Audi‘s A8 family is expanding with an all-new model for 2016.
Known as the A8 L 4.0T Sport, the new model is not unlike a half-step between the standard A8 and the high-performance S8. It’s even powered by the same 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, but tuned to produce 450 horsepower. That’s 70 horsepower less than the S8, but 15 more than the outgoing 4.0T.
Setting it apart from the rest of the A8 family, the new model gains S8-inspired front and rear fascias. Twenty-inch wheels in a split five-spoke design are standard, while Audi is also offering up two additional 20-inch wheel styles, as well as a 21-inch five-spoke design.
2016 Audi A8 L 4.0T Sport
Handout, Audi
Inside, the A8 L 4.0T Sport is equipped with the Executive and Luxury packages from the factory floor. This means heated, ventillated and massaging 22-way seats up front with Valcona leather and diamond stitching are standard, along with an Alcantara headliner, a panoramic sunroof and insulated glass.
As far as technology goes, the 4.0T Sport comes with everything you’d expect from a luxury sedan these days, including a heads-up display, Audi’s so-called side assist which helps drivers change lanes and monitors traffic around the car, and last but not least, available adaptive cruise control.
Canadian pricing or availability hasn’t been detailed just yet, but the 2016 A8 L 4.0T Sport starts at US$90,500 south of the border.
