Shine a light

Unparalleled control of interior lighting in the new Audi A8 brings yet another level of luxurious detail to this extraordinary car.

“We wanted to create a new comfort feature for the rear passengers,” says interior designer Randolph Körber of the interior lighting in the new Audi A8. “We based our thinking on the headlight technology, in terms of design as well as the idea of variable illumination.” 

The result is called the matrix LED reading light and it’s a small technical work of art that transfers classic Audi precision into the digital world. The module consists of seven white LEDs on each side of a black panel. 

Rear passengers in the new Audi A8 can configure the high-tech interior lighting using the removable Rear Seat Remote control unit to place the light exactly where they want it – whether that be on the page of whatever they’re reading, or simply away from a sleeping fellow passenger for example. 

Not only that, but they can set the brightness to S, M and L levels or dim it smoothly via a slider that extinguishes up to eight of the total 14 LEDs. Each LED can also be dimmed individually. This effect forms the basis of a third function – the cone of light can be enlarged, reduced and offset.

In its switched-off state, the matrix LED reading light oozes cool elegance – its high-gloss black look, fine chrome trim and subtle orientation light integrate perfectly into the interior design of the luxury sedan. 

“We wanted to package the technology in a manner that emphasised the aesthetic of the light,” says Körber’s colleague Sebastian Kunz. “And I think we made a pretty good job of that.”

Yet another reason to enjoy being a backseat driver in the new Audi A8.