Automated marvel

Audi’s brand new flagship sports a new look and is brimming with technology

August 23, 2017 12:54 pm | Updated 12:54 pm IST

Interior

Interior

Say hello to the fourth-generation A8. It’s Audi’s brand new flagship which will take on competition like the BMW 7-Series and the Mercedes S-Class.

Like all new Audis, its design is evolutionary, and not a radical departure from its predecessor’s. It looks cleaner and longer than the older car, while details like the much larger grille and new tail-lights make it look more regal.

The highlight of this new sedan has to be its tech suite, which comprises an optional Traffic Jam Pilot system, and 41 individual driver-assist functions. These take charge of driving in slow-moving traffic, up to a speed of 50kph on highways. However, this autonomous system will not make it to India.

Apart from relying on cameras, radar and ultrasonic sensors, Traffic Jam Pilot is the first automated driving system on a production car to employ a laser scanner. This new system manages the starting, accelerating, braking and steering functions of the car. What are likely to make it to India are functions like Remote Parking Pilot and Remote Garage Pilot, with which you can slot the A8 in and out of a parking spot or your garage respectively; both are operable from outside the car using a smartphone.

Like the S-Class and the 7-Series, the new A8 will be sold with the choice of two wheelbases — 2,998mm and 3,128mm — both 6mm longer than that of the old A8.

For India, however, Audi will only bring the long-wheelbase version, just like the outgoing car. And this time around, there is likely to be a special rear-seat relaxation package as well.

Inside, the new Audi has a super-clean and contemporary-looking dashboard, a redesigned multifunction steering wheel, and touchscreen controls that look straight out of a concept car. Highlights include high-definition digital instrument graphics and a new Multimedia Interface system with two separate displays — one measuring 10.1 inches and the other being an 8.6-inch curved unit.

The sedan gets height-adjustable air suspension as standard, and also on offer is active suspension, similar to the S-Class’ Magic Body Control system. Audi could bring this to India as soon as the radar norms get less stringent.

There are two turbocharged V6 engines to choose from — a 340hp 3.0-litre petrol unit and a 267hp 3.0-litre diesel. Both engines are mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox and quattro four-wheel drive. We will get both engines, but the diesel is likely to come first. The new standard-fit 48V electrical system offers a range of mild-hybrid functions, including engine-off coasting, extended start/stop operation and kinetic energy recuperation under braking.

The new A8 is likely to be here by mid-2018. It may not have the reputation of an S-Class but Audi’s sophistication will appeal to those luxury car buyers looking for something classy, understated and packed with features.

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