2017 Audi A8 L 3.0L 60 TFSI e quattro 8AT AWD (449 HP)

Vehicle Overview

Built for those who wanted to sit in the back, the 2017 A8L was the road-version of a First-Class airliner, made to compete in the same segment with other luxobarges, such as the BMW 7 Series and the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, in their extended versions.

Audi introduced the fourth generation of the A8 in 2017 in both wheelbase versions: standard and long. But it wasn’t just about the legroom for the rear passengers; it was also about a luxurious experience that could rival the best in the business. The high comfort level could be rivaled only by the advanced technologies that the A8L incorporated. In addition to these factors, the four-ring badged automaker tried to lower the car’s emissions and offered it with cleaner, more fuel-efficient engines for those who craved that. Audi also added punchier engines for those who wanted a higher-performance version of this limo.

At the front, the A8L didn’t differ from the standard-wheelbase version of this model. It featured the same broad singleframe grille that spawned from side to side and from the hood’s edge to the apron. Besides the Matrix LED headlights, Audi offered the car with Laser lighting, which provided a better night-driving experience. Customers could also get the car with optional chromed accents on the bodywork’s lower side, covering the front splitter, side sills, and the lower part of the rear bumper.

From its profile, the A8L boasted a 13 cm (5.1-inch) longer wheelbase, which was mostly used for rear-seated passengers. As a result, the rear doors were longer than on the regular-sized A8. Still, the elongated shape of the bodywork and the extended greenhouse compared to its shorter sibling created a more gracious shape for the vehicle. Finally, at the back, the A8L sported OLED taillights that stretched from the quarter panels to the trunk’s lid in a seamless stripe of red elements.

Inside, the automaker threw everything it had in its basket so the owner of such a vehicle could say that the cabin was better than what a VIP lounge from an aircraft could offer. There were tons of options and features that could transform the A8L into a serene environment while being driven. The two individual seats in the back were separated by a wide console, where Audi installed a removable touchscreen tablet that controlled the seating positions, the climate control unit, and the sound system signed by Bang & Olufsen. At the front, the driver could enjoy the wood veneers and the Alcantara trims that surrounded them. In addition, Audi installed an LCD for the instrument cluster and a touchscreen for the infotainment system on the center stack. A second touch-sensitive display controlled the HVAC system.

Under the hood, Audi installed a choice of turbo diesel and gasoline engines in V6 and V8 configurations. Furthermore, it added a hybrid version that allowed the vehicle to improve fuel efficiency and lower emissions. All engine versions were paired with eight-speed automatic transmissions that sent the power in all corners. Last but not least, the adaptive air suspension made customers feel like they were hovering over the road.