Audi India launches A8 L saloon

Audi has launched it’s all-new A8 L executive saloon in India with a starting price tag of Rs 87.32lakh (ex-showroom, Mumbai). The new A8 will take on the competition to the likes its other German rivals namely BMW 7-series and Mercedes S Class.

Offered only in an extended wheelbase model, the new A8 L will maximize what Audi does best: lots of high-quality engineering, plus artful design inside and out.

"The introduction of Audi A8 L is a landmark achievement for Audi India as it celebrates our past successes and foreshadows future growth," Audi India Head, Michael Perschke said.

The new A8 L offers both luxurious ride comfort and sporty handling. It is once again, based on a virtually all-aluminum body/chassis structure, which combines high strength with relatively light weight (for its size).

The A8 Long Wheelbase is five inches longer between the axles and overall length than the standard-wheelbase A8 which will not be available in India. Most of that extra dimension shows up in the rear-passenger compartment; there's an option group that includes reclining rear seats, massage, and foot rests.

On the inside there’s an all-new interior. The gear selector is now an electronic shifter, with four positions; Audi says it’s shaped like the thrust lever on a powerboat. The MMI system has been moved from the centre console to the fascia, and now features a touchpad panel, which allows you to write letters or numbers on the screen to enter phone numbers or navigation destinations.

At present, the A8 L will only be available with a 4.2-litre FSi motor, followed by the 3.0-litre TDi in March. Going forward, the German giant will launch the 500bhp 6.0-litre W12 petrol variant during Diwali this year. The 4.2-litre V8 TDI variant – the same engine that made the A8 a popular choice in the foreign markets – will also make its way to India by early 2012.