A sharpened design and innovative new technologies, Audi is bolstering the presence and elegance of the A8, the trailblazer in the premium segment. Ordering in the UK for the refreshed flagship is under way, with the first customer deliveries due from March 2022. The starting price for A8 is £74,985 with long wheelbase starting from £78,985. The S8 is priced at £102,610.
As the successor to the Audi V8, the A8 has been the brand’s leading edge in the luxury saloon segment of Audi’s portfolio since 1994. The Audi A8 is a symbol of and a trailblazer for the status and prestige of the brand. The fourth generation of the luxury saloon, which Audi introduced in 2017, raised it to a new level concerning power, look, and equipment. This model enhancement brings significantly greater levels of technology and innovation to the flagship saloon, helping cement its place in the luxury segment as a technology trailblazer.
“Audi has a rich history of luxury and innovation and these two aspects of our DNA are represented perfectly in the enhanced A8,” says Andrew Doyle, Director of Audi UK.
“Since its inception, the A8 has been a driver of innovation at Audi with the technology it debuts then applied to other segments and vehicles. In the area of premium mobility, the new A8 cements its place as one of the standout stars in our portfolio and the luxury segment .”
A8, A8L and S8 equipment and spec
The line-up comprises three distinct models, all of which provide a unique offering in the segment: A8, A8L and S8.
Sport, S Line, Black Edition and Vorsprung specifications make up the trim structure for the refreshed luxury saloon. Every model comes highly-specced as a reflection of the A8’s positioning in the market and as a testament to the technology and innovation the A8 has become known for.
Audi’s quattro all-wheel-drive and an eight-speed S Tiptronic gearbox are standard across the entire A8 and A8L line-up as are adaptive air suspension, comfort contour seats in Valcona leather, the 12.3-inch HD Audi Virtual Cockpit, a 10-loudspeaker Audi Sound System, Audi Phone Box with wireless charging, Head-up display, twin-touchscreen MMI Navigation Plus and a wealth of safety systems including adaptive cruise control, rear-view camera, Parking System Plus, Audi Pre-sense, camera-based traffic sign recognition and convenience key.
Sport models also boast unique 18-inch ‘five-V-spoke’ design forged alloy wheels (19-inch on TFSI e models) and LED headlights, while those who opt for the A8L Sport also benefit from heated front and rear seats, four-zone automatic air-conditioning, electric sunblinds for rear windows and rear doors and Audi’s Rear Central control unit comprising a 5.7-inch touchscreen OLED display.
S Line models build on that by bringing a greater degree of visual drama thanks to the S Line front and rear bumpers and S-specific radiator grille. Further upgrades include 20-inch five-twin-arm alloy wheels, HD Matrix LED headlights with dynamic light presentation and dynamic indicators, a sports look for the comfort contour seats, acoustic double glazing and privacy glass.
Stepping up to Black Edition adds 20-inch gloss black Audi Sport ‘five-V-spoke’ alloy wheels, black exterior styling pack and OLED rear lights with a unique light signature.
Range-topping Vorsprung models boast larger 21-inch Audi Sport ‘seven-arm’ wheels, Dynamic all-wheel steering, Digital Matrix LED headlights, a panoramic glass roof, front-seat ventilation with massage function, extended leather pack, ambient lighting package plus and a 17-speaker B&O sound system. Safety equipment is also bolstered with the inclusion of crossing assist, lane change warning, cross-traffic assist rear, a 360-degree camera and Parking Assist plus with remote parking.
S8 equipment and spec
Where luxury and performance meet, highlights of the S8 line-up include 20-inch ‘five-double-spoke’ S design alloy wheels, quattro all-wheel-drive and sports differential, dynamic all-wheel steering, predictive active suspension, comfort contour seats in sports look, electric and heated front seats, 17-speaker B&O sound system, a 12.3-inch HD Audi Virtual Cockpit and a wealth of active and passive safety systems.
S8 Black Editions benefit from larger 21-inch Audi Sport ’10-Y-spoke’ alloy wheels, black exterior styling pack including front and rear black rings, carbon fibre gear selector and upper inlays.
Top-spec Vorsprung editions gain Digital Matrix LED headlights, a panoramic glass roof, front-seat ventilation with massage function, extended leather pack, four-zone auto air-conditioning, electric sunblinds and Audi’s Rear Central control unit comprising a 5.7-inch touchscreen OLED display.
AutoBrief Snippets
- Sport, S Line, Black Edition and Vorsprung specifications make up range
- On sale now priced from £74,985 rising to £117,610
- First customer deliveries due in March 2022
