Audi A8 and A8L have just been released along with the flagship model the Audi S8 at a recent Audi Experience function in Sydney. 
Sporting a sharper, more distinctive design language and underpinned by a raft of innovative technologies, the A8 50 TDI quattro and A8L 50 TDI quattro once again set the benchmark in the large, luxury class with state-of-the-art headlights and taillights plus more.
“The A8 showcases the best of the brand right across the board, from its design and engineering prowess to a level of appointment and finish that is benchmark in the luxury ranks,” says Jeff Mannering, Director of Audi Australia.
“It has always been a technology pioneer and continues to lead the way with the innovative technology of each successive model.”
Since its introduction as the successor to the Audi V8 model in 1994, the Audi A8 has been the standard-bearer for the brand.
A symbol of ultimate luxury, it has consistently premiered new automotive technology and delivered a level of sophistication combined with sporty performance, endearing it to drivers and passengers alike.
Some previous Audi S8, A8 and A8L articles
- Audi S8 continues its sports saloon dominance with 2023 updates
- 2019 Audi A8 Launch Review
- 2016 Audi A8 L extended Exclusive Audi
- 2014 Audi A8 Has Arrived in Australia
- All-New Audi S8 2014 Has Arrived in Australia
- 2012 Audi A8 Hybrid here in 2012
- 2011 Audi A8 3.0L TDi and 4.2 TDi Engines
- Audi S8 at Frankfurt Motor Show 2011
Audi A8 exterior design
Sophistication, athletic and subtle are words that can be used to describe the design.
The distinctive new treatment of the larger Singleframe grille is sporty and yet maintains the elegant feel.
Flanked by the large air intakes and the new Digital Matrix LED lighting technology it gives an unmistakable hint of aggression and adds to its overall presence.
There is a distinctly coupe-like profile, with long lines, muscular wheel arches and 20-inch alloy wheels in 10-spoke ‘Y’ design – with larger, 21-inch alloys also available as an option.
The sporty nature of the A8 is further accentuated by the Audi S line exterior package.
This includes front and rear S line bumpers, grille and subtle S line badging on the front, and customers will be able to select a chrome exterior package at no additional cost.
This includes chrome accents for the Single frame grille, as well as chrome strips on the front and rear bumpers and door handles.
A black styling package is also available as an option, with the A8 available in 11 colours in total.
The tinted panoramic sunroof allows the outside in at the touch of a button and includes an electric shade covering, while acoustic glazing on the windows greatly improve exterior noise suppression.
The powered luggage compartment lid can be opened and closed with a simple foot gesture.
Doors feature power-assisted closure that pulls the doors into the locks when not completely closed.
Audi Space Frame construction
The refreshed A8 once again boasts grand proportions measuring 5.19 metres in length (5.32 metres for the A8L model), 1.95 metres wide and 1.47 metres high.
The body follows the same principles of the Audi Space Frame (ASF) and is made up of 58 percent aluminium parts.
Passenger compartment consists of hot-formed steel components supplemented with an ultra-high-strength, rear panel made of carbon-fibre reinforced polymer with outstanding torsional rigidity.
Magnesium strut-tower bars complete the lightweight construction concept.
The body’s tremendous rigidity lays the foundation for the precise handling feel, exceptional comfort and excellent acoustic properties of the cabin.
Digital Matrix LED headlights and OLED rear lighting
A8 features state-of-the-art lighting with Digital Matrix LED headlights featuring digital micromirror device (DMD) technology and digital OLED rear lights.
The DMD technology employed in the Digital Matrix LED headlights uses 1.3 million micromirrors that break down the light into tiny pixels which allow the light to be controlled with unparalleled precision.
This functionality allows previously unseen functions such as lane and orientation lighting for highways, where the headlights emit a carpet of light that illuminates the driver’s lane brightly.
The Digital Matrix LED headlights also allow for dynamic coming home/leaving functions, shining like projections on the ground or a wall.
On the rear, digital OLED lights are standard equipment and feature the proximity warning function which flashes a warning to motorists who approach to within two metres of the rear.
Additional features include dynamic turn signals as well as a unique coming/leaving home sequence.
The digital OLED lighting also allows the choice of two rear light signatures and when ‘dynamic’ is selected in the Audi drive select, the rear lights change to a sporty signature, specific to this mode in the A8.
Audi A8 – A proven performer
The Audi A8 and A8L are powered by a 3.0 TDI powerplant with a 48 volt mild hybrid technology (MHEV).
This powerful yet efficient engine delivers 210kW between 3,500 and 4,000rpm and an enormous 600Nm of torque from 1,750rpm right through to 3,250rpm.
Mated to an eight-speed tiptronic transmission with power going down to the road through quattro permanent all-wheel drive.
The A8 will sprint from 0 to 100km/h in 5.9 seconds on the way to an electronically-governed top speed of 250km/h.
Despite this turn of speed, the A8 can deliver fuel consumption of 6.6L/100km and (A8 50 TDI quattro) and 6.7L/100km and (A8L 50 TDI quattro).
Handling is equally as impressive; the combination of quattro with self-locking centre differential and progressive steering working with adaptive air suspension and continuously variable adaptive damping to produce tremendous agility and roadholding.
The A8L also features the dynamic steering package as standard which adds all-wheel steering and dynamic steering with variable ratio.
This can be changed to suit the driving situation or can be adjusted through the Audi drive selection system. The dynamic steering package is available as an option for the A8.
Audi A8 benchmark interior design and finish
Audi A8 interior exudes minimalist design language promoting a feeling of calm and accentuating the generous space available to passengers.
Quality materials have been used throughout and the finest craftsmanship is evident in every detail.
This is obvious with through Valcona leather upholstery with perforated leather on the front and outer rear seats to the door and side panel trims in Dinamica. The feeling of quality permeates every inch the sumptuous cabin.
Driver and passenger seats feature complete electric adjustment including lumbar support and memory.
Front seats and armrests are also heated and include ventilation and massage function.
Passengers in the rear of the A8L model enjoy heated rear seats as standard equipment, while heated and ventilated rear seats can be optioned on A8 as part of the Rear seat comfort package or Sensory package – heated rear seats.
A highlight of the Executive package available for the A8L is the relaxation seat in the rear, which transforms the rear seat passenger-side seat into the ultimate in mobile luxury.
A heated footrest on the back of the front passenger seat folds down to deliver foot massages to the rear passenger as they also receive a relaxing back massage from 18 pneumatic cushions in the seat.
The standard of finish throughout the A8 is unequalled, with fine Nappa leather used on the centre console, door armrests, upper dashboard and door rails, as part of extended leather package which is standard on both models.
An even more extensive leather treatment is available as part of the Sensory package which includes the lower dashboard and glovebox, door trims and door pockets as well as the head restraint linings front and rear.
Inlays are in fine grain ash, and customers can also choose between natural walnut, eucalyptus and black piano finish as optional finishes.
An interior lighting package including ambient lighting with 30 selectable colours allows customers to tailor the interior feel to suit their mood.
LED reading lights in the rear and electric rear sunblinds on the windows further add to the comfort of passengers and the premium feel of the A8.
A8 and A8L highest levels of equipment
As you would expect the level of luxury equipment is exceptional.
From the 12.3-inch, high resolution Audi virtual cockpit and colour head-up display, to the Audi smartphone interface which includes wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto, Audi phone box light for wireless charging via the ‘Qi’ standard and two Bluetooth connections, the technology and infotainment offering is impressive.
Audi music interface with front and rear charging and data transfer functionality (front) is standard equipment as is the DAB+ Digital Radio and the 5.7-inch rear seat remote, which operates a range of climate control, seat, lighting and convenience features from the rear seats.
The MMI Navigation plus with MMI touch features haptic and acoustic feedback as well as free-text handwriting recognition and voice control.
The system uses two high-definition colour displays measuring 10.1-inch 8.6-inches to display navigation information as well as vehicle functions and comfort controls.
Audi connect plus Navigation and Infotainment services form part of the offering for A8 and include online traffic information, destination entry via MyAudi or Google maps, parking and weather information as well as fuel prices and the full range of Google online services.
The additional features of the Audi connect plus Security and Assistance services are also features and include car finder and remote signal, remote lock and unlock and of course emergency call back-up in case of emergency and online roadside assist.
The superb acoustic properties of the A8’s interior also provide the perfect environment for the 730 watt Bang & Olufsen 3D Sound System with its 17 speakers and 16-channel amplifier.
Those seeking even higher standards of sound can opt for the Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System included as part of the Sensory Package. It features 23 speakers with high-quality neodymium magnets, 23-channel BeoCore amplifier and a total output of 1,920 watts.
There is an impressive list of inclusions:
- Adaptive cruise control with Stop&Go function,
- traffic jam assist and distance indicator,
- Audi active lane assist, Audi side assist and turn assist, sensors located around the vehicle are constantly monitoring other traffic and road conditions for potential hazards.
- 360 degree cameras,
- Audi parking system plus with front and rear sensors and a visual display and
- Park assist plus system allows automatic parking for both parallel and perpendicular parks without the need to touch the steering wheel or pedals.
Audi pre-sense rear, collision avoidance assist, emergency assist, cross traffic, intersection assist all support the driver, while Attention assist even provides a warning alert should it detect the driver’s attention lapsing.
Other functions such as the predictive efficiency assist help the driver in maximising fuel efficiency, while the exit warning system alerts passengers to the presence of other vehicles or cyclists when opening a door.
Peace-of-mind for Audi owners
Like all new Audi vehicles delivered to Australian customers from January 1 2022, the A8 50 TDI quattro and A8L 50 TDI quattro come with the peace-of-mind of a five-year warranty and five-year Audi Roadside Assist. Audi also provides a 12-year manufacturer warranty for bodywork against corrosion perforation for new vehicles.
Audi owners also receive a complimentary membership during their warranty period to Audi Experience, Audi Australia’s bespoke loyalty program that offers access to exclusive national events, intimate Audi Ambassador experiences, and premium partner offers.
Further information on the program can be found at https://myaudi.com.au/experience
Audi A8 50 TDI quattro and A8L TDI quattro customers can also purchase a comprehensive Audi five-year service plan package, priced at $3,830.
Two-year Audi Advantage packages can be purchased in addition, including full factory warranty, 2 years of scheduled servicing and 2 years of roadside assistance beyond the initial warranty period for a cost of $4,800 for A8/S8 owners. These packages can be purchased back-to-back, giving owners the option to include the cost of warranty, servicing and roadside assistance for up to 9 years at the time of purchase.