New Delhi: Audi has launched the upgraded version of its flagship model A8L, priced at Rs 1.12 crore (ex-showroom Delhi) and Rs 1.14 crore (ex-showroom Maharashtra) with a host of cosmetic changes, most evident in the optional Matrix LED headlights, along with more efficient engines.
The new revamped model has the same overall proportions and design but gets revised features to give it a refreshing look. Audi A8L has received a revised bumper besides a modified single piece grille. The overall length of the car remains the same but it now has a better boot space.
In the new Audi A8L, each headlight comprises 25 high-beam light-emitting diodes, arranged in groups of five per reflector. When the light switch is set to “automatic” and the high-beam headlights are on, the system is activated from 30 km/h on highways and from 60 km/h on city streets.
“As soon the camera in the A8 detects oncoming vehicles, the Audi Matrix LED headlights dip the relevant sections of the high-beam headlights. The system operates with such precision that it blanks out light that would shine directly onto oncoming and preceding vehicles, but continues to cast the high beams with full power on all other zones between and beside them. When there is no more oncoming traffic, the high-beam headlights then resume full power, including the sections that had previously been off. The light that the driver sees is always bright, homogeneous and much more effective than that produced by competitors' mechanical dipping systems,” the company says.
Audi says the Audi Matrix LED headlights give the car its attractive and distinctive look. The technology also removes the need for a pivoting mechanism as it uses the GPS system to determine the route and focus the LEDs accordingly.
The new Audi A8L retains most of the current car's interior trim including the upholstery. However, to add to its premium looks, it now gets a new wood trim level. In addition, the new model is also being offered with a leather trim which has been dubbed as more natural looking and breathable.
The refreshed A8L offers better legroom in the rear-seating area along with amenities like double sunroofs, the two little audio tweeters which rise up from the ends of the dashboard, the massaging front seatbacks and LED strips along the headliner. The car now has an active lane assist, park assist and a heads-up display.
The refreshed A8 will continue to be offered in India only in its long wheelbase specification. The country gets two engine options -- the 3.0-litre TDI producing 250PS and the highly powerful 385PS, 4.2-litre TDI. The sole petrol option will be the 4.0-litre TFSI which develops an impressive 435PS. The three engines will come mated to eight-speed Triptronic automatic gearbox. The mighty engine enables the vehicle to rush to 100 kmph from zilch in just 6.1 seconds and achieves a limited top speed of 250 Kmph.
Audi's signature LED head lamps will be tendered as standard feature; however Audi's Matrix lighting system will come as optional.
