Safety

The new A8 is one of the safest cars on the market. It protects its passengers with a high-stability body, adaptive restraint systems and with the new Audi pre sense system. It’s available in a standard version and in three expanded levels.

In the standard variant – Audi pre sense basic – the system analyzes the information from the ESP sensors. When they signal maximum brake application or skidding, the control unit intervenes. Depending on the situation, it activates the hazard warning lights and closes the side windows and the sunroof; it also tensions the front seat belts. Electric motors trigger this process, which is reversible – if the situation ends well, the belts are released again.

The expanded levels of the system are called Audi pre sense front, Audi pre sense plus and Audi pre sense rear. They are integrated in the optional assistance systems adaptive cruise control with stop & go function and Audi side assist.

In interplay with ACC stop & go, Audi pre sense front monitors the traffic in front of the new Audi A8 and supports the driver in multiple stages. The first is a warning signal, and the second a warning jerk in the form of a brief deceleration. If the driver now depresses the pedal, the brake assist system initiates precise braking relative to the preceding vehicle.

Even an avoidance maneuver – often the better solution – would still be possible. Should the driver remain passive, the third stage follows – autonomous partial braking that slows the A8 at a rate of 3 m/s2. Windows and the sunroof are closed, the hazard warning lights are activated and the seat belts are tensioned.

If the full version of Audi pre sense plus is on board, a fourth stage comes into play: braking with an initial deceleration of 5 m/s2 followed by maximum braking. This phase is initiated roughly one half second before the collision. While a collision can no longer be avoided in this case, its consequences are greatly ameliorated, for up to impact the A8 has reduced the speed by about 40 km/h (24.85 mph).

The Audi pre sense rear system mitigates the consequences of a rear end collision. Here, too, it closes the windows and sunroof and tensions the seat belts. If the A8 has the optional front memory seats on board, they move into a position that protects the passengers well.

The high-stability ASF body affords excellent protection in any type of crash. In the interior the adaptive restraint system stands guard. Particularly with smaller and lighter people it significantly reduces the severity of injuries by intelligently managing the interplay between the front airbags and the belt tension limiters. For side collisions the A8 has side ­airbags in the backrests of the front seats and the outside rear seats. The two head airbags extend from the A-pillar to the C-pillar.

The equipment, data, and prices specified in this document refer to the model range offered in Germany. Subject to change without notice; errors and omissions excepted.