THE new 2023 Audi A8 arrives subsequent week in what could possibly be the final revision of Audi’s model, design and expertise chief in inner combustion engined sedan format because the premium German model begins a extra concerted push in direction of battery electrical car expertise and consumers development strongly towards SUVs.
On the announcement for native A8 pricing and specs in Sydney final week, incoming Audi Australia director Jeff Mannering famous the mannequin’s halo standing for the model, but additionally admitted it was on borrowed time, at the least with an inner combustion driveline.
“The A8 represents the head of the Audi model, from a technological and engineering excellence to benchmark luxurious and end … [But] from 2026, each new Audi might be electrical,” he mentioned.
“From 2023, we might be properly on our technique to producing our final inner combustion engine.”
In fact, Audi will not be the one firm within the throes of transitioning to battery electrical automobiles (BEV) however the calendar be aware for the model’s change to an electrical future solely serves to emphasize the comparatively short-term nature of this up to date diesel-powered A8.
However for now, simply weeks after the S8 efficiency flagship hit native roads packing a twin-turbo petrol V8, the brand new D5.5 technology A8 might be accessible right here in ‘50 TDI’ guise – Audi converse for a 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel with 48-volt gentle hybrid tech.
The quick wheelbase (SWB) variant is priced from $202,700 plus on-road prices and the A8L lengthy wheelbase (LWB) model instructions a $20,000 premium whereas the bahn-storming S8 requires a considerable additional funding at $273,400 + ORC.
A8 gross sales have declined from a excessive of 58 models for the outgoing D4 technology mannequin in 2016, to simply 26 of the D5 model bought in 2021, in contrast with 81 deliveries of the BMW 7 Collection and 263 of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class that yr.
One clarification for a few of the A8 gross sales easing, says Audi, is perhaps the rent automobile market, the place operators that when favoured the A8 seem to have switched to an Audi SUV.
Audi Australia advertising supervisor Nick Reid instructed GoAuto: “Rent automobile operators appear to be selecting an Audi Q7 SUV, for its higher residuals, bigger boot house in addition to the seven-seat capability making it enticing to be used as a weekend household automobile.”
Key modifications to the refreshed A8 are new entrance and rear bumpers, redesigned 20-inch wheels and new options equivalent to S Line trim and digital matrix headlights as customary.
The digital matrix headlights, first seen on the e-Tron Sportback electrical coupe-SUV, present lane and orientation lighting to information the driving force at excessive beam ranges of illumination with out dazzling different street customers. Including to the wow issue are 5 programmable mild sequences for start-up.
New taillights are digital OLED and embrace a proximity warning for following motorists whereas Matrix LED studying lights are additionally featured inside, permitting the course of the sunshine beam to be altered.
The S Line pack consists of entrance and rear S line bumpers, grille and S line badging up entrance. A no-cost possibility is a chrome exterior bundle, which incorporates chrome accents for the grille, in addition to chrome strips on the entrance and rear bumpers and door handles. A black styling bundle can be accessible as an possibility.
With its new bumpers, the brand new A8 is 18mm longer than its predecessor, at 5190mm (A8L: 5320mm).
The 210kW/600Nm 3.0-litre turbo-diesel powerplant with a 48 volt gentle hybrid expertise is tied to an eight-speed computerized transmission and Quattro all-wheel-drive system. Audi claims the A8 sprints to 100km/h in 5.9seconds and consumes 6.6L/100km on the ADR mixed cycle (the A8L is barely thirstier at 6.7L/100km), emitting 175 grams of CO2 per kilometre.
Security inclusions are additionally complete for Audi’s picture chief. Normal tech consists of adaptive cruise management with cease and go perform, site visitors jam help, lively lane help, facet help and switch help, pre-sense rear, collision avoidance help, emergency help, cross-traffic alert, intersection help and driver consideration alert.
The A8L additionally comes with variable ratio steering and rear-wheel steering, a pairing that may be a $4600 possibility on the SWB A8.
Each wheelbases have a 12.3-inch, high-resolution Audi digital cockpit and color head-up show, wi-fi Apple Carplay and Android Auto, wi-fi telephone charging, two Bluetooth connections and DAB+ digital radio. There’s additionally a rear seat distant, which permits operation of a spread of local weather management, seat, lighting and comfort options from the rear seats.
Unique to the A8L is a $20,000 Government bundle that features rear-seat media screens with digital TV reception and electrically adjustable particular person rear contour seats that includes air flow and therapeutic massage capabilities, heated armrests and a ‘rest’ entrance seat with heated foot therapeutic massage perform for rear passengers.
For each physique types, a $1400 non-obligatory five-spoke alloy wheel design may be upgraded to 21-inch rims for $3400.
Eleven paint colors can be found, with metallic being a no-cost possibility.
A five-year guarantee and 5 years of roadside help are included together with membership to the Audi Expertise bespoke loyalty program.
2023 Audi A8 pricing*:
A8 50 TDI (a) | $202,700 |
A8L 50 TDI (a) | $222,700 |
S8 TFSI (a) | $273,400 |
*Pricing excludes on-road prices.
