Audi’s new flagship has a lot to love, but it also comes with a price.
Audi claims that the 2018 A8 represents the future luxury car class. The future is here, and it looks nothing like the past, despite numerous spy photos and teasers. Although it is slightly larger overall and comes in 12 exterior colors, including three new shades, it is a conservative approach that Audi fans will love.
The new package does contain some futuristic bits, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t exciting.
Outside, the biggest change is the new Singleframe grille by the automaker. It’s accented by additional tweaks to both the front and back fascias. New lasers, yes lasers, are part of the HD Matrix LED high beam headlamps. You won’t be capable of pulling a Spy Hunter off the road. However, the laser system effectively doubles the range and intensity of high beams at speeds exceeding 43 miles an hour. This is when the system activates.
Although lasers are cool, the A8’s claim for the future is more logical inside. The new virtual cockpit features a digital instrument cluster, which displays key vehicle information at full HD resolution (1,920 x 720 pixels). The center infotainment screen, measuring 10.5 inches in size, is almost flush with the dash. However, the most striking difference to the A8 is the surprising absence of buttons and knobs. Audi’s Multi Media Interface uses voice commands and touchscreens to access many functions. However, the main functions can still be accessed via steering wheel controls. Drivers can hear and feel tactile feedback to know when commands are entered and executed.
There are many commands. Audi claims that the A8 can have 41 different driver assistance systems. The MMI can also be configured with six user profiles and 400 different functions. A smart navigation system that can adjust for the optional head up display, connect smartphones, configure the multitude of sensors and cameras, adjust the audio system, which includes 3D sound for the first time in rear, are just a few examples.
The relaxation seat is available only in the A8 L long-wheelbase. It can be found at the rear of the car. Luxury, indeed.
The A8’s highly-acclaimed autopilot system is also included in these settings. Audi is the first company to use a laser scanner (yes more lasers) along with radar and other sensors in order to map the surrounding area. According to the manufacturer, it is a highly automated system which will allow drivers to be totally hands-free in slow traffic situations on divided highways. The A8 can handle all other speeds as long as they are below 37 mph. The A8’s autonomous system is able to maneuver the vehicle and park it in parking spaces without the driver having to be present. The driver can remotely monitor the system and activate it using a smartphone.
The mechanical news is that every A8 is now hybrid. The car will be available with a pair turbocharged V6 engines – a 3.0-liter petrol engine with 340 horsepower and a 3.0-liter TDI Diesel with 286 horsepower. The mild hybrid system will allow the A8 to coast at speeds of 34-99 mph for 40 seconds, with the engine off. It also offers slow-speed operation and start-stop functionality. Audi promises that 4.0-liter V8 engines will be available for gasoline and diesel power, along with a W12 model as well as an e-tron plug in hybrid. Through a new eight-speed tiptronic auto, the A8 will deliver power to all four wheels.
Audi’s active suspension is also worth your attention. It is called AI active suspension and incorporates an electric motor as well as many other components for each wheel. This allows the suspension to be adjusted independently. Audi claims that the A8 has the ability to have both the luxury sedan feel and the sporty performance of a sports car. This is a feature that we will be looking into on our own.
The 2018 Audi A8 will be available in Germany this fall, but it’s not cheap. The V6 model starts at EUR90,600 while the A8 L costs EUR94,100. This is a difference of $103,000 to $107,000 in U.S. Dollars, which is a lot less than the current base price of $82,500 for the A8 L. It will be interesting to see if advanced self-driving modes and lasers are worth the admission price.
