Specifications and pricing for the 2018 Audi A8 have been announced, the World Luxury Car of the Year winner will start in price at $192,000 plus on-roads.
Set to arrive in our humble colony from mid-July, Audi claims the new generation A8 will have up to $36,000 worth of added value over the outgoing model and will be set to accommodate Level 3 autonomous driving when it becomes available in the future.
The new Audi A8 will feature a 10 per cent lighter and 24 per cent more rigid frame thanks to the Audi Space Frame technology which uses aluminium and carbon fibre to provide the lighter, stronger foundation.
Styling alterations for the exterior come in the form of a broader Singleframe grille with integrated HD Matrix LED headlights.
Internally, the A8 now sports a minimalist design concept with dual touchscreen 10.0- and 8.6-inch panels supporting the new MMI touch response operating system. Voice control with better natural voice recognition is also included which can ask clarifying questions if needed.
Other interior features include a panoramic glass sunroof, Audi virtual cockpit, Audi connect, DAB+ Digital Radio, a 17 speaker Bang & Olufsen 3D Sound System, rear seat remote control and 4 cabin USB outlets.
Two 3.0-litre V6 drivetrains are available for the Audi A8 coming in the form of a 50TDI quattro and a 55TFSI quattro engine offering 210kW/600Nm and 250kW/500Nm respectively. Both engines will feature new mild-hybrid technology which employs a belt alternator starter and lithium-ion battery to supplement the engine.
Up to 12kW of power recuperation and a start-stop system which is operational from 22km/h is claimed to save 0.7 litres of fuel per 100km.
Completing the powertrain is an eight-speed tiptronic transmission which sends power to all four wheels via the Audi quattro all-wheel drive system. A self-locking centre differential is standard though there is an optional sport differential available for a little extra coin.
Also standard on the Audi A8 is adaptive air suspension with electronically-controlled dampers which offers four ride heights and progressive steering.
Optional extras for the A8 include dynamic all-wheel steering and a ‘relaxation seat’ (rear of the A8L) which is highly adjustable and provides a back and foot massage.
The list of standard safety equipment is extensive and includes adaptive cruise control with stop & go and traffic jam assist, 360-degree camera system with 3D view, Audi pre-sense front and pre-sense rear, lane assist, side assist with cross-traffic alert and autonomous emergency braking.
Order books for the 2018 Audi A8 are open now with deliveries expected to begin in July.
2018 Audi A8 pricing (excluding on-road costs):
A8 50TDI quattro tiptronic - $192,000
A8 55TFSI quattro tiptronic - $195,000
A8L 50TDI quattro tiptronic - $207,000
A8L 55TFSI quattro tiptronic - $210,000
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