Audi A8 L

The Audi A8 L (from its last model year, likely 2024) was typically powered by refined mild-hybrid powertrains. The most common engine in India was: 3.0-litre TFSI V6 Petrol with Mild-Hybrid: This turbocharged V6 engine produced around 340 bhp and 500 Nm of torque. It was paired with an 8-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission and quattro all-wheel drive.

This powertrain delivers smooth, effortless acceleration, capable of propelling the A8 L from 0-100 km/h in approximately 5.7 seconds. The mild-hybrid system assists in improving efficiency and provides smoother start/stop operation. The reliability of this engine is generally good, but potential buyers should thoroughly check the service history for regular maintenance and ensure there are no signs of oil leaks or unusual engine noises, as luxury engine repairs are complex and expensive. Fuel economy for an A8 L will be around 8-10 kmpl in mixed driving conditions, which is typical for a large luxury sedan. The quattro all-wheel-drive system ensures excellent traction and stability, a significant advantage in varied Indian conditions.

Ride and Handling

The Audi A8 L (from its last model year, likely 2024) was renowned for its supremely comfortable and refined ride quality. It featured adaptive air suspension as standard, allowing the vehicle to glide over most road imperfections with remarkable ease. This system effectively isolates occupants from rough surfaces, providing a plush and serene experience, which holds up well.

Handling is composed and stable, prioritizing comfort over sporty dynamics. The all-wheel steering system, available on some variants, significantly enhanced maneuverability at low speeds by reducing the turning circle and improved stability at higher speeds. The steering is light yet precise, making urban navigation surprisingly easy for a large sedan. At highway speeds, the A8 L feels utterly planted and confidence-inspiring. Panic braking performance is strong, with powerful brakes providing ample stopping power. For a vehicle, buyers should meticulously check the air suspension for any leaks, sagging, or unusual noises, as air suspension component failures are common and repairs can be extremely costly. The overall ride and handling remain a strong selling point for a pre-owned A8 L.

The interior of the Audi A8 L (last model year likely 2024) remains a benchmark for luxury and comfort. The cabin is meticulously crafted with premium materials such as high-grade leather, real wood veneers, and brushed aluminum accents. The dual-touchscreen MMI touch response system, comprising a 10.1-inch upper screen and an 8.6-inch lower screen, dominates the center console, offering a modern digital experience.

Seating is for five occupants, with the "L" designation ensuring exceptional legroom and comfort for rear passengers, making it ideal for chauffeured use. The rear seats often feature power adjustments, ventilation, and massage functions on higher variants. Buyers should inspect the condition of leather upholstery for wear and tear, verify the functionality of all electronic features including seat adjustments and climate control, and check air conditioning performance, as repairs on complex luxury systems can be expensive. Cargo space is practical for a luxury sedan, with a boot capacity of approximately 505 litres, easily accommodating multiple large suitcases. The fit and finish are generally robust, but wear on frequently touched surfaces should be checked.

Infotainment

The infotainment system in the Audi A8 L (from its last model year, likely 2024) is based on the MMI touch response system with two touchscreens. The upper 10.1-inch screen controls navigation, media, and smartphone connectivity. The lower 8.6-inch screen manages climate control and convenience features. This system was advanced for its time, offering crisp graphics and haptic feedback.

It supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though wireless functionality might be variant-dependent. Integrated navigation with real-time traffic updates (if connected services are active) and voice control are also present. The Audi Virtual Cockpit, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, provides customizable displays. For a purchase, buyers should verify the system's responsiveness, screen clarity (checking for dead pixels or scratches), and the functionality of all connected features, as software updates or module replacements can be costly on luxury vehicles. While still capable, it may lack some of the latest software features or processing speed of newer 2025 models.

The exterior design of the Audi A8 L, including the last model year available (likely 2024), embodies timeless luxury and understated sophistication. It features a commanding Singleframe grille, flanked by advanced Matrix LED headlights that provide excellent illumination. The design is characterized by clean lines and elegant proportions, giving it a stately and executive presence.

The "L" in its name signifies its long-wheelbase configuration, providing enhanced rear passenger space and a more imposing side profile. The alloy wheel designs are typically elegant, complementing its luxurious stature. The rear features a full-width LED light strip connecting the taillights, a signature Audi element. Dimensions for the 2024 model were approximately 5,319 mm in length, 1,945 mm in width, and 1,488 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3,128 mm. Potential buyers should inspect for body panel alignment, paint condition, and any signs of accident repair, which can impact resale value and long-term durability, especially on a luxury vehicle where such issues can be costly to rectify.

Safety in the Audi A8 L (from its last model year, likely 2024) was a top priority, reflecting its position as a flagship luxury sedan. The vehicle's robust construction, utilizing a multi-material space frame, provided excellent passive safety. The A8 L consistently achieved high safety ratings from international bodies like Euro NCAP, indicating strong occupant protection.

The A8 L comes equipped with a comprehensive array of passive and active safety features. Standard passive safety includes multiple airbags (expected to be 8 or more), ABS with EBD, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), and a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). Active safety features, while not listed individually, would have included advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) such as adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and parking assist with a 360-degree camera. For a purchase, buyers should ensure all safety systems are fully functional, checking for any warning lights on the dashboard, as ADAS sensor repairs can be very costly. The overall safety offering remains highly protective, even after a few years of use.

As a luxury sedan now available only on the used market, the Audi A8 L (from its last model year, likely 2024) competes against both other pre-owned flagship models and certain new luxury sedans in India. Its primary rivals in the used market include the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and the BMW 7 Series.

The used Mercedes-Benz S-Class offers an even greater emphasis on rear-seat luxury and a more overtly opulent cabin, often appealing to those who are chauffeured. The A8 L differentiates itself with a more technologically integrated interior, a slightly more driver-focused feel, and the confidence of quattro all-wheel drive. The used BMW 7 Series provides a more engaging driving experience and a sportier character, appealing to buyers who enjoy driving their luxury sedan. The A8 L counters with its superior ride comfort and a more understated, sophisticated design. In terms of value, the A8 L typically depreciates significantly, offering a strong value proposition for buyers seeking premium luxury at a reduced price point. However, all these used luxury sedans come with high maintenance and running costs. Compared to new luxury sedans, the A8 L offers a significantly more premium experience for a similar price point, but it carries the disadvantage of being an older model and, crucially, is subject to the NCR vehicle ban, which limits its usable life.

The Audi A8 L, from its last model year (likely 2024), presents a compelling proposition in the Indian luxury car market, both as a pre-owned purchase and when compared to certain new vehicles. It offers a sophisticated design, an exceptionally comfortable and technologically advanced interior, and refined performance from its mild-hybrid petrol engine.

For buyers in India seeking a prestigious, comfortable, and feature-rich luxury sedan, the A8 L on the used market is undoubtedly worth considering. It offers immense luxury and advanced features at a significantly depreciated price, often competing favorably with new cars in lower luxury segments on features and comfort. However, potential buyers must be aware of the associated high maintenance and operational costs. Crucially, the NCR vehicle ban is a critical factor: petrol cars can operate for only 15 years, and diesel cars for 10 years, from the date of purchase. For a 2024 model year A8 L, this means a petrol variant purchased in 2024 would be usable in NCR until 2039, while a diesel (if available) would be usable until 2034. This limited lifespan is a significant disadvantage compared to purchasing a new vehicle. Given the current date (July 3, 2025), a 2024 petrol A8 L still has significant usable life outside NCR, and a good 14 years within NCR. The petrol variant would be the best pick for a used purchase, offering a blend of performance, refinement, and a longer usable lifespan, especially for those residing in or frequently traveling to the NCR region, provided they account for the eventual expiry.