New Audi A8: More tech, lower prices
Audi undercuts almost all its luxury limousine rivals with new A8Audi Australia has announced pricing for its fourth-generation Audi A8 limousine, ahead of first local deliveries from mid-July.
The big news is a starting price of $192,000 plus on-road costs for the entry-level A8 50TDI quattro, which is not only $8800 less than the model it replaces but undercuts all but one of its direct rivals.
While the new Lexus LS range opens lower at $190,500 plus ORCs, the new Audi A8’s admission price is less than that of other key competitors including the Mercedes-Benz S-Class ($195,900), Maserati Quattroporto ($209,990), Jaguar XJ (about $210,000) and BMW 7 Series ($226,900).
Audi Australia says the new A8 brings up to $36,000 worth of additional customer value compared to its predecessor, depending on the model and packages specified.
Apart from quattro all-wheel drive as standard, all four new Audi A8 launch models will come with turbocharged six-cylinder petrol or diesel engines matched with mild-hybrid technology. A new S8 flagship will follow.
Further setting the initial A8 line-up apart from its rivals is its Level 3 autonomous driving capability – a world-first for a production vehicle.
However, its eyes-off driving functions will be disabled in Australia, although Audi says the new A8 will soon be available with other piloted functions such as parking pilot and garage pilot.
The 2018 A8’s base price of $192K applies to the 50TDI quattro, powered by a 210kW/600Nm 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6.
Positioned $3000 higher from $195,000 plus ORCs is the A8 55TFSI quattro, powered by a 250kW/500Nm 3.0-litre turbo-petrol V6.
Both V6 petrol and diesel models will be available in long-wheelbase form, adding $15,000 to the price of each. The A8L 50TDI quattro costs $207,000 plus ORCs, reducing the A8 LWB entry price by $5900, while the A8L 55TFSI quattro is set at $210,000.
As before, A8L models come with a 130mm wheelbase stretch, plus a host of extra equipment focussed on rear-seat occupants – in this case including an optional 'Relaxation Seat' with massaging function, heated/massaging footrest and full power adjustment.
Full Australian A8 specs are yet to be revealed, but standard safety features across the range will include adaptive cruise control with Stop & Go and traffic jam assist, 360-degree cameras with 3D view, pre-sense front and rear, active lane assist, side assist with cross traffic assist, exit warning, collision avoidance assist and turn assist, intersection assist, efficiency assist and head-up display.
Other standard equipment highlights include HD Matrix LED headlights with dynamic indicators, panoramic glass sunroof, MMI Navigation plus with MMI touch response, 10.1 and 8.6-inch touch-screens with haptic and acoustic feedback, Audi virtual cockpit, Audi connect and DAB+ Digital Radio, Audi smartphone interface with phone box light, 730-Watt 17-speaker Bang & Olufsen 3D Sound System, Audi music interface with two front and two rear USB outlets, and rear-seat remote control.
Audi Australia says it will also offer a range of “high-value packages” as options, details of which will be revealed next month.
As we’ve reported, Audi’s latest A8 is based around a new incarnation of the Audi Space Frame (ASF), combining aluminium and carbon-fibre to be 10 per cent lighter yet 24 per cent more rigid than its predecessor.
The mild-hybrid tech of all models employs a belt alternator starter (BAS) and a compact 10Ah lithium-ion battery, allowing the A8 to coast at speeds between 55 and 160km/h with the engine off.
Meantime, the A8’s new 48-volt electrical system allows power recuperation of up to 12kW plus idle/stop operation from 22km/h, bringing claimed fuel savings of up to 0.7L/100km.
Both V6 engines are mated to an eight-speed tiptronic automatic transmission and quattro AWD with self-locking centre differential as standard or a sport differential as an option.
Also standard is four-height adaptive air suspension, variable damping and progressive steering, but chassis options will include dynamic all-wheel steering and, from 2019, Audi ‘AI active suspension’.
How much is the 2018 Audi A8?
A8 50TDI quattro – $192,000
A8 55TFSI quattro – $195,000
A8L 50TDI quattro – $207,000
A8L 55TFSI quattro – $210,000
* All prices exclude on-road costs
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