What: Audi A8L Horch Founder Edition
Era: Audi modern era
Model Family: A8
Market / Zone(s): China
Model Years: 2022
Production Span:
Number Produced: 100 (China)
Model / Generation Code(s): type 4N
Chassis / Matrix: D5 / ASF, MLB Evo
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Body Style(s): Long-wheelbase Sedan
Drivetrain Configuration: longitudinal front engine, all-wheel drive
Engine(s): 3.0-liter, 2,995 cc EA825 V6 turbo
Power: 335 hp
Torque: 369 lb-ft
Transmission(s): 8-speed (ZF 8HP95) Tiptronic, hydraulic torque converter with lock-up clutch
All-Wheel Drive Type: quattro permanent all-wheel drive with self-locking center differential, standard rear axle differential
Steering: Electromechanical progressive steering with speed-dependent power assistance
Steering Ratio: 15.8
Front Brake Diameter:
Rear Brake Diameter:
Wheelbase: 3,258 mm (128.3 in)
Length: 5,450 mm (214.56 in)
Width: 1,945 mm (76.6 in) body, 2,130 mm (83.8 in) with mirrors
Height: 1,480 mm (58.3 in)
Curb Weight: 2,350 kg (5,180 lbs)
PERFORMANCE
Acceleration (0-60 mph): 4.4 seconds
Top Speed: 155 mph (governed)
OTHER DETAILS
Predecessor: N/A
Successor: Audi A8L Horch “Founder’s Edition” 60 TFSI (2024)
Platform Mates: Audi A8, Audi S8
Concept Cars: N/A
Assembly Location(s): Audi AG Neckarsulm
Designer(s): Sascha Heyde, Amar Vaya
Motorsport Homologations: N/A
WHEEL / TIRE DETAILS
Wheel Size(s): 9J x 21
Tire Size(s): 265 35 21
Bolt Pattern: 5×112
Offset: ET37
SUMMARY
The Audi A8 L Horch is an ultra-luxury long-wheelbase limousine introduced by Audi for the Chinese market. It is based on the fourth-generation A8 (D5) and extends the standard A8 L by an additional 130 mm in overall length, offering enhanced rear-compartment refinement and bespoke luxury touches.
BACKGROUND & NAMING
Audi resurrected the “Horch” name — originally belonging to a luxury car marque founded by August Horch, which later morphed into Audi — to serve as a model designation for this top-tier limousine. The A8 L Horch marks the first time the Horch name has been used since the early days of the company.
LAUNCH & MARKET POSITIONING
The model was announced in China in late October 2021. Though initially exclusive to China, Audi indicated it would monitor customer interest to consider expansion to other markets. Positioned as a challenger to ultra-luxury rivals (such as the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class), the A8 L Horch is designed to appeal to affluent buyers seeking a chauffeur-oriented limousine with bespoke finishing and rear-seat luxury.
DIMENSIONS & EXTERIOR
The A8 L Horch measures approximately 5.45 metres in length — about 130 mm longer than the standard A8 L long-wheelbase variant. Exterior enhancements include a distinctive front grille treatment, Horch-specific badging (including an ‘H’ emblem), longer rear-door extensions (to deliver the extra length), and unique wheel designs.
INTERIOR & LUXURY FEATURES
The rear cabin of the A8 L Horch features executive-class accommodations with individually adjustable rear seats, massage functions, heating and cooling, and deep-pile carpets. The interior is distinguished by diamond-quilted upholstery, Horch logo embossing, bespoke materials and trim, and extensive customization options for colour and detailing.
POWERTRAIN & PERFORMANCE
In its initial version for China the A8 L Horch is powered by a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 petrol engine coupled with a 48 V mild-hybrid system, producing around 340 hp and 500 Nm of torque, driving all-wheel-drive via an eight-speed automatic. A later “Founder’s Edition” 60 TFSI version was announced with a 4.0 litre twin-turbo V8 + 48 V hybrid system, outputting about 460 hp (338 kW) and 660 Nm of torque, with acceleration from 0-100 km/h in about 4.8 seconds.
PRODUCTION & LOCATION
Manufactured at Audi’s Neckarsulm plant in Germany, the A8 L Horch shares its production line with other A8/A8 L variants, but features additional hand-finishing and bespoke assembly steps specific to the Horch specification.
RECEPTION & SALES OUTLOOK
According to Audi, the Horch variant could represent up to 20 % of all A8 models sold in China — reflecting strong demand for super-premium, chauffeur-oriented limousines in the Chinese luxury market.
SIGNIFICANCE
The A8 L Horch marks Audi’s effort to reclaim an ultra-luxury positioning within China by reviving a historic name and offering a limousine that competes at the highest level of bespoke finish and rear-compartment luxury. It nods to Audi’s heritage while aiming to serve the modern luxury executive and chauffeur-driven market.
REFERENCES
- Audi Brand News “新闻体验” 29 October 2021 (Chinese)
- Audi Magazine Australia “Audi A8 L Horch” 3 November 2021
PHOTO GALLERY
