2014 Audi A8L: First Review

Audi has timed the launch of the face-lifted 2014 Audi A8L perfectly. The recent introduction of the highly opulent Mercedes-Benz S-Class has been lapping up praises from all quarters. So, a timely upgrade with a selection of delectable visual updates and enhanced engines, that offers better efficiency and power, makes the 2014 Audi A8L a worthy rival.

However, the design upgrades on the revised A8L are subtle. The most prominent change being the introduction of completely new LED headlamps and the optional Matrix LEDs. Audi has been very innovative with their headlights over the years. Be it the unique use of LEDs, styling of day-time-running-lights or innovative indicator design. A tradition it follows in the new Audi A8L as well. Tick the right boxes to opt for the high-tech Matrix setup, which features over two dozen individual LEDs in each headlight. These are linked to the in-built front cameras which scan the road ahead and automatically turn off sections of the beam to avoid dazzling the oncoming cars or pedestrians. What makes this system ideal for India is that, it still keeps the area around the object illuminated, giving clear visibility to the rest of the road. Internationally, it also uses information from the satellite navigation system to anticipate a turn and accordingly the corner angle which then adjusts the headlight focus.

Apart from the headlights, the revised front design includes a new bumper with redesigned air intakes, and a more pronounced bonnet. In tune with the headlights, the 2014 Audi A8L features new LED tail-lights. LED lights react up to ten times faster than conventional bulbs, helping alert other drivers sooner. Another interesting feature is that the Audi R8 derived dynamic turn indicators, which instead of just blinking, stream outwards. These, pretty much, wrap up the exterior enhancements of the 2014 Audi A8L, as most of the other bits remain similar to the predecessor. What the Ingolstadt engineers have managed to achieve in the 2014 Audi A8L is to preserves the confident élan of the Audi flag bearer and, at the same time, add the right dose of modern touch to keep buyers interested in the A8L.

The cabin quality and level of comfort has been the current Audi A8’s biggest attraction, making it a high-selling model in its flamboyant segment. The current A8 launched in 2009 already seemed to have a well appointed cabin, but the company has taken the standard of finish and quality a notch further. The interior is beautifully crafted and now comes with a longer list of features. The 2014 Audi A8L also gets the MMI infotainment system, which is user-friendly and easy to navigate. There are several function buttons and also a touchpad which make the centre console layout appear quite busy. However, the switches and controls are well weighed and impressively solid.

The seats are large and well-bolstered, while rear head- and leg-room are rather good in the long-wheelbase 2014 Audi A8L. To enhance luxury, one can also pick the optional airplane-inspired individual rear seats, alcantara leather and even a panoramic sunroof. The 2014 Audi A8L also offers a high-end Bang & Olufsen, park assist, head-up display, and climate control with air ioniser as an option. To make the premium car more appealing, there are a host of customisation options available, including an impressive 100 exterior colours, 23 options of interior colours and 12 different wood inserts to choose from. Audi India can further help A8L buyers to personalise their cars with fine detailing like embossing customer’s personal logo on the seats. Obviously, these perks will further escalate the price of the new car, but remember the 2014 Audi A8L has a much lower sticker price than some of its competition.

The new range of Audi A8L will also boast of more powerful and efficient engines. In India, the 2014 Audi A8L will have a range of three engines to choose from. The sole petrol engine which is the 4.0-litre TFSI, now has improved its performance and is also slightly more fuel efficient than before. The V8 bumps out 420PS (50PS more than before) of maximum power and a shattering 600 Nm of peak torque, enabling the car to accelerate from 0 to 100kmph in just 4.6 seconds.

The diesel line-up include the popular-in-India 3.0-litre V6 diesel that now produces 250PS (up by eight PS) and 580Nm (up by 30Nm). It’s a smooth mill which makes for effortless acceleration at all times. Driving it with a heavy right foot, the 2014 Audi A8L was not way off the mark of the claimed 6.1 seconds to 100kmph. While my personal favourite, V8 powered 4.2 TDI now whips out 385 PS (increased by 35PS) and a stunning 850Nm (50Nm more), hitting the tonne in just 4.7 seconds. This diesel power-house can outrun several luxury petrol cars without breaking into a sweat.

No matter which engine option I drove, the common attribute across the range was the unparalleled refinement, as hardly any noise from the engine bay filters into the cabin. And now the adaptive suspension has become part of the standard fitment, giving the 2014 Audi A8L a rather settled ride. Only severe road imperfections find their way through the saloon. But overall, the suspension does an excellent job of dealing with undulations.

The standard adaptive damper along with the quattro offers impressive body control for this rather big car. The suspension set-up is more suitable for smooth sailing in the city, as it does tender body-roll due to the soft set-up. Once in Sport mode, the saloon firms up and stay nice and flat in corners. However, the steering feels synthetic and over-assisted. In all honesty, the 2014 Audi A8L has been designed for comfort and luxury of the rear passenger, than providing energetic driving dynamics for the one behind the wheels.

The new features and updates of the 2014 Audi A8L enhance the already elegant saloon which now also comes packed with improved performance and efficiency. The biggest weapon the luxury saloon has, like I mentioned before, is its compellingly pricing of 1.12 crore (ex-showroom Delhi) which drastically undercuts the towering Mercedes-Benz S-Class priced at Rs 1.44 crore (ex-showroom Delhi).