Ever since the launch of the all-new Mercedes-Benz S-Class, the large luxury sedan game has been tough. That's because this is a class that the S has a stronghold on. Much like the entry-level luxury class and the BMW 3-Series, it's tough to out edge the legacy product.
Audi's done a helluva job — from a product perspective — in my opinion. Of course, the question remains though: is it enough?
For 2015 the company has outfitted all A8s with full LED headlights. And for a price bump of approximately $2,000 across the nameplate, it should. As expected with any refresh, changes are relatively minimal in standard Audi fashion. You will note that the front valence is slightly tweaked and, according to the four rings, the vehicle's been optimized for a more quiet driving experience.
Though the A8 was revealed last summer, it's taken a full year to get it to showroom floors. Not exactly nimble, I'd say. Considering the S-Class was dropped in October, this lag probably won't help A8 sales but c'est la vie.
For the FULL details, check out Audi's release below...
Audi's press release follows:
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
2015 Audi A8 Photo Gallery
HERNDON, Va., — 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.
2015 Audi A8 Photo Gallery
