Audi hasn’t said much about the 2019 A8 since they
staged the North American debut of the model at the Los Angeles Auto Show last
year. That’s changing today as the automaker was quietly released a
configurator for the redesigned flagship. Set to go on sale late this year,
the 2019 A8 will be priced from US$ 83,800.
Despite the reasonable pricing, the A8 comes nicely
equipped with LED lighting units and 19-inch alloy wheels. Drivers will also
find a luxurious cabin with Valetta leather upholstery and three choices of
wood trim. The car also features a panoramic sunroof, a four-zone automatic
climate control system and a rearview camera.
One of the car’s most defining features is its three
screen interior layout. It consists of a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster,
a 10.3-inch infotainment system and an 8.6-inch display for climate control and
convenience features. While the A8 comes well equipped in base form, customers will be able
to order a dizzying array of options. Starting with the exterior, Audi offers a US$ 3,400 Lighting package which adds HD Matrix LED headlights and OLED
taillights. Customers can also order 20-inch wheels for an additional US$ 1,200.
Of course, luxury sedans are all about the interior
and the A8 doesn’t disappoint as the model can be equipped with an Executive
Rear Seat Comfort package for US$ 7,550. The package is a bit pricey, but it
includes two individual rear seats with power adjustment and standard heating.
The seats are separated by a full-length center console which houses
retractable tray tables. If that wasn’t impressive enough, the package also
includes a touchscreen “smart remote control” and a passenger side relaxation
seat with a footrest and a foot massager.
Buyers who need to stick with the five-seat layout
aren’t completely out of luck as Audi will also offer a Rear Seat Comfort
package for US$ 3,500. It includes heated, ventilated and massaging seats as well
as rear power lumbar support. The package also has the smart remote control and
the ability to adjust the front passenger seat from the rear of the car. Sticking with rear passenger options, the US$ 3,250
Rear Seat Connectivity package includes two rear displays, a DVD changer and an
Audi music interface system.
Another notable option is the US$ 4,250 Luxury package
which adds ambient interior lighting, Valcona leather upholstery and an
Alcantara headliner. The package also includes aluminum switchgear, an air
ionizer and a fragrance diffuser.
The US$ 4,150 Executive package goes even further as it
includes dual-pane acoustic glass, a head-up display, a heated steering wheel
and 22-way power front seats with heating, ventilation and massage functions.
The package also adds an assortment of driver assistance systems including rear
cross traffic alert and side assist with exit warning.
Drivers who want more technology can order the US$ 2,750 Driver Assistance package which adds adaptive cruise assist, traffic jam
assist, turn assist and predictive efficiency assist. Other highlights include
intersection assist, active lane assist and traffic sign recognition
technology.
Among the other options are dynamic all-wheel
steering (US$ 1,950), night vision assist with pedestrian detection (US$ 2,300) and a
Bang & Olufsen premium audio system (US$ 5,900).
Power is provided exclusively by a turbocharged
3.0-liter V6 TFSI engine that produces 335 hp and 500 Nm of torque. It is connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission
and a standard quattro all-wheel drive system. This setup enables the luxury
sedan to accelerate from 0-96 km/h in 5.6 seconds before hitting a
top speed of 209 km/h.
