Audi's A8 L may be a big vehicle, but with one of Audi's famed TDI engines under the hood, you know it's unlikely to drink fuel like a big vehicle.

That TDI engine is a 3.0-liter V-6, developing 240 horsepower and a chunky 406 pounds-feet of torque.

Despite the performance on offer--60 mph will flash by in only 6.4 seconds--the A8 L TDI is still rated at 28 mpg combined by the EPA.

That's higher than any of its other diesel or hybrid rivals--the 2013 BMW ActiveHybrid 7 and 2013 Mercedes-Benz S350 BlueTec both do no more than 25 mpg combined.

The aluminum-bodied A8 L TDI also manages 24 mpg city (better than the equivalent Lexus or BMW hybrid), and 36 mpg highway.

As with many top-end Audi products, the A8 L TDI features Audi's quattro all-wheel drive system. Additional equipment includes an optional Premium Package, with 22-way adjustable seats, front seat ventilation with massage function, and full-LED headlights. Pricing starts from $82,500.

The A8 L TDI is the first of of four Audi diesel models launched at the Los Angeles Auto Show last year. Joining the existing Q7 TDI, the A8 L, A7, A6 and Q5 SUV all get the potent 3.0-liter diesel.

The A8 goes on sale early Spring, with the others expected to arrive this fall. Pricing for the other TDIs will be announced later in the year.

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