Audi India appointed for it's Indian Operations who really doesn't know a thing about the revival of a brand. It's frankly baseless to launch any new products now cause they just won't be good enough. The Q3 too will be available in Petrol and I don't think anyone would pay 40 Lakhs for a 1.4 TSi when I'm getting a X1, GLA & XC40 at the same range which are way more superior products. The A8L seems like a mere joke, as some one pointed out above why ought any one buy an A8 when I can get a S450 or S350D on road at the price. Furthermore, I would always have the option of buying the Porsche Cayenne E Turbo with 460 HP on tap which would any day be superior to the A8 in all aspects, be it the interiors, brand value, design and technology. Moreover, the prestigious tag that comes with Porsche in India.

[sidharthg]

I think Audi has pulled a 1st April prank on itself. Very disappointed with the launch of this car, almost 2 years late. Plus ridiculous pricing will ensure they dont sell. Defeating the whole purpose of brand awareness.

Look out for deep discounts on this car soon!

It would have been more sensible to launch an LWB A6 with all the time and money they have spent!

[//M]

Saw this Audi A8 L with MH-14 trade plates in Gurgaon the other day.

While the A8 L certainly looks big and stately, it simply lacks the presence of the G12 LCI 7 Series or the W222 Facelift S Class.

[volkman10]

New Audi A8 L (w/ mild-hybrid) reaches dealerships in India.









Link

[Tarmac.terrorist]

Even though the car is supremely overpriced, it sure looks hot without being too in your face. With the famous discounts from Audi, the car deserves a second look.