Ground-Breaking New Audi A8 Models Take To UK Roads | Part Two

The new A8 3.0 TDI quattro, available for £47,380 OTR, joins the line-up as the world's first D-segment diesel saloon to meet forthcoming EU4 emissions regulations, reducing running costs for business users. And at the forefront of the range, the potent A8 L 6.0 quattro, priced at £75,775 OTR, brings exceptional performance from a unique W12 petrol engine, combined with an exclusive new look.

Available in standard or long-wheelbase body styles, the new A8 3.0 multitronic is powered by a sophisticated lightweight alloy-block V6 petrol engine offering 220PS at 6,300rpm and a maximum 300Nm of torque at 3,200rpm. It is capable of accelerating to 62mph in an impressive 7.9 seconds and, where permissible, reaching a top speed of 150mph.

Uninterrupted by conventional automatic gear changes thanks to its continuously variable gear ratio, and unhindered by a power and fuel-sapping torque converter, the multitronic transmission plays a key role in maximising the performance of the responsive V6 engine, and delivering it with exceptional smoothness. It also ensures that fuel economy in the A8 3.0 stands out from the crowd, with up to 29.1mpg possible on the combined cycle.

The new A8 3.0 TDI quattro features the first of a new generation of Audi TDI engines. Unusually compact at just 440mm in length, the new turbocharged and twin-intercooled 24-valve unit employs common rail injection with the world’s most advanced Piezo injection technology for the first time in an Audi. It develops 233PS at 4,000 rpm and an exceptional maximum torque figure of 450Nm from just 1,400rpm through to 3,250rpm.

This impressive output enables the A8 3.0 TDI to outperform all other comparable diesel-powered saloons, helped by an all-aluminium body shell that is some 50 per cent lighter than an equivalent steel body, and 60 per cent more rigid. An impressive 0-62mph time of 7.8 seconds and a maximum speed of 151mph are achievable without ruling out equally exceptional fuel economy of up to 31.7mpg.