It's HERE! The Audi A8 TDI Gets Priced BUT If There's No Market For Luxury Hybrids, Is There One For Diesels?

If there's one thing that we know for sure, it's that luxury car buyers aren't that interested in premium hybrids. Actually, one could argue they're not interested at all.

It's not like you see the BMW ActiveHybrid 7, Mercedes-Benz S400 Hybrid, Lexus LS600hL, Porsche Panamera Hybrid floating around in droves. They're incredibly rare.

Now, here's where things get a bit tricky. Audi has introduced a diesel A8 for the 2014 model year. And the reason why it's a tricky situation is because the diesel is an unproven motor choice for this high caliber buyer. While the Q7 sport-utility vehicle sells a mix of around 50 percent gasoline models and 50 percent TDIs, the luxury sedan market is another game.

Taking this into consideration, it's really anyone's guess. But we've decided to come to you so YOU could weigh in first. It's time to put your neck on the line:

Will diesel large, luxury sedans sell BETTER or WORSE than their hybrid counterparts?

What say you, Spies?

Audi announces pricing and fuel economy for 2014 Audi A8 L TDI® clean diesel

Pricing starts at $82,500 for the first ever 2014 Audi A8 L TDI® clean diesel with an EPA estimated fuel efficiency of 24 city/ 36 highway/ 28 combined MPG

The Audi A8 has set new standards for the luxury sedan in terms of interior and exterior design, technology, performance and efficiency. Now equipped with the new 3.0 liter TDI clean diesel engine, the 2014 Audi A8 L TDI represents a dramatic expansion of the flagship sedan and the first of four new TDI models to be introduced this year.

Starting at $82,500, the A8 L TDI clean diesel, with quattro® all-wheel drive, makes a powerful statement in achieving the best fuel economy in its segment with an EPA estimated 24/ 36/ 28 mpg (city/ highway/ combined), while at the same time generating an impressive 240 horsepower, 406 lb.-ft. of torque that seamlessly launches 0-60 MPH in 6.4 seconds.

For the 2014 Audi A8 L TDI, the package options were optimized to better reflect customer demand. The available Premium Package now consists of Audi side assist and pre sense rear, 22-way multi-contour comfort seats, font seat ventilation with massage and full LED headlights.

The A8 L TDI joins an expanding model line-up including the A8 3.0T, A8 4.0T, S8 4.0T and A8 W12. The A8 L TDI will be available in the long-wheelbase version only.

The 2014 Audi A8 L TDI will go on sale in early Spring 2013. Additional 2014 model year information and pricing for other models will be announced at later in the year.

mpls - 2/1/2013 6:44:33 AM

-1 Boost

Hmm, Diesel rattle on the Audi next toa smooth Hybrid LS. I know which I'd rather take

PUGPROUD - 2/1/2013 7:20:09 AM

+2 Boost

Today's diesels have great mpg/range and midrange acceleration is fantastic due to outrageous torque. American culture/experience however hard to crack with diesels...were very noisy, slower off the line acceleration and fear that a diesel pump may be hard to find are many reasons.

AlleVier - 2/1/2013 1:59:57 PM

+1 Boost

If the RLX doesn't get much better acceleration than the bigger and heavier A8 L with 240 hp, I'll be seriously disappointed. As it is, it wouldn't be the best choice for highway driving at 30 vs. 36 mpg.

That said, though, few buying in this segment care about gas mileage. Manufacturers are now trying to create hybrids that perform well, but the term "hybrid" will long be associated with low performance and complexity. Diesels don't have that stigma, but still carry their own, as Pugproud pointed out. I still think they might do a little better than hybrids, but not much.

westy1974 - 2/1/2013 10:12:28 AM

+4 Boost

Mercedes has been selling the S350 4matic Bluetec in the U.S. so it's not like the A8L TDI is anything new to the segment here. Today's diesels really don't have that much clatter to them at all and when I test drove the S350 Bluetec it's so quiet inside you can't even tell the engine is running anyway.

mpls - 2/1/2013 1:16:47 PM

-2 Boost

True, but you can still tell from the outside..
Also when the weather is cold.. you're sure to hear it..

I95SPEEDINGTICKETS - 2/2/2013 5:35:27 AM

+3 Boost

No you are not.

Once the engine warms up, usually 2 mins in mordern large diesels, it runs rather quietly {Not as quiet as Petrol}.

2nynbak - 2/3/2013 10:43:30 AM

+3 Boost

I drive a 2011 E350 Blutec which has the same horsepower and torque ratings as the A8. Let me tell you it is faster than my prior 8 cylinder 7 Series. As for diesel clatter you will not hear a thing inside the car. VW/Audi is as accomplished as Mercedes with their recent diesel offerings. These cars will sell well in my opinion.

Eyecarehawaii - 2/5/2013 12:45:18 PM

+2 Boost

It would be wrong to assume that luxury car buyers are somehow less educated, less aware or less caring of the benefits and drawbacks of various engine types. Diesels are common in ROW (Rest of the World). "Clean diesel" was standard in Europe well before it was manadated in the US. Diesels are proven technology and even though it's not commonly offered in the luxury segment it's better for consumers to have a choice as to which engine to choose. The only darwback might be the availability of diesel fuel in the area the driver frequents but even this is becoming more common.