Audi Reveals the Limited-Run A8 Edition 21

2015 Audi A8 Edition 21 (Credit: © Audi)

The Audi A8 is just about to celebrate its 21st birthday, and unlike many of us, it will not spend this memorable day with friends and family cramming shots down its intake manifold. Instead, it will celebrate this event with the release of a new limited-run Edition 21 model.

The A8 Edition 21, which is available in standard- and long-wheelbase models, does not stray too far from the standard A8, but it does have a few extra bits that make it special. On the outside, it gets a sportier look thanks to the Sport package, which includes restyled front and rear bumpers, and pronounced side sills. Other standard features include Audi Matrix LED headlights, and exclusive 20-inch double-spoke alloy wheels with a titanium look.

The Edition 21 also gains the Daytona Grey Pearl exterior hue that Audi usually reserves for the S8. Privacy glass for the rear-seat passengers is also standard.

2015 Audi A8 Edition 21 (Credit: © Audi)

The interior of the A8 Edition 21, which is available in cognac brown with black contrasting stitching or black leather with red contrasting stitching, also gets some nice upgrades. It starts out with the standard specifications included with the SE Executive package, then adds in comfort front seats with 22-way adjustment, a black cloth headliner, a three-spoke multifunction steering wheel, illuminated “Edition 21” logos on the special doorsill plates, Audi Connect, HDD-based navigation, a Bose surround-sound system, a rearview camera, and power-closing doors.

2015 Audi A8 Edition 21 (Credit: © Audi)

Powering the A8 Edition 21 is the 3.0-liter TDI V-6 engine that produces 258 horsepower and 427 pound-feet of torque. This engine teams up with an eight-speed tiptronic transmission to deliver the power to Audi’s famed quattro all-wheel-drive system. The result is a 5.9-second sprint to 62 mph with the standard wheelbase and a 6.1-second jaunt with the long wheelbase. Top speed checks in at 155 mph, while fuel economy comes in at 47.9 mpg for the standard-wheelbase model and 47.1 mpg for the long-wheelbase model.

Audi will limit the U.K.-exclusive A8 Edition 21 to just 121 units. The standard-wheelbase model will start from £72,525 OTR and the long-wheelbase model will start at £76,490 OTR. Both models are available for order now with deliveries set for November 2015.