Audi A8 L TDI Gets 36 MPG Highway, Costs…A Lot

Audi’s A8 L– that’s the long wheelbase version– is getting a diesel engine option that will be good for more than 400 ft-lbs of torque and 36 MPG on the highway, according to Audi. Such presence, power, and pennywise fuel economy comes at a price somewhere north of $82,000. (Image courtesy Audi.)

Audi announced pricing for its A8 L executive sedan powered by the VW Group’s famed TDI Clean Diesel engine will start at $82,500. But for that price, you get a large car with small-car fuel efficiency of 36 MPG highway. So, you know, trade-off.

According to an Audi press release, the car will be motivated by the 3.0-liter TDI V6 that generates 240 horsepower and 406 ft-lbs of torque and will, true to Audi ethos, put all that twist to the pavement via all four wheels thanks to the German automaker’s quattro all-wheel drive system. Despite the impressive power numbers and reported 6.4-second 0-to-60 time, the A8 L still returns EPA figures of 24 MPG city and 36 MPG highway for a combined rating of 28 MPG– not bad in a car this big and bossy. As in, this is what your boss would probably drive.

A quirky option package note: The TDI engine is only available in the A8 L– “L” for “Long Wheelbase.” If you want a regular-wheelbase A8, you’re stuck with gasoline, my friend, and in that case, Audi’s got a plethora of options: 3.0- and 4.0-liter turbocharged V6s or the (in)famous W8.

For further options list breakdown, we turn it over to Audi:

For the 2014 Audi A8 L TDI, the package options were optimized to better reflect customer demand. The available Premium Package now consists of Audi side assist and pre sense rear, 22-way multi-contour comfort seats, font seat ventilation with massage and full LED headlights.

Fancy driving one? Better start saving Teutonic tons of cash, and make it quick: The car is slated to go on sale this spring, according to Audi.