The New face of Luxury from Audi, we give you the new A8 Flagship Saloon.

More equipment for SE Executive, new Sport trim and emission improvements

• New Sport specification for A8 models includes striking exterior package and long list of standard technology
• 3.0 TDI quattro power increases to 262PS, yet emissions fall by 6g/km to 149g/km on SE and SE Executive models
• 2016 Model Year Audi A8 now available to order
• New look Sport versions available from June

New heights of luxury and new lows in CO₂ output have just been achieved in the Audi A8 range, which in addition to further improved TDI engines and a raft of equipment upgrades also gains a striking new Sport specification with a look that references the flagship S8. 

The first versions of the updated 2016 Model Year A8 range can be ordered from today priced from £59,585 OTR, and the new Sport models from June. UK deliveries will start in the summer.

Offered in standard or Long Wheelbase formats, the latest range features a rationalised choice of engines. Long Wheelbase versions will continue to be available with the highly efficient petrol-electric hybrid drivetrain and with the quintessential Audi luxury saloon power source – the 6.3-litre, twelve-cylinder, 500PS W12. 

Another formidable petrol engine – the 4.0-litre TFSI with Cylinder-on-Demand technology – will also remain at the heart of the 520PS S8, which is available exclusively with the standard wheelbase. 

A pair of TDI units powers standard wheelbase versions, and both are also available in conjunction with the Long Wheelbase body. The 3.0-litre V6 TDI benefits from a slight power increase from 258PS to 262PS and a further reduction in CO₂ output from an already impressively low 155g/km to 149g/km (in conjunction with 18-inch wheel), equating to a combined economy figure of 49.6mpg. 

The 4.2-litre V8 TDI retains its prodigious 385PS and 850Nm of torque, enabling it to propel the predominantly aluminium-bodied saloon to 62mph in a mere 4.7 seconds (standard wheelbase) without ruling out the potential for up to 39.2mpg. CO₂ output in this version also falls from 194g/km to 189g/km.

New Sport specification

The two TDI engines can be complemented by three levels of specification – SE, SE Executive and a new Sport option, which is reserved for standard wheelbase versions and replaces the Sport Executive trim in the outgoing range. 

Sport models are now more distinctly marked out visually by a new dynamic exterior package featuring front and rear treatments reminiscent of the flagship S8, combined with pronounced ‘S’ style side skirts and 19-inch alloy wheels in a seven-parallel spoke design.   

Not surprisingly all three specification levels are lavish, and include features such as Valcona leather upholstery, double glazing and a 180-watt audio system, combined with advanced technology including all-LED headlights, HDD satellite navigation and the fingertip-sensitive MMI Touch infotainment control system.

Over and above the SE equipment, SE Executive versions add features such as the Audi parking system advanced with reversing camera, the advanced key for convenient locking, unlocking and starting without direct key intervention and  powered, hands-free bootlid operation. 

New additions at this level for the 2016 Model Year include powered door closure, comfort front seats with 22-way powered adjustment and memory function and privacy glass for the rear windows.

In addition to a purposeful new look, the exterior specification of the new Sport models also includes new 19-inch seven parallel spoke alloy wheels and state-of-the-art MatrixBeam LED headlights, which use banks of LEDs that can be individually shut off to avoid dazzling oncoming and leading traffic while retaining full beam illumination. 

Inside, a 600-watt Bose sound system upgrade and Mobile Phone Preparation – High with Audi connect bringing in-car internet-based services and establishing a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot add to the potential for information and entertainment.

Long Wheelbase TDI, Long Wheelbase W12 and S8 models feature their own bespoke and even more all-encompassing equipment lists.

With its lightweight construction, quattro all-wheel-drive and standard four-mode adaptive air suspension the A8 has always been one of the most agile and controllable luxury saloons. 

A8 4.2 TDI models capitalise on these assets even more fully with the help of an additional sport differential enabling torque transfer between the rear wheels for greater adjustability, and driveability in all A8 models can be further enhanced by options such as a firmer sport version of the air suspension and a dynamic steering system.

Upgraded AUDI A7 Sportback improves on already impressive figures, shame it is still too expensive.

Upgraded specification and new V6 TDI ultra models add to the already obvious attractions of the executive class five-door Sportback

• New A7 Sportback range now available to order in the UK priced from £45,875 OTR – first customer deliveries in late 2014
• Simplified specification levels from SE Executive to S line and Black Edition
• Enhanced S7 and RS 7 models also available priced at £63,375 OTR and £84,480 OTR
• Styling revisions and LED headlights across the range, Matrix LED lights and indicators with sweeping function for S line and Black Edition, interior decor and infotainment improvements
• Latest EU6-compliant engine range includes 3.0 TDI ultra capable of returning up to 60.1mpg with CO₂output from 122g/km
• New S tronic twin-clutch transmission replaces multitronic CVT in front-wheel-drive variants
• S7 Sportback features power upgrade to 450PS and 4% CO₂ reduction

A new range of Audi A7 Sportback models, including a 60mpg V6 TDI ultra, becomes available in the UK this week, further enriching the blend of grand tourer elegance and executive car versatility already offered by the acclaimed ‘five-door coupe’. Priced from £45,875 OTR, the latest, simplified A7 Sportback line-up combines enhanced EU6-compliant engines with styling revisions, new LED headlights and tail lights including ‘sweeping’ indicators, further improved interior decor and upgraded infotainment. The first examples are set to arrive with UK customers in the last quarter of 2014. 

First in line in the new order for the latest A7 Sportback is SE Executive specification, which replaces the Standard and SE options in the outgoing range. Highlights which elevate this comprehensive new trim level above its predecessors include all-weather LED headlights, sweeping rear indicators, 19-inch alloy wheels and deluxe four-zone automatic air conditioning. It also includes comforts such as heated and Milano leather-upholstered seats with electric adjustment, MMI navigation, Audi Music Interface, front and rear acoustic parking sensors and a powered tailgate, to name but a small proportion of the features.

S line specification is next in line, and is enhanced in the latest range by larger 20-inch alloy wheels (up from 19 inches), sweeping function indicators at the front and rear and Matrix LED headlights. Each of these advanced units features 25 separate LED bulbs which are individually dimmed when sensors detect oncoming or following traffic to automatically divert light around obstacles without the need to deactivate the high beam setting.

More S line options

In a new departure for the A7 Sportback range, the sports suspension that is included as part of the S line specification can be ‘deselected’ in favour of standard suspension at no extra cost if required, and for an even greater focus on comfort the wheel size in this version can be dropped down to 19-inch, also at no cost. Inside, in another break with tradition, the normally black S line colour scheme can also now be replaced by a new Lunar silver colour option.

At the upper end of the range, Black Edition, S7 Sportback and RS 7 Sportback models also of course benefit from all the relevant styling and equipment enhancements.

From launch, these improved specification levels will be available in combination with a choice of six powerful and highly efficient engines offering enhanced power outputs ranging from 218PS to 450PS, and complying with stringent EU6 emissions legislation.

A particular highlight in the new line-up will undoubtedly be the A7 Sportback ultra, the first in this new range of overtly efficiency focused models to combine frugality worthy of the ultra badge with six cylinder power. The heavily modified single-turbo 3.0-litre V6 is capable of returning an outstanding 60.1mpg, corresponding to CO₂ emissions of 122 grams per kilometre, and a seven-speed S tronic twin-clutch transmission newly developed specifically for front-wheel-drive applications helps to maximise its 400Nm peak torque output and delivers keener response than the multitronic CVT transmission used by its closest predecessor. In the TDI ultra the 0-62mph sprint takes just 7.3 seconds on the way to a top speed of 149mph.

The 218PS V6 TDI engine is also available in the new range in conjunction with quattro permanent all-wheel-drive and seven-speed S tronic transmission, a configuration that is shared by the 272PS single-turbo V6 which slots in above it in the range. In the top TDI tier, the mighty 320PS twin turbo BiTDI channels its 650Nm via the eight-speed tiptronic automatic. As an alternative to diesel power, a supercharged six-cylinder petrol unit delivering 333PS and linked to the seven-speed S tronic transmission and quattro all-wheel-drive is also available.

30PS more for S7 Sportback

V8 twin-turbo petrol power is reserved for the new S7 Sportback and RS 7 Sportback models, the latter set to open for order next month ready for first deliveries in the first quarter of 2015. The S7 Sportback now benefits from a 30PS power upgrade to 450PS while the RS 7 Sportback uses its 560PS output to deliver a remarkable sub-four-second 0-62mph sprint time. The S7 Sportback uses the seven-speed S tronic twin-clutch and the RS 7 Sportback the eight-speed tiptronic, and the units in both cars employ Cylinder-on-Demand technology to make the most of every tank of fuel. The new S7 Sportback shows a slight improvement in economy despite its power boost, returning up to 30.4mpg according to the official combined cycle test, and benefits from a 4% or 10g/km reduction in CO₂ output to 215g/km. In the RS 7 Sportback, engine revisions have also brought slight improvements to CO₂ output and economy, which now stand at 221g/km and 29.7mpg (according to the combined cycle test).

All versions of the new A7 Sportback are available with the added cushioning comfort of four-mode adaptive air suspension, and quattro versions can also be equipped with the sport differential for precise torque distribution between the rear wheels for even greater control and adjustability. The standard adaptive air suspension set-up in the S7 Sportback features S specific tuning, while RS 7 Sportback models feature RS adaptive air suspension, but can be equipped at extra cost with conventionally sprung RS sports suspension plus incorporating the Dynamic Ride Control (DRC) damping system. Both versions naturally benefit from quattro all-wheel-drive, and both also feature the sport differential as standard.

At surface level, the most striking changes aside from the new light units are to the single frame grille, which adopts the latest hexagonal design, to the bumpers, which have been subtly resculpted, and to the tailpipes, which now have wider, trapezoidal apertures.

In the stylishly finished and characteristically high quality interior,  the ambiance is further enhanced in the latest range by new interior materials, new inlays and new colour options for the trim elements and seat coverings. In S line versions, which were previously finished exclusively in black, the Lunar silver colour scheme which is newly available in conjunction with this specification also extends to the upholstery.

The MMI radio plus operating system with DAB digital radio is standard and can be supplemented as an option with a head-up display that projects all important information onto the windscreen. It now works with the latest generation of the Audi modular infotainment system built around the Multi Media Interface.  The top system uses a powerful new graphics processor from Nvidia and includes MMI touch, enabling the driver to scroll and zoom in lists and maps via a touchpad.

LTE high-speed data transmission

The highest specification MMI Navigation plus system with its powerful hard disc-based mapping can be supplemented by Audi connect, which in the new A7 Sportback now links the five-door coupe with the Internet via the latest LTE high-speed data transmission standard for ultra-fast 4G click-through and download functionality. The Audi phone box option is also now available – it enables occupants to connect their mobile phones to the car’s antenna for improved reception simply by placing them in the phone box compartment. The top of the hi-fi line is the Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System.

As before, numerous state-of-the-art assistance systems are also available to make driving safer and easier. Further improvements have been made to the night vision and active lane assist systems in particular, the latter now featuring new active lane centring technology.

Audi A7 Sportback is inbound – UK pricing has just been confirmed for the new Audi A7 Sportback range, featuring styling enhancements, new lighting technology, new engines and transmissions and upgraded infotainment systems. 

The new Audi A7 Sportback UK OTR pricing

SE Executive

3.0 TDI ultra	218PS	7 speed S tronic	£45,875.00
3.0 TDI quattro	218PS	7 speed S tronic	£47,630.00
3.0 TDI quattro	272PS	7 speed S tronic	£50,215.00

S line

3.0 TFSI quattro	333PS	7 speed S tronic	£53,000.00
3.0 TDI ultra	218PS	7 speed S tronic	£48,665.00
3.0 TDI quattro	218PS	7 speed S tronic	£50,425.00
3.0 TDI quattro	272PS	7 speed S tronic	£53,005.00
3.0 BiTDI quattro	320PS	8 speed tiptronic	£56,575.00

Black Edition

3.0 TFSI quattro	333PS	7 speed S tronic	£55,350.00
3.0 TDI quattro	218PS	7 speed S tronic	£52,775.00
3.0 TDI quattro	272PS	7 speed S tronic	£55,355.00
3.0 BiTDI quattro	320PS	8 speed tiptronic	£58,925.00

S7 Sportback

4.0 TFSI quattro

450PS

7 speed S tronic

£63,375.00

RS 7 Sportback

4.0 TFSI quattro

333PS

8 speed tiptronic

£84,480.00