Audi has unveiled its new flagship sedan – the 2018 Audi A8. Loaded with high-tech features, the new A8 defines the future of Audi’s market strategy. It comes loaded with a high-end infotainment system, multiple creature comforts for the front as well as rear seats, as well as a level 3 autonomous driving compatibility that basically takes care of all driving actions under certain conditions.
The 2018 Audi A8 underpins Volkswagen Group’s new MLB Evo platform. Like its predecessor, the new model is also available in two architectures – a standard A8 sedan and a long wheelbase A8L version. The former has a wheelbase of 2,998mm, while the latter’s wheelbase spans over 3,128mm. In addition to the longer wheelbase and thus more room, the A8L also gets some added standard and optional features.
The new Audi A8 2018 will go on sale in Germany around October this year. It will eventually be launched in India in the second half of next year. It is not yet known whether the A8 will be brought in as a CBU or will be assembled locally to keep its price competitive. In India, the A8 will be competing against the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, BMW 7-Series, Volvo S90 and Jaguar XJ.
Let’s give you a brief tour about Audi’s new flagship sedan, along with details of the India-spec model.
2018 Audi A8 India launch
The fourth-generation Audi A8 sedan will go on sale internationally in October 2017, with Germany being the first country to receive the new A8. However, an India launch will take place only in 2018. We will update this section once more information surfaces regarding the Audi A8’s India launch.
2018 Audi A8 India price (expected)
The new A8 comes loaded with multiple high-end technologies. As a result, it will likely be priced over Rs. 1 Crore (ex-showroom). However, the final price tag of the new Audi A8 will depend on whether the company brings the luxury sedan through the CBU route or decides to assemble it locally in the country.
2018 Audi A8 Specifications
The 2018 Audi A8 is available with a wide range of engine options – diesel, petrol as well as plug in hybrids. The entry-level diesel models will be powered by a 3.0-litre, turbocharged V6 engine that will be rated at 282 BHP. On the other hand, the 3.0-litre, turbocharged V6 petrol engine will develop 335 BHP. Higher trims will come with larger 4.0-litre petrol and diesel engines, rated at 429 BHP and 453 BHP, respectively.
Interestingly, all these engines will come with a mild hybrid system. This system will come with a belt alternator starter motor that will be responsible for providing additional power to the engine in certain conditions. There is also a regenerative braking system on offer, which traps power lost during braking and uses it to recharge the battery pack. Another component in the mild hybrid system is an automatic start/stop functionality that allows the new A8 2018 to coast with the internal combustion engine (ICE) switched off. A dab on the throttle can switch the engine on, and the ICE will be brought to be back to life.
In addition to the above mild-hybrid engines, the new Audi A8 will also come with a full plug-in hybrid variant. Called the Audi A8L e-tron Quattro, this powertrain includes a 3.0-litre V6 TFSI engine that works in tandem with an electric motor, which cumulatively develops 443 BHP and 700 Nm. The car has an all-electric range of 50 km, and comes with wireless charging capabilities.
Additionally, Audi will be offering a top-of-the-line 6.0-litre W12 engine. However, output figures haven’t been released yet.
2018 Audi A8 Autonomous Driving features
The new Audi A8 comes with level 3 autonomous driving functions. This means that the car comes with Audi AI traffic jam pilot, which can take care of all driving actions (accelerating, steering and braking) at speeds of up to 60 km/h. However, this system works only when there is a physical barrier separating the two carriages. Once the traffic jam pilot assist feature takes over the driving functions, the driver can permanently take his/her hands off the steering wheel.
However, this technology will need to get approvals from different governments in different countries. As a result, Audi will be releasing the new technology in a gradual manner across the globe.
The new A8 also comes with Audi AI remote parking pilot feature, which allows the car to park and unpark itself from a parking spot or a garage. Interestingly, the driver doesn’t need to be inside the car when the automatic parking system is working. He/she can monitor the car’s movements through a smartphone app which shows a 360-degree image of the car’s surroundings.
- Exterior Design
- Interior Design & Comfort
- Features
- Engine
Audi A8 2018
The fourth-gen A8 is clearly the sharpest looking A8 ever produced. The exterior design is modern and brings the car at par with the BMW 7-Series and Merc S-Class. The Volvo S90 still is the most beautifully designed sedans in this segment. The A8 also comes loaded with the most advanced technological features, including the level 3 autonomous driving functions. Ample engine options on offer ensure that there is a perfect match for every customer preference.