2022 Audi A8L Facelift Lands in Malaysia – 335 HP, from RM1 million+

Originally launched in 2019, the fourth-gen (D5) Audi A8L has received a mid-life update, which was unveiled globally last Nov. Now, said flagship saloon has made landfall in Malaysia in a sole S-line trim level, with price starting at around RM1.046 million on-the-road.

We managed to size it up in the flesh earlier this week at the Audi Centre Glenmarie, Shah Alam, and here’s what we’ve garnered.

Firstly, the A8L is primed with Audi’s signature 3.0-litre biturbo V6 mill that pairs with a 48-volt mild hybrid system, resulting in a combined output of 335 HP and 500 NM. The powertrain setup sends its power to all four wheels via Audi’s signature Quattro all-wheel drive (AWD) system and an 8-speed Tiptronic automatic box.

The mid-cycle update sees no changes in the A8L’s performance, as this limousine still does the 0-100 KM/H sprint in 5.7 seconds, while also attaining its V-max at 250 KM/H. Not bad for a full-sized saloon.

On the fuel economy front, Audi claims an 8.3 litres/100 KM combined average with the A8L. Refuelling should be a rarity for the A8L as it is brimmed with a relatively large 82-litre fuel tank. Should our office calculator work fine, this means the A8L can travel up to 900 KM on a single full tank, if it adheres to the claimed fuel consumption rate.

To ensure exquisite ride comfort, the A8L comes equipped with an adaptive air suspension system with selectable modes to suit various road and driving conditions – yet another recurring feature from the original A8L.

On the exterior, the inclusion of the S line package gives the A8L a sporty look compared to its pre-facelift predecessor. Said package includes a redesigned front bumper, plus a new front grille design with updated insert pattern finished in gloss black. Flanking the grille is a pair of digital high tech Matrix LED headlights too.

Aside from the chrome strips and S line badging, the A8L’s side profile is also donned with a pair of massive 20-spoke 20-inch wheels, finished in dual-tone Graphite Grey hue.

At the rear, the A8L now sports a rather gorgeous OLED combination taillights, featuring a signature light-up ‘animation’ every time you unlock or start the car. A long chrome strip is also tastefully integrated into the taillight and runs parallel with an LED strip that goes along the A8L’s width.

As for the interior, much of its features and look are retained from the pre-facelift model. The front dash gets a three-screen display setup, consisting of a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, as well as the centre infotainment display and a dedicated climate control touch screen. The latter grants access to control the quad-zone climate control, which also features novel hidden air vents in the forward dash.

The A8L’s cabin oozes luxury, draped with plush leather upholstery, suede-finished panels, as well as wood veneer trims. Rear passengers now get dual 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreens, aside from comfort amenities such as ventilated seats with massage functions.

Topping off the A8L’s luxury features is a Bang & Olufsen hi-fi sound system, as well as LED ambient lighting and soft-close doors. Fancy, indeed.

The A8L is definitely not lacking in the safety and driver assistance department, thanks to the presence of a full-swing of advanced driver assistance (ADAS). Standard ADAS features adaptive cruise control, lane change assist, front and rear cross traffic alert, and many more.

The 2022 Audi A8L facelift comes fully-imported (CBU) in Malaysia, which ought to explain its hefty price tag of RM1,046,907 sans insurance. PHS Automotive Malaysia (PHSAM) offers a 5-year unlimited mileage warranty plus a 3-year free maintenance with 5-year roadside assistance included in said price.

Compared to its close-knit rivals, there’s no hiding that the A8L is very pricey. In comparison, the locally-assembled (CKD) Mercedes-Benz S580e commands just RM708,888, while the Bavarian-origin, Kulim-made BMW 740Le xDrive M Sport is tagged a much lower RM633,800 figure.

Effectively, the only similarly-priced alternative to these Germans comes in the form of the Lexus LS 500, which is tagged at RM1,063,000 in its base ‘Luxury’ form, or RM1,358,000 should you opt for the up-specced Executive variant which comes laced with even fancier hand-cut ‘Kiriko’ glass inserts.

Folks, what do you think of the facelifted Audi A8L compared to the company of rivals it’s in? Overpriced compared to its CKD rivals? A better choice over the aforementioned million-Ringgit plus Lexus? As always, don’t forget to leave your thoughts in the comments down below…