The new Audi A8 boasts of AI (Artificial Intelligence) and 3rd level of autonomous driving features, highest until now.
Audi has unveiled the 4th generation of its flagship A8 luxury sedan. The car will point out a new direction for Audi design and powertrains. The new Audi A8 for example will come powered by only (mild) hybrid powertrains. The car measure nearly 5.15 metres while the LWB version gains an additional 130mm between its wheelbase. The company claims that this car has been developed for autonomous driving and features like the optional Traffic Jam Pilot will completely takeover duties of driving so that the owners have the luxury of watching the on-board TV.
Another groundbreaking feature is the Audi AI that learns your driving habits based on the routes you frequently traverse and other likes and dislikes. Something like the Apple SIRI then. Also the Audi AI remote parking pilot and AI remote garage pilot can automatically park your car without the driver in it, using a app on your smartphone.
Coming to the looks, this one looks futuristic even though it carries forward a evolutionary design language. There is a sharper front grille and sharper looking headlight with even more level of detailing. Similarly, towards the rear there is a new taillight design with brilliant new LED detailing that again is a first design touch from Audi that will filter through to the rest of its line-up. The window line is typically Audi and you wont mistake it for anything else.
On the insides, the dashboard is entirely new with superior quality materials with a couple of displays on the centre console for the infotainment system and the HVAC systems. No physical buttons here! The rear seats carries forward the Executive package with various massaging functions but this pack also includes a new foot massaging function as well.
The new Audi A8 will be powered by 5 engine options but the mainstream engine options will be a 3.0-litre V6 petrol and a diesel as well producing 340 HP and 282 HP respectively. There will be a new 4.0-litre V8 diesel that will replace the existing 4.2-litre unit with 429 HP on tap. There will also be a performance oriented S8 variant that will be powered by a 4.0-litre V8 with 460 HP and a range topping W12 as well with 585 HP.
All engines will come with an 8-speed automatic gearbox and Quattro all wheel drive system as standard. A 48-volt battery pack assists the engine to improve fuel economy (making it a mild hybrid) and also the air suspension system. A camera on the front windscreen constantly monitors the road ahead of it and prepares the suspension accordingly to provide a comfortable ride at all times. Prices for the new Audi A8 start at 90,600 euros in Europe that is approximately Rs. 66.71 lakhs!