Luxurious Style & Performance: 2017 Audi A8L sedan
Introducing progressive excellence, the Audi A8L sedan combines a dynamic exterior and luxurious interior design with sporty driving characteristics, while providing the highest level of comfort and convenience equipment in the segment. Available in the long wheelbase variant only, the A8L is offered in 3.0T and 4.0T Sport trim levels. Base power for the A8L sedan is generated by a 3.0L supercharged V6 prime mover. The 4.0T is propelled by a 4.0L biturbo V8 prime mover. Both engines are mated to an eight-speed Tiptronic® automatic transmission and feature the confidence-inspiring Audi quattro® all-wheel drive system.
The A8L 3.0T and 4.0T Sport are also equipped standard with the convenient and fuel-saving start-stop efficiency system. When the driver presses the brake pedal at stoplights or in other prolonged idle situations, the engine shuts off. When the driver releases the brake pedal, the engine instantaneously starts up again.
Additionally, the A8L 4.0T Sport features the innovative Audi cylinder on demand technology that deactivates four of the eight cylinders at lower loads, reducing fuel consumption by up to 10 percent at moderate highway speeds. When the V8 engine switches to four-cylinder mode, the active engine mounts remove any changes in vibration and the active noise cancellation system negates undesirable changes in engine and exhaust sound.
The Audi luxury sedan itself is a technical work of art. Its elegant and forceful body consists of an aluminum Audi Space Frame (ASF), weighing about 40 percent less than a comparable steel structure. The subframe for the engine and the front axle forms the backbone of the front suspension. The front axle is constructed from five control arms per wheel; its aluminum forged parts provide low unsprung mass and ultra-precise wheel guidance.
The layout of the rear axle follows the track-controlled trapezoidal link principle, which combines compact design with superior driving and comfort qualities. Four steel tubes form the highly rigid axle subframe. The two hollow-cast trapezoidal links, the wheel carriers, the overhead transverse links and the track rods are made of aluminum. Audi’s engineers have thoroughly overhauled the suspension. The struts are supported directly by the wheel carrier, so that the dampers respond with even greater sensitivity.
The interior is captivating, with its spacious design and uncompromisingly high-quality workmanship full of attention to the smallest detail. The comfort on board is first class – from emotionally charged ambient lighting to the luxurious, power adjustable seats in the rear. The Audi A8L combines a high level of intelligence with exemplary and easy operation. Its multimedia interface (MMI) includes a pioneering innovation: Combined with the standard navigation system it has a touchpad. MMI touch enables the driver to control many functions intuitively; for example, the navigation destination can be entered by writing the letters on the pad with the touch of a finger.
For the distinct individualists among its customers Audi has developed a wide range of interior colors, upholstery and inlays. The Audi design selection impresses with especially exclusive combinations, and with various optional packages containing leather, Alcantara and decorative applications.
Dimensions & specifications
Wheelbase: 122.9; overall length: 207.4; width: 76.7; height: 57.9
All vehicle measurements are in inches.
Engine: 3.0L supercharged V6 – 333 hp at 5,500 rpm and 325 lbs-ft of torque at 2,900 rpm; 4.0L turbocharged V8 – 450 hp at 5,100 rpm and 444 lbs-ft of torque at 1,500 rpm.
Transmission: 8-speed Tiptronic automatic
EPA Fuel Economy: 3.0L V6 – 19 city/29 hwy.; 4.0L V8 – 18 city/29 hwy.
Cargo capacity: 14.2 cubic feet
Safety features
Dual front airbags, front seat mounted side-impact airbags, dual thorax curtain side-impact airbags, rear outboard thorax side-impact airbags, dual front knee airbags, four-wheel disc brakes with anti slip regulation, electronic stability control, brake assist, electronic brake force distribution, central locking system, tire pressure monitoring system, full LED automatic headlights, LED daytime running lights, rear fog lights, navigation system, Bluetooth hands-free phone system, HomeLink garage door opener, front/rear parking sensors, rearview camera, rain/light sensor, active auto check system with speed warning device, Audi connect communications system, and Audi advanced key – keyless start, stop and entry. 4.0T Sport adds Audi head-up display, Audi pre-sense rear, Audi side-assist
Optional safety features include: heads-up display, top view camera system, Audi side assist, Audi active lane assist, high beam assistant, Audi adaptive cruise control with stop & go; dynamic steering and night vision assistant with pedestrian detection.
Warranty
Basic: 4-year/50,000 mile
Pricing
The base Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2017 Audi A8L sedan starts from $82,500 for the 3.0 and $91,500 for the 4.0T Sport. Destination charges add $950.
