All Sections

2018 Audi A8: 8 things you should know

The latest and potentially greatest Audi A8 is here, complete with suspension that reads the road ahead and a foot massager. We delve into the price, specs and other details to see what’s what.

Among the luxury cruiser elite is the Audi A8 and now there is a new version that promises rich executive folk an even more comfortable ride. Here are eight things you need to know because we are nice like that.

1) Audi A8: Lasers to light the way

For night driving, Audi has brought in the help of HD Matrix LED headlights with laser lighting, a technology that is said to more than double the range of the high beams beyond 43mph. At the back are LEDs with OLED technology, which create a unique animation as the driver approaches or leaves the car.

2) Audi A8: The looks are somewhat familiar

The fourth-generation Audi A8 saloon is 38mm longer than before, thanks to a new standard length of 5.17 metres, but actually slimmer than before. Meanwhile the A8 L limo version has a 13mm longer wheelbase. The overall design is largely familiar except for a meatier front end.

3) Audi A8: You can spec a ‘relaxation seat’

Select the optional relaxation seat and the lucky passenger can enjoy a footrest, foot massage and even a foot warmer as he or she cruises between important meetings.

4) Audi A8: The interior is even more plush

Audi says the new design is ‘reductive’, which is a nice way of saying decluttered. The rotary button and touchpad have been ditched in favour of a 10.1-inch touchscreen display and a secondary 8.6-inch touchscreen display. Voice control also features.

5) Audi A8: Pilot-driving is here

To keep up with Tesla, the new Audi A8 features pilot-driving, which drives the vehicle for you at up to 37mph and works on roads where a physical barrier separates the two carriageways. Another feature is AI remote parking, which parks the A8 in and out of a space without you even being in the car.

6) Audi A8: The suspension reads the road ahead

Mercedes already offers suspension that adjusts depending on the surface ahead, but the Audi system uses electric motors to make adjustments as opposed to hydraulics. Cameras are used to view the road ahead, while a computer tells the suspension what to do based on the imperfections it ‘sees’.

7) Audi A8: New engine klaxon

The V6 3.0 TDI and 3.0 TFSI, with 282bhp and 335bhp respectively, have been reengineered to make them more efficient. Buyers will also have the option of a 429bhp 4.0-litre eight-cylinder at a later date, as well as a 540bhp 6.0-litre V12 for serious performance.

Then there is a hybrid, which combines an electric motor and the 3.0-litre TFSI for 442bhp, 516lb/ft of torque and an all-electric range of 31 miles.

8) Audi A8: UK price and release date

The Audi A8 and A8L UK price is yet to be confirmed, but we do know the world debut will be held at the Audi Summit in Barcelona. Orders open in September, 2017, and first deliveries are expected in late, 2017.

Comments

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *