2014 Audi A8L launched in India at a starting price of Rs. 1.11 Crores

Audi has just launched a facelifted version of its flagship luxury sedan, the Audi A8L Facelift, in India at a price of Rs 1,11,43,000 (ex, showroom, Maharashtra) and Rs 1,12,95,000 (ex-showroom, New Delhi). The car was launched in a glitzy ceremony involving high net worth individuals at Dubai. The car, in its facelifted guise comes across as a better looking and better driving model than the outgoing version.

Audi has ensured that the facelifted A8 oozes of luxury. For this, the German luxury car maker has given the A8L the ‘Audi Exclusive’  treatment which allows buyers to heavily customize the car. Buyers get options of 111 exterior colors, 23 leather colors, 27 customizable parts and 12 wooden inlays, personalized headrest logos, door sill trims and exclusive folding tables. Audi claims that there can be infinite customization options to ensure a modicum of exclusive-ness and individualism.

The front fascia of the car has been overhauled comprehensively and the A8L in facelifted guise features Matrix LED headlamps which are a first for any car in the world. A dynamically sculptured front with generous amounts of chrome and a comprehensively redesigned rear give the car a fresher look.

The luxury sedan is propelled by a choice of two diesel and one petrol motors. The 3.0 TDI motor which is expected to bring in the maximum volumes has a power output of 250 Bhp. The more powerful 4.2 litre TDI unit churns out 385 Bhp, which is 35 HP more than its state of tune in the previous A8L.

The performance focused 4.0 liter TFSI petrol motor churns out 435 Bhp, which again is 15 Bhp more than the power output in the A8L’s predecessor. All engines on the car get mated to an 8-Speed tiptronic automatic transmission and the Quattro all wheel drive system. Audi’s Drive Select system is offered as standard.

Audi offers an extensive variety of choices for the front seats, including ventilation and massage in five different programs. The optional luxury features which add to the luxury quotient of the saloon are the rear seat executive package, Bang & Olufsen surround sound system, park assist, surround view camera, panoramic-sunroof, air ionizer, heads-up display, Audi wireless internet access among other such features.

The prices announced are for the 3.0 litre TDI unit and the pricing for the rest of the range will be announced soon. The Jaguar XJ is gearing up for a launch later this June and Mercedes S-Class is clocking good numbers. In India, these two cars, along with the BMW 7-Series will be the A8L’s main competitors.