Audi prices 2014 A8L TDI from $82,500

Audi prices 2014 A8L TDI from $82,500 The whole new range of diesel models will be powered by Audi's 3.0-liter TDI V6, good for 240 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque in this application. Of course, Quattro all-wheel drive is standard, and even in the big A8, the diesel grunt will be enough to propel the long-wheelbase flagship to 60 miles per hour in 6.4 seconds (almost a full second slower than the A8 3.0T we reviewed last fall). That said, the A8 TDI should still be a pretty engaging steer, and considering the fact that this thing will reportedly return fuel economy figures of up to 36 miles per gallon on the highway (24 in the city), a slightly slower launch time is well worth it. (The A8 3.0T tops out at 28 mpg highway.)

Audi prices 2014 A8L TDI from $82,500

Audi prices 2014 A8L TDI from $82,500

Audi prices 2014 A8L TDI from $82,500

Audi prices 2014 A8L TDI from $82,500

Audi prices 2014 A8L TDI from $82,500

Audi prices 2014 A8L TDI from $82,500

Audi prices 2014 A8L TDI from $82,500

Audi prices 2014 A8L TDI from $82,500

Audi prices 2014 A8L TDI from $82,500

uring the Los Angeles Auto Show last November, Audi told us that it would be bringing four new diesel-powered models to the United States this year. The first to arrive is the 2014 A8L TDI you see here, and we've now learned that the big oil-sipper will be priced from $82,500, (*excluding $895 for destination).

Elsewhere in the segment, Mercedes-Benz offers a diesel version of its S-Class flagship, retailing for $93,000 and good for fuel economy figures of 21/31 mpg city/highway. By comparison, the A8 TDI seems like a steal, and we'll be interested to see where the forthcoming BMW 7 Series diesel falls into the class of huge oil-burning barges.

The 2014 Audi A8L TDI will hit showrooms in the US this spring. For the full details, scroll down to read the automaker's brief press blast.