All-new 3rd generation Audi A8 luxury sedan

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New 3rd generation Audi A8 deploys it technologies
From its own onboard network to received satellite data

1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - Dimensions

The large curve integrates the low instrument panel.

Continued... With the 2.99 metres wheelbase, the interior of the new Audi A8 is more open than its predecessor (2.94-metre). A “wrap-around” arch spanning the entire cabin integrates both the rear shelf and the instrument panel, forming an elegant beltline.

The large curve integrates the sleek and low instrument panel, with the seats mounted sportily low.

The standard driver information system (DIS), which serves as a control centre, has a new layout (picture below). The high-resolution display located in the centre of the driver’s field of view between the instrument dials grew from 5 to 7 inches (diagonal).

Audi A8: Standard driver information system (DIS)

Standard driver information system grew from 5 to 7 inches.

Temporary warnings and hints are displayed (opposite photo) in the header. The main menu bar with tabs for vehicle functions, audio, telephone and navigation is permanently displayed here. The topic selected by the driver appears in the field below. The status line at the bottom of the display shows the time, the outside temperature, the gear selected and the odometer reading.

Operation of the driver information system via the standard leather multifunction steering wheel also features new solutions. As before, two buttons and two press-and-turn roller controls are located in each spoke. The control fields are supplemented by two paddles framed in chrome.

Audi A8: driving position.

Optional three-spoke sports steering wheel. Power tilt (50mm/1.97 in) and telescope (60mm/2.36 in) adjustment is standard and combined with an easy entry function.

The new A8 will be available at launch with a standard four-spoke, leather-wrapped steering wheel or with an optional three-spoke sports one (opposite). Both have become smaller in diameter and sportier. Power tilt (50mm/1.97 in) and telescope (60mm/2.36 in) adjustment is standard and combined with an easy entry function where the steering wheel withdraws from the driver so that he or she can exit the vehicle.

Every A8 also comes equipped with shift paddles for the eight-speed tiptronic, mounted directly behind the spokes. The left paddle shifts down; the right paddle shifts up. Options include a leather cover for the airbag cover, a heater for the ring and fine wood inlays. The engine is started using the standard start-stop button, without taking the key out from the pocket.

Storage space includes two compartments in the doors: the upper one has a cover and can hold a small umbrella; the open compartment at the bottom can hold a large bottle.

Another storage compartment for a mobile phone or an iPod is located in the centre arm rest. The position of the armrest can move with the seat as an option. In the standard configuration, its length and height can be adjusted.

A luxury version with two separate compartments is available as an option. A large glove box, two compartments for (sun) glasses, a parking ticket clip, a net in the front passenger footwell and two cupholders round out the list of storage options.

MMI

MMI interface on the new, larger 8'' flat monitor.

When inactive, the onboard monitor of the new generation Multi Media Interface (MMI debuted in 2002) is retracted into the instrument panel, with only its top edge visible as a trim strip. Switched on, it moves upwards. The large monitor with its eight-inch diagonal is flat, in a black lacquer and solid aluminium frame.

Similar to the DIS monitor, the screen is divided into three sections. Two horizontal information strips include a large display area that presents the topic selected in vivid graphics. The important topic areas are arranged around the main menu.

To the left and right of the central rotary push-button are four soft keys used to navigate through the menus. The four adjacent hard keys control the vehicle settings, navigation, telephone and information. They are supplemented by a "menu" button and a "back" button.

Audio is controlled via a separate block with five buttons and a dial for the volume. Added to this are six fixed radio station buttons. In the MMI navigation plus version, these are a virtual touch surface called the MMI touch (details of the MMI navigation plus version system).

Ambient lighting

Ambient lighting variations.

Produced by light emitting diodes and controlled by electronics, the ambient lighting turns on when the A8 is unlocked remotely. Beginning at the driver's seat, it spreads through the cabin like a wave. As soon as a door is opened, it focuses on that area.

The ambient lighting is available in two versions.

With the standard version, white LEDs in the headlining, in the footwells, and the door handles set shining accents, with the strips of light between the grab handles in the headlining making a premium impression. LEDs are also used for the reading lights and vanity lights as well as for the door lights. The light comes across differently depending on where it is used – flat, cool, or warm, plastic or focused.

With the optional ambient light package, LEDs also illuminate the tunnel, the door pockets, and the door sill strips; the centre console appears to float in the effective lighting. Light guides are installed in the doors in addition to light strips in the headlining. Many of these LEDs are two-coloured or three-coloured – the driver can use the MMI to choose between the colour schemes ivory, polar, or ruby/polar, and adjust the brightness in four zones either separately or as a whole.

Climate control

The new A8 is available with three climatic styles and up to four zones.

Automatic climate control (front (top) and rear (above) .

The automatic climate control system has rotary dials with red and blue LEDs and a display for the temperature. All changes to the settings are displayed on the MMI monitor. This system cools, heats and ventilates the cabin in two zones, and optionally in four. Three climatic styles are also available: gentle, medium and strong. An optional fourth variant provides intense heating of the footwell. Other nuances can be configured under the MMI “Vehicle settings” menu.

The system considers the position of the sun, uses moisture sensors to prevent condensation on the windows and enables virtually draft-free indirect ventilation through a screen on the top of the instrument panel. A residual function uses engine heat to keep the cabin warm while the A8 is parked, and an air quality sensor closes the recirculation flap when it detects pollutants in the outside air.

With the optional auxiliary heating system, the driver enters the time at which he or she wishes to leave and the system takes care of the rest based on the outside temperature. Two sunroofs are available for the A8 – a glass sunroof and a solar sunroof. The electricity it produces is used to regulate the cabin temperature when the car is parked.

Front seats

Audi A8: front seat (basic version).

Audi A8: front seat comfort version).

Audi A8: front seat sport version).

Seats: basic (top) optional comfort (middle) and sport (above).

The standard seats are power-adjustable in 12 ways – length, height / inclination of the seat cushion, inclination of the backrest and two parameters for the lumbar support.

An optional three-stage seat heating system comes with memory function coupled with the electrical adjustment of the headrests and belt height.

With the optional comfort seats, 22 parameters can be adjusted. The inclination of the head of the backrest, the depth of the seat cushion, the inclination and height of the headrest – which is equipped with side bolsters that can also be adjusted – and the width of the seat and the backrest can all be adjusted here. Like the four-way lumbar support, this latter function is pneumatic. The memory function is standard. Another option adds a sporty look with top-stitched diamond patterns.

In addition to heating, there is also an option for three-stage ventilation using four small extraction fans.

Another extra is the pneumatic massage function provided by ten air chambers in the backrest. The driver and front seat passenger can choose from five different programs with varying intensities and target areas. One of them massages the entire back, and one focuses on the shoulder area.

Audi has reduced the number of switches for adjusting the seats. All primary adjustments continue to be made using switches on the side of the console that mirror the shape of the seat. A separate multifunction switch with a rotary ring and four buttons controls the secondary functions, such as the side bolsters or the massage function. Each step is visualized in high resolution on the large MMI monitor.

Rear seats

The outer rear seats can be adjusted in a variety of ways – length, inclination of the backrest, angle of the upper backrest, height of the headrests, and the lumbar support. A memory function is included, as is the means to adjust the front passenger seat from the back. Seat heating, electric blinds on the side windows, and the four-zone automatic air conditioning system round out the package. Audi also offers a ventilation and massage feature with a choice of two programs.

Outlets in the footwell, at the end of the centre tunnel, and in the B-pillar linings provide air driven by a newly developed distributor with integrated fan. The four-zone automatic climate control system has a separate air conditioner that individually regulates the temperature of the air and distributes it. Its control panel is integrated into the folding centre armrest.

The outer rear seats can be adjusted in a variety of ways.

The rear centre arm rest has a storage compartment and two cupholders; located behind it is an optional load-through hatch to the trunk with an integrated ski bag. The doors have pockets, and the storage compartment in the centre console can accommodate a one-litre bottle.

Trunk (boot)

The new A8 has 510 litres (18.01 cu ft) of luggage space, 10 litres (0.35 cu ft) more than in the previous model. An optional luggage compartment package includes a floor net, two foldout hooks for bags, an umbrella holder and a 12-V outlet. The optional electric trunk lid can be opened with buttons on the lid, inside the vehicle and on the remote key fob. A button on the inside of the trunk closes it. Available accessories include a power-retractable trailer hitch, a semi-rigid trunk liner and various roof boxes.

Network

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The rear bench seat in the new Audi A8 has 15 control units integrated into its rear wall. In the previous model, some of these control units were located in the walls of the trunk. Audi says that while a conventional onboard network in a large sedan comprises up to 1,500 individual wires and weighs roughly 50 kilograms (110.23 lb), Audi reduced this weight in the new A8 by 8 kilograms (17.64 lb), despite the addition of new functions. The cross-sections of all the wires were minimized, and the main battery lead is made of aluminium rather than copper.

The electronic nervous system running through the new Audi flagship required a new architecture. Previously developers installed data bus segments to meet the steadily increasing communication requirements of the controllers. Audi is now using the Flex Ray bus system for the first time in the new Audi A8, which makes the transmission of data between the individual control units significantly faster and more reliable.

3rd Gen. Audi A8	Body and exterior	Interior, network	Engines	Transmission
Steering, suspension...	Active safety	Passive safety	MMI & media	Dimensions

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