The Audi A8 has always been an excellent option for well-off customers seeking a luxurious sedan, but what if you’re a top-drawer businessman or politician who will spare no expense for bulletproof safety (in the literal sense)? As it turns out, Audi also has you covered on that front with the A8 L Security. We recently checked out this fortress of a luxury sedan, and here’s everything that makes it a suitable chariot for the jeopardy-prone elite.
Suit of armour
Audi has completely rebuilt and fortified the A8 L’s passenger cell for the Security version, certifying the bodywork for VR9 ballistics (can withstand hundreds of 7.62mm rounds) and the windows for VR10 ballistics (can tank explosive sniper shots). The fuel tank is also lined with a self-sealing material, so if it’s shot, there won’t be any leakages.
Moreover, the underbody of the A8 L Security is built to withstand grenade blasts, and is even anti-magnetised to discard the possibility of magnetic bombs. Owing to these upgrades, the A8 L Security tips the scales at 4,450kg. Each door weighs 160kg, representing the ultimate form of the satisfying ‘thunk’ that German cars are associated with.
Flashing lights, unyielding tyres
The most notable visual distinctions between the A8 L Security and the standard version are the tyres, numerous strobe lights, and roof-mounted beacon. Since the A8 L Security is expected to be driven in convoys most of the time, the strobe lights and beacon help mark it out in foggy conditions, and the rear units even glow green while accelerating to ensure efficient movement.
As for tyres, Audi equips the A8 L Security with Michelin PAX run-flats, which are much thicker than those of a standard A8, and if deflated, can travel a distance of 80km at speeds of up to 80kph. There’s a pair of retractable flag holders in each front fender too, which are handy for delegates and VVIPs arriving from overseas.
Cabin matters
Inside, the A8 L Security is virtually identical in layout and features to its pedestrian counterpart. However, the centre console features a matrix of buttons for toggling the exterior strobe lights, activating the intercom, triggering the air purification or fire extinguishing systems, etc. If you’re in a pinch, there’s even an emergency exit system on board that activates explosives nestled in the door hinges and blows the doors clean off.
At the back, the A8 L Security continues to get rear entertainment screens, sliding and reclining seats with heating, cooling, and massage functions, sunshades, dedicated climate control zones, etc, so any VVIP seated here is unlikely to have complaints. For obvious safety reasons, though, there’s no sunroof on offer and the rear windows don’t roll down as standard, but the latter feature can be optioned.
Eight cylinders firing away
Under the bonnet of the A8 L Security lies a 4.0-litre twin-turbo petrol V8, which belts out 571hp and 800Nm. Moving almost 4.5 tonnes of bulletproof sedan may seem like a tall order, but this V8 – in conjunction with an 8-speed automatic gearbox and Quattro AWD – allows the A8 L Security to dispatch the 0-100kph sprint in a very respectable 6.3 seconds (claimed).
The cost of safety
Last recorded prices for the standard A8 L in India – it was discontinued in early 2025 – were in the Rs 1.3 crore-1.6 crore (ex-showroom) ballpark, but the extensive safety upgrades to the A8 L Security push its base price to an eye-watering Rs 15 crore (approximately), before options. You don’t get just the car for that price, though, as Audi will also train two of your drivers to handle the A8 L Security and be well-versed in its bevy of functions.
