AIMS 2010: Audi A8 L

Hidden away on a mezzanine level at the Audi motor show stand is an imposing W12 powered A8 L. It’s Audi’s answer to the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. A long luxo cruiser designed with opulence and luxury in mind, and not much else.

The huge lattice grille introduces a commanding presence, one which is complemented by the 20″ alloy wheels and the sheer length of the car. At 130mm longer than a regular A8 the L version has vast amounts of space for all passengers.

It’s the inside of this car, really, that completes the picture. Especially when you see the two individual rear seats facing two large entertainment screens. With electronic reclining and features such as a massage function you just know spending time in those seats would be time well spent.

The good news is the A8 L will be coming to Australia in the 2nd quarter of next year. The bad news is the 368kW 6.3 litre W12 will not be available. Australian captains of industry will have to choose from an engine lineup comprising 3.0 and 4.2 TDI diesels or a 4.2 FSI petrol engine. All are fitted with an 8-speed tiptronic transmission.

Check the pics out after the break, as far as luxo barges go, the A8 L looks like a great option.

The New Audi A8 L – The Ultimate In Dynamic Luxury

• Long-wheelbase adds an additional 13cm of rear passenger space
• Three fast and efficient engines mated with quattro all-wheel drive and a state-of-the-art 8-speed tiptronic transmission
• Optional rear seating package providing ultimate relaxation
• Guaranteed Future Value financing available

Audi Australia has launched the pinnacle model of its new flagship A8 range.

The arrival of three long-wheelbase A8 L models sets new standards for luxury combined with dynamism – delivering on the Audi promise of progressive performance in the top luxury class.

Having launched the regular wheelbase version of the A8 in September, with the A8 L range Audi Australia now offers a degree of comfort and luxury akin to first-class flying.

Boasting an additional 13cm of length and wheelbase, all of which is devoted to rear-passenger comfort and amenity, the A8 L comes with the choice of three powerful engines; two of which are diesel and all of which deliver performance and efficiency not usually associated with large limousines.

The 4.2 FSI direct-injection petrol V8, 4.2 TDI diesel V8 and 3.0 TDI diesel V6 engines are all mated to a silken 8-speed tiptronic transmission. This state-of-the-art transmission helps to deliver fuel consumption as low as 6.6 litres per 100km for the 3.0 TDI. The 8-speed tiptronic also harnesses 800 Nm of torque in the case of the 4.2 TDI.

All three Audi A8 L models feature Audi’s permanent all-wheel-drive quattro technology, which this year celebrates its 30th anniversary. quattro technology automatically adjusts the distribution of drive across all four wheels to ensure optimum traction and dynamic handling.

Fuel consumption has been significantly reduced across the A8 L range compared to its predecessor and yet performance has been improved. The 3.0 TDI V6 features fuel-saving Start-Stop technology, but adds another 13 kW to its power output and delivers an additional 100 Nm of torque for a total of 550 Nm. The 4.2 FSI direct-injection petrol V8 delivers 273 kW of power and 445 Nm of torque whilst reducing fuel consumption by 11 percent. The V8 4.2 TDI makes the most of its 258 kW and prodigious 800 Nm to rocket from 0-100km/h in just 5.6 seconds.

Apart from the A8 L’s excellent performance and efficiency numbers, its elegant and sophisticated exterior lines exude luxury and progression. However, the jewel in the A8 L’s crown is its interior. The A8 L is a very special way to travel.

Front seat occupants enjoy 22-way powered comfort seats, whilst the standard configuration of the rear compartment features ample stretch-out room with a three-seat arrangement that emphasises the comfort of the two outer positions. This standard rear arrangement also provides a fold-down console that contains four-zone air conditioning and houses the controls for the optional rear seat entertainment package, including analogue and digital TV reception.

All A8 L models feature rear vanity mirrors, power rear and side window blinds, heated seats, a handset for the Bluetooth connected car phone and there an optional panorama twin-sunroof extending over the rear passenger area is aslso available.

To further establish the limousine credentials of the A8 L there is also an optional rear seat package which offers two individual rear seats, with a continuous centre console housing the rear compartment controls and a power adjustable foot-rest on the back of the front seats. When combined with the ambient lighting package standard on the V8 models the effect is one of providing the occupants with supreme luxury and comfort even whilst travelling long distances at speed.

“The A8 L models are not just flagships for the Audi range. They are showcases of the combined knowledge and skill applied by our thousands of engineers and designers to the craft of building cars; the world’s best cars,” said Uwe Hagen, managing director of Audi Australia.

“The fourth-generation A8 has already set a new standard in dynamic luxury cars and now the arrival of the long-wheelbase versions demonstrates just how serious Audi is about attaining leadership in all of the important segments of the premium and luxury car market.”

Audi Australia is also offering the A8 L models, as with all A8s, with the option of Guaranteed Future Value financing for 36 or 48 months, allowing for up to 20,000kms per year and a preferential finance rate of 5.5%.

Australian pricing and specification for the Audi A8 L will be announced closer to launch in the first quarter of 2011.