The Ultimate Challenge To The Establishment? First REAL LIFE Shots Of Audi's 2015 A8 And S8 Flagships

The life of a spy around here can be a tough one. Just ask Agent001 what it is like going to scenic places such as Aspen to drive the 2015 Audi A8 and S8 models while being wined and dined along the way. Ahh the tough life of the automotive journalist.

While he hasn’t passed on driving details just yet, we can give you a peek at the 2015 A8 and S8 before the rest of the sites even get moving and pass on the latest changes for flagship of Audi’s lineup.

So feast your eyes below on the 2015 A8 and S8 press event in Aspen along with the official press release.

2015 Audi A8/R8 Photo Gallery

Audi 2015 A8/S8 Highlights Press Release:

Highlights:

- A8 model line includes the A8 3.0T, 3.0 TDI, 4.0T, the S8 4.0T and the W12
- A8 TDI® clean diesel achieves class-leading fuel efficiency with EPA estimated 24 city/ 36 highway/ 28 combined MPG* with an estimated highway range of up to 800 miles
- A8 L W12 engine includes efficiency enhancing cylinder on demand system
- A8 4.0T engine received an increase in power from 420hp to 435hp



- A8 flagship sedan available in normal and long wheelbase models, S8 available in standard wheelbase only
- ASF aluminum construction offers exceptional rigidity, lightweight design that helps provide excellent performance and efficiency



- Audi connect® offers Google Earth™ Mapping and real-time access to weather, travel, gas/fuel prices and other online search information as well as a Wi-Fi hot spot for up to eight passenger devices



- New electromechanical power steering in the A8 model line provides greater comfort and agility, while improving fuel efficiency and enhancing Driver Assistance Systems



Lineup Changes for 2015 Include:

- New A8 and S8 front and rear facia design

- New optional selection of 20” wheels for all A8 models
- Four new optional inlays for the complete A8 lineup



- Optional Night v
ision assistant, now with animal detection in addition to pedestrian detection, is available on all A8 models




- The new Audi A8 features an optional Head-up display – for ease of viewing vehicle speed, navigation information, and Night vision warning information projected onto windscreen
- Audi active lane assist alerts the driver when the car moves across lane markings without the activation of the turnsignal and gently moves the car back into its lane
- Audi side assist alerts the driver of the presence of a vehicle when changing lanes as well as to vehicles approaching the neighboring lane



2015 Audi A8/R8 Photo Gallery




















































2015 Audi A8/R8 Photo Gallery

GermanNut - 6/27/2014 1:53:38 PM

+1 Boost

The interior still looks super luxurious after all these years and the new LED headlight design is fantastic.

Terry989 - 6/27/2014 2:31:24 PM

-2 Boost

Is this finally the start of Audi's new aggressive design language?

MattDarringer - 6/27/2014 4:05:08 PM

+3 Boost

The A8 is a good product but because it still looks like an aired up A4 it will not be a strong seller.

S Class 13,303 units in MY2013
7 Series 10,932
A8 6,300

For me, the A8 is too Camry bland on the exterior and yes the interior is killer, but no one will know I'm driving an A8 because it looks too much like the A4.

It's too bad Audi cannot create an A8 that has the styling genius of the A5 and A7 lines. Audi knows how NOT to play the same sausage different lengths game given the A5/A7 but it goes too conservative on the A8.

That said, given the almost Jaguar XJ bad sales of the A8, you can get a great deal on one.

cidflekken - 6/27/2014 4:39:18 PM

+2 Boost

Yup. I continually mistake A8's for Passats on the road.

JRobUSC - 6/27/2014 4:26:00 PM

+2 Boost

Didn't they just do a refresh on the A8 for the 2014 model year, complete with wine and dine the press events? And now they're doing it again on the same car a year later? No wonder U.S. reviewers love them some Audi.

Benzes1 - 6/27/2014 4:29:58 PM

-2 Boost

The A8/S8 is the only car that can give the new S-Class a problem. Brilliant car only let down by the bland looks (non S8) and somewhat less than plush ride.

BMWm4 - 6/27/2014 5:49:02 PM

+1 Boost

So it basically looks like last years A8 with new laser lights. The dash is still the same with the pop up navigation system which always up, except when the car is turned off. I guess that is why I don't understand the need for it to slide up and down...

Agent001 - 6/27/2014 6:18:13 PM

0 Boost

Laser lights are not available in USA. Those are the LED's in our photos. And they look AWESOME in person.

001

scenicbyway12 - 6/27/2014 7:29:15 PM

+2 Boost

Who thought the mustard colored interior was a good idea?

TomM - 6/27/2014 7:56:19 PM

+3 Boost

Mercedes is able to maintain its "look" through its offerings while still having obvious differential between the different models. Audi seems to want all their cars to look the same from the outside. This Audi will have no chance against the S class - it simply looks too much like a A3/4/6

And when will Audi get rid of that Cow Catcher Grill? It has not gotten any better with age - and hardly looks luxurious.

JDMUSMuscle - 6/27/2014 9:08:39 PM

0 Boost

I guess it is about time people would agree with me, seeing as to how people are bashing this car.

Lexus LS is the best executive sedan in the world. Agree?

scenicbyway12 - 6/27/2014 9:10:33 PM

+1 Boost

Not by a mile.

JDMUSMuscle - 6/28/2014 1:08:56 AM

+1 Boost

So uh, trueluxury is back.

Autospies, don't you think this dude is threatening Toyota now?

jeffgall - 6/28/2014 8:31:57 AM

+1 Boost

Lexus LS - for the drone who has no interest in driving performance

ROVER357 - 7/14/2014 10:01:09 AM

+1 Boost

Far from it.