Audi is on a charm offensive in the first half of 2014, with flagship models being launched seemingly hand-over-fist. It began with the S3 Sportback and SQ5 in February and picked up the pace in March with the RS Q3 and RS7 Sportback. In April the pace is beginning to mellow, but not the grandeur, as the company rolls out the latest iteration of their flagship, the Audi A8.
The 2014 Audi A8 is a mid-life update rather than an entirely new engineering exercise, but the aluminium space frame (ASF) construction, which has been a hallmark of the A8 since its launch in 1994, as well as aluminium body work, remains an A8 trademark along with comfort and technology.
Technology is the main ingredient in the updated Audi A8 and it’s evident at first glance. New head and tail-light designs use Xenon elements, with ‘Matrix’ technology available as an option. The ‘Matrix’ system is standard on the S8 and W12 models and comprises of 25 LED units within each headlight cluster. The individual LEDs can be turned on, off or dimmed in response to oncoming traffic or when approaching slower traffic from behind. This means the headlights can remain on their high beam setting with just the area around approaching traffic being dimmed, thereby providing maximum illumination of the road at all times.
Bodywork has been subtly revised with changes to the front bumper, grille and bonnet lines that give the car slightly more definition. The exhaust pipes have been neatly integrated into the rear bumper, while chrome strips and high-gloss black window frames round off the design details.
The car’s dimensions remain unchanged from the previous model, with ample interior space within the 5.14 meter long luxury limo. New to the South African market, however, is the availability of the long-wheelbase body style in the ‘entry-level’ 3.0 TDI model, which extends the car by a further 130 mm to the exclusive benefit of rear passengers.
The new A8 is initially available with a choice of 3.0- and 4.2-litre turbocharged diesel engines, with the performance oriented, petrol-powered, 4.0-litre S8 and stately 6.3-litre W12 arriving in May 2014. Both TDI engines are silky smooth together with the 8-speed ‘tiptronic’ transmission and Audi has added noise damping measures to further reduce the already low interior noise levels.
The 3.0-litre V6 TDI produces 190 kW and 580 Nm of torque, while the larger 4.2-litre V8 TDI offers 283 kW and a notable 850 Nm. Both engines pull strongly at virtually any point in the rev range, but the V8′s torque output borders on intoxicating and given half a chance, sends its power not only to the road, but also to one’s head. In contrast to the high output figures are those of the low fuel consumption. Audi claim the 3.0 TDI will require just 5.9 l/100km on average, while the punchier 4.2 TDI will be happy with 7.4 l/100km.
The Audi S8 employs a 4.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine with 382 kW and 650 Nm of torque, and is capable of delivering an average fuel consumption of 10.1 l/100km and a zero to 100 km/h sprint of 4.2 seconds. The Audi A8 Audi A8 L W12 Quattro has a 6.3-litre, 12-cylinder, petrol engine that boasts 368 kW and 625 Nm of torque. Audi claim a best-in-class fuel consumption of 11.7 l/100km.
The Audi Drive Select system provides control of the car’s adaptive air suspension, response from the throttle and transmission, as well as the sports differential at the rear axle, which is standard on the 4.2 TDI and S8. The adaptive ride does a commendable job of soaking up the bumps, whilst still maintaining respectable levels of composure in the corners for such an imposing vehicle.
The Audi press release reads, “The Art of 8″, and once you’re seated in the cabin it becomes an appropriate tag line. Aluminium, wood, leather and suede. The interior fit and finish are of the highest standard. Various pre-selected combinations of materials and colour choices are available through the Audi ‘design selection’, intended to bring added exclusivity for discerning customers.
The Audi Multi Media Interface (MMI) system includes highlights such as satellite navigation with Google Earth and Google Street View; in-car WLAN hotspot for shared Internet connectivity; as well as a car phone. The long-wheelbase models are equipped with two LED displays in the rear, including Bluetooth headphones and a DVD changer with separate hard drive for storing music and video files. Other comfort features include heated, cooled and massaging seats depending on the model or elected options.
Driver assistance systems have been updated and expanded. The adaptive cruise control with Stop & Go function is coupled with an expanded version of the standard Audi pre-sense basic safety system. The same applies to Audi side assist. In addition, a new active lane assistant is able to make small adjustments to the steering when necessary to help keep the car within its lane. The new head-up display projects important data onto the windscreen and in the driver’s field of vision. The optional night vision assistant can now also recognize larger animals in addition to pedestrians.
The Audi A8 is now even more complete in its offerings of luxury, refinement, power and efficiency. The A8′s only problem is quite possibly the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. Then again, that 4.2-litre V8 turbo-diesel is unique within the class and makes a convincing argument for sports car-rivalling acceleration with frugal fuel consumption.
| Pricing (incl. VAT & CO2 Tax) | |
| Audi A8 3.0 TDI quattro tiptronic | R1 101 500 |
| Audi A8 4.2 TDI quattro tiptronic | R1 390 000 |
| Audi A8 3.0 TDI LWB quattro tiptronic | R1 257 500 |
| Audi A8 4.2 TDI LWB quattro tiptronic | R1 545 500 |
Pricing includes a 1-year/Unlimited km warranty, 5-year/100 000km service plan and a 12-year anti-corrosion warranty. Pricing and specification details for the Audi A8 W12 6.3 quattro and Audi S8 will be released closer to launch in May 2014.
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- 2014 Audi A8
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- 2014 Audi A8
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- 2014 Audi A8
