The latest D5 Audi A8 has officially gone on sale, and as we’ve previously reported, the model is offered in a sole A8 L 3.0 TFSI quattro variant priced at RM879,900 on-the-road without insurance (inclusive of a five-year unlimited-mileage warranty).
This is the long-wheelbase version of the A8, which spans 3,128 mm long, or 130 mm more than a regular A8. Other figures include a 5,172 mm overall length, 1,945 mm width and 1,485 mm height.
Under the bonnet is a 3.0 litre V6 TFSI engine with a 48-volt mild hybrid system, which consists of a belt alternator starter (BAS) that is capable of regenerative braking (up to 12 kW) to charge a 10-Ah lithium-ion battery in the luggage compartment.
When fully-charged, this allows the A8 L to coast with the engine off at speeds between 55 and 160 km/h for up to 40 seconds, aiding in saving fuel. Even when coasting at low speeds, the start-stop phase kicks into action at 22 km/h.
The EA839 mill serves up 335 hp (340 PS) at 5,000 to 6,400 rpm and 500 Nm from 1,370 to 4,500 rpm, and is paired with an eight-speed Tiptronic transmission. This allows the limousine to complete the 0-100 km/h sprint in 5.7 seconds and on to a top speed of 250 km/h. Claimed fuel consumption on a combined basis is 8.2 litres per 100 km.
In terms of equipment, the A8 L comes with Matrix HD LED headlights and rear OLED combination lamps, with both lighting units featuring sequential turn signalling. Also present are auto-dimming side mirrors, a chrome exterior package and a panoramic sunroof. The car gets 15-spoke 19-inch wheels wrapped with 255/45 series tyres, as well as adaptive air suspension.
Moving inside, Valcona leather upholstery comes as standard, and is matched with an Alcantara headliner and rear shelf. Meanwhile, the upper section trim inserts are finished in Natural Gray Brown Lime Artefact, while the lower section is in a Dark Matte Brushed Aluminium shade.
Elsewhere, there’s the Audi virtual cockpit with its 12.3-inch instrument cluster display, while the infotainment setup consists of Audi connect and MMI navigation plus system with MMI touch response. The A8 L also comes equipped with Matrix LED reading lights, a contour/ambient lighting package, head-up display and a smartphone/Bluetooth interface.
Also present is a B&O Premium 3D sound system and a rear Audi music interface with a removable 5.7-inch touchscreen that allows adjustment of both sound/media and climate control settings. The car gets a three-seat rear bench, with the two outer units being power adjustable. Other items include heat-insulating side and rear windows, a four-zone climate control system and ventilation for both front and rear seats.
Safety and driver assist equipment includes an Audi pre sense safety system that provides autonomous emergency braking, Parking aid Plus with a 360-degree display and surround view cameras, while the airbag complement includes front/rear side airbags and a curtain airbag system. Also on the kit list are items such as safety lane departure warning, lane change assistant including exit warning and rear cross-traffic alert.
-paultan