Foot massager to Android tablets, top features of India-bound Audi A8 L revealed

After kick starting 2020 with the launch of the Q8, its flasgship SUV, Audi is all set to build on the momentum and will launch the A8 L sedan here on February 3. Just days before that launch, the German auto maker provided a glimpse into some of the stellar features that the ultra luxury vehicle will boast of.

The A8 L is the flagship sedan of Audi in India and therefore, will be loaded to the brim with strong drive capabilities and a mile-long list of features and creature comfort.

The biggest revelation from Audi regarding the A8 L has been that it will only be offered in a petrol option. That is a big move from the company even if expected because the Q8 too was launched in petrol version. At the launch of Q8, in fact, Balbir Singh Dhillon, Head at Audi India, had underlined how the company is now looking beyond diesel. Therefore, the A8 L will make use of a 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine which will also have mild hybrid technology. The company says that the car would be able to coast at speeds between 55 and 160 km/h with the engine off and run without emissions for 40 seconds.

In terms of design, the A8 L will ignite a new visual philosophy for the entire Audi range. It gets an imposing single frame grille, a muscular side body profile and a sharper rear with a full-length light strip. The car stands 5.3 meter long, 1.95 meters wide and 1.49 meters tall.

The A8 L will also boast of an all-wheel steering which promises to make the drive even more comfortable. This is because, Audi says, at higher speeds the rear wheels would turn in the direction of the front wheels to enhance lane changes and at lower speeds the rear wheels would turn in the opposite direction.

Breathing inside the car could also be a whole new experience with an all-new air-quality package. Audi says the two ionizers would charge the air molecules electrically with negative ions. These anions will attract dust particles so that they form mini clusters that fall to the floor and so are not inhaled. There is also a combination filter in the four-zone automatic climate control while climate-neutral fragrances would enhance the ambiance.

The A8 L will get a 25.65 cms (10.1 inch) touchscreen display with new graphics and features, and customisable icons.

The interiors, quite obviously, would be absolutely plush and gets ambient lighting, Matrix LED reading lights, satin leather-wrapped head rests, among others.

And if that is not all, passengers can also make use of on-demand foot massage which has been built into the rear part of the front passenger seat. Audi says the massager can adjust to small, medium and large foot sizes and offers a number of intensity levels along with heating options.

The rear passengers can also stay entertained with two detachable Android tablets that can be controlled by a rear seat remote with OLED display. The remote can be stored in the center armrest when not in use.

Very clearly then, the Audi A8 L is trying to push the bar in the drive capabilities and drive comfort that a car of its caliber can offer. Once launched, it will once again take on Mercedes S-Class, BMW 7 Series and the Jaguar XJ.