Audi A8 L, RS5 Sportback discontinued in the Indian market
These two sedans have quietly faded away from Audi's India website - the A8 L and the RS 5 Sportback.
Previously available in India as completely built imports (CBU), the two cars had last known prices of about Rs 1.63 crore for the A8L, and about Rs 1.13 crore (ex-showroom) for the RS 5.
The last version of the A8 L was that of a facelifted fourth-generation model, introduced in July 2022. Like most long-wheelbase luxury cars in India, the A8 was available solely in long-wheelbase form, though the German also offered it in 4 and 5-seat configurations. In addition to this, the customers also got a 340hp, 3.0-litre, turbo-petrol V6 engine with quattro all-wheel drive.
Having vacated the flagship limousine segment of Audi India, this segment now belongs to the likes of Mercedes-Benz S-Class and BMW 7 Series/i7. Historically, it has been the case that Mercedes and BMW flagships outsold Audi's A8.
Globally, the A8 is also nearing the end of its life while S-Class and 7 Series are comparatively newer products. Thus, most likely the next A8 will be an electric-only car but it will take some time before launching it in the market.
Audi RS5 Sportback was launched with a power-packed 450hp, 2.9-litre, twin-turbo-v6 engine in August 2021. The A5 line-up in India, in fact, could only be had in one of the two sporty iterations - RS5 or S5; the latter is still on sale. The RS5 was also pleasantly practical as it came as a 4-door Sportback unlike the 2-door coupe form of its predecessor.
The RS5 too is nearing the end of its lifecycle, like the A8. The A5 upon which the RS5 is based has already gone into the next generation overseas and has an S5 variant in the line-up; hence an all-new RS5 could be expected to join the family soon. Meanwhile, Audi will soon be launching the RS Q8 facelift in India on February 17, which you can read more about here.
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