Best seat in the house

It would be simple enough to write a book about the myriad technology that has gone into the new Audi A8. With the most advanced driver systems Audi has ever developed that take the very concept of automotive intelligence to new heights. But while many of these systems are essentially invisible –autonomous capability to Level 3for example – others are not only visible, but very much ‘hands on’.

The stunning cabin of the A8 and the absolute attention to detail and luxury are immediately obvious, but there is seemingly no end to the touches that make this such a special vehicle. Take for example the optional relaxation seat that comes with four different adjustment options and a footrest. Positioned behind the front passenger to allow that little bit of extra space, this seat affords its occupant the luxury of kicking off their shoes and warming and massaging the soles of their feet on a unit with multiple settings. The occupant can choose between three intensity levels, three foot sizes and two programs – the rolling motion of the eight air chambers also stimulates the foot reflex zones.

 But there are numerous other reasons to enjoy being a ‘back seat driver’ in the new A8. The rear passengers can also control an array of functions such as ambient lighting, the new HD Matrix reading lights and seat massage, as well as make private phone calls, via a separate operating unit. 

The rear seat remote, with its OLED display as large as a smartphone, is a removable unit housed in the centre armrest that places a range of controls literally at your fingertips. From the air conditioning, seating, lighting, settings and media functions – as well as the HD matrix reading lights and the aforementioned seat and foot massage. Then there are the rear window blinds and of course music functions – all easily controlled with the rear seat remote. 

In addition, when the matching Audi phone box is on-board, the rear seat remote can also be used as a mobile phone, with its integrated microphone and a small loudspeaker. 

The remote can also be used to remotely control the Audi tablet – this is especially convenient when the tablets are installed on the back of the front seats. 

The Audi tablet has a high-resolution 10.1-inch screen (1,920 x 1,200 pixels) and serves as a flexible Rear Seat Entertainment system. The tablet, connects to MMI navigation plus via Wi-Fi. This gives it access to the menus for Radio, Media, Navigation and Car functions. The data transfer runs in both directions – rear passengers can send a planned route to the driver, for instance or, conversely, the driver could start a radio or media program for them from MMI navigation plus.

The Audi tablet, which uses the Android operating system, supports NFC technology (NFC = near field communication) for transmitting data from other Android devices when they are in close proximity. It has 32 gigabytes of internal memory; a microSD card can be used for additional memory. Its integrated full HD camera can be used to place a video call via Skype, and after the trip, the user can remove the Audi tablet from the car and continue to use it via an external Wi-Fi network.

Even the air quality within the A8 receives special attentions, with an optional air quality package that comprises an ioniser and a fragrancer with adjustable intensity. It feeds either a summer or winter fragrance into the interior – the first with a Mediterranean note recalling sea air and the second with alpine fragrance suggesting mountain air. The standard air quality sensor also detects harmful gases and activates the recirculated air mode as necessary. 

Nothing has been overlooked in this ultimate luxury conveyance that once again sets the standard for the others to follow.

The new Audi A8 will arrive in Australia later in 2018.