2018 Audi A8 Review | Practical Motoring

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In a world increasingly turned to the class "SUV coupe", it's ironic that the segment of the new vehicles that debuted on the most advanced technologies is actually that of the sedan high traditional superior. As an option, this all-new Audi A8 could be the most advanced car in the world.

This is "technically" the first model that can allow drivers to sit on the highway by reading a book as the A8 drives itself – when governments authorize first performs the work of homologation for each country, that is to say. Next year, it will be equipped with an active suspension capable of projecting in the space of a few milliseconds the sedan 80 mm higher in the air when a potential lateral collision is detected, all to protect the passengers.

Detect cyclists next to you and briefly hold the door closed to prevent sideways slippage, it can automatically shut down the engine coasting on the highway, and it has LED matrix headlights with a laser beam that can project 600 meters – more than half a kilometer – on the road

And he does all this by pampering passengers and being faster and greener than ever.

What is the Audi A8?

It's expensive, priced between $ 192,000 and $ 210,000 plus road costs. It is available in two wheelbase sizes – 2998mm with a length of 5172mm, and the & # 39; L & # 39; with 3128mm between wheels and 5302mm end-to-end – and each is available with two turbocharged 3.0L V6 engines, the 50 TDI diesel being $ 3000 cheaper than the 55 TFSI gasoline

Check all boxes, however, and the top model can easily expand to $ 280K more. A set of 11 airbags is standard, including a bag at the front to prevent the driver's and passengers' heads from being thrown into the dashboard during a side impact. Each active safety technology is also included, allowing systems to "see" around the car and / or "look" through the T-intersections, then adopt an evasive braking or subtle direction.

But – and other details will be explained in the next section – a rear steering set with foot massage function at the back costs $ 18,500 more, the LED headlights at Matrix with high automatic adaptive beam and laser beam is an option of $ 13,200. A 23-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system also requires $ 12,100 and a premium package plus $ 11,000 more

While this A8 could be 32mm longer than the latest generation and 24% stiffer, but Audi does not give it to everyone …

What does the interior look like?

On the front, a driver and a passenger of the A8 will be entitled to an expected luxury, but still spectacular. The lush leather extends everywhere through the door trim and dashboard, while the color driver's display is always the best in any segment. The new bicentric touch screens offer a clear and concise user-friendliness, with a haptic feedback after each press of the button. Despite more technology than ever before, every touch-sensitive controller is so easy and stylish to use.

<img class = "aligncenter size-full wp-image-51911" src = "https://i1.wp.com/practicalmotoring.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Audi_A8042.jpg ? resize = 800% 2C534 & ssl = 1 "alt =" The practical motoring says: There is intense competition in the luxury limousine stakes, but Audi has come out. "In a way, a high sedan is questionable for all except for rental car rental companies, given that the private market likes high-end SUV models, but for those who are willing to think that said, every test vehicle was equipped with the 39 Premium Plus set with "extended leather", front seat ventilation and massage, rear electric sunshades, TV reception, and special

If the A8 L-only executive package is not checked, the hindquarters do not have anything special. The seat mount and the space are indulgent, but even the high resolution color tablet screen only controls the four-zone climate if the TV box is not checked; while this exec pack further adds a heated, ventilated rear seat with massage, two separate reclining chairs with footrests, a center console with trays, and even a front passenger seat that folds forward for a massage feet. No question, it is the A8 L to have.

The options can be expensive, but so equipped and the A8 L represents in particular an exotic and indulgent way of traveling for $ 250K, which would make the price higher. Bentley and Rolls-Royce models blush. Aside from an average 505-liter boot, they say … luxury SUVs? What does it mean to drive?

It is astounding to think that the A8 55 TFSI gasoline weighs 1,920 kg and the top A8 L 50 TDI peaks at "only" 2,000 kg. Consider the size, technology and luxury offered, and it's not bad. These are surprisingly quiet sedans – thanks to the acoustic glass – and that extends to 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engines that can only be separated according to their personal preferences

<img class = "aligncenter size-full wp-image-51896" src = "https://i1.wp.com/practicalmotoring.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Audi_A8023.jpg?resize=800%2C533&ssl= 1 "alt =" Practical Motoring says: There is intense competition in the luxury stakes., But Audi has come out swinging in. Somehow, a high sedan is questionable for all except for the renters of rental cars, given that the private market likes high-end SUV models, but for those who are willing to think that With a power of 250 kW and a torque of 500 Nm, gasoline is the version at the sound of the pair, and faster with a claim of 0.6 km / h against 5.6 sec.5.9 sec and with "only" 210kW but a set of 600 Nm, the still creamy diesel but still slower claims to drink only 5.9 liters per 100 kilometers against 8.2L / 100km of his brother. Both marry superbly well with the eight-speed automatic, and thanks to a 48-volt electrical system with a 10Ah lithium-ion battery, these micro-hybrids can still operate air conditioning and power steering while allowing the engine to switch off between 55km / h and 160km / h.

While the transmissions are almost flawless, the standard air suspension does not yet mark its active function where a front camera operates with four electric actuators positioned on each wheel. Pull the dampers into the vehicle and try to clear the bumps forward. The Mercedes-Benz S-Class has had a similar system for years, so it's disappointing that Audi has not yet been able to deploy it. Even so, the A8 rolls up beautifully, being slightly flawed in Comfort mode but quite flawless in Auto and near-perfect in Dynamics. In fact, this last "sportier" mode could be the choice of three on the highway or on rugged roads.

In the opposite case, the direction is pleasant and measured, except when the optional dynamic function (at 4500 $ more) is checked. It also adds a four-wheel drive and makes this high-top sedan nervous and off-center, with little weight or feedback to help the driver get out. In the opposite case, the short wheelbase of "basic" gasoline has proven to be the most gentle, feeling supernaturally lightweight in view of its size and both gripping and decently agile.

What about the property? is below average these days, especially for such an expensive vehicle. Audi has not yet announced a capped price maintenance package for the A8

What about security features?

11 airbags, switchable electronic stability control (ESC), blind spot indicator, door exit horn, attention assistance, adaptive cruise control, warning and maintenance assistance track, autonomous emergency braking at 85 km / h for pedestrians and 250 km / h for advanced vehicles, assistance at the intersection with AEB up to 30 km / h for side traffic and Automatic LED up / down

Other options include auto-tuning die and LED laser beam with OLED taillights at $ 13,200 plus, as well as a night vision wizard that electronically displays dark environments using an additional $ 5,200. do we think?

This is a mainly beautiful way of traveling. The A8 L deserves to be entirely optional because such packages add immensely to the experience. At this price, a performance SUV is not really sporty anyway, so would not it be better to pamper the occupants instead? For refinement, softness and performance, the A8 nails his limousine slip

Petrol or diesel? The heart says essence, especially considering how it closed what was previously a huge economic gap. Either way, it would be tempting to wait until next year when active suspension is added. One of the most technologically advanced vehicles in the world certainly deserves it.

What does the interior look like?