Sharpened Design And Innovative Technologies, Audi’s Enhanced A8 Series

More prestigious, more commanding and more athletic, enhanced with a sharpened design and innovative technologies, Audi presents their flagship luxury sedan, the A8. 

The Audi A8 is a symbol of and a trailblazer for the status and prestige of the brand, with precision in all details, the new A8 is a high-value technology pioneer in user-centred and confident mobility.

Audi’s management board member for technical development, Oliver Hoffmann, expressed, “One thing is absolutely clear, the A8 is the vehicle that drives innovation at Audi. We do everything we can to always introduce the newest technology in the A8 first and then in other series and segments. The approach that we bring to producing this car radiates into the rest of our portfolio. That’s because customers’ needs aren’t only diverse and demanding in the luxury class. We have to set ourselves apart from the competition in the compact class as well.”

Exterior-wise, the A8 exudes authority, and now that it has been reworked, it is even more representative, confident, and athletic.

Notably, the base of the single frame grille is now wider and chrome angles that increase in size from bottom to top adorn its grid. 

Its side air intakes are more upright and just as freshly styled as the headlights, where its lower edges on the outside create a distinctive contour. 

Panning to the side, the luxury sedan’s progressive character is particularly eye-catching, specifically with the roof dome that runs flat.

Then, stretched lines in the body of the car emphasize its length, with wide wheel arches hinting at the standard quattro drive system. 

In all model variants, the rocker panel area has a concave shape and ends in a blade pointing toward the road. 

Flipping to the rear, it can be seen dominated by wide chrome clasps, a customizable taillight signature with digital OLEDs, and a continuous, segmented light strip. 

Tilting down, the diffuser insert in the bumper has been delicately accentuated and redesigned with horizontal bars. 

For the S8 model of the series, it presents four flow-optimized pipes under a circumferential contour, typical of the Audi S model.

Not to forget, the wheels. Equipped throughout the series, it ranges from 18- to 21-inches and includes six new designs from Audi and Audi Sport.

Collectively, the newly and precisely orchestrated design elements of its silhouette significantly increase the A8’s presence and sharpens the profile of the brand’s top model.

Beyond the default exterior, Audi is also offering its customers the chrome exterior package and, for the first time in the A8, the new S line exterior package. 

Elaborating on the latter, it gives the front a dynamic touch and differentiates even more from the basic model. 

Specifically with the distinctive blades in the area near the side air intakes complementing the front view, which is in a very similar fashion to the S8. 

Paint-wise, the A8 series includes eleven types of hues, such as the new Metallic District Green, Firmament Blue, Manhattan Grey and Ultra-Blue. 

Also new to the Audi A8 are five matte finishes, e.g., Daytona Gray, Floret Silver, District Green, Terra Grey, and Glacier White. 

Build-wise, the A8 stands at a wheelbase of 3,000 mm, length of 5,190 mm, width of 1,950 mm and a height of 1,470 mm.

Note, similar yet different, the S8 model features distinctive design elements of its own, where its sporty character is purposefully staged.

In the large markets of China, the US, Canada, and South Korea, the Audi S8 is being offered exclusively with a long wheelbase. 

Rolling with an increased vehicle length and height, it significantly offers more comfort for passengers due to the additional head- and legroom.

Regardless, all the models’ builds follow the same principle as the Audi Space Frame (ASF) architecture, which is made up of 58 percent aluminium parts. 

The passenger section consists of hot-formed steel components enhanced with an ultra-high-strength and extremely torsional rigid rear panel made of a carbon-fibre reinforced polymer. 

Furthermore, the build also includes magnesium strut-tower bars to complete the lightweight construction concept.

Overall, the body's commanding rigidity lays the foundation for precise handling, excellent comfort, and acoustic tranquillity onboard.

Moving on to the equipment, the A8 illuminates with the Digital Matrix LED headlights that uses DMD (digital micromirror device) technology, akin to video projectors.

Each headlight has approximately 1.3 million micromirrors that break down the light into tiny pixels, which allows it to be controlled with maximum precision.

One new function that this makes possible is lane and orientation lights for highways, where it emits a carpet of light that illuminates the driver’s own lane particularly brightly. 

Plus, the digital Matrix LED headlights can generate dynamic coming and leaving home functions upon unlocking and getting out of the car.

As for the rear, the A8 comes with OLED (organic light-emitting diode) digital lights as a standard feature, with two light signatures for the A8 and three for the S8.

Interestingly, under the ‘dynamic’ Audi drive select mode, the lights change to a wider signature that is only available in that mode.

Paired along with the assistance systems, the digital OLED rear lights feature a proximity indication function.

It works when other road users approach the stationary A8 from behind to within two meters, which then automatically activates all of the OLED segments. 

Interior-wise, the A8 impresses with a spacious, widely tailored lounge, ultimately offering an open, feel-good space.

Elegantly, it features an architecture that is horizontally oriented to emphasize its breadth, with a formal design language kept throughout.

Standard in the S8, the ambient light package plus elegantly stages the interior’s environment when in the dark, and also, there are rear reading lights that use Matrix LED technology.

Range of seats and seat equipment in the enhanced A8 is varied, very comfortable, especially for the back seats, where many options are available. 

Significantly, the relaxation seat in the A8 L model is the apex of the program. It offers numerous adjustment options and a footrest on the back of the passenger seat. 

At which, the rear passengers can use it to have the bottoms of their feet warmed and massaged to various degrees. 

To list down, the relaxation seat package includes a back massage with 18 pneumatic cushions, electrically adjustable comfort headrests and an optional continuous centre console. 

Also available are optional fold-out tables, four-zone deluxe automatic air conditioning, and new to the model, screens in the rear. 

That’s not all, a cooler along with a bar compartment in the Audi exclusive program further emphasizes the comfort of the environment.

Moreover, Audi’s fine workmanship furthers on the perforations in the seat covers, electrically opening and closing decorative trim, air vent doors and velvety leather in the comfort headrests.

Touching on the upholstery, the seats are covered with Valetta leather as a standard. Alternatively, Valcona leather is also available as an option that comes with the new colour Cognac Brown.

New to the program is the sustainable microfiber material Dinamica for the door panels, which can also be used for the pillar trim or the roof lining as an option.

Elevating the cabin even more is the wide selection of interior configurations. They include an Audi design selection in pastel silver and the S line interior in Black, Merlot Red and Cognac.

Several leather packages and leather equipment from Audi exclusive, round out the selection. The optional air quality package includes an ionizer and fragrance.

Infotainment-wise, the MMI touch response operating concept in the Audi A8 relies on two displays, a 10.1-inch and an 8.6-inch, and natural voice operation. 

Complementing that, the completely digital Audi virtual cockpit, with the optional head-up display, completes the display and operating concept. 

Most importantly, it emphasizes the orientation to the driver, where important information is displayed directly in the driver’s line of sight.

Other than that, the MMI Navigation plus is standard in the enhanced Audi A8 and is supported by the third-generation modular infotainment toolkit (MIB 3).

The online and Car-2-X services from Audi connect expand the navigation system, which also comes as a standard feature.

They are divided into two packages, i.e., Audi connect Navigation & Infotainment and Audi connect Safety & Service with Audi connect Remote & Control.

Attractive options are further offered for the infotainment, like the new screens in the back, tailored to the expectations of today's rear-seat passengers. 

Meaning, it comes with two 10.1-inch displays that have full HD resolution attached to the backs of the front seats, summing up to three screens for the entire interior.

Entertainingly, they display content from passengers’ devices and can receive numerous audio and video streams via casting, including from well-known streaming platforms or TV media libraries.

Adding to all of that, the Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System is included, and it brings 3D sound to the back seat with its high levels of information. 

Outstandingly, a 1,920-Watt amplifier drives 23 speakers and the tweeter lenses operate electrically from the instrument panel. 

Now firmly mounted to the centre armrest, the rear seat remote allows many comfort and infotainment functions to be controlled from the back seat. 

In terms of the driver assistance systems, there are about 40 safety functions available in the enhanced Audi A8. 

Some of them include the Audi pre sense basic and Audi pre sense front safety systems, which are standard equipment for the series. 

For the optional features, they are clustered into three packages, ‘Park’, ‘City’, and ‘Tour’. The assistance package plus combines the packages. 

However, safety features like the night vision assistant and the surround view cameras are available separately. 

First, the ‘Park’ assist package. It comes with the remote park assist plus, which can automatically manoeuvre the large sedan into and out of a parallel or bay parking space. 

Second, the ‘City’ assist package includes intersection assist, cross-traffic assist, side assist, exit warning, and the Audi pre sense 360-degree safety system.

Third, the ‘Tour’ assist package, which is standard in Germany. Its central system is adaptive cruise assist, which adjusts longitudinal and lateral guidance throughout the vehicle’s speed range. 

Aiding said assistance systems in the Audi A8 is the central driver assistance controller (zFAS), which continuously calculates a model of the environment.

Performance-wise, with five selections of powertrains, the enhanced Audi A8 offers customers a wide range of drive systems. 

From the V6 TFSI and V6 TDI mills, both of which draw power from 3.0-litres of displacement, to the plug-in hybrid systems of the TFSI e, V6 TFSI engine, and electric motors, to the 4.0 TFSI engine. 

The latter is available for the A8 and the S8 in various output levels, allocating its 4.0-litres of displacement to eight cylinders in a V-assembly that has the Cylinder On Demand (COD) technology.

Then, the 3.0 TFSI engine powers the Audi A8 55 TFSI quattro and the A8 L 55 TFSI quattro with 250 kW (340 PS/335 hp). 

Besides that, the L model with 210 kW (286 PS/282 hp) is also available in China, and from 1,370 to 4,500 rpm, it pumps 500 Nm of torque into the crankshaft and does 0 to 100 km/h in 5.6 seconds.

Meanwhile, for the A8 models, the 4.0 TFSI generates 338 kW (460 PS/453 hp) and 660 Nm of torque, which are available between 1,850 and 4,500 rpm. 

These create a very sporty performance, where the A8 60 TFSI quattro and the A8 L 60 TFSI quattro both sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.4 seconds. 

Next, the 3.0 TDI is fitted in the Audi A8 50 TDI quattro and the A8 L 50 TDI quattro. The engine brings 210 kW (286 PS/282 hp) of power and 600 Nm of torque. 

Said diesel engine accelerates both the A8 and A8 L from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds, while reaching an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h, which is uniform across all A8 models.

Following that, the Audi A8 60 TFSI e quattro and the A8 L 60 TFSI e quattro are the plug-in hybrid models (PHEV) in the series. 

With these, compact electric motors support the 3.0 TFSI engine, and the lithium-ion battery in the rear can now store a net 14.4 kWh of energy.

Harbouring these mills, the A8 and A8 L boost about 340 kW (462 PS) of power and 700 Nm of torque, and can do 0 to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds.

Unique for the plug-in hybrids, it has four driving modes. ‘EV’ stands for fully electric driving, ‘Hybrid’ for an efficient blend of both drive systems, and ‘Hold’ for saving the available electric energy. 

Under ‘Charge’ mode, the combustion engine charges the battery. Note, when charging by cable the maximum charging capacity with alternating current is 7.4 kW. 

Although, customers can use the compact E-Tron charging system for that in their garage at home or the mode 3 cable when they are on the road.

Now, an Audi without a performance-based setup is not an Audi. Thereby, the Audi S8 TFSI quattro is offered as the sporty top model in the series.

Concealing a biturbo V8 engine, it generates 420 kW (571 PS/563 hp) of power and 800 Nm of torque from 2,050 to 4,500 rpm. It does 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.8 seconds.

Previously mentioned, the Audi S8 features the COD technology and besides that, it also gets sound flaps in the exhaust system that can sharpen its growl when desired. 

Additionally, this strongest model in the series rolls off the assembly line with particularly extensive standard equipment. Namely, it has a unique combination of advanced suspension components.

Fitted only in the S8, they are the predictive active suspension, sport differential, and dynamic all-wheel steering built by Audi ex-factory.

All the previously mentioned motorizations come with mild hybrid technology (MHEV) as a standard feature, which uses the A8’s 48-volt main electrical system.

Detailing further, all engines in the Audi A8 are connected to a fast and gently toggling eight-step Tiptronic transmission. 

Thanks to an electric oil pump, the automatic transmission can change gears even when the combustion engine is not running. 

Plus, it also comes with a constant all-wheel drive quattro with the self-locking centre differential, optionally supplemented with the sport differential.

It actively distributes torque between the rear wheels during fast cornering and thereby makes the handling even sportier and more stable.

Improving the driving experience even more is the standard suspension system in the enhanced Audi A8 that significantly impresses with its balanced character.

Then, it also combines sporty driving fun with confident comfort through the Audi drive select handling system that provides numerous distinct driving profiles.

Progressive steering and adaptive air suspension with controlled damping are standard fitments throughout, whereas the dynamic all-wheel-steering is an option but standard in the S8.

Best part of all the fitments is the predictive active suspension, where it actively regulates the position of the chassis in any driving situation.

The suspension does this by loading or unloading each wheel with additional power individually via an electric motor.

For example, when dynamic mode is on in the Audi drive select system, the A8 shows its sporty side. It firmly turns into corners, the roll angles are small, and the body hardly dips when braking. 

In comfort+ mode, it smooths the ride. The steering works in conjunction with the front camera, allowing it to identify unevenness within the system’s limits and predictively regulate the actuators.

A special feature it has is the integrated curve tilting function, which reduces the lateral acceleration that acts on the occupants. 

Upon entering a curve, it elevates the side of the body on the outside of the curve and lowers the other side, thereby tilting it into the curve up to three degrees. 

At speeds between 80 and 130 km/h and lateral acceleration of up to 0.4 g, cornering is hardly noticeable. 

While driving straight in comfort+, the predictive active suspension compensates for pitching movements in the chassis. 

Also, to help with getting in and out of the car comfortably, the body raises and lowers itself by up to 50 mm. 

Separately, special for the Chinese market, the Audi A8 L Horch. This top version made available only in China is 5,450 mm long, which is 5.1-inch longer than the A8 L. 

Its interior features expanded diamond quilting, logo embossing in the cushions, and deep-pile floor mats in the back that emphasize the exclusivity of this version. 

As for its exterior, the exclusively designed Singleframe grille with vertical braces indicate that it is a luxury model. 

Apart from that, there are also chrome fittings, e.g., on the mirror housings, the specific rear light signature and the large panoramic roof. 

Elsewhere, the chrome extends onto the badges, Horch emblem on the C-pillar and the ‘H crown’ rim design.

For the first time in the D-segment, the top model is offering a two-colour finish for customers in China who want to give their car a particularly elegant look.

Three colour combinations, applied manually are available. They are Mythos Black and Florette Silver, Florette Silver and Mythos Black, and Firmament Blue and Ultra-Blue. 

Audi applies each of the first-named colours under the edge of the light, what is known as the tornado line. 

In this way, the Audi A8 L Horch, with its prestige- and status-oriented features, enacts Audi’s understanding of a progressive luxury sedan with maximum customer-orientation.

Last but not least, the A8 L Security armoured vehicle. A model with high level of protection with efficient mild-hybrid technology.

Conceived for the particularly high demands of the security field, the A8 L Security is powered by a biturbo V8 with 420 kW (571 PS/563 hp). 

The mild hybrid technology (MHEV), which uses the 48-volt main electrical system, provides exceptional efficiency for the armoured sedan.

Pricing-wise, in Germany, the base price for the A8 is EUR 97,800 (RM 451,119), while the Audi A8 60 TFSI e quattro starts at EUR 108,950 (RM 502,358) and the S8 at EUR 144,800 (RM 667,726).

All in all, as the successor to the Audi V8, the A8 series has been the brand’s leading edge in the luxury sedan segment of Audi’s portfolio since 1994.