Audi A8L 4.2 TDI to pose competition to Mercedes S-Class, BMW 7 Series, Jaguar XJL

German automobile manufacturer Audi has launched the sporty A8L 4.2 TDI in India. The starting price for the car is Rs 1.075 crore (ex-showroom Maharashtra). The powerhouse comes with a 4.2-litre TDI Turbo diesel engine churning out peak power of 350 bhp and maximum torque of 800 Nm between 1750 and 2750 rpm. Time taken to reach 100 kmph from zero is a mere 5.6 seconds.

The A8L, where 'L' stands for 'long wheelbase', joins the family comprising the V6 3.0 TDI quattro, which is the basic car in the A8 section, the V8 4.2 FSI quattro petrol and the top-end 6.3 W12 quattro. The wheelbase and length of the car have been increased by 13 cm, which will help passengers in the rear seats derive greater comfort. An optional relaxation seat with powerful footrest is also available. Seating options are many, including the massage function and rear seat entertainment.

The Audi A8L has an ultra-strong aluminium body and yet is incredibly lightweight. It comes with optional LED headlights. Panoramic sunroof, comprising two glass elements, is optional. Apart form the adjustable seating arrangement, the car is equipped with the advanced MMI system including MMI touch and a pioneering character recognition. The Audi Connect System will offer services like Google Earth, Google Local Search and Google Voice Search, etc. Other important information about weather, fuel prices and other travel information is also available.

Safety features are enhanced in this new offering form Audi. Night vision assistance with pedestrian marking is optional. It is possible to avert accidents using the Audi pre sense safety system. Even if there is an accident, consequences can be avoided using this feature.

Mr. Michael Perschke, Head, Audi India, said on the launch of the luxury sedan, “After the overwhelming response to the high-tech Audi A8 L in India, we have launched a variant of the flagship of the brand with a powerful diesel engine. True to our brand philosophy of ‘Vorsprung durch Technik’, the Audi A8L 4.2 TDI epitomises a new level of sporty performance combined with technical intelligence and engineering art. The car symbolises true luxe mobility with its opulence, sophistication and aspirational value. The Audi A8 L has been a benchmark in its segment and the new variant will redefine automotive excellence in India.”

The launch function was graced by the presence of Bollywood actor Abhishek Bachchan who also took the delivery of his own customised Audi A8L 4.2 TDI. Recently, Sachin Tendulkar was seen at the launch of the new BMW 3 series, the F30. Also, Genelia D'Souza was present at the preview of the Mercedes-Benz tourer B-class.

The new Audi A8L 4.2 TDI will find competition in the BMW 7 series and Mercedes-Benz S-Class. Audi has by far managed to grab a fair share of the Indian luxury car market and has pipped into second position, ahead of Mercedes-Benz, in this list. However, BMW continues to remain the hot favourite.

However, if performance is the priority for customers, they might also consider the Jaguar XJL which boasts of a 5000 cc engine exuding maximum power of 385 bhp. Priced at just under Rs. 1 crore, it might make the Audi A8L 4.2 TDI appear tad expensive.