After making a global debut at the Audi Summit in Barcelona, the new-gen A8 flagship sedan has now been showcased at the 2017 Frankfurt Auto Show. The A8 debuts the all-new family design from the Ingolstadt-based carmaker along with new autonomous tech and revised engine line-up.
The new A8 stays true to the Audi Prologue design showcased back in 2014. In a characteristic fashion, the new A8 gets the sharp HD Matrix LED headlights with laser lights flanking 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 sloping roofline that gives the luxury sedan a sporty appeal.
On the inside, the A8’s cabin is completely new. There is a brand-new MMI system with haptic feedback, while the 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment screen dominates the centre dashboard. The cabin comes loaded with all the connected services the Ingolstadt carmaker has on offer. The perforated upholstery, electrically controlled air-con vents, ambient lighting and rear feet massage incorporated into the back of the front-passenger seats completes the cabin of the Luxo-barge.
The A8 debuts the carmaker’s level 3 autonomous technology with remote parking, and Traffic Jam Pilot. The new A8 boasts of an all-wheel steering as well, apart from the active adjustable suspension.
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 comes with a 48-volt mild-hybrid electric system as standard. The A8L e-tron quattro plug-in is also on the cards.
The new Audi A8 and A8 L will go on sale later 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. The flagship saloon will continue to face a stiff competition from Mercedes-Benz S-Class, BMW 7 Series and Jaguar XJ.
