Audi Singapore Launches Revised A8 L and S8 Flagship Models

Luxobarge enthusiasts take notice! Audi Singapore has recently launched their new Audi A8 L in two flavours: the 3.0 TFSI and 4.0 TFSI. Alongside them, the range-topping S8 will also make a comeback here. 

The Audi flagship features a revised front fascia that makes it look even more athletic and sharper than ever before. Elements such as the widened base of the Singleframe grille, resculpted side air intakes, and redesigned Digital Matrix LED headlights all make for a sharpened profile of the A8 L. 

The headlights, which use digital micromirror device (DMD) technology that Audi says is comparable to video projectors, have approximately 1.3 million micromirrors each that break down the light into tiny pixels. This allows it to be controlled with maximum precision. 

With this new technology, lane and orientation lights for highways are now made even more accurate, emitting a carpet of light that illuminates the driver’s own lane particularly brightly. Above all, this orientation light helps drivers intuitively stay in their lane at road construction sites. 

The digital Matrix LED headlights can also generate dynamic coming home/leaving home functions upon unlocking and getting out of the car. These advanced headlights are offered as standard in the S8 and an option in A8 L.

Over at the rear, the Audi is no less eye-catching, with wide chrome clasps, a customisable taillight signature with digital OLEDs, and a continuous, segmented light strip. The diffuser insert in the bumper is delicately accentuated and redesigned with horizontal bars.

Digital OLED rear lights are now a standard feature in all A8 L and S8 models. In conjunction with the assistance systems, they now have a proximity indication feature: if other road users approach the car from behind to within two metres, all of the OLED segments are activated automatically. Additional standard functions include dynamic turn signals as well as coming home and leaving home sequences.

Audi is also offering its customers the chrome exterior package as standard and, for the first time in the A8 L, the new S line exterior package is available as an option. The latter gives the front a sportier touch and differentiates it even more from the basic model; distinctive blade elements in the area near the side air intakes complement the front profile.

The product enhancements only minimally change the dimensions of the Audi flagship. The A8 L has a wheelbase of 3.128 metres, length of 5.32 metres, width of 1.945 metres, and height of 1.488 metres. The body of the A8L follows the same principle as the Audi Space Frame (ASF): it's made up of 58% aluminium parts. 

The passenger compartment consists of hot-formed steel components supplemented with an ultra-high-strength, extremely torsionally rigid rear panel made of a carbon-fibre reinforced polymer. Magnesium strut-tower bars complete the lightweight construction concept. The body's commanding rigidity lays the foundation for precise handling, excellent comfort, and acoustic tranquillity onboard.

Keen buyers will be glad to know that the cabin is just as opulent. Both the A8 L and S8 are equipped with front and rear seat ventilation, 22-way seat adjustment movements, and four-zone deluxe automatic air conditioning as standard. For the 4.0-litre A8 L and S8, back massage functions are available as standard on all seats. Screens in the rear are also available as standard in the former, and optional in the latter. 

Audi's Multi Media Interface (MMI) technology relies on two displays –  10.1“ and 8.6“ –  and natural voice operation. The dialogue starts by calling out “Hey Audi!”. The completely digital Audi virtual cockpit, with the standard head-up display, completes the display and operating concept, and is decidedly driver-centric. Important information, for example, is displayed directly in the driver’s line of sight.

MMI Navigation plus is standard in the revised Audi A8 L. It is supported by the third generation modular infotainment toolkit (MIB 3).

Over at the rear, the A8 L is equipped with two 10.1" full-HD displays  attached to the backs of the front seats. They display content from passengers’ devices and can receive numerous audio and video streams via casting, including from well-known streaming platforms or TV media libraries. The rear seat entertainment is available as standard on the A8 L 4.0 TFSI.

The flagship does not skimp on the aural experience either. With a 730 Watt amplifier driving 17 speakers, 3D sound can now be experienced in the back seat with high levels of information as well, all thanks to the Bang & Olufsen Premium Sound System. 

The highlight of the enhanced A8 L is the optional predictive active suspension. It can load or unload each wheel with additional power individually via an electric motor and thereby actively regulate the position of the chassis in any driving situation. 

When Dynamic Mode is engaged, the the A8 L is capable of turning into corners firmly with small roll angles, and minimal dipping of the body when braking.

In Comfort+ mode, it will breeze over uneven road surfaces with ease. The steering works in conjunction with the front camera, allowing it to recognise unevenness within the system limitations and predictively regulate the actuators.

The predictive active suspension also has a special feature – its integrated curve tilting function reduces the lateral acceleration that acts on the occupants. Upon entering a curve, it elevates the side of the body on the outside of the curve and lowers the other side, thereby tilting it into the curve up to three degrees. At speeds between 80 and 130 km/h and lateral acceleration of up to 0.4g, the cornering sensation is minimised.

While driving straight in Comfort+, the predictive active suspension also compensates for pitching movements in the chassis. To help with getting in and out of the car comfortably, the body raises and lowers itself by up to 50 mm. This feature is available as an option on the A8 L and is offered as standard on the S8.

Audi Singapore offers customers the A8 L in two variants – 3.0 TFSI and 4.0 TFSI engines. The 3.0-litre variant comes in the form of a turbocharged V6 engine, while the bigger 4.0-litre model is powered by a V8 and comes equipped with cylinder on demand technology (COD). One highlight of this cylinder technology is how it temporarily deactivates four cylinders for moderate driving. 

The 3.0-litre A8 L pumps out 340 horsepower and 500 Nm of torque, with a century sprint of 5.7 seconds. The 4.0-litre generates 460 horsepower and 660 Nm of torque, with a 0-100 km/h time of a mere 4.5 seconds.

Both engines in the Audi A8 L are connected to a fast and gently toggling eight-step tiptronic transmission. Thanks to an electric oil pump, the automatic transmission can change gears even when the combustion engine is not running. 

The constant all-wheel drive quattro with the self-locking centre differential is standard, optionally supplemented with the sport differential (standard in the S8). It actively distributes torque between the rear wheels during fast cornering and thereby makes the handling even sportier and more stable.

The crème de la crème S8 high-performance model is equipped with a biturbo V8, generating 571 horsepower and a whopping 800 Nm of torque. It does a standard sprint in 3.8 seconds. The COD system also increases efficiency in the S8. 

Sound flaps in the exhaust system sharpen the sound, when desired. Additionally, the strongest model in the A8 family comes off the assembly line with particularly extensive standard equipment. Among other things, it comprises a unique combination of innovative suspension components. The S8 offers the predictive active suspension, sport differential, and dynamic all-wheel steering.

All the previously mentioned motorizations come with mild hybrid technology (MHEV) as a standard feature, which uses the A8’s 48-volt main electrical system.

The new Audi A8 L 3.0 TFSI, A8 L 4.0 TFSI and S8 are now available at the Audi Centre Singapore, with prices starting from $516,677, $684,675 and $719,546 respectively. The prices indicated are inclusive of COE and VES, and are accurate at the time of this release. Please visit the Audi Singapore website or Audi Centre Singapore for the most updated price.

Read More: Audi Unveils Cat A-Friendly A3, Is Significantly More Affordable Than Current Offerings

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