Features
12 Jul 17

Audi A8: 48V-hybrid and advanced autonomy

A few months after Mercedes launched its revamped S-Class, Audi wows the automotive scene with its new flagship model: the A8. Conservative as the styling may be, the aluminium limousine introduces innovative technologies that eventually will trickle down to the lesser gods.

For starters, every new A8 is a hybrid, in the broader sense of the word. In fact, it features a 48-volt electrical system (next to the standard 12V one) that not only powers the car’s numerous safety and comfort systems, but also the start-stop system (a combined alternator-starter) and the turbocharger(s).

And there is more. The new 48V-architecture allows the integration of a so-called AI active suspension, i.e. an electric motor at each wheel that allows to adjust suspension load independently. The iconic Quattro all-wheel drive system coms standard, by the way, and so does active steering on the rear wheels.

Level 3 autonomy up to 60 kph

Audi is the first manufacturer to use a laser scanner together with radar and other sensors to sense the surroundings. The carmaker claims the new A8 can drive completely ‘hands-off’ on divided motorways at speeds of up to 60 kph, making it the first car on the market to offer level 3 autonomy.

Moreover, the A8 can park itself in a garage without the driver being on board. So does the new BMW 7 Series, admittedly, but in the case of the Audi, the driver can activate the manoeuvre by smartphone and monitor it from a remote location.

Smart dashboard

The amount of functions to be operated aboard this high-tech flagship is mind-boggling, so Audi needed to rethink its human-machine interface. Gone are the dozens of buttons of yore, the dashboard of the new A8 is surprisingly ‘simple’ and easy on the eye, thanks to the flush central display.

Indeed, most everything can now be operated by touching the glass of the centre screen. Alternatively, you can use your voice to give commands. The navigation system learns from your habits, too, for an improved customer experience.

Mild and full hybrids

Driving all four wheels will be a choice of 5 mild hybrids or a fully-fledged plug-in hybrid. To the first category belong the 3.0 TDI and 3.0 TFSI, both V6s, the 4.0 TDI and 4.0 TFSI, both V8s, and the range-topping 6.0 W12 – the same powerhouse used by Bentley and perhaps not exactly in line with Audi’s sustainability philosophy.

E-tron is the badge Audi uses for its plug-in hybrids, and in this case the powertrain consists of the aforementioned 3.0 TFSI in conjunction with an electric motor which brings the total output to 449 hp. Interestingly, the batteries – which allow a range of 50 km – can be charged through induction.

Picture copyright: Audi, 2017

Authored by: Dieter Quartier