Interior

The interior of the new Audi A8 and the Audi A8 L is characterized by an elegant design, authenticity and superb craftsmanship.

The exterior design carries over into the clean lines of the cabin. Its salient element is the “wrap-around” – a wide arch spanning the cabin. It encircles a slim, low instrument panel, reinforcing the impression of expanse and freedom. The front of the instrument panel is a gentle wave, and the horizontal lines underscore the width.

The interior lighting, which is produced by white light-emitting diodes, works its magic in the dark. The optional ambient lighting (standard in the A8 hybrid, S8 and A8 L W12) comes across as even more artistic, a staging comprising LEDs, light guides, light strips and the indirect illumination of the center console. The driver can choose between the color schemes Ivory, Polar, or Ruby/Polar, and adjust the brightness in four zones via the MMI.

The clear operating concept: Typical Audi
With its logical, easy-to-understand structure, the operating concept of the new A8 is typical of Audi. The large dial instruments with their classic, clear graphics, the black faces and red needles (S8: gray faces, white needles) are easy to read. The color display of the driver information system has a diagonal of seven inches. The efficiency program and rest recommendation function are standard. It is operated via the multifunction steering wheel.

Also included as standard equipment are a power-adjustable steering wheel and shift paddles (aluminum in the S8) for the tiptronic. Audi offers the steering wheels in many variations: with three spokes or four, with wood elements in the ring, with leather from Audi exclusive and heated.

The front section of the console is visually separated from the instrument panel. Wide and slightly sloped, it serves as the control panel for the two-zone deluxe automatic air conditioning (three-zone automatic air conditioning in the A8 hybrid). The system features multiple air distribution profiles for quiet and virtually draft-free ventilation. Four-zone deluxe automatic air conditioning is available as an option (standard in the S8 and A8 L W12). It has a separate rear air conditioner and controls 25 servo motors. Audi also installs an ionizer for improved air quality upon request. This is located in the B-pillar and is controlled via a button.

Below the keypad for the air conditioning system is the terminal for the MMI operating and multimedia system. At its center is the large rotary pushbutton with the soft and hard keys for navigation within the menus. The panel to the right is for the audio system. The panel on the left has either six radio station buttons or the touchpad of the optional MMI navigation plus (standard in S8 and A8 L W12).

The monitor of the MMI system is retracted into the instrument panel when not in use. It slides upward electrically when the system is started. The monitor with its eight-inch diagonal, the piano finish of the housing and the high resolution underscore its feeling of quality. The monitor renders all images in elegant, three-dimensional graphics.

New in the Audi A8: The head-up display
Audi offers the optional head-up display, which is recessed in the instrument panel. It projects the displays the driver wants to see as colored symbols and numbers in his or her primary field of vision on the windshield. They appear to float in a 26 x 9 centimeter (10.24 x 3.54 in) window roughly 2.5 meters
(8.20 ft) in front of the windshield.

The driver can grasp the images of the head-up display very quickly because his or her eyes, accustomed to distance vision, do not have to adjust. The preferred information for the head-up display can be selected via the MMI. The driver can also adjust the height and brightness of the image.

A liquid crystal display generates the image, and two aspheric corrective mirrors enlarge and redirect it. Their highly precise calibration compensates for the inevitable minor distortions arising from the geometry of the windshield. To avoid ghost images, the windshield and the sound-insulating safety film embedded in it have a special shape.

The front seats in the new Audi A8 offer excellent hold and guidance. The offset upper section of the seat back supports the shoulders. 12-way power seats are standard, with options for three-stage heating (standard in V8 models) and a memory function. The 22-way deluxe seats (standard in the A8 L W12) offer even more luxury, and include pneumatic functions for the lumbar support and side bolster adjustments. The Audi S8 comes standard with technically identical deluxe seats with taller bolsters and perforated, diamond-patterned seat covers.

Besides heating, the deluxe seats and deluxe sport seats are also available with a three-stage ventilation system. Four small fans draw air through the perforated seat covers. The ventilation option is coupled with a massage function, with which ten pneumatic pillows run through five programs (pulse, wave, stretch, lumbar, shoulders) in a choice of five intensities.

All primary adjustments for the seats are made using classic buttons on the console. For secondary functions such as massage, Audi offers a multifunction switch with a rotary ring and four pushbuttons on the side of the seat. The MMI monitor displays the individual operations.

Luxuriously spacious: The rear of the new Audi A8
The rear of the new Audi A8 spoils passengers with luxurious spaciousness, particularly in the long-wheelbase model. The rear doors are 13 centimeters (5.12 in) longer so that even entry is extremely comfortable. The Audi A8 L comes standard with a glass sunroof and electric sun shades for the rear side windows and rear window.

Both body variants come standard with a classic three-position rear seat. Audi offers the individual seat rear seat package as an option. This is a rear seat with two individual, power-adjustable and heated seats (not for A8 hybrid; standard in the A8 L W12). The package includes deluxe head restraints, a front passenger seat that can be adjusted from the rear and four-zone automatic air conditioning. Ventilation and a multi-program massage function are also available.

Another option for the long-wheelbase A8 is the continuous center console. Leather and fine wood veneers give it an exclusive look. The long console includes two large storage compartments, a power outlet and the controls for the rear zones of the four-zone air conditioning. Ventilated seats, massage and ambient lighting are standard here. Optional features such as fold-out tables and a refrigerator make sitting in the rear even more pleasant and are also available for the A8 with the standard wheelbase.

Comfortable reclining seat
The reclining seat in the rear of the Audi A8 L offers first-class luxury like that in an airplane. Occupants can rest their feet on a power footrest that extends out from the back of the front passenger seat and have their backs massaged with ten air-filled pillows. The completely leather-covered center console is standard with the reclining seat. A massage function for the driver-side rear seat and the rear seat entertainment system round out the package. An easy entry and exit function moves both rear seats to the rearmost position when the corresponding door is opened.

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.