Refreshed 2015 Audi A8 starts at $77,400*

Wed, 04 Jun 2014

Audi definitely made the US wait for the refreshed 2015 A8 and S8. The updated models were first unveiled last summer, but it has taken until June for the revised flagship sedan to reach dealers here.

The refreshed A8 line doesn't come cheap, though. Prices are up $2,000 or more over the 2014 model year. The basic 3.0T model goes for $77,400 or $81,400 for the long wheelbase version. The long wheelbase TDI is $85,100. The standard 4.0T model asks $86,400 or $90,400 for the longer one. An S8 sets back buyers $114,900, and the full bore A8L W12 is $137,900. All of these prices exclude destination (which was $895 last year and now stands at $925, according to Audi representative Mark Dahncke).

To make the wait worth it, Audi is packing the sedan with new technology and given it the slightest restyle. All models of the luxurious vehicle now come standard with full LED headlights. The 2015 model also benefits from electromechanical steering, available variable ratio steering and active lane assist. The night vision system is also updated to detect animals and alert the driver. Mechanically, there are some tiny tweaks as well. The 4.0T V8 is boosted to 435 horsepower, compared to 420 hp previously, and the 6.3-liter W12 now has cylinder deactivation.

Audi says that the interior acoustics are modified for a quieter ride, and the trunk is reworked to offer more room. Buyers can also spec front seats with a massive 22-way adjust and five different massage functions.

On the outside of both models get a nip and tuck. The A8 has some different creases in the hood, and the grille, front bumper and splitter are retouched to fit together a little better. The S8 gets larger air intakes in the lower bumper and an optional sport exhaust with four oval pipes at the back. Scroll down to read the full details about the revised Audi flagships.

Audi announces pricing for newly redesigned 2015 A8 model line

- More powerful engine and new design elements for 2015 model year continue to underscore the Audi A8 as the drivers' luxury sedan
- A8 showcases completely redesigned full LED headlights, now standard on the full model line
- Redesigned 2015 Audi A8 and S8 arriving at dealerships this month

HERNDON, Va., June 3, 2014 – Audi today announced pricing for its newly redesigned 2015 A8 model line. The 2015 A8 further underscores its positioning as the drivers' luxury sedan in 2015 through design changes that communicate a wider stance and more dynamic look throughout the A8 model line.

"As the flagship of the Audi brand, the A8 represents the best in Audi innovation, design and craftsmanship" said Scott Keogh, President, Audi of America. "The A8 has been a strong contributor toward building our brand and the changes for the 2015 model year will continue to build upon that success."

The A8 model line continues to offer industry-leading performance and design. The ASF® aluminum construction of the A8 and S8 models provides exceptional rigidity and performance while enabling excellent efficiency due to its lightweight characteristics. Completely redesigned LED headlights are now standard on the full model line and are complemented by powerful creases in the hood as well as a newly designed grille, bumper and splitter.

The A8 L TDI® clean diesel makes a powerful statement in achieving the best fuel economy in its segment with an EPA estimated 24 city/ 36 highway/ 28 combined mpg, boasting improved efficiency without compromise on performance, while the A8, equipped with the optional 4.0T V8 engine, has been improved upon for 2015 with horsepower increasing from 420hp to 435 hp. A new electromechanical steering column helps reduce weight and improves fuel efficiency. Dynamic steering, newly available as part of the sport package, provides variable-ratio steering that increases responsiveness based on speed and steering input required.

Industry-leading technology continues to improve the driving experience. Active lane assist helps keep the A8 between lane markings through active steering adjustments. Night vision assist now offers animal detection that can help alert the driver to deer and other animals that are hard to see in the night. Animal detection joins pedestrian detection – previously available in the A8 model line – in the night vision system that will outline the image of the animal/pedestrian and make an audible sound if the object is in danger of entering the driver path. Also new are secondary collision assist, which automatically applies the brakes after an initial collision and a heads-up display for easier viewing of vehicle speed, navigation and adaptive cruise control functions.

Inside, the new A8 offers available 22-way front comfort seats with 5 different massage functions, as well as improved acoustic measures for a quieter cabin experience and optimized trunk packaging for increased space and usability.

The updated S8 becomes even sportier with its new exterior design, featuring larger air intakes in the lower bumper and an available new sport exhaust with wide oval quad tailpipes, which allows passengers to audibly experience the 520hp twin-turbo V8. Inside, the newly available Vermont Brown Audi design selection leather appointed interior and carbon twill copper inlays combine the sporty character of the S8 with stunning elegance and craftsmanship.

The top of the range, the A8 L W12 model is the first 12 cylinder engine to feature intelligent cylinder control, helping provide improved highway efficiency. The top of the line flagship model also benefits from all of the design changes to the lighting, hood and grille. The A8 L W12 offers a selection of five different inlays and an a la carte menu of options for customers to create the A8 L W12 suited specifically to their needs.

Suggested retail pricing for the newly redesigned flagship 2015 A8 model line:
- 2015 Audi A8 3.0T: $77,400
- 2015 Audi A8 L 3.0T: $81,400
- 2015 Audi A8 L TDI: $85,100
- 2015 Audi A8 4.0T: $86,400
- 2015 Audi A8 L 4.0T: $90,400
- 2015 Audi S8 4.0T: $114,900
- 2015 Audi A8 L W12: $137,900

Prices above exclude destination charges, taxes, title, optional equipment and dealer charges. Dealer sets actual price.

ABOUT AUDI
Audi of America, Inc. and its U.S. dealers offer a full line of German-engineered luxury vehicles. AUDI AG is among the most successful luxury automotive brands globally. The Audi Group delivered 1,575,500 vehicles to customers globally in 2013, and broke all-time company sales records for the 4th straight year in the U.S. Through 2018, AUDI AG will invest about $30 billion on new products, facilities and technologies. Visit www.audiusa.com or www.audiusanews.com for more information regarding Audi vehicles and business topics.

All prices listed are the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price and exclude transportation, taxes, title, options and dealer charges.

Where stated, fuel economy values (mpg) are EPA estimates. Mileage will vary and depends on several factors including driving habits and vehicle condition.

By Chris Bruce