New Audi A8 here mid-2018
Two V6 engines and wheelbases from launch, but no hands-off driving for Audi Australia’s new limoAudi Australia has announced first local details for the fourth-generation A8 limousine following its global launch in Valencia, Spain this week.
Available from launch in mid-2018 will be standard- and long-wheelbase (A8L) models powered by the choice of V6 turbo-petrol and turbo-diesel engines matched with eight-speed tiptronic automatic transmissions, quattro all-wheel drive and 48-volt mild-hybrid systems.
The A8 3.0 TFSI delivers 250kW of power between 5000 and 6400rpm, and 500Nm of torque from just 1370rpm to 4500rpm. That’s enough for it to hit 100km/h in a claimed 5.7 seconds (SWB), yet it consumes 7.8L/100km and emits 178g/km of CO2 on the NEDC cycle.
The 3.0 TDI meantime produces 210kW of power and a bigger 600Nm of torque from 1250rpm, and hits 100km/h in a claimed 5.9 seconds (SWB).
Two more petrol engines have been announced for the next A8 globally, but remain unconfirmed for Australia: a twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 and a twin-turbocharged 6.3-litre W12.
However, if history is any guide, Audi Australia is likely to instead import only the next-generation S8, which is yet to be revealed.
Apart from the 48V Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle (MHEV) system, new features from launch will include HDmatrix LED headlights with Audi laser light and OLED tail-lights, Matrix LED reading lights, Dynamic all wheel steering, electric Active Body Control (eABC), and predictive air suspension with damper control, active roll stabilization and dynamic height adjustment.
Assistance systems from launch will include adaptive cruise control, active lane assist, side assist, traffic jam assist, turn assist, collision avoidance assist, emergency assist, park assist, cross traffic/intersection assist and exit warning.
However, the new A8’s ground-breaking Level 3 autonomous driving functionality — dubbed ‘Audi AI’ -- will be available from launch in Australia, where extended hands-off driving remains illegal.
Pricing for the 2018 is yet to be revealed, but should remain competitive with direct rivals like the new BMW 7 Series, upcoming Lexus LS (due around the same time) and facelifted Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
Therefore expect only minimal movement from current model prices, which are listed at $200,800 for the A8 3.0 TDI SWB, $212,900 for the A8 3.0 TDI LWB and $253,510 for the A8 4.2 TDI SWB.
Topping the outgoing A8 range are the S8 ($282,327) and S8 Plus ($329,927), both powered by a 4.0-litre TFSI V8.
Audi’s top-shelf passenger car is very much a niche model in Australia, where the German limo has found just 1132 customers over three generations, including 489 for the existing model since 2010 (excluding S8).
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