The fourth generation of the Audi A8 has made its world debut at the Audi Summit in Barcelona. With a new design language, an innovating touchscreen operating concept and a systematically electrified drive, this flagship model provides the benchmark for Vorsprung durch Technik.
The brand new design of the Audi A8 features a front end with a wide, upright Singleframe grille and a fluid, muscular body that conveys sporty elegance, sophistication and progressive status. Striking HD Matrix LED headlights with Audi laser lighting and LED light strip combined with OLED technology rear lights produce unique light animations as the driver approaches and leaves the car. Whether in the 5.17 meter standard version of the 5.2 meter A8 L, the luxury sedan possesses a powerful presence on the road.
The design of the new A8 combines sports appeal, lightweight construction and quattro permanent all-wheel drive in its iconic new look.
The interior of the Audi A8 resembles a lavish and spacious lounge and compared to its predecessor it has grown substantially in length. The range of equipment and materials is extensive, with every detail radiating bespoke quality from the perforation in the seat upholstery to the electrically opened and closed shutters on the air vents.
The rear right seat in the Audi A8 L is the optional relaxation seat which comes with four different adjustment options and a footrest. The passenger can massage and warm the soles of the feet on a unit with multiple settings incorporated into the back of the front passenger seat while the new comfort head restraints complete the experience. The rear passengers are also able to control a range of features such as ambient lighting, HD Matrix reading lights and seat massage. They can also make private phone calls using a separate operating unit. The rear seat remote is a removable unit with an OLED display as large as a smartphone for easy control.
The instrument panel replaces the familiar rotary push button and touch pad of the predecessor. to keep the instrument panel largely clear of buttons and switches. At the centre is a 10.1-inch touchscreen display which, when off, blends into the high-gloss black surround. The driver controls the infotainment system on the large display and uses a second display on the centre tunnel to control the air conditioning and comfort functions as well as make text inputs. the Audi A8 can also engage in intelligent conversation via a new, natural form of voice control.
The new Audi A8 is the first production car to have been developed specifically for highly automated driving. The Audi AI traffic jam pilot takes charge of driving in slow moving-traffic at up to 37.7mph on roads where a physical barrier separates the two carriageways. The system manages starting, accelerating, steering and braking so that the driver no longer needs to monitor the car permanently. As soon as the system reaches its limits, it calls on the driver to take back control of driving. Another new feature is the Audi AI remote parking pilot which can autonomously steer the A8 into and out of a parking space or a garage, while the manoeuvre is monitored by the driver from inside or outside the vehicle.
The suspension adds a new dimension to the Audi A8 with a range of innovations. Dynamic all-wheel steering combines direct, sporty steering with stability. The steering ratio for the front wheels varies as a function of speed; the rear wheels are turned in or against the direction of steering depending on the speed range. Sport differential makes the car handling even more dynamic and precise by actively distributing the drive torque between the rear wheels, complimenting the standard quattro all-wheel drive. Depending on the driver's wishes and the driving situation, the Audi AI active suspension can raise or lower each wheel separately with electric actuators to provide a exceptionally smooth ride. In combination with the pre sense 360 system, the car is raised with lightning speed if there is an impending lateral collision, reducing the potential consequences of the accident for all occupants.
The all-new Audi A8 will be available to order later this year. To register your interest please contact your local Lookers Audi centre.
