The Audi A8: Design and Interior
The art of timeless elegance Audi A8 drivers frequently cite the sporty yet elegant design as one of their main reasons for buying the saloon. They appreciate the harmonious blend of clarity and dynamics, lightness and elegance. After all, the top model of the four-ring brand embodies the philosophy of Audi design in a particularly compelling way. Even at first glance, its strikingly powerful proportions clearly identify the A8 as an Audi. The flat front section, the imposing wheels and the short overhangs visualise the notion of dynamics upon which the entire vehicle is based. The side view, too, reveals its athletic presence: the gentle curve of the roof line is reminiscent of a coupé and shifts the visual focal point to the rear. Expansive, arching surfaces are framed by precise lines. Every line, each small element has a purpose here: no detail appears to be pure decoration. The single-frame radiator grille lends the face of the A8 a look of determination and supremacy. The A8 masters the art of timeless elegance from every angle. Hence the design has been accentuated in carefully selected areas only: from September 2007 the single-frame grille on six-cylinder models will sport a high-gloss black finish. The eight-cylinder versions can be recognised by horizontal chrome applications, while the top W12 and S8 models are distinguished by double vertical chrome struts. Perfect synthesis of design and function The new exterior mirrors on the A8 illustrate the combination of elegance and functionality that is typical of Audi. The LED side turn signals are harmoniously incorporated; the warning lights for the optional assistance system Audi side assist are located on the inside of the mirror housing. The new chrome applications on the door handles add an extra touch. The elaborate wheels in a new design, the 18-inch wheel with a 10-spoke design or the 19-inch wheel with a 5-spoke design are in themselves small works of art. The comprehensive colour range has been extended by new tones Impala Beige, Avus Silver, Cherry Black and Ice Silver. Thanks to the additional range from the Audi exclusive programm from quattro GmbH and its extensive customisation options, the A8 can be precisely adapted to reflect personal preferences and tastes. New design for LED taillights The rear view is distinguished by lights employing LED technology. These have been given a new look for the 2008 model year, which accentuates the modern light technology with extremely fast-reacting LEDs even further: each diode has its own reflector, visible through the clear cover. A total of 58 LEDs for rear light, brake light and turn signal lights are clustered in each of the two taillight units. The rear light LEDs encircle the area of the brake light LEDs, creating a distinctive night design. Interior demonstrates high quality standards The interior is the perfect embodiment of the sophistication that is typical for Audi and the exceptional high quality standards of the brand. The instruments and controls have been designed with great attention to detail and with a level of craftsmanship that is evident at every glance and with every touch. The generous roominess, the comfortable seats and the spacious compartment form the basis for a feeling of comfort that helps and promotes the drivers concentration and that of his/her companions, even on long journeys. The cockpit is distinguished by the circular instruments with luminous white needles on grey dials set in aluminium-look tubes, by the rising centre console reminiscent of a sports car and by the retractable seven-inch screen of the MMI operating system. The screen cover on the new A8 is in Piano finish. Additional highlights in the interior are provided by aluminium applications on the multifunction steering wheel, glove box and door pockets. On eight-cylinder models the lower inlay is now finished in Brushed aluminium titanium grey. Each A8 is characterised by the high quality of each and every surface and its perfect craftsmanship. Comprehensive range of design options Also in the interior, additional colours enhance the comprehensive range of design options. The seats are now also available in cardamom beige, linen beige or paranut brown with a choice of Verdi cloth, Valcona leather, Leather/Alcantara, Natural leather or Satin Nappa leather. Various leather packages underline the quality of this exquisite natural material, through to the full leather trim for cockpit, doors and rear. The new fine wood trim options for the Audi A8 are Walnut mid-brown matt finish and Vavona wood assam grey. With this wide range of options, an Audi A8 to suit every taste and every lifestyle is attainable especially since the Audi exclusive programme also enables drivers to create their own unique, fully customised vehicle. The front seats provide optimum body support for the driver and front passenger and also feature multi-way electric adjustment. Options include sports seats with pronounced side sections, comfort seats with soft upholstery or climate-controlled comfort seats with integrated ventilation and massage function for the back muscles. At the rear, individual seats with electric adjustment and also a massage function are optionally available. The long version of the A8 with its luxurious knee and legroom is therefore the ideal chauffeur-driven saloon. MMI with unsurpassed ease of operation The operating concept of the Multi Media Interface (MMI) in the Audi A8 was convincing from the very start and remains unsurpassed to date in terms of ease of operation, perfect location and consistent inherent logic. The fold-out 7-inch colour screen is located above the centre console in the optimum field of vision. The control unit on the centre console, the MMI terminal, consists of the central rotary/pushbutton control button, four control keys and eight function keys. A variety of functions can be controlled effortlessly and intuitively, from the navigation unit to the audio and telephone system through to wide-ranging adjustment options on the vehicle. The equipment, data and prices stated here refer to the model range offered for sale in Germany. We reserve the right to make changes. Errors and omissions excepted. |