New Audi A8 L launch on February 3

Audi is set to launch the all-new A8 L in India on February 3, 2020. This will mark the return of the brand’s flagship sedan to the Indian market after a hiatus.

As with its predecessor, the new A8 – revealed globally in 2017 – is expected to launch in India in its long-wheelbase guise and be available only with a petrol engine option at launch. The engine is expected to be a 3.0-litre V6 turbo-petrol unit equipped with the brand’s mild-hybrid tech, paired with an automatic gearbox as standard. A diesel engine option could join the line-up later.

Based on the VW Group’s MLB Evo platform, the new A8 L is larger than its predecessor and is expected to come loaded with tech including Audi’s new digital-heavy setup with a touchscreen and a secondary touch display in the centre console to control the in-car functions – as seen on the new A6 that went on sale last year. Other equipment expected to be offered are Matrix LED headlamps, Audi’s Virtual Cockpit digital instrument cluster, multi-function heated and massage seats, multi-zone climate control and more.

What remains to be seen, however, is if the new A8 will feature the Level 3 autonomous tech seen on the model in international markets.

Expect prices to start at around Rs 1.5 crore (estimated, ex-showroom), with the model rivalling the Mercedes S-class and the BMW 7 Series.

The launch is expected to be a part of the VW Group Night on February 3, 2019. Aside from the price announcement, the Group Night will the debut of models from sister brand Skoda and Volkswagen. The two carmakers are expected to reveal concepts of its MQB-A0 IN-based SUVs – theSkoda Vision INand theVW A0 SUV– that will arrive in 2021, and will also showcase a range of international products like theVolkswagen T-Roc and Tiguan Allspace, and theSkoda Karoq.