Presented updated sedan Audi A8
The first-born of the Audi A8 family updated last week was an elongated sedan in the top Horch version for the Chinese market. Now the entire global range is presented, and the company spoke in detail about all the innovations. There were not so many of them. And the full-fledged Level 3 autopilot that was announced for the Audi A8 at its debut four years ago (and for which there was even a button on the console) has not yet appeared.
On the left – it was, on the right – it became
The easiest way to distinguish the updated “a-octave” from the pre-reform car is by the headlights: like the younger Audi models, they found additional angles at the bottom. Not only the shape has changed, but also the content: LED matrix headlights have been replaced by new projectors, in which the shape of the light beam has been changed by mobile micromirrors (1.3 million in each headlight). This system can “draw” navigation messages directly on the road surface.
Upper version – standard, lower version – long wheelbase
The taillights have the same shape, but now have a different filling: they are based on the thinnest organic light emitting diode (OLED), which provides an even and bright light. When ordering a car, you can choose one of two options for the “model” of the rear lights. New feature: If another vehicle approaches the “a-octave” position within two meters, the electronics turn on all sections of the rear lights for better visibility.
The radiator grill has become a little wider, instead of horizontal stripes, the emphasis is on vertical “teeth”. The bumper design was redesigned and, for the first time, the S line styling package was offered for the Audi A8, which includes bumpers and grille in the style of the more powerful version of the Audi S8. Extended chrome trim or black package can be ordered separately.”
The interior has not changed much. A new generation MIB3 multimedia system with enhanced functionality was installed, but a couple of screens on the front panel remained the same, and the menu graphics also did not change. But for the rear passengers, new displays of the multimedia system with a diagonal of 10.1 inches of standard Full HD, as well as matrix ceiling lights are offered. Redesigned trim combinations, new option – microfiber inserts on door panels.
Even fewer technical innovations. In fact, the only novelty concerns the plug-in hybrid Audi A8 60 TFSI e: the peak power of the powertrain (V6 3.0 engine and electric motor) has been increased from 449 to 462 hp. The rest of the versions are the same. You can choose between the V6 3.0 TFSI (340 hp) and V8 4.0 TFSI (460 hp) turbo-petrol engines, as well as the V6 3.0 TDI turbodiesel (286 hp). A year ago, the eight-cylinder diesel was dropped from the range, and the W12 engine never showed up. It is noteworthy that in the current generation of the Audi A8, a version with a W12 engine was originally prepared, but in the end its production did not begin.
The most powerful Audi S8 sedan is still equipped with a forced 4.0 TFSI V8 engine (571 hp) and can accelerate to 100 km / h in 3.8 seconds. All modifications have an eight-speed “automatic” quattro permanent all-wheel drive and a 48-volt starting generator. “In the base” – the usual paid air suspension – an active electromechanical suspension with the same air springs and a fully controlled chassis. Electronic assistants are now divided into thematic packages: Park (for parking), City (for the city) and Tour (for the track).
In Germany, sales of the updated Audi A8 sedans will begin in December, with prices starting at 99,500 euros. Next year, cars will appear in other markets, including recently.
