What's all this about?

The Audi A8 has reached the tender age of 21. To mark the anniversary a special 'Edition 21' model has been produced, with special styling and interior features. Production is limited and just 121 units have been allocated to the UK with the order book now open and deliveries due in November; prices start at £72,525.

What do you get?

The Edition 21 comes in standard or long-wheelbase body styles, the latter costing an extra £3,565. Exterior features of the limited edition model include the Sport styling kit, which is not normally available with the longer body. Four body colours are offered, including Daytona grey pearl, a shade previously reserved for the Audi S8. Lighting technology includes Adaptive Matrix LED headlamps and dynamic indicators.

For the interior there is a choice of upholstery: cognac brown with black stitching or black with red stitching; buyers also get special illuminated sill tread plates with the 'Edition 21' logo. In the front there are sports seats with 22-way adjustment, while a three-spoke multi-function steering wheel and black headlining are also part of the package.

Equipment levels are based on the A8 SE Executive, which features Audi parking system advanced including rear-view camera, a power operated boot lid with hands-free opening and powered door closure. On top of that, the Edition 21 adds Audi connect telephone and internet services to complement the hard disk-based satellite navigation. In-car entertainment is provided by a Bose surround sound system.

What's under the bonnet?

Buyers of the original A8 had just two engine options: a 2.8-litre V6 and 4.2-litre V8, both fuelled by petrol. Of the five engines in the current line-up the A8 Edition 21 gets the 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel. Maximum power is 262hp with 580Nm of torque. Drive goes through Audi's quattro all-wheel drive system with performance figures of 0-62mph in 5.9 seconds and a top speed limited to 155mph. Fuel economy and CO₂ emissions are 47.9mpg with 155 g/km respectively for the standard wheelbase or 47.1mpg and 159g/km for the long wheelbase car.