Audi A8 - Technology ahead of its time
There is no conflict between sportiness and common sense in the case of the
Audi A8: the luxury saloon brings together quattro four-wheel drive, the light but sturdy Audi Space Frame ASF® aluminium body and adaptive air suspension in a single car. The Audi A8’s design and technology redefine the benchmark in every respect.
Space and dynamic design make the Audi A8 L (long wheelbase version) the most luxurious car in its class, and the Audi S8 sets the standards in many respects with its power and performance in a breathtaking form.

The Audi A8 sets the standard of driving dynamics for a sporting luxury car. TDI engine technology delivers enormous power and torque, while lightweight materials keep weight to a minimum. For added control and safety, Audi’s unique active driving technology responds instantly to conditions and driving style. The result is a luxury saloon ride with snarling sports car performance.
Lightweight V8 Powered by lean engine muscle, the Audi A8’s lightweight magnesium and aluminium components reduce weight and increase efficiency.
Adaptive air suspension A luxury sport saloon’s handling must be responsive but also smooth. Audi’s world-first adjustable suspension modes deliver the superior ride quality and immediacy of response demanded by discerning drivers.
6-speed tiptronic Imperceptible automatic gear selection or split-second manual changes? Whichever you select, the Audi A8’s Dynamic Shift and Sport programmes provide instant response to full-throttle demands and ensure smooth shift transitions.
Sporty sound Smooth, but with enough growl to remind you of the car’s pedigree, the Audi A8’s dual-branch exhaust and silencer system lets you enjoy the sound of the V8 engine without it being overbearing.
Paddle gear-shift200+mph is no time to take your hands off the wheel. The A8 features Audi’s same motor sport paddle gearshift system and puts spilt-second gear changes at your fingertips.

Even before it left the drawing board, the Audi A8 was already one of the safest cars in its class. State-of-the-art digital modelling allowed designers and engineers to take into account every angle and every situation. When the real vehicle was put to the test, its performance was exactly as predicted - with outstanding levels of occupant safety.
Quattro Quattro four-wheel-drive is at the core of Audi's innovative technology. quattro gives the Audi A8 outstanding traction and performance in any weather. At a time when four-wheel-drive is still a unique feature in the luxury class, Audi safety is miles ahead.
Active head restraintsHead restraints can play an active role in reducing injury. In the event of a rear-end collision, the Audi A8’s restraints pivot forwards, reducing the risk of whiplash neck injuries.
ESP The Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) reacts faster than even a racing driver could to bring hazardous situations under control. By monitoring wheel speeds, slip angles and the position of the steering wheel, ESP can apply brakes and reduce power to individual wheels until full traction and control is restored.
Air bagsFront seat passengers are protected by airbags with two-stage activation, while the driver is protected by an innovative ring-type airbag, whose radial unfolding pattern is proven more effective in reducing accident injury.
Audi Space Frame III In its third generation, the Audi Space Frame exceeds all current industry standards. Its high torsional stiffness improves both ride and handling, making it just one more example of Audi’s innovative safety technology.

With its integrated Multi Media Interface (MMI), the Audi A8 offers a complete revolution in interior dynamics, giving the driver a simple, direct method of control. But it goes much further - every technological detail of the Audi A8 is advanced. Always smart. Always simple. Technology that makes driving as pleasurable and as safe as possible.
Advanced key Now your car sees you coming. Through an advanced electrical key signal, getting into your Audi A8 is as simple as pressing a button. Sit down, press the starter button and the steering lock and immobiliser are automatically deactivated.
Audi MMI The Audi A8’s Multi Media Interface (MMI) is an intuitive one-point solution to navigation, entertainment, communications and vehicle control. With consistent logic and functional design, MMI puts the technology to work for you, so you can focus on enjoying the drive.
Adaptive cruise control It’s not cruising when it requires constant adjusting. Take control with a system that automatically regulates your car’s speed to keep a specified safe distance from the vehicle in front.
EM parking brakeStop smart with the Audi A8’s electromechanical braking system. Push/pull a simple control on your centre console and the Audi A8 does the rest, automatically applying the correct amount of force required for safe braking.
DVD navigationWhen a car is designed to make light work of long journeys, it demands a navigation system equally as tireless. The Audi A8 uses a faster DVD-based system which covers far greater distances.

The new Audi A8 carries all the hallmarks of Audi’s distinctively desirable design. Its restraint and simplicity mark it out as a classic in the making, yet there’s also something about its style that claims new territory. The sleek, confident sweep of its lines from bumper to bumper. The elegant cabin. The balance and poise. This is the luxury sports saloon – redefined.
Front designCatch sight of the Audi A8 in the rear view mirror, and you accord it instant respect. Powerful, tubular headlights stare forward, while the broad double grille with four interlocked rings reminds you that performance is part of every Audi’s DNA.
Interior Beautifully made from the finest materials and designed with an intuitive elegance, the cabin of an Audi A8 makes you wish your journey could last a little longer.
LED light technology Smaller and smarter than conventional bulbs, the Audi A8’s lightweight LEDs offer greater visibility, penetration and an overall safer driving experience.
Side and rear designThe Audi A8 seems to be moving even when stationary. Short overhangs, confident lines and wide stance express a serious sporting intent. This may be a spacious luxury car, but it’s also a serious driver’s car.
Aerodynamic body The new Audi A8 cuts the air with a drag coefficient 8% lower than its predecessor. The lowest rear axle lift of any car in its class provides outstanding road holding and stability.