2018 Audi A8 – Everything You Ever Wanted to Know

2018 Audi A8 and A8 L

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The new Audi A8: future of the luxury class
 World debut for flagship model at Audi Summit in Barcelona
 New design language and a pioneering touch operating concept
 Piloted driving functions to be rolled out in production Audi A8 versions
from 2018

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Starting Prices for:
2018 Audi A8 Price: $103,296 / EUR 90,600
2018 Audi A8 L Price: $107,287 / EUR 94,100

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The new Audi A8: future of the luxury class
The new Audi A8 presents the future of the luxury class. In its fourth generation, the
brand’s flagship model again provides the benchmark for Vorsprung durch Technik – with a
new design language, an innovative touchscreen operating concept and a systematically
electrified drive. The Audi A8 is also the first production automobile in the world to have
been developed for highly automated driving. From 2018, Audi will gradually be taking
piloted driving functions such as parking pilot, garage pilot and traffic jam pilot into
production.

Doyen of style: the exterior design
The Audi A8 is stylistically defining – it signals the dawning of a new design era for the entire
brand. The front end with the wide, upright Singleframe grille and the fluid, muscular body
symbolize sporty elegance, sophistication and progressive status. The new A8 delivers on the
promise made by the Audi prologue design study. The luxury sedan possesses a powerful
presence – whether in the 5.17 meter (17.0 ft) standard version or the A8 L, which has a
13 centimeter (5.1 in) longer wheelbase.
The Audi brand is renowned worldwide for sports appeal, lightweight construction and
quattro permanent all-wheel drive – and the design of the new A8 conveys these values. The
balanced proportions emphasize all four wheels in equal measure. Muscular shapes above the
wheel arches give visual expression to the quattro drive. Viewed side-on, the upright front
end combined with the gently inclined rear create visual tension. The flagship model
proclaims its identity both day and night, drawing on both the striking HD Matrix LED
headlights with Audi laser lighting, and the LED light strip combined with OLED technology
rear lights. These produce unique light animations as the driver approaches and leaves the
car.

Luxury lounge: the interior
Freedom is the defining design feature with a new luxury slant. This explains the A8’s
resemblance to a lavish, spacious lounge. Compared to the predecessor model, it has grown
substantially in length in both body versions. The range of equipment and materials is
extensive, with every detail radiating superlative bespoke quality – from the perforation in
the seat upholstery to the electrically opened and closed shutters on the air vents. The classiest seat in the new Audi flagship model is in the rear right – the optional relaxation
seat in the A8 L that comes with four different adjustment options and a footrest. In this
seat, the passenger can warm and massage the soles of their feet on a unit with multiple
settings incorporated into the back of the front-passenger seat. The new comfort head
restraints complete the experience. The rear passengers can also control an array of functions
such as ambient lighting, the new HD Matrix reading lights and seat massage, plus make
private phone calls, via a separate operating unit. The rear seat remote, with its OLED display
as large as a smartphone, is a removable unit housed in the center armrest.

Fingertip response: the controls
The luxury sedan’s interior deliberately adopts a reductive design; the interior architecture is
clear and with a strictly horizontal orientation. Audi carries its high quality standards into the
digital age with a radically new operating concept. It does away with the familiar rotary
pushbutton and touchpad of the predecessor model. The instrument panel is kept largely
clear of buttons and switches. At its center is a 10.1-inch touchscreen display which, when
off, blends almost invisibly into the high-gloss black surround thanks to its black-panel look.
The user interface appears as soon as the car is opened. The driver controls the Infotainment
system with fingertip control on the large display. They can use a second touchscreen display
on the center tunnel console to access the air conditioning and comfort functions as well as
make text inputs. While doing so, they can rest their wrist comfortably on the wide tiptronic
selector lever, for extra ease of inputting a navigation destination, for example. When the
driver activates a function in the upper or lower display, they hear and feel a click by way of
confirmation. The glass-look operating buttons respond in the same way. The combination of
acoustic and tactile feedback along with the use of common touch gestures such as swiping
make the new MMI touch response especially safe, intuitive and quick to use.
The A8 can also engage in intelligent conversation. The driver can activate an array of
functions in the automobile using a new, natural form of voice control. Information on
destinations and media is either available on board or is delivered from the cloud at LTE
speed. The extensive Audi connect range also includes traffic sign recognition and hazard
information – innovative car-to-X services that draw on the swarm intelligence of the Audi
fleet.
The extensively optimized navigation is another new feature: It is self-learning, based on the
route just driven. This provides the driver with intelligent search suggestions. The map also
incorporates highly detailed 3D models of major European cities for a more realistic
representation. The latest version of the Modular Infotainment Platform, the MIB 2+, serves as the control
hub for all these functions. It integrates a cutting-edge K1 processor by the Audi venture
partner NVIDIA. A second K1 chip generates the graphics on the Audi virtual cockpit, which as
the digital instrument cluster offers a full HD resolution of 1,920 x 720 pixels.
And the Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System delivers a new spatial experience: for the
first time the rear seats are included in its fascinating 3D sound with height information. The
music unfolds exactly how it was recorded in the concert hall. It draws on an algorithm that
Audi has developed jointly with the Fraunhofer Institute. It is matched by a new standard of
telephony in the A8 thanks to Audi phone box with Voice over LTE – a standard the user will
experience both in operation and in the sound and connection quality.

World premiere: the pilot-driving Audi A8
The new A8 is the first production automobile to have been developed specially for highly
automated driving. The Audi AI traffic jam pilot takes charge of driving in slow-moving traffic
at up to 60 km/h (37.3 mph) on freeways and highways where a physical barrier separates
the two carriageways. The system is activated using the AI button on the center console.
The traffic jam pilot manages starting, accelerating, steering and braking. The driver no
longer needs to monitor the car permanently. They can take their hands off the steering
wheel permanently and, depending on the national laws, focus on a different activity that is
supported by the car, such as watching the on-board TV. As soon as the system reaches its
limits, it calls on the driver to take back control of the task of driving.
From a technical perspective the traffic jam pilot is revolutionary. During piloted driving, a
central driver assistance controller (zFAS) now permanently computes an image of the
surroundings by merging the sensor data. As well as the radar sensors, a front camera and
the ultrasonic sensors, Audi is the first car manufacturer also to use a laser scanner. The
introduction of the Audi AI traffic jam pilot means the statutory framework will need to be
clarified in each individual market, along with the country-specific definition of the
application and testing of the system. The brand’s high quality standards are equally
applicable in the realm of highly automated driving. In addition, a range of approval
procedures and their corresponding timescales will need to be observed worldwide. Audi will
therefore be adopting a step-by-step approach to the introduction of the traffic jam pilot in
production models.
The Audi AI remote parking pilot and the Audi AI remote garage pilot steer the A8
independently into and out of a parking space or garage, monitored by the driver. The driver
need not be sitting in the car. They start the appropriate system from their smartphone using
the new myAudi app. To monitor the parking maneuver, they hold the Audi AI button pressed
to watch a live display from the car’s 360 degree cameras on their device. Once the maneuver
has been completed, the system automatically engages the tiptronic P position and switches
off engine and ignition.

New dimension: the suspension
With a whole package of innovations, the suspension revisits the very limits of what is
physically possible. One such innovation is dynamic all-wheel steering, which combines
direct, sporty steering with unshakable 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. The car’s handling becomes even more dynamic and precise
with the sport differential. This actively distributes the drive torque between the rear wheels,
complementing the quattro permanent all-wheel drive that is now standard in the new A8.
The second new technology, Audi AI active suspension, is a fully active suspension system.
Depending on the driver’s wishes and the driving situation, it is capable of raising or lowering
each wheel separately with electric actuators. This flexibility imparts the driving
characteristic with huge latitude – ranging from the smooth ride comfort of a classic luxury
sedan to the dynamism of a sports car. In combination with pre sense 360°, the car is raised
with lighting speed if there is an impending lateral collision, reducing the potential
consequences of the accident for all occupants. This highly innovative suspension system
obtains the energy it requires from a 48-volt electrical system. Audi now for the first time fits
it as the primary electrical system in all model versions of the A8. In conjunction with the
advanced air suspension for the A8, the innovative suspension concept delivers an utterly new
driving experience.

Mild hybrid and e-tron: the drives
The new A8 starts out in the German market with two extensively reengineered V6 turbo
engines: a 3.0 TDI and a 3.0 TFSI. The diesel develops 210 kW (286 hp), and the gasoline
version 250 kW (340 hp). Two eight-cylinder versions – a 4.0 TDI with 320 kW (435 hp) and a
4.0 TFSI with 338 kW (460 hp) – will follow slightly later. The exclusive top engine version is
the W12 with a displacement of 6.0 liters. (These vehicles are not yet on sale. They do not yet
have type approval and are therefore not subject to Directive 1999/94/EC.)
All five engines operate in conjunction with a belt alternator starter (BAS), which is the nerve
center of the 48-volt electrical system. This mild hybrid technology (MHEV, mild hybrid
electric vehicle) enables the car to coast with the engine switched off, and to restart
smoothly. It also has an extended start/stop function and an energy recovery output of up to
12 kW. The combined effect of these measures is to bring down the fuel consumption of the
already efficient engines even further – by as much as 0.7 liters (0.2 US gal) per
100 kilometers (62.1 mi) in real driving conditions.

The A8 L e-tron quattro with its powerful plug-in hybrid drive will follow at a later date (This
vehicle is not yet on sale. It does not yet have type approval and is therefore not subject to
Directive 1999/94/EC.): Its 3.0 TFSI and the powerful electric motor achieve 330 kW
(449 hp) of system power and 700 Nm (516.3 lb-ft) of system torque. The lithium-ion
battery stores enough power for about 50 kilometers (31.1 mi) of electric driving. It can
optionally be charged by Audi Wireless Charging. A pad in the garage floor transfers the
power inductively to a receiver coil in the automobile with a power output of 3.6 kW.
The new Audi A8 and A8 L are being built at the Neckarsulm site and will appear on the
German market in late fall 2017. The starting price for the A8 is EUR 90,600 (USD $103296.68), with the A8 L
starting at EUR 94,100 (USD $107287).

Facts and figures
The new Audi A8
Shape. Shift. Sense. Space. These four terms summarize the new Audi A8 with all its
characteristics. Shape denotes the aesthetic qualities that the customer sees and feels – the
exterior and interior design, the lighting, the colors and materials, as well as the traditional
craftsmanship with which they are worked. Shift describes the new level at which the Audi A8
operates. This means the engines, the power transmission, the suspension and also the
functions that come under the umbrella of Audi AI – the traffic jam pilot, the (remote)
parking pilot and the remote garage pilot.
Sense stands for connectivity. The term refers to the MMI touch response operating and
display concept including voice control, and to the electronic intelligence used by everything
from sensors and control units to assistance systems. The topics of Infotainment, Audi
connect key and personalization are another focal area. Finally, Space describes the
dimensional concept for exterior and interior as well as the array of comfort solutions for air
quality, seating, sound and telephony.

Shape
 EXTERIOR DESIGN: Premiere for the new Audi design language, the fluidly muscular
vehicle body, the upright, very wide Singleframe grille that conveys status and prestige
 quattro drive emphasized by prominent muscular shapes above the wheels
 Gently inclined rear end with wide light strip
 Twelve exterior colors, including three new paint finishes for Audi
 LIGHTS: Optional progressive HD Matrix LED headlights in latest version, Audi laser
lighting, homogeneous-beam OLED rear lights
 Dynamic light presentation by headlights and rear lights upon locking and unlocking,
interior lighting scenario and audio jingle for engine start
 INTERIOR DESIGN: Clear formal idiom, reduction as aesthetic design principle, fusion of
interior architecture and operating concept
 Large, two-section panoramic sunroof in A8 L for pleasant, light-filled interior
 Calm surface design: visually almost fully integrated 10.1-inch screen, number of buttons
kept small, electric shutters for air vents
 Ambient lighting, contour lighting in the seat backs, Matrix LED reading lights
 Wide selection of authentic, near-natural materials, progressive colors, finished with
meticulous craftsmanship; new leather quality for comfort head restraints; Audi design
selection as top-end equipment

Shift
 DRIVE: Two V6 turbo engines (at sales start): 3.0 TDI and 3.0 TFSI with 210 kW (286 hp)
and 250 kW (340 hp) respectively
 Two V8 turbo engines (after market launch): 4.0 TDI with 320 kW (435 hp) and 4.0 TFSI
with 338 kW (460 hp); W12 with 430 kW (585 hp) as top engine version
 All engines with 48-volt primary electrical system and mild hybridization by belt alternator
starter as well as the A8 L e-tron quattro permit coasting with the engine off, extended
start/stop operation and a high energy recovery output; complemented by efficiency
assistant to promote an economic driving style
 All engines except for 3.0 TFSI with active engine mounts to absorb vibration; 4.0 TFSI,
3.0 TFSI e-tron and W12 also with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
 After market launch, A8 L e-tron quattro with a 330 kW (449 hp) system power and
electrical range of approx. 50 kilometers (31.1 mi), inductive in-car charging at 3.6 kW by
Audi Wireless Charging (AWC) as standard, charging station optional
 All engine versions with second-generation eight-speed tiptronic with modified gearshift
process for re-engaging after coasting and quattro permanent all-wheel drive
 SUSPENSION: Front and rear suspension both taking form of high-precision five-link
layouts
 Dynamic all-wheel steering optional
 If desired, sport differential for even more dynamic handling
 adaptive air suspension with hydraulically controlled dampers as standard, four selectable
ride height levels
 Fully active controlled Audi AI active suspension as option; acts separately on each wheel
and permits extremely high spread of profiles from comfortable to sporty; improves
passive safety by raising body in event of lateral collision in conjunction with pre sense
360°
 Next-stage electronic suspension platform (ESP) for central signal data processing and
driving status calculation
 AUDI AI: Innovative technologies brought together under the Audi AI label. Traffic jam
pilot as world-first solution for highly automated driving in nose-to-tail traffic at up to
60 km/h (37.3 mph) on freeways and highways where a physical barrier separates the two
carriageways; plus parking and garage pilot with remote function for driverless parking

Sense
 CONNECTIVITY: 360° monitoring of surroundings using combination of sensors, cameras
and, in a first for the automotive sector, laser scanners
 Permanent merging of data in central driver assistance controller (zFAS)
 41 driver assistance systems represent the new gold standard, including new crossing
assist for identifying crossing vehicles with help of optional mid-range radars, as well as
maneuvering assist and curb warning
 Modular Infotainment Platform MIB 2+, K1 unit by NVIDIA with quad-core main processor
and 192-core graphics processor; 50 times faster than first-generation MIB
 State-of-the-art Audi connect range, including the car-to-X services traffic sign recognition
and hazard information; complemented by myAudi app as central access point for Audi
services
 Audi connect key for up to five users, access authorization via Android smartphones (NFC
communication)
 Scope for personalizing around 400 functions in six user profiles and one guest profile
 New MMI touch response OPERATING AND DISPLAY CONCEPT: two touchscreens, a switch
strip (optional) and light switch module with tactile and acoustic feedback, intelligent
handwriting input with whole-word and multi-finger recognition
 Natural voice control with intelligent combination of on-board and cloud search
information; self-learning dialog manager permits progressive voice dialogs
 Main functions can be controlled from steering wheel
 New Audi virtual cockpit with full HD resolution (1,920 x 720 pixels)
 Optional head-up display
 Navigation with self-learning function based on driver preferences; high-intelligence route
planning, detailed 3D city models, four map updates per year

 

Space
 BODY:
Length: 5,172 millimeters (203.6 in) (A8) (+37 millimeters compared with predecessor)
5,302 millimeters (208.7 in) (A8 L) (+37 millimeters compared with predecessor)
Width: 1,945 millimeters (76.6 in) (A8 and A8 L) (-4 millimeters compared with
predecessor)
Height: 1,473 millimeters (58.0 in) (A8) (+13 millimeters compared with the
predecessor model)
1,488 millimeters (58.6 in) A8 L) (+17 millimeters compared with the
predecessor model)
Wheelbase: 2,998 millimeters (118.0 in) (A8) (+6 millimeters compared with the
predecessor model)
3,128 millimeters (123.1 in) (A8 L) (+6 millimeters compared with the
predecessor model)

Audi Space Frame using intelligent multi-material construction principle with carbon (rear
panel), magnesium (strut-tower bar), hot-stamped steel (cabin) and aluminum, rigidity up
to 24 percent higher compared with predecessor model, low noise level
 INTERIOR CONCEPT: Sense of spaciousness, greater interior length (+32 millimeters /
1.3 in) as well as more head and leg room, larger entries than on predecessor model
 Luxury comfort: electric door openers, new seats with further-improved massage function
and extra-soft leather on the comfort head restraints; optionally multi-adjustable
relaxation seat in A8 L including footrest with heating and massage function
 Armrests in the doors, center armrest at front and rear, plus steering wheel optionally
with heating
 Rear seat remote operating unit for controlling many functions including Matrix LED
reading lights
 3D sound available for first time in rear, top transmission quality for telephony
 Two fragrances to improve air quality, air quality package with ionizer
 Additional sun sensor on rear shelf to optimize air conditioning when sunlight shining into
car from behind

 

 

The car in detail
Audi A8 – the fourth generation.
Heading into a new era
Audi has fundamentally reengineered the A8 in its fourth generation. With its stylistically
defining design, top-rate suspension solutions, touchscreen operating concept and
superlative comfort, the luxury sedan demonstrates Vorsprung durch Technik right across
the board. One of the top innovations is the Audi AI traffic jam pilot, which no other
competitor offers.

SHAPE
Doyen of Audi style: the exterior design
Sports appeal, lightweight construction and quattro – the design of the new A8 perfectly
conveys Audi’s fundamental values. It embodies sporting elegance, sophistication and
progressive status. The new flagship model takes the brand into a new design era.
The hexagonal Singleframe grille dominates the sedan’s upright front end. With its low
position and width, it determines all adjoining lines and surfaces. The headlight shapes
merge perfectly with the Singleframe. With the optional HD Matrix LED headlights, the
daytime running lights are a visual extension of the grille’s top lamella. The segmented light
signature divides the headlights horizontally, creating an elegant overall impression.
Substantial chrome frames surround the air inlets, with a flat center inlet connecting them.
The side view with the coupé-like silhouette highlights the sporty character of the new A8. Its
proportions accentuate both the front and rear wheels – prominent muscular shapes above
the wheels are pointers to the brand’s quattro DNA. The low shoulder line starts right up at
the headlights and runs across the door handles as far back as the rear lights. A fold below
the window capping also emphasizes length. The sill rises to the rear in typical Audi style and
lends the new A8 a dynamism worthy of a luxury-class car.
The rear end is inclined slightly in the direction of travel, appearing to push the sedan along
even when stationary. The defining element of a lighting strip extends across the entire
width. It radiates high intrinsic value thanks to the embedded chrome strip. The segmented
OLEDs adjoin at its ends and combine to form a signature. Another chrome strip in the lower
part of the bumper integrates the trapezoidal trims of the exhaust system.

There is a choice of twelve colors for the A8, including the new Audi colors Terra Gray,
Vesuvius Gray and Seville Red. The colors Impala Beige and Navarra Blue are available for the
A8 for the first time. Via the Audi exclusive program, customers can also have the luxury
sedan supplied in a color of their personal choice. For those who want their car to create an
even more striking visual impact, there is the option of a chrome exterior package.

HD Matrix LED, laser, OLED: the lighting
Audi leads the way in lighting technology and design. In the new A8, the technologies
interact intelligently with the surroundings. For example, Audi laser lighting is used here for
the first time with HD Matrix LED high beams. The laser spot is identified by an X-shape
shutter and is also accentuated by blue ambient lighting. The daytime running lights with the
vertical segments emphasize the technical elegance of the headlights. The laser spot is
activated from a speed of 70 km/h (43.5 mph) and doubles the range of the high beam.
Each HD Matrix LED high-beam unit consists of 32 small, individually controlled lightemitting
diodes that project the light in two lines. This new configuration ensures that the A8
provides even more dynamic and precise illumination together with the variable-control lowbeam
headlights. The light cone blanks out exclusively other road users, so as not to dazzle
them. The high-precision control for the HD Matrix LED high beam is based on data supplied
by the front camera.
Cornering light is produced by displacing the light’s focal point. It uses the navigation data to
shine into a bend just before the steering is turned. The junction light equally comes on
predictively just before a junction is reached. The segmented turning light also comes on
dynamically in three stages up to a maximum angle of 90°. With all its functions complete
with dynamic turn signals, each HD Matrix LED headlight incorporates 138 LEDs and one
high-performance laser diode. The innovative automatic lighting prevents incorrect operation
and is controlled from a new light switch module with proximity sensors and touchscreen
surface.
Together with the high-end headlights, Audi supplies OLED rear lights that emit extremely
smooth light. There are four ultra-flat OLEDs floating in each module, sub-divided into four
individually controlled segments. Two on each side form the angular tail lights, and the other
two act as the brake lights.
Below the OLEDs there is also an LED light strip that adapts to ambient brightness when the
brakes are applied. The same goes for the dynamic turn signal lights positioned directly
below them. There are 135 light-emitting diodes in operation in each rear light.

The lights give the new A8 exceptional presence at the very first glance. This is substantially
down to the animated dynamic lighting functions. They present the luxury sedan in a unique
manner when it is unlocked with the remote control key. First a point of light in the
headlights runs from the outside inwards, then the blue LED on the laser spot lights up, and
finally the side lights come on from the inside outwards.
Two loops with the same dynamic aesthetics run in parallel in the OLED rear lights: The light
runs in a circle, initially dimmed and then at full brightness. The light presentation continues
inside when the door is opened. This is accompanied by a short audio jingle. When the driver
locks and leaves the new A8, the light presentation in the headlights and rear lights runs in
the opposite sequence.

 

Comprehensive spatial experience: the interior design
A new dialog between technology and aesthetics – the interior of the A8 presents a
comprehensive spatial experience. The architecture blends seamlessly with the new
operating concept, which has virtually eliminated buttons and controls. The clean, expansive
surfaces convey the relaxed atmosphere of a luxury lounge. Tranquility and reduction are
fundamental aesthetic values in the brand’s new flagship model.
Inside the large sedan, the lines flow elegantly and create clear, horizontally oriented
volumes. They accentuate the freedom that the new A8 offers its passengers. The
applications in the sculptural instrument panel are available in a choice of wood veneer or
piano finish and create the wrap-around – the large arc running across the door trims and into
the rear. This zone accommodates the air vents, which are concealed by shutters when
inactive. If the automatic air conditioning is set directly to the interior, the shutters are slid
up and away electrically while the air vents extend out a few centimeters.
In the lower section of the instrument panel, the central 10.1-inch touchscreen display with
black panel technology blends almost invisibly into the high-gloss black trim. Depending on
the equipment, it is in slate gray with a technical structure or in dark, matt-brushed
aluminum. On the center tunnel console, which continues the black-panel look, there is a
second touchscreen display measuring 8.6 inches. The buttons on its bottom edge optionally
blend in with the display look to present a continuous touchscreen surface. They provide the
user with tactile and acoustic feedback as from a conventional switch. The same applies to
the light switches and the controls on the air vents. As an option, two LED light guides each on the center tunnel, instrument panel and in the
doors create a fitting lighting atmosphere in the interior. They create contour and ambient
lighting with separate brightness and color control as an elegant way of accentuating the
design lines. On the A8 L, the backs of the comfort customized contour front seats also
incorporate a contour light strip. The newly developed Matrix LED reading lights each with
seven LEDs provide optimum illumination. The passenger can precisely control the
brightness, size and focus of the light cone with the rear seat remote control.

Natural and authentic: colors and materials
The interior of the new A8 is notable for its authentic materials. Some of the real wood inlays
are open-pored and feel natural to the touch. For its leathers, Audi fundamentally steers
clear of chrome tanning – its top-quality unique pieces are natural materials tanned with
plant-based products, can breathe actively and are hand-crafted. The comfort head restraints
are enveloped in soft, velvety Cocoon leather, a new upholstery of the highest grade. The
harmony of the materials and their naturalness create a new, contemporary impression of
luxury. They radiate craftsmanship down to the finest detail, giving them bespoke character;
the same applies to the perforation in the seat upholstery.
There are eight material and color schemes in the new A8, culminating in Audi design
selection. For the upholstery, the choices are Verdi cloth and the leather grades Valetta,
Valcona and Unicum. These can be supplied in the new colors pearl beige, metropolis gray
and merino gray, for example. On selected equipment items, contrasting stitching adds an
extra highlight. In addition, depending on version the instrument panel comes in a two-color
design. There are various veneers, ranging from beech and eucalyptus to burr walnut and
black piano finish. Finally, those wishing to enhance their A8 to their personal taste will find
an extensive selection of other exclusive veneers, colors, materials and leather upholstery
and trim in the Audi exclusive program.

 

SHIFT
Even more efficient: engines with MHEV technology
At its market introduction in Europe, the new A8 will start out with two extensively
reengineered V6 turbo engines, a 3.0 TDI with 210 kW (286 hp) and a 3.0 TFSI with 250 kW
(340 hp). The two V8 versions will follow: The 4.0 TDI develops 320 kW (435 hp), and the
4.0 TFSI has a power output of 338 kW (460 hp). Also appearing later on is the W12 for the
A8 L, developing 430 kW (585 hp). (These vehicles are not yet on sale. They do not yet have
type approval and are therefore not subject to Directive 1999/94/EC.) All engines offer
supreme refinement, ample performance and high efficiency. The new mild hybrid
technology (MHEV, mild hybrid electric vehicle) drives down fuel consumption even further –
by as much as 0.7 liters (0.3 US gal) of fuel per 100 kilometers (62.1 mi) in real driving
conditions. Particulate filters for the gasoline engines will follow in 2018.
Audi’s MHEV technology is based on a newly developed 48-volt primary electrical system – it
supplies the 12-volt system that now becomes an electrical subsystem. The 48-volt system is
fed by a belt alternator starter (BAS) connected to the engine’s crankshaft by the belt drive.
A lithium-ion battery positioned safely beneath the luggage compartment floor serves as the
storage unit.
The new drive combines efficiency with comfort in a very special way: Thanks to the higher
voltage, the new A8 can coast along silently in a speed range from 55 through 160 km/h
(34.2 through 99.4 mph). The automobile then proceeds with zero emissions for up to
40 seconds with the engine off altogether. As soon as the driver steps on the gas again, the
belt alternator starter prompts a swift but soft restart. In addition, start/stop operation is
actually active from 22 km/h (13.7 mph). When the brakes are applied, the BAS can recover
up to 12 kW of power, again helping to reduce fuel consumption.

Power and spontaneity: the 3.0 TDI and 3.0 TFSI
Both V6 engines are high-tech units. The 3.0 TDI develops 210 kW (286 hp) from a
displacement of 2,967 cm³. Many areas have been extensively reengineered, such as its very
sophisticated thermal management. With 600 Nm (442.5 lb-ft) of torque across a rev range
from 1,250 to 3,250 rpm, it develops hefty traction. The 3.0 TFSI with a displacement of
2,995 cm³ develops 250 kW (340 hp) and likewise achieves its peak of 500 Nm (368.8 lb-ft)
extremely low down the rev range, between 1,370 and 4,500 rpm. Its exhaust end lies inside
the 90° vee, so the short gas paths and the twin scroll charger promote responsiveness. Its
combustion principle makes the V6 gasoline engine especially efficient. To support it, the
Audi valvelift system (AVS) adjusts the intake valve opening times and stroke in two stages
based on demand.

Performance and culture: the 4.0 TDI and 4.0 TFSI
Even more performance is on tap with the two four-liter, eight-cylinder engines that are to
follow in 2018 – the 4.0 TDI with 320 kW (435 hp) and the 4.0 TFSI with 338 kW (460 hp).
They share fundamental technical principles, such as biturbo technology and the Audi
valvelift system (AVS). When the gasoline engine is being driven with restraint, the AVS
deactivates cylinders 2 3, 5 and 8 by closing their intake and exhaust valves. This reduces fuel
consumption and promotes efficiency. On the diesel, AVS operates one exhaust valve in each
cylinder. It therefore manages the two turbochargers, which – unlike on the TFSI – are
switched sequentially. For better filling of the combustion chambers, there is likewise an
intake AVS on the TDI.
Under load, the 4.0 TFSI develops a characteristically sporty sound that is completely free
from interfering frequencies. On the V8 gasoline engine, the e-tron and the W12, Active
Noise Cancellation (ANC) eradicates these. The system sends specific anti-noise to the sound
system’s loudspeakers. In addition, the V8, W12 and 3.0 TDI are fitted with active engine
mounts that inhibit the transmission of vibrations to the vehicle body. They, too, generate
out-of-phase counter impulses – their effect is particularly marked when idling.

Exclusive top engine: the W12
The W12 will follow in 2018 in the new A8 L as the supreme, highly refined top engine
version. With its two twin scroll turbochargers, it develops 430 kW (585 hp) from a
displacement of 5,950 cm3
. Its 800 Nm (590.0 lb-ft) of torque is available constantly
between 1,300 and 5,000 rpm. Like the 4.0 TFSI, the twelve-cylinder engine features COD
(cylinder on demand) technology. At low loads and engine speeds, it shuts down the lefthand
cylinder bank to trim fuel consumption.

Comfort and stability: the power transmission
All engines in the A8 deliver their power to a newly developed eight-speed tiptronic. Not only
does it change gear swiftly and smoothly; it also operates highly efficiently. An rpm-adaptive
torsion damper (RTD) with a centrifugal force pendulum compensates for undesirable
vibrations in the engine. This permits efficient driving from an engine speed range as low as
1,000 revolutions per minute.
The improved tiptronic is now for the first time equipped with an electric oil pump – it is
activated whenever the large sedan is coasting with the engine off. As soon as the new A8 is
coasting and its engine is either deactivated or idling, a clutch in the central transmission is
disengaged to interrupt the power flow. For a faster buildup of pulling power, especially after
coasting with the engine deactivated, the engineers in partnership with ZF optimized the
engagement logic applied in the gearshift process.

The transmission control in the new A8 can for the first time recognize stop & go situations.
It now modifies the driving strategy with the emphasis on comfort; for example, it avoids
unnecessary gearshifts or starting in second gear. The driver can let the automatic
transmission do the work automatically in the E, D and S modes, or can take charge of
controlling it in M mode. Selector lever commands are all transmitted electrically.
quattro permanent all-wheel drive is standard in the new Audi flagship model. In normal
driving conditions, its self-locking center differential distributes torque between the front
and rear axle in a 40:60 ratio. If slip occurs at one axle, it directs up to 70 percent of the drive
torque to the front and up to 85 percent to the rear. Handling benefits from wheel-selective
torque control whenever a committed driving style is adopted. The intelligent software
function brakes the two wheels on the inside of a bend slightly before they can begin to spin.
Customers can also choose the optional sport differential in conjunction with the two V6 and
V8 engines as well as the W12. When cornering dynamically, this redistributes the torque
between the rear wheels as required – enhancing traction, stability and dynamics. The driver
can view a display of the percentage drive torque per wheel in the MMI of the new A8.
Compared with the previous model, the sport differential is around one kilogram (2.2 lb)
lighter and offers even faster, higher-precision control. Its management uses the latest
generation of the electronic suspension platform (ESP) and is incorporated into the
Audi drive select handling system. This allows the driver to experience a range of chassis
settings in one and the same car. The operating principle of the participating systems can be
set using the comfort, auto, dynamic, efficiency and individual modes.

Plug-in hybrid de luxe: the Audi A8 L e-tron quattro
A few months after the debut of the new car line, the A8 L e-tron quattro will join the range
(This vehicle is not yet on sale. It does not yet have type approval and is therefore not subject
to Directive 1999/94/EC.) After the A3 Sportback e-tron (combined fuel consumption in
l/100 km: 1.8 – 1.6; combined energy consumption in kWh/100 km: 12.0 – 11.4; combined
CO2 emissions in g/km: 40 – 36*) and the Q7 e-tron 3.0 TDI quattro (combined fuel
consumption in l/100 km: 1.9 – 1.8; combined energy consumption in kWh/100 km: 19.0 –
18.1; combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 50 – 48*) it is the brand’s third plug-in hybrid model.
Its 3.0 TFSI and the electric motor, which is integrated into the eight-speed tiptronic
together with the separating clutch, generates 330 kW (449 hp) of system power and
700 Nm (516.3 lb-ft) of system torque. The sprint from zero to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) takes
4.9 seconds, and the top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h (155.3 mph)

The lithium-ion battery beneath the luggage compartment floor stores 14.1 kWh of energy.
It consists of a flat block of 104 cells and barely reduces the space available for luggage. In
all-electric mode the A8 L e-tron quattro can cover about 50 kilometers. (31.1 mi) (This
vehicle is not yet on sale. It does not yet have type approval and is therefore not subject to
Directive 1999/94/EC.)
The hybrid management takes charge of the efficiency-optimized management of the
combustion engine and electric motor. When started, the A8 L e-tron quattro runs in the allelectric
mode; the combustion engine cuts in automatically as the situation requires. The
active driving pedal with variable pressure point gives the driver feedback on the maximum
available power for electric driving. They can select various hybrid modes at the EV button.
These comprehensively affect the driving properties – regardless of whether the driver wants
to use the energy stored in the battery straight away or save it for later.
If route guidance is activated in the navigation system, the predictive operating strategy is
also activated. It uses map data plus a new standard of real-time traffic information, and
adapts energy management to reflect the route ahead. For example, when driving along the
freeway it is possible to protect or even increase the amount of electrical energy stored. This
will then enable the A8 L e-tron quattro to cover a city driving route with zero local emissions.
The predictive efficiency assistant promotes a fuel-saving driving style by incorporating
navigation data, connect information such as traffic sign recognition online, and information
from the on-board sensors. The driver sees the recommendations displayed in the Audi virtual
cockpit. In addition, pulsating of the driving pedal now draws the driver’s attention to such
messages. In conjunction with the adaptive driving assistant (ADA), the car is the only one
among the competition to respond to speed limits, bends, junctions and roundabouts
without driver intervention, and now slows down or speeds up accordingly. The driver always
ultimately always remains in control – whether they choose all-electric driving, which is
possible at up to 135 km/h (83.9 mph), or want to use the combined power of the electric
motor and TFSI. When the driver takes their foot off the accelerator, the large sedan starts to
coast whenever that is the best energy strategy. During moderate deceleration it uses the
electric motor as an alternator and therefore as an engine brake. This enables the Audi A8 to
recover a substantial amount of energy. The hydraulic wheel brakes are only called upon for
harder brake applications. In the tiptronic’s S program, the electric motor provides maximum
boost torque to assist propulsion.

 

The market introduction of the A8 L e-tron quattro (This vehicle is not yet on sale. It does not
yet have type approval and therefore does not comply with Directive 1999/94/EC.) also
marks the debut of Audi Wireless Charging (AWC). This new, convenient charging technology
involves a floor pad inducing an alternating current in the secondary coil installed in the car,
under the front axle. The magnetic field presents no danger whatsoever – it is only created
when the A8 L e-tron quattro is positioned above the pad and the charging process is active.
To facilitate parking for the driver, the MMI shows the position of the charging station.
Before the charging process starts at 3.6 kW, the pad is raised to reduce the distance
between it and the car, and achieve a high charging efficiency of over 90 percent from mains
to battery.
Alternatively customers can charge the battery of the A8 L e-tron quattro using cables at
home or at public charging stations – at 3.6 or 7.2 kW, depending on the connected load. In
the latter case, the A8 L e-tron quattro is fully charged from an industrial power socket in
about two hours. The driver starts the charging process conveniently from the MMI system.
Alternatively they can activate it with their smartphone, using the myAudi app that also
enables programming of charging timers.
The smartphone also plays an important role in regulating the temperature inside the car.
The key component in the automatic air conditioning of the new A8 L e-tron quattro is a heat
pump that collects the heat given off by the high-voltage electrical components and provides
low-energy heating and cooling. The climate control is highly intelligent. Again using the
smartphone app, the driver can specify in detail before setting off how the interior climate
should be set. The same applies to the optional steering wheel, seat and windscreen/rear
window heating and the seat cooling. In summer, the auxiliary climate control of the
A8 L e-tron quattro with electric air conditioning compressor establishes pleasant interior
temperatures before a journey. Another option is instant startup of the climate control
components as soon as the car is unlocked with the vehicle key.
The A8 L e-tron quattro is identifiable from outside by its special daytime running lights and
special wheels. Its Audi virtual cockpit and MMI touch display inform the driver of all
important drive parameters and of the settings for charging and for e-tron specific climate
control functions.

 

From silky-smooth to firm: the suspension
Active suspension, dynamic all-wheel steering, electronic suspension platform (ESP) – Audi
has rethought every aspect of the chassis of its new flagship. Revolutionary technologies and
control systems make it even more comfortable, sporty and safe. It spans a whole new
breadth of characteristics – from the silky-smooth progress that befits a luxury sedan to the
dynamically firm handling of a sports car.
The very fundamentals of its design are state of the art. The front and rear axle, both of them
mounted on subframes, take the form of high-precision five-link constructions made
extensively from lightweight aluminum. Both the progressive steering, which becomes more
direct the further it is turned, and the adaptive air suspension with controlled damping are
standard features. The driver can define the air suspension settings using the three Audi drive
select driving profiles comfort, auto and dynamic, and also in a separate lift mode. From a
speed of 120 km/h (74.6 mph), the body is automatically lowered by 20 millimeters (0.8 in)
for improved aerodynamics. For this to take place, the car must have been running in the auto
or dynamic mode continuously for at least 30 seconds.

A new dimension of flexibility: the Audi AI active suspension
Adaptive air suspension already gives the A8 a wide spread of operating characteristics
ranging from smooth ride comfort to sporty handling. This impression is heightened
engagingly with Audi AI active suspension, which will be available from market launch for the
V6 TFSI and the two V8 versions. It is a standard feature on the W12. Audi AI active
suspension is a fully active, electromechanically operated suspension system. For each wheel
there is one electric motor supplied by the 48-volt primary electrical system. In each case
there is also a transmission, a rotary tube housing a titanium roll bar and a lever that exerts
up to 1,100 newton-meters (811.3 lb-ft) on the suspension via a coupling rod.
A new feature in active suspension is that the load can be increased or reduced individually on
all four wheels, for active control of the body in every driving situation. This introduces a new
dimension of flexibility: If the driver selects the dynamic mode in the Audi drive select
system, the new A8 becomes an agile sports car – it turns in firmly, and its roll angles are
roughly halved compared with the normal status. By contrast, in comfort mode, the body
floats smoothly even over rough bumps in the road..

As well as improving comfort and handling, active suspension in combination with crossing
assist improves passive safety in the event of a lateral collision. In an impending lateral
collision at more than 25 km/h (15.5 mph), the suspension actuators raise the body on the
side exposed to the danger by up to 80 millimeters (3.1 in) within half a second. The aim is to
present an even more resistant section of the body to the other party by way of an impact
zone. The side sills and floor structure accommodate a large portion of the impact forces.
Deformation of the cabin and the loads acting on the occupants, above all to the chest and
abdomen areas, can be reduced by up to 50 percent compared with a lateral collision with no
raising of the suspension. The pre sense 360° system is a requirement for the new function.

 

Boundaries pushed: dynamic all-wheel steering
There is another world first in the suspension of the new A8: dynamic all-wheel steering.
It, too, is controlled by the electronic suspension platform (ESP). The new steering system
approaches the steer angle and directional stability as separate issues, once again probing
the boundaries of the physically possible. At low speeds and on tight bends, the luxury sedan
significantly reduces steering effort. But this is never allowed to unsettle it. The A8 is even
unruffled by an abrupt lane change at high speed. The driver always feels intensive, finely
differentiated feedback from the road.
The optional dynamic all-wheel steering combines two distinct high-tech steering systems.
The dynamic steering on the front axle incorporates what is known as strain wave gearing
where the ratio changes as a function of speed. The rear wheels are turned by a spindle drive
and two track rods – at low speeds by up to five degrees against the direction of steering, to
facilitate maneuvering and reduce the turning circle by about one meter to 11.4 meters
(37.4 ft) on the A8 or 11.8 meters (38.7 ft) on the A8 L. At medium and high speeds, the
wheels are turned by up to two degrees in the direction of steering, for increased stability.
Dynamic all-wheel steering matches the steering ratio optimally to the driving situation,
adjusting the ratio across a range of 9.5 to 17. At the limits of driving dynamics or on
surfaces that are slippery under one side of the car, dynamic all-wheel steering again
stabilizes the new A8 by manipulating the steering at the front and rear axles.

 

Intelligent and highly integrated: the electronic suspension platform (ESP)
The second generation of the ECP features in the A8. It brings together all signals and data
relating to the suspension in a single control unit and offers a new function with the integral
driving dynamics controller. It influences the dynamic all-wheel steering, sport differential
and active suspension – a new level of integration in the luxury class. The sensors also detect
the driving status, such as understeering or oversteering, and the road surface friction. The
control unit uses the calculated values to adjust the above components as well as the damper
control and air suspension. The customer experiences this in the form of optimum cornering
behavior, improved transverse dynamics and ideal ride comfort. The combined algorithms
allow faster, more in-depth coordination of the individual systems.

 

Large and powerful: the wheels and brakes
The powerful brakes with their aluminum fixed calipers on the front axle also make a big
contribution to driving safety. The detail features vary from one engine version to another.
For the V8 models and the W12, there is the option of perforated carbon ceramic discs
measuring 420 millimeters (16.5 in) in diameter. Each caliper on the front wheels has ten
brake pistons, or six pistons on the standard version. Electronic Stabilization Control provides
even more precise control than in the previous model.

The wheel range starts with an aerodynamically optimized 17-inch wheel, going all the way
up to size 9 J x 21 with 275/35 tires. If any of the wheels are not properly tightened, a
function integrated into the Electronic Stabilization Control alerts the driver promptly. The
loose wheel warning is standard, and unique in the market.

 

A new level of intelligence: Audi AI
Audi AI is the umbrella term for a new generation of high-end assistance technologies
extending all the way up to highly automated driving. Three of them will be available for the
first time in the new A8 – the Audi AI traffic jam pilot, the Audi AI (remote) parking pilot and
the Audi AI remote garage pilot.

World debut for highly automated driving: the Audi AI traffic jam pilot
With the Audi AI traffic jam pilot, the brand with the four rings presents the world’s first
system that enables highly automated driving at Level 3. The car takes over the task of
driving in certain situations. Unlike at Level 2, the driver no longer needs to monitor it
permanently. They must merely be capable of taking back responsibility whenever the system
prompts them to.

The driver activates the traffic jam pilot with the AI button on the center console. On
freeways and highways where a physical barrier separates the two carriageways, the system
takes over the driving task if the car is traveling at less than 60 km/h (37.3 mph) in nose-totail
traffic. The traffic jam pilot manages starting, accelerating, steering and braking. It can
also handle critical situations such as vehicles cutting in closely in front. The signals that the
traffic jam pilot needs for highly automated driving are supplied for instance by the central
driver assistance controller (zFAS).
With the traffic jam pilot active, the driver can relax. They can take their hands off the
steering wheel permanently and, depending on national laws, focus on a different activity
that is supported by the car, such as watch a TV program on the 10.1-inch display in the
center console. In this instance the Audi virtual cockpit supplies abstract representations that
symbolize the motion and surroundings of the new A8.
During highly automated travel a small camera in the driving area detects if the driver tires or
falls sleep. If that happens, a multi-stage warning is given. As soon as the speed rises above
60 km/h (37.3 mph) or the line of vehicles breaks up, the traffic jam pilot informs the driver
that they need to take charge of driving once again. If they ignore this prompt and the
subsequent warnings, the new A8 is braked to a standstill. The introduction of the Audi AI
traffic jam pilot means the statutory framework will need to be clarified in each individual
market, along with the country-specific definition of the application and testing of the
system. The brand’s high quality standards are equally applicable in the realm of highly
automated driving. In addition, a range of approval procedures and their corresponding
timescales will need to be observed worldwide. Audi will therefore be adopting a step-by-step
approach to the introduction of the traffic jam pilot in production models.

 

Park and watch: the Audi AI remote parking pilot and garage pilot
With the Audi AI remote parking pilot and the Audi AI remote garage pilot, the A8 drives
independently and without a driver into a parallel or right-angle parking space in several
maneuvers, or forward into a garage. Both systems access the steering, accelerator, brakes,
tiptronic and also the optional dynamic all-wheel steering.
What is new here is the driver is outside the car throughout the entire parking maneuver.
They start the maneuver from their smartphone by pressing the Audi AI button in the myAudi
app. To monitor it, they hold it pressed and watch a live display from the car’s 360 degree
cameras on their device. Once the parking maneuver is over, the system automatically
engages the tiptronic P position and switches off engine and ignition. When ready to drive
off, the driver can start their A8 by smartphone and drive it out of the parking space or
garage again. If the driver is still behind the wheel, they also have the option of activating the
parking pilot using the AI button in the center console. Like the AI button in the myAudi app,
they again need to hold it pressed throughout the entire process.

The Audi AI (remote) parking pilot and the Audi AI remote garage pilot function intelligently
and conveniently. For instance the sedan can also be steered accurately into a garage if it
needs to describe an arc. Inside the garage, the A8 can approach very close to the walls and
obstructions such as bikes – or it will interrupt entering if there is not enough space for the
car. This special function benefits especially from the innovative laser scanner and is not
available in any other competitor model.

 

SENSE
Comprehensively connected: the sensors in the new Audi
Audi takes a decisive step towards autonomous driving with the new A8. The basic condition
that this car satisfies is its comprehensive, permanent sensing of its surroundings. The
flagship accomplishes this with a new, complete set of sensors. The full set comprises
– twelve ultrasonic sensors on the front, sides and rear,
– four 360 degree cameras on the front, rear and exterior mirrors,
– one front camera on the top edge of the windscreen,
– four mid-range radars at the vehicle’s corners,
– one long-range radar on the front,
– one infrared camera (night vision assist) on the front,
– one laser scanner on the front.

There have previously been several control units, each evaluating the information they pick up
for a defined function. Now for the first time, a central driver assistance controller (zFAS)
permanently forms a comprehensive image of the surroundings from the sensor data – for a
wide range of assistance functions. This is created by complementary sensor systems, plus
redundant data fusion in the zFAS and the radar control unit. All assistance systems benefit
from the central model of the surroundings – whether adaptive driving assistant, active
suspension, park assistance function or traffic jam pilot. Traffic signs are combined with data
from a digital map; crossing assist draws on the comprehensive field of activity, as does the
emergency braking function, which has been optimized in quality and effect by the redundant
design. The zFAS, around the size of a tablet computer, makes its debut in the new A8. It is a
high-tech data center that integrates high-performance computers from NVIDIA (Tegra K1),
ALTERA (Cyclon V), Infineon (Aurix) and the image processor EyeQ3 from Mobileye, the world
leader for image processing algorithms in the automotive context.

 

World first in the top segment: the laser scanner
Audi presents a further world first in the guise of the laser scanner. Mounted in the front
bumper, this component roughly the size of a fist emits light pulses on several vertical
planes. A mirror distributes them fanned out over a field about 80 meters (262.5 ft) deep
and through a beam range of 145 degrees. The wavelengths of the flashes are in the near
infrared range, making them invisible and harmless to the human eye. They are reflected by
the objects in front of the car and are returned to the laser scanner in far less than a
microsecond. There, they are detected by photodiodes. The time this process takes is used to
compile a detailed, deeply contoured image of the surroundings. Together with the longrange
radar and the front camera, the laser scanner forms a trio of sensors, the various
strengths of which complement each other. The laser detects all kinds of objects – including
non-metallic ones – with precision and has a wide beam angle. When it comes to those
criteria it beats radar, which has a range of up to 250 meters (820.2 ft), a greater height
range and persistently delivers readings even in rain and fog.
Laser scanners and radar also work in the dark if the front camera comes up against its limits
despite the bright headlights of the new A8. In good visibility conditions it produces highresolution
images of the vehicle’s near and mid-range surroundings. Thanks to the image
database it is capable of classifying many individual objects, such as automobiles, trucks,
cyclists and pedestrians. Deep learning methods are used for the first time by the image
processing system. It uses neural networks as part of its self-learning approach when
determining which characteristics are appropriate and relevant for identifying the various
objects. This satisfies another key condition for progress towards autonomous driving.
Thanks to the highly connected sensor technology, the assistance systems in the new A8 also
respond even sooner to objects, for instance when they detect the end of a tailback and
initiate a brake application – an advance on the previous model. Even the navigation profits
from sensor data fusion and enables the sedan to identify its position with absolute precision
in many situations.

From freeway to parking lot: the driver assistance systems
With 41 driver assistance systems, the fourth generation of the A8 becomes the new gold
standard. The systems support the driver as desired, whether on the freeway or in the parking
lot. They make driving even more convenient, effortless and safe. Audi groups the assistance
systems in the three packages Park, City and Tour, with the Tour package standard in
Germany. Customers who opt for the Audi AI assist package plus obtain all three packages
and also the Audi AI remote garage pilot.

The Audi AI Park assist package comprises the Audi AI parking pilot and the wide-angle 360
degree cameras that make maneuvering safer. The driver can have various views of the car’s
immediate surroundings displayed on the on-board monitor, to some extent with
superimposed guide lines. Maneuvering assist provides steering movements and
independently applies the brakes to avert the risk of bumping into static and moving objects.
To protect the alloy wheels, the Park package also includes a curb warning.
The newly developed crossing assist is part of the City assist package. If the mid-range radars
detect critical crossing traffic in front of the car, the system warns the driver and makes a
brake application if need be. The new A8 also alerts the driver to risks when changing lanes.
The exit warning system indicates vehicles or cyclists approaching from the rear when
opening the door. Light guides in the doors indicate the danger optically. Cross traffic assist
kicks in if the new A8 is reversing out of a right-angle parking space.
Another feature of the City package is the pre sense 360° safety system. It detects collision
hazards all around the car and initiates targeted preventive measures – whether a full brake
application, adjusting the seats or tightening the belts. The Audi AI active suspension
additionally raises the body in the event of a side-on collision, deliberately directing the
external forces towards crash-active structures. This new function is called Audi pre sense
side and is part of the pre sense 360˚ system. It, too, uses the sensors integrated into the
central driver assistance controller (zFAS), including the mid-range radars at the corners of
the vehicle with a measuring range of about 75 meters (246.1 ft).
The central system in the Tour assist package is the adaptive driving assistant (ADA). It is a
progression from the adaptive cruise control (ACC) of the previous model and also integrates
a lane assist function and traffic jam assist. This means the driver has support for
longitudinal and lateral control over the entire speed range from 0 to 250 km/h
(155.3 mph). Bottle neck assist guides the new A8 through construction sites and similar
zones. The system in addition promotes an efficient driving style by incorporating navigation
data and car-to-X content such as traffic sign information. The A8 is the only model in its
competitive field to accelerate or slow down in response to speed limits, bends, junctions and
roundabouts without the need for driver intervention, while automatically drawing on route
information from the navigation system. To complement the predictive advice in the Audi
virtual cockpit, the driving pedal in the new A8 emits pulses.
The Audi pre sense front safety system, also part of the Tour package, can prevent rear-end
collisions or reduce their severity. It incorporates a warning and braking function for vehicles,
pedestrians and cyclists. The system is active over the car’s entire speed range up to
250 km/h (155.3 mph)

The Tour package also includes turn assist and collision avoidance assist. Turn assist monitors
the lane of oncoming traffic when turning across it, thus helping to avoid a collision with an
oncoming vehicle. It also monitors oncoming vehicles turning across the lane of the A8. It is
the only model in its field of competitors to feature collision avoidance assist that also offers
individual wheel braking as well as steering assistance, for more precise avoidance of
obstructions. Camera-based traffic sign recognition and emergency assist, which brings the
automobile to a standstill if the driver is no longer able to do so, complete the range.
Park assist and night vision assist are available as standalone options. The latter uses an
infrared camera to detect pedestrians and larger wild animals at long distances in the dark
and warns the driver of their presence.

 

Top technology: the MMI navigation plus
The new A8 adopts a novel approach to infotainment, too. At the top of the lineup is MMI
navigation plus, which uses the latest-generation modular infotainment platform. This
platform, referred to as the MIB 2+, is state of the art in every respect – computing power,
energy efficiency, main memory and graphics. Its core component is a K1 unit by Audi venture
partner NVIDIA which combines a quad-core main processor with a 192-core graphics
processor. It operates about 50 times faster than the first-generation MIB.
MMI navigation plus provides access to the connect services as standard, and is equipped
with a phone module. As an option the system can be expanded with the connect data
transmission module including Wi-Fi hotspot. This introduces the LTE Advanced standard into
the automotive sphere – another world first from Audi. It enables transmission rates of up to
300 MBit/s for downloads and up to 50 MBit/s for uploads, about three times what is
currently possible. In addition, mobile phone calls can be conducted with the Audi phone box
using the VoLTE (Voice over LTE) procedure. This accelerates phone connections and allows
the simultaneous use of high-speed data transmission and high-resolution online voice
telephony (HD Voice) where the other person’s voice sounds as if they are having a face-toface
conversation with you.

Car-to-X: traffic sign information and hazard information
The new A8 becomes part of the cloud with the Audi connect navigation & infotainment
services – this is illustrated especially vividly by the car-to-X services traffic sign and hazard
information. The new sedan and other current Audi models report speed limits that they have
detected with their on-board camera to a server in the cloud. The server processes this
information and sends it to other Audi drivers who might benefit from it. The same applies to
the hazard information service: Cars warn one another about accidents, broken-down
vehicles, slippery road surfaces or impaired visibility. The system does this by analyzing
multiple parameters, such as the in-car electronics, data from the rain and light sensors, the
headlights and the operating mode of the windshield wipers. The information basis for the
new car-to-X services is maps supplied by HERE, a data platform that Audi is continuously
updating and expanding in partnership with the BMW Group and Daimler AG. It surveys the
world of traffic with centimeter precision and can detect and evaluate events in real time.

An array of other services: Audi connect
As well as the car-to-X services, Audi connect includes an array of other services such as
access to Twitter and the e-mail mailbox or Google Earth navigation. The new hybrid radio
service switches seamlessly between VHF, DAB and online stations to find the best reception.
It recognizes the current music track and loads context information from the cloud. Online
radio provides access to thousands of internet radio stations and podcasts available
worldwide. In many markets, the data transfer for the Audi connect services is handled by the
Audi connect SIM, which is built into the car. The corresponding data flat rate covers the
charges and permits roaming in many European countries. To use the Wi-Fi hotspot in the A8
as well as the new internet radio services, the customer also has the option of taking out
attractive data packages. There is a separate area in Audi connect for the package Audi
connect safety & service including vehicle scheduling. It covers the emergency call, online
roadside assistance and Audi service request functions, as well as the remote services that
can be controlled by app.

Central access point: the new myAudi app
All Audi connect functions are brought together in the new myAudi app. With its improved
ease of use and functionality, it enables the customer to access all Audi content. The array of
smartphone-based services includes for instance transferring points of interest to the
navigation, music streaming via Napster or copying the smartphone calendar to the MMI. The
app can also be used to lock and unlock the doors, operate the optional auxiliary heating and
call up the status report. The customer can also call up the latter in the myAudi portal. In the
event of theft, the Audi call center locates the A8 by remote access and disables the car if
required. In addition, the car can attract attention by activating the horn and flashers, to help the police find it.

 

Groundbreaking: navigation with lots of new features
The navigation likewise offers an array of new features – both optical and functional. The map
has a new texture and incorporates highly detailed models of major European cities for an
even more realistic representation. For route planning, the sedan with the self-learning
navigation system gives its owner suggestions based on routes previously driven. It also
draws on the system’s experience of driving times and traffic loads. The calculation is
performed online on the HERE servers, which incorporate real-time data on the overall traffic
situation. The extended point-of-interest view enables the driver to call up special locations
straight from the navigation, such as filling stations and parking garages. They can also call
up dynamic supplementary information such as current fuel prices, parking space availability
or opening hours. Together with MMI navigation plus, they receive four free map updates per
year.
The myAudi app provides another new function called myAudi Navigation. This enables the
driver to plan a route seamlessly across multiple devices, which is especially helpful in
unfamiliar cities. To give an example: The app guides the customer from a restaurant to their
car, which is parked a few streets away, then switches from the smartphone to the on-board
monitor. When the customer gets out of their A8 at the end of their journey, it accompanies
them again on their smartphone to their next destination.

 

Digital access to the car: the Audi connect key
The Audi connect key offers a new way of accessing the car: A compatible android smartphone
serves as an alternative to the familiar remote control key and also takes care of starting the
engine once the car has been unlocked. The access data it requires is stored in a secure
element on the SIM card or in the smartphone. When the driver holds their smartphone in
front of the door handle, the data is transmitted to the car by near field communication
(NFC).
The Audi connect key is as convenient as it is secure. The user of the new A8 can issue the
access data to four additional persons, for instance colleagues or family members. The key is
operational at all times, even if the smartphone’s battery is flat (depending on model). For
the concierge service or e.g. workshop appointments, there is an NFC-enabled key card the
size of a credit card that allows the service provider to drive the car even if they are not in
possession of the smartphone. Audi hosts the data on Group-owned, secure servers in the
cloud. The latest crypto standards such as 256-bit encryption are used.

 

400 custom functions: personalization
The five possible drivers of the new A8 can save their preferred settings under up to seven
user profiles. The scope for personalization covers up to 400 parameters, from the driver seat
position and the preferred air conditioning settings to navigation destinations previously
used and favorite media. The display views and the bulk of the assistance systems are also
covered by personalization.
The sedan identifies the individual user from the signal in the remote control key or Audi
connect key as soon as the automobile is unlocked. It welcomes them by name to the Audi
virtual cockpit and activates their profile. The driver can create several different personal
profiles – such as a weekday and a weekend profile, or a freeway and a country road profile.
They can switch between them while on the move.

Virtual click: the MMI touch response operating system
A coherent operating concept is hugely important, given the wide range of settings and
options in the luxury sedan. The previous A8 models already featured the impressive MMI and
MMI touch systems. The new model generation presents the next generation – MMI touch
response.
The operating concept revolves around a display with black-panel look. Its screen diagonal is
10.1 inches, the same as a tablet computer. With a resolution of 1,540 x 720 pixels, the
gently curved TFT screen provides very sharp images and high contrast, even when viewed
from an angle.
The MMI touch response concept makes the touchscreen technology very reliable to operate
thanks to a novel combination of tactile and acoustic feedback. When the driver touches the
display glass with a finger, they do not activate a function straight away – they need to press
gently with a defined pressure. By way of acknowledgment, they feel a gentle pulse
generated by an electromagnet moving the display glass minimally sideways. At the same
time a small loudspeaker emits a click sound. The touchscreen display thus gives the driver
clear feedback: It feels authentic and now transfers the quality legacy of physical buttons and
switches to purely digital instruments.
The large display is used for controlling navigation, media and vehicle functions. The driver
can click, swipe, zoom and scroll on it. The menu structure is intuitive and flat, like on a
modern smartphone. The arrangement of the tiles in the main menu and the direct access
bar can be configured individually. There is a second display with a screen diagonal of
8.6 inches and a resolution of 1,280 x 660 pixels on the center tunnel console. The driver
uses this to control the air conditioning and the comfort features. They can also store
favorites for their preferred functions, such as navigation destinations, radio stations, phone
numbers or vehicle functions. They can rest their wrist comfortably on the tiptronic selector
lever while operating it.

The lower display also offers the driver the option of entering text – either via a keyboard or
by handwriting recognition. The latter signals a quantum leap. Thanks to whole-word
recognition of handwriting or on-the-spot writing plus acoustic feedback, the driver can enter
navigation destinations or search terms particularly quickly and accurately without needing
to look at the display.
In the new, connected menu structure all Audi connect content is located directly under the
corresponding function menus. That keeps searches simple and quick. When looking for a
Chinese restaurant, for instance, a hit list appears as soon as just three letters have been
input. It also gives Yelp rankings and can be sorted by various criteria. The fuel prices are
given for filling stations. Alternatively there is the option of a Google search.
The surface of both displays has a kind of anti-fingerprint coating. Fingerprints can now
simply be wiped off. There is also an anti-glare layer that refracts the reflected light. This
makes reflections fuzzy, reducing their interference. The outermost layer is tempered, similar
to the Gorilla glass used on various smartphones. It is very strong and extremely scratch resistant.

 

High hit rate: keyword search with hybrid concept
The new A8 answers its driver’s questions in two ways. First, it uses its own information on
the user’s preferences that the vehicle has remembered; and second, it draws on knowledge
in the cloud. This seamless connect experience also applies to voice control. It enables the A8
to engage in intelligent conversation. The driver can phrase their instructions however they
choose – the data package for these is run through recognition software. The self-learning
dialog manager responds, asks queries if need be or offers selection options. If the network
signal is good, the answer takes less than two seconds to arrive. In dialog with the system,
the driver can switch between the menu areas, for example call a contact from the phone
book and use the associated address as a navigation destination. Over and above performing
destination searches, the new hybrid voice control also covers the media, the air conditioning
and certain telephony functions, plus some Audi connect services. It functions across borders
in Europe.

 

Full HD: the Audi virtual cockpit
As well as the MMI touch response displays and hybrid voice control, the new A8 has a third
control level, the multifunction steering wheel. The driver uses it to call up all driving and
vehicle information; they can also activate the primary infotainment functions. The
information is routinely displayed in the Audi virtual cockpit. Its 12.3-inch TFT monitor, which
is fed by a separate K1 computer unit by NVIDIA, provides a brilliant full HD resolution of
1,920 x 720 pixels. The driver can choose between two interfaces, both of them with a
modern look. In the classic view, the virtual instruments are similar in size to analog displays.
Between them is a window in which the navigation map or telephone, radio and audio lists
are displayed. In Infotainment mode, this window is maximized and the speedometer and rev
counter are correspondingly reduced in size.

 

Floating image: the head-up display
The optional head-up display projects information relevant to the driver as symbols and
numbers that can be quickly perceived within the driver’s direct field of view, including speed,
navigation messages and information from certain assistance systems. A TFT screen and two
aspherical mirrors project it onto the windscreen in a field measuring 217 x 84 millimeters
(8.5 x 3.3 in). It appears to hover in a window about 2.3 meters (7.5 ft) in front of the driver.
Because the eyes are focused for distance vision, they can register its content especially fast,
minimizing any driver distraction.

 

SPACE
Freedom: the dimensional concept
5,172 millimeters (203.6 in) long, 1,945 millimeters (76.6 in) wide and 1,473 millimeters
(58.0 in) high – these are the dimensions of the new A8. It is 37 mm (1.5 in) longer and
13 mm (0.5 in) higher than its predecessor model, but the width is marginally lower. The
wheelbase is 2,998 millimeters (118.0 in) (+6 millimeters / +0.2 in). In the long-wheelbase
version, this dimension and the overall length gain 130 millimeters (5.1 in), while the height
puts on 15 millimeters (0.6 in). On both body versions the track width is
1,644/1,633 millimeters (64.7/63.3 in) (front/rear).
The passengers benefit from the increased dimensions – the new A8 has the biggest interior
in its class. On both body versions it has grown in length by 32 millimeters (1.3 in). On the
A8 L, there is also more headroom, shoulder room and leg room. The two-section panoramic
sunroof gives its interior a more open effect. The luggage compartment has a capacity of
505 liters (17.8 cu ft) on both the A8 and the A8 L.

Expertise in lightweight construction: multimaterial Audi Space Frame
Aluminum, steel, magnesium and carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP): The new A8 uses
more materials in its supporting body structure than in any previous Audi production model.
The luxury sedan’s torsional rigidity, the critical parameter for precise handling and pleasing
acoustics, represents an improvement of up to 24 percent on the predecessor model.
Audi is a pioneer of lightweight automotive construction: The original A8 from 1994 was the
first volume-built automobile in the world to have a unitary aluminum body, the Audi Space
Frame (ASF). Since then, the brand has built over one million cars using that technology. The
body of the new A8 likewise adopts the ASF principle. It is made 58 percent from aluminum
components – the classic structure of cast nodes, extruded sections and panels. Their
strength has been considerably increased compared with the previous model. The cabin
consists of hot-formed steel components, complemented by an ultra-high-strength,
torsionally extremely rigid rear panel of CFRP. To absorb the loads and shear forces
optimally, the fabric layers in the latter run in different directions, as many as 19 of them
criss-crossing. A magnesium strut-tower bar completes the lightweight construction concept.
The new A8 leads its class with finesse in every area of aeroacoustics, too – especially the
mirrors and door seals. In addition to sophisticated mounts for the axles and assemblies, the
glazing plays a pivotal role here. The optional acoustic glass improves soundproofing still
further.
Audi uses 14 different joining techniques to assemble the multimaterial body, including
hemming for the door sills. This technology is used to join the aluminum side wall frame to
the hot-formed steel sheets at the B-pillar, roof line and sills. It is the very basis for their use.
It also results in very narrow flanges and in correspondingly large, convenient entries.
A short action: the electric door lock
Every operating process in the new A8 is easy – even opening the doors. The hand merely
need pull the exterior handle through five millimeters (0.2 in) – a microswitch then releases
the catch. A few millimeters is likewise all that is required to open a door from the inside. In
an emergency, the doors can be opened mechanically from either inside or outside by pulling
Bowden cables vigorously.
Audi can supply the electric door lock with the option of a power-latching feature. The luggage
compartment cover automatically swings up as standard when released. An electric drive is
available as an option. Opening and closing are triggered off here at the push of a button or by
foot gesture – in combination with the convenience key.

 

Full sensory experience: the new luxury slant
Freedom is the defining design feature with a new luxury slant. The new A8 therefore appeals
to all senses and blends impressions into a coherent composition. This starts with the very
shapes and lines of the interior design, but also extends to the authentic materials of
superlative bespoke quality, and culminates in the prepossessing audio experience of the
high-end sound system and the subtle lingering impression of the fragrancing.

Indulgent comfort: the seats
The lounge character presented by the interior of the new A8 owes much to the newly
designed seats. They are much lighter than on the previous model – the front seats alone trim
over four kilograms (8.8 lb) off the weight. Glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) is used in
the rear seats. At both the front and rear, the structure of the seat cushions and backrests
with a variety of shaped, comfort and flexible foam layers afford excellent comfort and good
lateral support.
Audi supplies the front seats in various different versions. The top version is the comfort
customized contour seat. In addition to pneumatic seat and backrest side bolster
adjustment, it also comes optionally with heating and ventilation, each with separate threestage
control. The developers have also significantly extended the optional massage function.
In each backrest there are 16 small bubble-shaped air pockets, in threes on top of each other.
They massage the entire back in a choice of seven programs and three intensity levels. A
small compressor on each seat exerts up to 0.5 bar of pressure.
Both A8 body versions – standard and extended wheelbase alike – are built as standard with a
three-person rear seat, optionally with through-loading facility or cool box. The outer seats
can also be supplied optionally with heating, plus electrical adjustment of the fore/aft
position, seat angle and backrest angle. The lumbar support is then pneumatically
adjustable. It can likewise be supplied with a massage function with 18 triple air pockets per
seat. Comfort head restraints and rear roller blinds add the finishing touches to a sense of
relaxed travel. Audi also supplies the same adjustment options as for the three-person rear
seat bench for the individual seats in the A8 L with long, continuous center console. It
provides an armrest and large storage compartments.

 

First-class travel: the relaxation seat
The first-class solution in the new A8 is the relaxation seat at the rear right. Its occupant can
recline it and rest their feet on an electrically folding surface on the backrest of the special
front passenger seat. This provides the option of having the feet warmed and massaged with
multiple settings. There are three power levels, two programs and three foot sizes to choose
from, also providing full-surface reflexology. The rear passengers can relax their heads
against the soft comfort head restraints, which here have electric height adjustment. The
relaxation seat package comprises the comfort customized contour seats with ventilation and
massage, the long center console with double folding table, the rear seat remote operating
unit, Rear Seat Entertainment and four-zone deluxe automatic air conditioning. The thermal
comfort packages, a supplementary option, heat the armrests in the doors, the front and rear
center armrests, as well as the steering wheel.

Compact-format operating convenience: the rear seat remote
Audi has created the compact rear seat remote especially for the rear compartment. This
device resembling a smartphone allows the passengers to operate an array of climate
control, seat, lighting, adjustment and media functions via its touchscreen. The device also
acts as a convenient remote control for the Audi tablet if the latter is fixed to the reverse of
the front seat. Communication with the MMI navigation plus is by Wi-Fi on the new 5 GHz
band.
The rear seat remote has a 5.7-inch touchscreen display in OLED technology with full HD
resolution. Its aluminum case is very high-quality, and the technology with the T40 processor
from NVIDIA is made to withstand the very high temperatures that may be encountered
inside the car. The rear seat remote clips into and is charged in the center console on the
four-seater A8 and the center armrest in the five-seater. Depending on the rear equipment
specification, it is supplied as standard or an option.
The two Audi tablets of the Rear Seat Entertainment are equally exclusive and sturdy. Their
10.1-inch screens have a full HD resolution and the processor is by NVIDIA. The Audi tablets
communicate with the MMI navigation plus and the rear seat remote by Wi-Fi. Their users can
enter navigation destinations, select media or surf over a Wi-Fi hotspot. The Audi tablets also
provide access to the world of Android, complete with the Google Play Store. After a journey,
they can continue to be used away from the car on any Wi-Fi network.

 

As you choose: new phone solutions
It also could not be more convenient to handle phone calls in the new A8. The sedan allows
two mobile phones to be connected and used alternately. The MMI navigation plus can save
over 4,000 contacts. For the rear, a separate Audi phone box is available for the four and fiveseater
versions alike. It pairs the passenger’s smartphone wirelessly with the car aerial for
guaranteed best reception. It also charges it inductively using the Qi standard. In conjunction
with the rear seat remote operating unit, the rear passenger can in addition make phone calls
discreetly.

 

High-resolution 3D sound: the top sound system from Bang & Olufsen
Audi has three sound system offerings. Topping the bill is the 3D Bang & Olufsen Advanced
Sound System, now also available for the first time in the rear. An efficient amplifier controls
23 loudspeakers with 1,920 watts; their neodymium magnets produce an airy, highresolution
sound pattern. Precision-perforated aluminum elements adorn the bezels of the
door loudspeakers, while LED light guides emit white light. The lens tweeters in the
instrument panel are extended electrically – a modern classic feature of Audi.
Four full-range loudspeakers in the A-pillars and in the roof line take care of the high-level
spatial dimension. An algorithm computes the signals for them. It is based on a method that
Audi has developed jointly with the Fraunhofer Institute. The sound impression makes the
interior a world of acoustic experience where the music unfolds exactly how it was recorded in
the concert hall.
As an option Audi equips the new A8 with a digital audio tuner for DAB and DAB+. The
optional TV tuner equally operates digitally. Its CI+ module permits reception of encrypted
channels via a smartcard.

Clean, fresh air on board: the air quality package
The new A8 offers its passengers a thoroughly agreeable climate including when it comes to
air – especially with the optional air quality package. This includes fragrancing distributed
non-centrally throughout the interior using the air conditioning system’s outlets. The
instrument panel conceals two vials containing a hint of sea breeze or mountain air. The
customer can adjust the level of intensity of the fragrancing over four stages. The ionizer is
also part of the package. It charges the molecules of the interior air electrically with negative
ions. These anions attract dust and similar minuscule particles; these then form mini clusters
which fall to the floor so are not inhaled.

Next year, a particulate measuring sensor will also be introduced for specific markets. It
determines the level of particulates in the ambient air and compares this reading with the air
inside the A8. Filter efficiency is displayed on the on-board monitor – an important service
especially for customers in urban areas.
The standard air quality sensor also detects harmful gases and activates recirculated air
mode as necessary. The filter in the four-zone automatic air conditioning eliminates the bulk
of these gases and particulates, and also neutralizes many allergens.

 

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