Audi India Drives In The Facelifted A8L, Now More Affordable At Rs 1.29 Crore

• 2022 Audi A8L launched between Rs 1.29 crore and Rs 1.57 crore.
• It’s offered in two variants: Celebration and Technology.
• Gets redesigned grille, updated LED lighting, and new alloys.
• Powered by a 340PS, 3-litre, six-cylinder engine paired with an 8-speed AT.
• Rivals Mercedes-Benz S-Class and BMW 7 Series.

Audi’s answer to the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, the A8L, has just got a facelift in India at Rs 1.29 crore (ex-showroom). The luxury limo still remains a petrol-only offering and, unlike the outgoing sedan, comes in two trims: Celebration and Technology. 

Take a look at the variant-wise prices:

FYI, the outgoing limo was priced at Rs 1.57 crore (ex-showroom). 

Starting with the design changes, the new A8 bears sharper styling to keep it in sync with Audi’s other offering. The vertically slatted chrome grille has paved the way for a slightly larger grille with L-shaped inserts. These are flanked by new, sharply styled LED headlights with funky DRLs and aggressively styled airdams, giving the overall front fascia a breath of fresh air. 

Save for the wheels, there aren’t many changes to the side profile, while the rear-end gets updated connected LED tail lamps with new elements. Miniscule changes, agreed. But they do give the sedan a fresh lease of life, considering it has the new S-Class to tackle on our shores. 

The interior design and layout of the new Audi A8L remain almost unchanged which ain’t a bad thing. So you still get those two screens in the central console that light up from the expanse of gloss black plastics. Other small bits that owners would really appreciate are the AC vents and tweeters that pop out from below to greet you while starting the car. 

Obviously, the highlight ought to be the rear seat experience; and like before, you can spec the car with the optional twin individual seats in the top-spec Technology trim that improve the overall luxury experience. Plus, there is a screen placed in the arm rest to control the amenities for backseat occupants like massaging seats, heating and ventilation, as well as the infotainment system and ambient lighting. 

Also Read: Hennessey-tuned Audi RS6 Shatters World’s Fastest Station Wagon Record

Speaking of which, the A8L gets plentiful features like 4-zone climate control, head-up display, digital driver’s display, massaging seats (both front and rear), 23-speaker Bang and Olufsen sound system, 30-colour ambient lighting, and active suspension. Passengers will be secured by 8 airbags (10 optional), electronic stability control, 360-degree camera, and Audi Pre-sense Basic which pretenses the seatbelts and closes the windows if it detects a collision. 

The 2022 Audi A8L continues to be powered by the familiar 340PS, 3-litre, six-cylinder petrol engine that drives all four wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission. To know our impressions on this powertrain, read our detailed first drive review of the Audi Q7, which gets the same engine. 

The new Audi A8L locks horns with the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and BMW 7 Series. Plus, as standard, the sedan boasts 5 years warranty and roadside assistance as standard.