Equipment

The new A8, the Audi flagship, rolls off the assembly line with a comprehensive array of standard equipment. Numerous high-end features are available on request. In addition, the Audi exclusive range offers virtually unlimited opportunities for customizing the sedan to the buyer’s own personal style.

The new Audi A8 occupies a special position in the luxury class with respect to the drivetrain and chassis. The eight-speed tiptronic and quattro permanent all-wheel drive are standard with all model variants except for the A8 hybrid. The A8 4.2 TDI and the S8 also come standard with the sport differential. The Audi drive select system, which is also standard in the A8, controls such features as the adaptive air suspension including active damper control.

Numerous active and passive safety systems are on board. In the German market, LED headlights are standard in all eight-cylinder models and the hybrid. The A8 L W12 even comes standard with the Matrix LED headlights. The LED rear lights, Audi pre sense basic and the anti-theft alarm system also serve safety and security. The adaptive restraint system, eight airbags, tire pressure monitoring display, Isofix anchor points for mounting child safety seats and Audi pre sense basic round out the safety package. Helping after a rear-end collision is the secondary collision brake assist, which prevents the car from skidding uncontrollably.

The standard range of comfort and convenience figures is equally impressive. These include such body features as the sliding/tilting glass sunroof (in the A8 L), the power-closing trunk, and heated and power folding side mirrors.

In the cabin, the new A8 comes standard with cruise control, two-zone automatic air conditioning, LED interior lighting and power sunshades in the back (in the A8 L).

Its extremely comfortable ergonomics concept includes the power front seats with lumbar support and leather upholstery (except for V6 and A8 hybrid), power steering column, electromechanical parking brake, start-stop button, the MMI operating system with the eight-inch monitor, and the driver information system with seven-inch monitor and rest recommendation, which is controlled via the multifunction steering wheel.

Optional extras: Tailored individuality
The new Audi A8 is also far ahead of the competition when it comes to optional extras. Noteworthy extras in the area of dynamics are the dynamic steering, the adaptive air suspension sport and the carbon fiber-ceramic brakes (V8 models and up). Wheels are available in sizes up to 21 inches (with the S8). Besides the xenon plus headlights for the six-cylinder models, LED headlights (standard in eight-cylinder models and the A8 hybrid) or the innovative Matrix LED headlights (standard in the A8 L W12) can also be ordered. Audi underscores its leadership position in automotive lighting with this three-tier offer.

Practical features for every day includes the trunk package, the load-through hatch with removable ski bag (not with A8 hybrid), the gesture-controlled trunk lock (standard with S8 and A8 L W12) and the power opening and closing trunk lid (standard with A8 L W12). Power closing for the doors is available as an option, as is sound-insulating glazing for the windows (both standard with A8 L W12). There is also a solar sliding/tilting sunroof for the normal wheelbase A8 and a panorama glass roof for the long version.

Among the numerous luxury options are a few features that deserve special mention: the convenience key with sensor-controlled trunk lock (standard with the S8 and A8 L W12), four-zone automatic air conditioning (standard with S8 and A8 L W12), auxiliary heating and windshield heating (neither of which with the A8 hybrid), the relaxation seat (in the A8 L), heated steering wheel (standard with A8 L W12) and the ambient lighting (standard with A8 hybrid, S8 and A8 L W12).

22-way adjustment: The comfort seats
Audi also offers numerous seating options. The comfort seats for the driver and front seat passenger (standard with the A8 L W12) and the comfort sport seats (standard in the S8) offer 22-way adjustment. Ventilation and massage functions are available as options. The natural-looking Unicum leather is a particularly attractive upholstery.

A three-element seating system with two power-adjustable and heated individual seats is available for the rear of the Audi A8 (standard with A8 L W12, not available for A8 hybrid). In the long-wheelbase A8, this can be combined with the optional continuous, leather-covered center console. Audi also offers ventilation and massage functions for the individual rear seats, fold-out tables and a cool box and a bar compartment. The high-end solution is the relaxation seat with power fold-out footrest (A8 L only). It comes with many top features, including the rear seat entertainment system.

Audi has developed a broad program of interior colors, upholsteries and inlays for the luxury sedan’s customers. The two Audi design selections impress with particularly exclusive combinations and with various optional packages and individual solutions with leather, Alcantara and fine wood veneers.

The assistance systems adaptive cruise control with stop&go function, Audi side assist, Audi active lane assist, the park assist systems, the night vision assistant, camera-based speed limit display and the head-up display support the driver. The first two systems are combined with versions of the Audi pre sense safety system. Audi includes the full version with the name Audi pre sense plus in the assistance package (not for A8 hybrid).

The range of navigation and infotainment systems is also extremely attractive. MMI navigation plus (standard in the S8 and A8 L W12) has the data on the road ahead and forwards these to the control units for the tiptronic, the headlights and the ACC stop&go. MMI touch is available for entering destinations, and Audi connect links the A8 to the Internet. Three sound systems, including the top-end system from Bang & Olufsen, spoil the ears with premium sound.

The new Audi A8 is scheduled to arrive at German dealerships in November. Despite the more generous list of equipment and more powerful engines, prices vary only slightly. In Germany the A8 3.0 TDI quattro is priced at 74,500 euros.

The most important sales market for the new Audi A8 is China, where the brand’s sales figures have been rising sharply for many years. Europe and North America also play important roles. The Asian customers, in particular, prefer the long-wheelbase A8.

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.