be with launch in 2017 The fourth generation of the Audi A8 raised the technological bar to a sky-high level, yet the new Mercedes S-Class managed to jump over it. This facelift – Audi prefers to talk about “Product Improvement” – should close that gap again.
Now we can hardly speak about a thorough renewal operation, because this facelift does not change the foundations of the Audi A8. The chassis or the engine palette is hardly touched, this product improvement mainly focuses on the appearance of the limousine. The renewed Audi A8 had to gain prestige, without affecting its athletic appearance. You can also choose between a body package with extra chrome or the sportier S Line, a first for the Audi A8.
Matrix and OLED technology
The design team has mainly tinkered with the front and rear of the new Audi A8. On top of new bumpers, this facelift introduces a reworked Singleframe radiator grille, which widens and welcomes additional chrome. The headlamps are given a design that is closer to the more recent models in the portfolio, the rear lamp clusters now use Olet technology. Not only do these new units look better, they also come with new features.
The digital matrix LED lights of the facelifted Audi A8 use so-called DMD (digital micromirror device) technology, with each headlight containing approximately 1.3 million micro-mirrors that divide the light into tiny pixels. This creates an extremely precise, digitally controlled light beam that introduces the ‘Lane & Orientation Lighting’. This function ensures that the roadway is lit up during road works, so that you know exactly where to drive at night.
The OLED rear lights have a so-called proximity warning, whereby the rear light blocks of your stationary Audi A8 will light up extra as soon as another car approaches you within two meters. You can also order the facelift with different OLED designs for the rear light blocks. The digital matrix LED lights come with adjustable coming/leaving home sequences that project figures onto the floor or wall.
Additional equipment
The interior of the Audi A8 is bathed in extra luxury, because the luxury saloon combines higher-quality equipment with additional dressing options. The seats are upholstered in Valetta leather as standard, but you can also opt for Valcona leather – optionally in the new color cognac brown. New in the range is the durable microfibre material Dinamica, which you can choose for the door panels and the roof cladding. The infotainment system MMI Navigation plus now uses a MIB3 module and is supported by online and Car-2-X services from Audi Connect.
The new screens in the rear of the updated Audi A8 have a 10.1-inch display, which are attached to the backrests of the front seats. They display content from the passengers’ devices and can receive numerous audio and video streams via casting, including from well-known streaming platforms, TV media libraries or mobile networks.
Engines and price
The facelift does not change the standard engine range with the Tiptronic eight-speed automatic transmission and the Audi A8 supplied with the Quattro all-wheel drive.
- Audi A8 (L) 50 TDI: MHEV 3.0-V6 with 286 hp and 600 Nm
- Audi A8 (L) 55 TFSI: MHEV 3.0-V6 with 340 hp and 500 Nm
- Audi A8 (L) 60 TFSI: MHEV 4.0-V8 with 460 hp and 660 Nm
- Audi A8 60 (L) TFSI e: PHEV 3.0-V6 with 462 hp and 700 Nm
- Audi S8: MHEV 4.0 V8 with 571 hp and 800 Nm
The renewed and improved Audi A8 will be launched in December 2021. The Belgian base price for the Audi A8 50 TDI is 94,700 euros, the plug-in hybrid A8 60 TFSI e is in the price list from 110,750 euros. The Audi S8 has a price tag of at least 143,770 euros.
Audi A8 L Horch
The Mercedes-Maybach S-Class makes school, because the Audi A8 also gets a super-deluxe version that harks back to a name from the rich car past of the brand. With its 5.45 meters, the Audi A8 L Horch is another 13 centimeters longer than the extended L version, special design details meanwhile provide an extra chic look: the specially designed Singleframe gets vertical crossbeams, the roof carries an extra large panoramic roof, the mirrors have a chrome cover and the light blocks show a specific signature. Also note the H Crown rims. A two-tone paint is also an option.
Don’t immediately go to the nearest dealership, because that Audi A8 L Horch will only be sold in China. That is not surprising, as the People’s Republic represents more than 60% of the sales of the current A8 generation. Contrary to rumours, that Horch version will not be offered with the W12 power unit.
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