Leading by example

The latest iteration of the Audi flagship A8 models have arrived in Australia, showcasing the brand’s engineering, technological and design excellence. Once again two model variants are available with the Audi 50 TDI quattro ($202,700*) and a long wheelbase A8L 50 TDI quattro ($222,700*) joining the sporty Audi S8 already announced as the ultimate offerings in the large, luxury sedan ranks.

Since it first appeared on the world stage in 1994, the Audi A8 has not only been the flagship of the Audi brand, but set a new standard for large, luxury models. Its combination of performance, absolute luxury and cutting edge technology have set it apart from the opposition again and again with each successive model, as so much more than just a luxury conveyance.

Elegant and sophisticated, the A8 has a sporty side that, along with its technological edge, has always set it part. This latest iteration again delivers this distinctive combination, touching down in Australia and slipping effortlessly into its role as the flagship for the brand Down Under.

The A8 remains true to it predecessors in its understated elegance and yet the new treatment of the single frame grille and front end advance the design language and give a sportier, more aggressive look to the car. The large air intakes flanking the new grille treatment add to the purposeful look and the Digital Matrix LED lighting has been integrated into the design both front and rear to great visual effect as well as serving its obvious purpose. 

Indeed, while Audi has long been known for its automotive lighting development, the A8 has always taken that up a notch, showcasing the very latest lighting designs and technology before it then finds its way to other models within the Audi range. This has been true of so much of the A8’s technology, starting with the Audi Space Frame construction which was used for the first time on the original A8 in ’94 and extending to construction, suspension, powerplant and handling as well as safety and on-baord systems.

Riding on 20-inch alloys as standard with the option to go to 21-inch, the new A8 again exudes presence even standing still, while the addition of an Audi S line package plays more to the car’s sportier side. Customers will also be able to select a chrome exterior package at no additional cost for the more traditional finish, while a black styling package is also available as an option.

Little touches abound that are so sleek and well integrated that they take a moment to even register but all go together to make the A8 such a special car. From the power-assisted closing on the doors, the gesture operated boot, panoramic sunroof with electric shade covering to the electric window blinds and acoustic glazing on the windows – the A8 is a triumph in every detail.

Nowhere is that detail and finish more apparent that in the vehicle’s sumptuous interior. Taking Audi’s reputation for interior excellence to new heights the A8 and particularly the A8L with its very special options are a masterclass in automotive interiors.

Fine Valcona leather upholstery with perforated leather on the front and outer rear seats, featuring electric adjustment including lumbar support and memory. Passengers in the rear of the A8L model enjoy heated rear seats as standard equipment, while heated and ventilated rear seats can be optioned for the A8.

The A8L can also be ordered with the ultimate in on-board luxury, the relaxation seat in the rear – a heated footrest on the back of the front passenger seat that folds down to deliver foot massages to the rear passenger as they also receive a relaxing back massage from 18 pneumatic cushions in the seat.

Finishes throughout utilise the finest materials and employ the highest standards of craftsmanship, from Nappa leather on the centre console and door armrests, fine grain ash, walnut or eucalyptus inlays to the interior lighting package including ambient lighting with 30 selectable colours and LED reading lights in the rear – everything is carefully considered and beautifully executed.

The very latest technology too has been beautifully integrated for maximum convenience and passenger comfort, without intruding on the seamless interior finish. 

From the 12.3-inch, high resolution Audi virtual cockpit and colour head-up display, to the Audi smartphone interface which includes wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto, Audi phone box light for wireless charging via the ‘Qi’ standard and two Bluetooth connections, the technology and infotainment offering is impressive. Audi music interface with front and rear charging and data transfer functionality (front) is standard equipment as is the DAB+ Digital Radio and the 5.7-inch rear seat remote, which operates a range of climate control, seat, lighting and convenience features from the rear seats.

The MMI Navigation plus with MMI touch features haptic and acoustic feedback as well as free-text handwriting recognition and voice control. The system uses two high-definition colour displays measuring 10.1-inch 8.6-inches to display navigation information as well as vehicle functions and comfort controls. Audi connect plus Navigation and Infotainment services form part of the offering for A8 and include online traffic information, destination entry via MyAudi or Google maps, parking and weather information as well as fuel prices and the full range of Google online services. 

The superb acoustic properties of the A8’s interior also represents the perfect environment in which to enjoy the 730 watt Bang & Olufsen 3D Sound System, or those seeking even higher standards of sound can opt for the Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System included as part of the Sensory Package and featuring 23 speakers with high-quality neodymium magnets, 23-channel BeoCore amplifier and a total output of 1920 watts. 

But while the A8 models represent the epitome of automotive luxury, they have always offered an inspired driving experience not always associated with the rarefied atmosphere of the luxury ranks. The new model is no exception with its 3.0 TDI powerplant delivering 210kW between 3500 and 4000rpm and an enormous 600Nm of torque from 1750rpm right through to 3250rpm.

Mated to fast-shifting eight-speed tiptronic transmission and with power going down to the road via quattro permanent all-wheel drive, the A8 races from rest to 100km/h in 5.9 seconds on the way to an electronically-governed top speed of 250km/h. 

Despite this turn of speed, the presence of technologies like the 48 volt mild hybrid technology (MHEV) mean that the A8 can deliver fuel consumption of 6.6L/100km and (A8 50 TDI quattro) and 6.7L/100km and (A8L 50 TDI quattro).

The handling too belies the generous proportions of the A8, the combination of quattro with self-locking centre differential and progressive steering working with adaptive air suspension and continuously variable adaptive damping to produce handling and agility more in keeping with a sportscar than a grand limousine. 

Of course the A8 features a full complement of state-of-the-art safety and driver assistance systems, aiding in everything from parking and efficiency to the most advanced systems to protect occupants from unexpected hazards and in the unavoidable event of an accidents.

To say that the A8 impresses in every department is simply an understatement. It is subtle yet with a timeless style, elegant yet contemporary and the standard of engineering is at the very cutting-edge yet again. The ultimate luxury conveyance, the A8 is nevertheless a car that rewards the driver as much as the passengers, and is as comfortable gliding through the city as it is attacking a twisting country road. A fitting standard-bearer for the brand, the new A8 once again pushes the limits of what is possible at the very top of the automotive market.