Audi A8
Indian automobile market is a competitive destination for car manufacturers from all over the world. Audi is also working on aggressive strategies to grab its share in this market by launching cars like the new Audi A8. This vehicle promises high end performance and great luxury comfort in an attractive package. The exclusive Audi A8 in India was launched on 10th January 2011. New Audi A8 is manufactured on a platform that incorporates sophisticated technology and elegant looks, which are visible in the performance and appearance of A8.
Audi company claims that the new launch - Audi A8 - will be the most comfortable and luxurious car in its segment. It has been launched in four exclusive variants, two petrol-fuelled versions and two diesel-powered models. All variants of Audi A8 sport turbocharged engines that boast of direct fuel injection technology. The different variants launched under Audi A8 are A8 L 4.2 FSI quattro, A8 L 3.0 TDI quattro, A8 4.2 TDI quattro and A8 L W12 quattro. All these models have different engine configurations but same comfort features.
Audi A8 Launch History
The eagerly awaited luxury sedan, Audi A8, was launched in India in the year 2011. Audi has launched this car in the Indian automobile market to compete with market leaders like BMW 7 series and Mercedes Benz S class. The price of the Audi A8 in India ranges between Rs. 70 Lacs and Rs. 130 Lacs.
In the international automobile market, Audi A8 was launched in the year 1994 in Europe. It was manufactured on Volkswagen D2 platform aluminium frame, which was the first of its type. This platform reduces the overall weight of the vehicle and increases gas mileage without sacrificing stability of the vehicle. The Audi A8 quickly gained popularity among American auto enthusiasts seeking a full-sized luxury car that is packed with comfort and convenience features.
Audi A8 Variants
The all new Audi A8 has been launched in four variants in India. Among these, A8 L 4.2 FSI quattro and L W12 quattro are the petrol variants, whereas Audi A8 L 3.0 TDI quattro and 4.2 TDI quattro variants are powered by diesel engines. All the variants of Audi A8 India possess different engine configurations, though the comfort features are common in all. The Audi A8 car has seating capacity of four adults and, therefore, is a perfect family car loaded with luxury and comforts.
All variants of the new Audi A8 have been incorporated with the same unique features, such as dynamic steering, Quattro technology with sports differential, relaxation seat, ambient lighting and rear seat entertainment. Apart from these, two piece panoramic sunroof, Audi drive select and four zone automatic air conditioning are other unique features of Audi A8.
Audi A8 Pricing
New Audi A8 car price differs in all states of India due to varying taxation laws. However, the four variants of the car have been placed within the price bracket of Rs. 70 Lacs and Rs. 130 Lacs. Analysing the unmatched features of Audi A8, it is worth the money that the buyers pay for it.
Audi A8 Review
Auto experts describe Audi A8 as “Audi’s most underrated and yet brilliant cars. A modern classic”. At first look itself, this car emerges as the dream car of many auto enthusiasts. Its attractive and high-mounted light pods are the prominent attractions for car lovers. The powerful engines of all variants of new Audi A8 India offer great performance and provide an incomparable driving experience. The dynamic steering of the new A8 automatically adapts the steering ratio and steering force to the road speed. The steering effort and angle of the car can be dynamically adjusted as and when the car changes lanes or is parked.
Audi A8 Used Car Market
The new Audi A8 is a new arrival in the Indian automobile market and therefore it will not be available in the used car market. But, one can hope that Audi A8 can be seen in the used car market in due course of time.
Audi A8 Specifications
New Audi A8 car is loaded with most of the comfort and luxury features. It has been incorporated with some of the unique features, which are provided along with every model of A8. Some of its distinguishing features are dynamic steering, Quattro with sports differential, Audi drive select, relaxation seat, ambient lighting and rear seat entertainment. Moreover, two piece panoramic sunroof and four zone automatic air conditioning are also unique features of Audi A8. The brownish interiors of the new Audi A8 cars provide the perfect finish to the vehicle. The car boasts of optional four zone deluxe automatic air conditioning that maintains the preferred climate of all occupants. A brief view of all the specifications of Audi A8 car is mentioned below:
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Criteria
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Specifications
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L 4.2 FSI quattro
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L 3.0 TDI quattro
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4.2 TDI quattro
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L W12 quattro
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Displacement (cc)
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4163
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2967
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4134
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6299
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Max. Power (bhp/rpm)
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366/6800
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247/4500
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346/4000
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493/6200
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Max. Torque (Nm/rpm)
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445/3500
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550/3000
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800/2750
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625/4750
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Transmission
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Eight-speed Tiptronic
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Tyres
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235/55 R 18
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235/55 R 18
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235/55 R 18
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235/55 R 19
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Gross Weight (kg)
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2535
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2540
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2670
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2655
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Top Speed (kmph)
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250
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Unladen Weight (kg)
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1960
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1965
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2120
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2130
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Fuel Tank Capacity
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90 Litres
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Emission Standard
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EU5
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EU4
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EU5
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EU5
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Audi A8 Exterior
The exteriors of Audi A8 are quite appealing, with the four circle hallmark of the illustrious automaker on the front and rear of the car marking the assured luxury that the company is famous for. Outer body of the Audi A8 is made of strong yet lightweight aluminium, which imparts durability to the car. The front of the car has a grille fitted at the lower centre, which gives the appearance of the 'nose' of the vehicle. The nicely shaped and big headlamps of the Audi A8 dominate the whole front view of the Audi A8. Door mirrors, bumpers and handles are precisely painted with the body colour, thus providing it an opulent look.
Audi A8 Exterior Appearance
Headlights of the all new Audi A8 feature sports LED daytime running lights, xenon headlamps and turn Indicators. Furthermore, fog lamps at front end add to the elegance of Audi A8. The car also features body-coloured, electronically powered outside rear view mirrors (ORVMs). Roof arch of the Audi A8 boasts of a linear shape and is available in different colour combinations to suit the variegated choices of buyers. The rear side view of new Audi A8 is majestic as well as sporty. The shape of tail light cluster is quite prominent, thus rendering an aggressive look to the vehicle.
Exterior Dimensions
The new A8 2011 has good space for the occupants and is considered a perfect car for those who like big-size saloons that have a signature look. Length, width and height of the Audi A8 are 5137 mm, 2111 mm and 1460 mm, respectively, while its turning radius measures around 12.3 m.
Interior Appearance
The interiors of Audi A8 are packed with complete luxury and assure great level of comfort and convenience. Interiors of Audi A8 are provided with elegant detailing, which look beautiful and also offer ample space and comfort that make buyers fall in love with the car.
The Audi A8 consists of LED ambient lighting package, which illuminates cabin of Audi A8. This lighting package consists of roof module, light strip between grab handles in two colours, two colour light strip / three colour reflected light and LED Foot-well lights (front and rear) in two colours. Apart from these, the car is also equipped with Four LED entry lights, colour choice (ruby, ivory, polar) can be controlled via MMI and illuminated door pockets in two colour LEDs.
The selling feature of Audi cars is its interiors. Interiors of Audi A8 are incorporated with complete luxury and assure high level of comfort and convenience. The Audi A8 is provided with beautiful front and rear floor mats, auto-dimming rear view mirror and lower inlays in highly polished black and upper inlays in walnut brown colours. Apart from these, the car also has 4-spoke leather multi-function steering wheel with gear-shift paddles.
Audi A8 Interior Comfort
Audi A8 is considered as luxury on wheels and therefore it is packed with all the comfort level of the occupants. The new A8 India is incorporated with superior quality seats with Valcona leather. It is packed with electrically adjustable front seats, which includes adjustment in forward/backward positions. Moreover, Audi A8 is provided with heated front seats at variable temperature adjustments and electronically adjustable four-way lumbar support.
Interior Measurements
New A8 in India not just assures comfort but provides ample space as well. The inner cabin of the luxury car has ample headroom and legroom. Boot space of new A8 car is 500 litre in volume.
Audi A8 Fuel Economy
The new A8 cars are integrated with advanced technology, which makes the car fuel efficient and reduces CO2 emissions to the lowest possible level. This all-luxurious carrier is expected to deliver an excellent fuel economy, one of the defining attribute of Audi. The fuel in the Audi A8 is directly injected into the engine so that the combustion is timed down to mere milliseconds and thus one gets the best till the last drop of fuel.
The Audi A8 L 4.2 FSI quattro delivers an fuel economy of 10.3 kmpl, whereas Audi A8 L 3.0 TDI quattro provides a healthy average of 15.15 kmpl. Audi A8 4.2 TDI quattro delivers an average of 12.8 kmpl and Audi A8 L W12 quattro provides a fuel economy of 8.06 kmpl.
Audi A8 On Road Drive
New Audi A8 cars are incorporated with sophisticated suspensions, which ensures a convenient drive. All the variants of Audi A8 are equipped with powerful engines which offer utmost driving pleasure. The power steering of the Audi A8 is very efficient and proves this on narrow turns. The turning radius of the new Audi A8 India is 12.3 m, which is substantially lower than any conventional full-size sedan.
Audi A8 Power
New Audi A8 2011 is best in terms of power, luxury and performance. The Audi A8 L 4.2 FSI quattro is incorporated with a 4163 cc engine, which generates maximum power of 366 bhp at 6800 rpm. Maximum torque of this engine is 445 Nm at 3500 rpm. Moreover, Audi A8 L 3.0 TDI quattro is packed with a turbocharged engine of 2967cc and delivers maximum power of 247 bhp at 4500 rpm. Torque generated by this engine is 550 Nm at 3000 rpm. The Audi A8 4.2 TDI quattro is also provided with a turbocharged engine of 4134cc. This engine generates maximum power of 346 bhp at 4000 rpm and torque of 800 bhp at 2750 rpm. Audi A8 L W12 quattro is incorporated with a engine of 6299 cc and the maximum power of the engine is 493 bhp at 6200 rpm. This engine generates a torque of 625 Nm at 4750 rpm, which is quite powerful.
Audi A8 Acceleration and Pick Up
Since the torque and power of all the engines is high, the new Audi A8 cars offers great acceleration and pick up. The Audi A8 L 4.2 FSI quattro reaches the speed of 0 to100 kmph within 5.8 seconds, whereas Audi A8 L 3.0 TDI quattro smoothly accelerates between 0 and 100 in 6.2 seconds. Audi A8 4.2 TDI quattro reaches the speed of 0-100 kmph within 5.6 seconds and Audi A8 L W12 quattro accelerates between 0 and 100 within 9 seconds.
Audi A8 Safety and Security
The luxurious Audi A8 cars are provided with double glazing warning triangle, break-in protection and improved insulation against outside noise. For the safety concerns, Audi A8 2011 carries a first aid kit, tool kit, electrically adjustable steering and electric height adjustment. Moreover, front passenger airbag, tyre pressure loss indicator and Audi parking system plus are also packed within the Audi A8 cars. Xenon headlights with LED daytime-running lights and light and rain sensor package also add to the safety measure of the new Audi A8 2011.
Audi A8 Comfort and Convenience
Audi A8 car is packed with most of the comforts and convenience demanded by an occupant. All new Audi A8 is packed with electrically adjusted front seats, which includes adjustment for forward/backward positions. Moreover, Audi A8 is provided with heated front seats, which can be used at variable temperature adjustments. Front seats of the Audi A8 can be electronically adjusted using four-way lumbar support. The new A8 India is incorporated with comfortable seats, which are made of finest quality Valcona leather.
Audi A8 Wheels
All the variants of Audi A8 have the same tyres except Audi A8 L W12 quattro. The models like Audi A8 L 4.2 FSI quattro, Audi A8 L 3.0 TDI quattro and Audi A8 4.2 TDI quattro have forged aluminium wheels, whose size is 8J x 18. Tyres of all these three models has a radial of 235/55 R 18. Moreover, Audi A8 L W12 quattro has forged aluminium wheels, whose size is 8J x 19. The radial of this wheel is 235/55 R 19.
Audi A8 Stereo and Accessories
New Audi A8 is carries a DAB Digital radio system along with Audi Sound System. It includes six channel amplifier with 180 watts amplifying capacity. Moreover, two 200 mm speakers and two tweeters in the front doors are also provided to increase the quality of sound. A 100 mm front centre speaker, two-way system with 168 mm wide speaker, tweeters in the rear and 260 mm sub-woofer are also located in the rear of the Audi A8.
Audi A8 Dealers
Audi has maintained a vast network of authorised dealers across the major states of the country. The company has targeted 13 states in the country and supplying their cars throughout India with the help of these dealers. Major states of India, which includes the dealership of Audi are Bangalore, Chennai, Mumbai, Kolkata and Delhi.
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City
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Dealers
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Bangalore
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Audi Bangalore, Audi Beratana Agrahara
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Chennai
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Audi Chennai, Audi Anna Salai
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Delhi
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Audi Delhi, Audi Mathura Road
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Kolkata
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Audi Kolkata, Audi A.J.C. Bose Road
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Mumbai
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Audi Mumbai, Audi New Link Road
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Audi A8 Company Quotes
“The launch of Audi A8 L is a milestone for us. It marks the entry of our new flagship in India. This super luxury sedan will allow us to further build upon the tremendous growth potential,” said by Michael Perschke, head of Audi India.
“With Audi witnessing record sales in 2010 to achieve exceptional growth, we believe the Audi A8 L will continue to spur demand in India, and set benchmarks in a segment where we have been defining automotive excellence the world over. With the success of the Audi Q7- leader in the luxury SUV segment, we have a proof of how strong our brand is and we are confident that with the new A8 L we will be equally successful,” said Michael Perdchke, head of Audi India.
“Audi is a brand known for its style and design, the new Audi A8 L will redefine the contemporary luxury in the Indian auto industry. Audi A8 L is a blend of sophistication, elegance, technology and comfort.” said by Michael Perdchke, head of Audi India.
Audi A8 Competitor Analysis
The Audi A6 has many competitors in the Indian automotive market because of its features and luxurious interiors. Its major competitors are Jaguar XF and BMW 7 series 740 Li. These both cars are launched in the same segment and area perfect competitor of Audi A8.
Jaguar XF is a luxurious sedan, which is equipped by a petrol engine of 5000cc. The maximum power delivered by the engine of Jaguar XF is 385 bhp at 6500 rpm and the torque of the engine is 515 Nm at 3500 rpm. It has a seating capacity of five adults and a boot space of 510 litres. The length, width and height of the Jaguar XF are 4961 mm, 1819 mm and 1461 mm respectively.
BMW 7 series 740 Li is a sedan, which has been incorporated with a V8 petrol engine. The engine of this car generates maximum power of 326 bhp at 5800 rpm and the maximum torque of the engine is 450 Nm at 1500 rpm. Length, width and height of the BMW 7 series 740 Li are 5212 mm, 1902 mm and 1483 mm respectively. It has a seating capacity of four adults and fuel tank capacity of 88 litres. This car has been priced between Rs. 100 Lacs and Rs. 120 Lacs.
Audi A8 LPG/CNG Variants
LPG / CNG variants of the Audi A8 are not available till now, but one can expect some more versions in near future.
Audi A8 Pros
The new Audi A8 is incorporated w