Replacing the six year old D4 A8, the new D5 is claimed to be the most technologically advanced Audi ever made, with a slew of novel innovate driver assistance systems, in-car features, lightweight construction and a first all-hybrid range of engines.
Looks and dimensions
Heavily influenced by the Prologue Concept shown in Los Angeles three years ago, the A8 features a more upright version of Audi's signature Singleframe grille, with the sleeker headlights incorporating HD Matrix LEDs and laser technology along with flatter OLED rear lights divided by a chrome strip.
Penned by Marc Lichte, the A8 also adopts a more coupe-like appearance with a tapering rear window line, lowered roof, bonnet inspired by that of the recently launched A5, rising shoulder line and generous use of chrome detailing.
Measuring 5 172 mm in overall length, 37 mm more than the D4, with a wheelbase of 2 998 mm (+six mm), height of 1 473 mm (+13 mm) and width of 1 945 mm (-4 mm), the D5 rides on a revised version of the Volkswagen's Group's MLB Evo platform, with Audi's Space Frame aluminium construction incorporating steel, magnesium and carbon fibre for the first time.
As with previous generations, the D5 will also be offered with a long-wheelbase L model measuring 5 302 mm in general length, 1 488 mm in height and with a wheelbase of 3 128 mm. Luggage space on both models is rated at 505-litres.
The interior
The most radical departure from the D4 comes inside with a minimalist, clean dashboard derived from the Prologue, a brand new 10.1-inch MMI touchscreen seamlessly integrated into the dash, and a secondary 8.6-inch display located on the centre console in front of the gear lever.
Available with a range of materials ranging from cloth and leather upholsteries to real wood-inlays, the A8 also boats a floating Heads-Up Display system, seats tipping the scales at 4.4 kg less than before, glass fibre-reinforced polymer rear chairs and in the case of the A8 L, a so-called relaxation seat on the left presenting the controls for a segment first heated and massaging footrest.
As well as a new steering wheel, Audi's familiar's 12.3-inch TFT Virtual Cockpit instrument cluster comes fitted as standard, albeit now powered by a computer unit supplied by US-based technology giant, Nvidia. In addition, the flagship MMI Navigation Plus system now uses a modular platform known as MIB 2+, with a Nvidia sourced quad-core processor able to operate 50 times faster than the original MIB.
A technological hub
As previously reported, one of the biggest noteworthy advances is level three fully autonomous driving at speeds up to 60 km/h. Known as Traffic Jam Pilot, the system manages the steering, throttle, braking and starting with the activation of the Audi AI button. Using a combination of twelve ultrasonic sensors front and rear, four 360 degree cameras and a number of radars, laser scanners and a single infrared camera, the A8 can also be parked remotely when specified with the optional Remote Parking system or in a garage with the Garage Pilot system.
The tech fest further includes dynamic all-wheel steering, a laser scanner mounted on the front bumper to detect pedestrians or slow moving traffic, electric door locks and a new active electromechanically actuated suspension that uses a front mounted camera to scan the road ahead and adjust the ride 18 times per second.
Hybrid exclusive powertrains
Initially, the A8 will be offered with a choice of two 3.0-litre V6 engine; a TFSI developing 250 kW and 500 Nm, and a TDI making 210 kW and 600 Nm. From early 2018, the range will grow to include a 338 kW 4.0-litre TFSI, a 4.0-litre TDI with 320 kW on tap and a 6.0-litre W12 for the A8 L only with outputs of 430 kW and 800 Nm of torque. A eight-speed Tiptronic gearbox and Audi's famed quattro all-wheel drive system are standard on all models.
Compared to the D4, the biggest difference will the application of a 48-volt electric motor across the range, Audi claims not only reduces consumption by 0.7 L/100 km, but also allows the A8 to coast for 40 seconds in absolute silence as well as aiding pull away.
Expected to arrive at the same time as the W12, the A8 L e-tron quattro will pack the same 3.0-litre TFSI, though combined with a 14.1 kWh lithium-ion battery for a total system output of 330 kW and 700 Nm of torque. Able to travel up to 50 km/h on the electric motor alone, Audi claims the hybrid can be charged using either a 3.6 kW or 7.2 kW socket, the latter able to charge the 104 individual battery cells up to 80% within two hours.
In South Africa next year
Confirmed to arrive in South Africa during the second quarter of 2018, the A8 will go in sale in Germany next month with prices starting at €90 600 (R1 398 532) and at €94 100 (R1 452 560) for the L.
