The design

Even at a glance, the flowing outlines of the new Audi A8 make the overall character of this 5.06-metre long, 1.89-metre wide and 1.44-metre high saloon perfectly clear. It is a harmonious blend of clarity, sports appeal, agility and elegance.

The pronounced wedge shape of the new A8 6.0 quattro with low front and an unusually short overhang and a high, powerful tail are the dominating features of its dynamic architecture. The crouched silhouette and the shoulder line rising sharply to the rear accentuate its sportiness. 

The A8 6.0 quattro is identifiable at first glance as the top model in the range.

Its front end is distinguished by the new formal idiom of Audi design. Its central element is the striking singleframe radiator grille, the outer chrome ring of which surrounds the painted grey fins of the grille with horizontal chrome strips. The W12 badge serves as a visual indication of the engine's high performance.

The clear glass headlight covers visibly display the technology that they protect: the 12-cylinder A8 is the first car in the world to be equipped with LED daytime driving lights, the distinctive five lighting elements of which have a dual function as new design features for the vehicle's front end. A revolutionary technology, because the A8 6.0 quattro is the first vehicle in the world on which the use of daytime driving lights adds virtually nothing to fuel consumption – a clear safety advantage, as the car is more easily spotted whatever the light conditions.

This advance has been made possible by the use of LED units, the energy consumption of which is only a fraction of that of conventional bulbs. When the low-beam headlights are switched on by the standard-fit light and rain sensor, the daytime driving lights remain on but are dimmed to the brightness of side lights. The LED daytime driving lights thus serve as a distinguishing feature both by day and by night.

At the rear end, the trapezoidal exhaust tailpipes integrated into the bumper single out the A8 6.0 quattro as the new Audi flagship model.

19-inch wheels with a 12-spoke design constitute a further typical feature of the 12‑cylinder A8 when viewed side-on. The wheelbase of the Audi A8 6.0 quattro is 2,944 mm.

The driver-oriented overall design of the driving area that is a characteristic of all A8 versions is a notable feature of the interior. The central architectural features are the rising centre console – reminiscent of a sports car – incorporating the MMI terminal, with its retractable display in the instrument panel.

The MMI and the absence of a conventional handbrake lever pave the way for the neat, expansive design of both the centre console and the instrument panel.

The smooth transition between the instrument panel and the top shoulder is another feature that is typical of Audi. This line, structured by a two-section trim insert, continues back into the rear compartment, creating a new ambience. Depending on the choice of materials, the interior can be given a particularly sporty flavour. One exclusive trait of the top version's driving area is a horizontal aluminium strip running below the wooden trim insert.

Another equally visible feature of the 12-cylinder A8 is the new 3-spoke multifunction sports steering wheel with shift paddles. The new generation is distinguished by the visual reference to the singleframe trapezium with the four rings on the central airbag cover. Its oval exterior geometry is likewise a variation on the singleframe shape. 

There are perfectly contoured sports seats as standard for both the driver and the front passenger, providing outstanding lateral support when corners are taken swiftly, and an excellent seating comfort.

The equipment, data and prices stated here refer to the model range offered for sale in Germany. Subject to amendment; errors and omissions excepted.