Audi prices fourth-generation A8 to compete

BY JUSTIN HILLIARD | 18th Jun 2018

AUDI Australia has announced a lower $192,000 before on-roads price point for its A8 upper-large sedan ahead of the fourth-generation luxury model’s showroom arrival in mid-July this year.

Powered by a pair of 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 engines from launch, the A8 is offered in diesel and petrol form, with the two variants dubbed 50 TDI and 55 TFSI respectively.

The former opens the range, while the latter starts at $195,000. A long-wheel-base L version of either variant – which adds 130mm of extra length – commands a $15,000 premium.

Comparatively, the equivalent entry-level diesel variant from the previous-generation A8 line-up was $8800 more expensive, or $5900 dearer in L guise.

The A8 undercuts the starting price of most of its key rivals, including the Mercedes-Benz S-Class ($195,600), Jaguar XJ ($210,120) and BMW 7 Series ($226,900), but it is slightly more expensive than the recently released Lexus LS ($190,500).

To make matters even better, Audi Australia claims that, depending on the variant and packages optioned, up to $36,000 worth of additional value has been added to the A8 over its predecessor.

Standard equipment includes an air suspension with electronically controlled dampers, HD Matrix LED headlights with dynamic indicators and a self-locking centre differential.

Inside, dual 10.1- and 8.6-inch touchscreens, an MMI infotainment system, satellite navigation, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto support, digital radio, voice control, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a head-up display, a 730-watt 17-speaker Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system, a panoramic sunroof and a rear-seat remote control feature.

Advanced driver-assist systems extend to autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control with stop and go functionality, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, cross-traffic alert, exit warning, and a surround-view display, plus collision avoidance, intersection, turn and efficiency assist.

Claimed by Audi to be the first production model developed with future capability for Level 3 autonomous driving, the A8 will soon be available with parking and garage pilot – self-parking functions that do not require a driver to be in the vehicle.

The A8’s options list consists of rear-axle steering, a sport differential and an Audi AI active suspension (from 2019) plus various packages.

L versions also pick up a rear relaxation seat as an option, which bundles in various adjustments options and heating and massaging functionality, including for the soles of the feet via its unique footrest.

As previously reported, the 50 TDI develops 210kW of power and 600Nm of torque, while the 55 TFSI produces 250kW and 500Nm.

These outputs are exclusively sent to the ground via an eight-speed torque-convertor automatic transmission and the German marque’s quattro all-wheel-drive system.

Both powertrains employ mild-hybrid technology, which combines a belt alternator starter with a 10Ah lithium-ion battery as part of the 48-volt electrical system.

As a result, the A8 can coast with its engine turned off at speeds between 55 and 160km/h, while the stop-start operation is enabled from 22km/h. Fuel savings of up to 0.7 litres per 100 kilometres are promised.

Sales of the A8 have remained slow this year in the lead up to the new model’s release, with just 11 examples sold to the end of May. However, this does represent a 10.0 per cent increase over the 10 deliveries made during the same period in 2017.

The Audi currently places seventh in the $100,000-plus upper-large-car segment this year, trailing the S-Class (116 units), 7 Series (74), Porsche Panamera (70), BMW 6 Series Gran Turismo (53), Lexus LS (44) and Maserati Quattroporte (20).

2018 Audi A8 pricing*