2018 Audi A8 Breaks Cover; India Launch Likely Next Year

After a bucketload of (some unnecessary) teasers, the big daddy in the Audi range has finally shown itself to the world. The 2018 Audi A8 made its world debut at the Audi Summit in Barcelona. "In its fourth generation, the flagship model again provides the benchmark for Vorsprung durch Technik – with a new design language, an innovative touchscreen operating concept and a systematically electrified drive," reads a press release issued by Audi. 

The flagship saloon ushers in a new era for Audi design, which can be expected to trickle down to other cars in the range very soon. A lot of design traits have been carried over from the Prologue concept, which makes the sedan look a lot more futuristic. The trademark Audi grille has grown a size larger and is flanked by HD Matrix LED headlights with Audi laser lighting. It's a similar story at the rear where the LED lights run across the width. Audi says the lights "produce unique light animations as the driver approaches and leaves the car". The standard car is a whopping 17-feet long, and the L version (code for extended wheelbase), gets a 5.1 inch stretch in wheelbase. 

Audi wants you to believe you're in a lavish, spacious lounge once you step into the A8. Looking at the cabin, we've got no reason to believe why you'd think otherwise. Audi says the seat to be in is the rear right (rear left in our case), especially in the A8 L that gets the 'relaxation seat' which gets four adjustment options and a footrest. Heck, Audi has also thrown in a foot massager and warmer to make sahab ji feel pampered. Also, said sahab ji can control the ambient lighting, get a back massage, make private phone calls using a remote that's as large as your average smartphone. 

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It's properly swanky up front too. Minimalism was clearly a core focus here, and Audi seems to have worked on reducing clutter. The party piece is a central 10.1-inch touchscreen display which disappears into the gloss black dash when switched off.

The second touchscreen sits at an angle on the centre tunnel console, replacing old-school buttons for the climate control and other functions. You'll hear and feel a click when you use the touch-display, which should make it easier and more intuitive to use, says Audi. 

The big Audi gets two 3.0-litre V6 engines to kick things off; with the petrol making 340PS and the diesel pumping out 286 horses. Two 4.0-litre V8 motors will join the party 'slightly later', and have 435PS (diesel) / 460PS (petrol) on tap. The 'e-tron' will join the V8s at a later date, with 449PS and 700Nm generated by a 3.0-litre petrol engine paired with an electric motor.  By the way, you can charge the e-tron wirelessly as well. How cool is that! And, in case you're wondering - no the behemoth 6.0-litre W12 engine hasn't been binned. Audi hasn't disclosed specs yet, but we're sure it'd be mad enough to take on the BMW M760 Li. 

There's a host of futuristic tech on offer that proves Audi is really pushing the envelope in terms of artificial intelligence. The new A8 can park itself, drive itself, and even raise its ride height automatically to prevent injuries in case of a side-on crash. These aren't available right away, but Audi says the A8 will be able to do all this from 2018. 

Since the Volkswagen group has pulled out of the Indian Auto Expo, you won't see a fancy Audi stall either. That said, the flagship does look set for an early 2018 launch. It will lock horns with the likes of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, BMW 7 Series and the Jaguar XJL.

Recommended Read: Meet the updated Mercedes-Benz S-Class!