The Audi A8 and the long-wheelbase A8 L impress with their character of luxurious sportiness. The Audi flagship combines dynamic exterior design and agile handling with supreme comfort and an elegant interior.
Body
The elegant and distinctive body of the Audi A8 is an aluminum Audi Space Frame (ASF), with only the B-pillars made of ultra high-strength steel. At 231 kilograms (509.27 lb) (241 kilograms [531.31 lb] for the A8L), it is roughly 40 percent lighter than a comparable steel structure.
With its high rigidity and excellent vibrational comfort, the A8 body exemplifies the strengths of Audi’s lightweight construction. The optional LED headlights are another high-end solution.
Drivetrain
The six V6 and V8 engines in the Audi A8 and the Audi A8 L – all of which feature direct injection – provide for superior performance. The 3.0 TDI with 150 kW (204 hp) is the entry-level engine. It consumes just 6.0 liters per 100 km (39.20 US mpg) in the EU driving cycle. The 4.2 TDI with 258 kW (350 hp) produces the most torque – 800 Nm (590.05 lb-ft). The 4.0 TFSI with 309 kW (420 hp) offers the most power; COD (cylinder on demand) technology makes a major contribution to its efficiency. It deactivates four of the eight cylinders under partial load, reducing fuel consumption by approximately five percent.
Engine lineup:
- 3.0 TFSI quattro with 213 kW (290 hp)
- 4.0 TFSI COD quattro with 309 kW (420 hp)
- 3.0 TDI with 150 kW (204 hp)
- 3.0 TDI quattro with 184 kW (250 hp)
- 3.0 TDI clean diesel quattro with 184 kW (250 hp)
- 4.2 TDI quattro with 258 kW (350 hp)
The standard eight-speed tiptronic features closely-spaced gears while still featuring a wide spread for reduced fuel consumption. Its fully electronic control is operated via the selector lever or the steering wheel paddles. The quattro permanent all-wheel-drive system is standard with almost every model. On request, the sport differential dynamically distributes the forces between the rear wheels; this feature is standard with the 4.2 TDI.
Chassis
The wheel control arms of the Audi A8 are made of aluminum. The brake discs measure up to 400 millimeters (15.75 in) in diameter depending on the engine; the wheels up to 21 inches.
The standard adaptive air suspension with variable damping is integrated into the Audi drive select dynamic handling. It can be complemented with the optional dynamic steering.
Interior
The interior of the Audi A8 captivates with light and elegant lines, craftsman-like fit and finish, and extraordinary attention to the smallest of details. Audi offers rear seat passengers the option of two power-adjustable and heated individual seats, which can be further equipped with optional ventilation and massage functions. Features such as a folding table and a cooler make a ride in the A8 even more enjoyable. Customers can also opt for Rear Seat Entertainment.
The Audi A8 L is 13 centimeters (5.12 in) longer than the standard version in both wheelbase and overall length. It is available with an optional relaxation seat with power footrest and massage function. Another option is the all-leather center console.
Equipment and trim
The optional control and navigation system MMI navigation plus with MMI touch is closely networked with many other systems in the vehicle. The radar-based adaptive cruise control with stop & go function works closely together with the Audi pre sense safety system.
Further highlights include Audi side assist, the camera-based speed limit detection, Audi lane assist, the night vision assistant with highlighting of detected pedestrians and the parking system plus with 360° camera.
Audi also offers many attractive infotainment modules. The optional Bluetooth car phone online, an extension of MMI navigation plus, includes an integrated WLAN hotspot and delivers tailored Internet services from Audi connect to the car. The 19-speaker Advanced Sound System from Bang & Olufsen offers the finest in hi-fi sound.
The Audi A8 L W12
The Audi A8 L W12 tops the model series. It is powered by a supremely powerful gasoline engine that is unusually short and lightweight. The normally aspirated, 6.3 liter engine with direct injection produces 368 kW (500 hp) and 625 Nm (460.98 lb-ft) of torque, yet is extremely refined. The luxury sedan offers sporty performance. The sprint from 0 to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) is completed in 4.7 seconds; the governed top speed of 250 km/h (155.34 mph) is just a formality.
This top-of-the-line model is generously equipped. Standard equipment includes MMI navigation plus with MMI touch and the Bluetooth car phone online, LED headlights, power-assisted closing for the doors, noise-insulating glass, the convenience key with sensor-controlled trunk lock, a four-zone automatic air conditioning system and individual seats in the back.
The Audi A8 L Security
The special security version of the long-wheelbase A8 meets the most stringent guidelines for civilian vehicles. A large number of special security features are available in addition to its strong armoring. Audi offers the A8 L Security with the 4.0 TFSI COD and the W12.
The Audi A8 hybrid and the Audi A8 L hybrid
The drive system of the Audi A8 hybrid combines the best of two worlds. The gasoline engine, a 2.0 TFSI, produces 155 kW (211 hp) and 350 Nm (258.15 lb-ft) of torque while the electric motor produces 40 kW (54 hp) and 210 Nm (154.89 lb-ft) of torque. Peak system power is 180 kW (245 hp); system torque is 480 Nm (354.03 lb-ft).
Both powerplants are mounted one directly behind the other and connected via a clutch. They deliver their power to the front wheels via a highly-modified eight-speed tiptronic.
Energy storage is provided in the form of a lithium-ion battery with a nominal capacity of 1.3 kWh mounted in the back of the vehicle. The luxury sedan can travel up to a speed of 100 km/h (62.14 mph) on electric power alone, and at a speed of 60 km/h (37.28 mph) covers around three kilometers (1.86 miles) with zero local emissions. It consumes just 6.3 liters per 100 km (37.34 US mpg) in the standard cycle.
The equipment, data and prices specified in this document refer to the model range offered in Germany. Subject to change without notice; errors and omissions excepted.