• Bold new Audi design is a hallmark of the next generation A8
• Leading-edge technology sets new standards for safety, driver assistance and passenger comfort
• Powerful and efficient engines featuring mild-hybrid technology as standard
• Superb automotive flagship A8 range starts at $192,000

Australia, July 20, 2018 – The all-new fourth-generation Audi A8 once again sets the benchmark for the luxury class, bringing together an unrivalled combination of sophisticated design, performance and luxurious appointment that has already seen it awarded 'World Luxury Car of the Year 2018'.

As the flagship of the Audi range, the A8 has always been the embodiment of 'Vorsprung durch Technik' (or 'progress through technology'). The all-new model builds on this tradition of innovation, setting a new standard in every conceivable area of automotive design and development.

The new Audi A8 is launching with up to $36,000 worth of additional customer value, compared to its predecessor, depending on the model and packages specified.

The all-new A8 is also the first production model in the world to be developed with future capability for Level 3 autonomous driving. In addition, the A8 will soon be available with other piloted functions, such as parking pilot and garage pilot.

Built on the latest incarnation of the Audi Space Frame (ASF), using a combination of aluminium and carbon fibre, the new A8 is 10 percent lighter, yet 24 percent more rigid than its predecessor.

Head of Audi Design, Marc Lichte, has shown his new vision for the brand in the design of this model, which is characterised by an unmistakable elegance that nevertheless retains a muscular, purposeful stance, with the undeniable promise of performance.

A much broader Singleframe grille dominates the front end, with the distinctive HD Matrix LED headlights integrated into the design to give the A8's 'face' a sharp, instantly recognisable visual signature, as well as providing extraordinary illumination. The powerful, athletic presence is evident in the interplay of sweeping lines along the body and the taunt surfaces over the wheel arches, culminating in a chiseled rear with full-length light strip adding to the sense of solidity.

The interior design architecture has been completely reimagined, with the clean sweeping lines of the exterior mirrored in a sleek, minimalist design concept. Dual touchscreen panels (10.1- and 8.6-inch) have been seamlessly integrated to form part of the interior design as well as enabling the use of a completely new operating system, MMI touch response (including handwriting recognition), complete with haptic and acoustic feedback. This complete absence of clutter creates a feeling of tremendous space and calm, and yet still places myriad functions literally at the driver's fingertips as required.

The A8 also offers voice control that allows natural language to be interpreted and acted upon. The clever dialogue manager even asks questions if clarification is needed, offers choices and also defers to the speaker when interrupted.

The all-new Audi A8 is available with a choice of two 3.0-litre V6 drivetrains: the 50 TDI quattro with 210kW of power and 600Nm of torque and the 55 TFSI quattro with 250kW and 500Nm of torque. For the first time, each engine features new mildhybrid technology, employing a belt alternator starter (BAS) and a compact lithiumion battery with a 10 Ah electrical capacity, allowing the A8 to coast at speeds between 55 and 160km/h with the engine off.

This new 48-volt system functions as the A8's main electrical system and allows power recuperation of up to 12kW plus start-stop operation from 22km/h, for fuel savings of up to 0.7 litres per 100km.

Both engines are mated to an eight-speed tiptronic transmission, allowing complete control of engine power which goes to all four wheels through Audi quattro all-wheel drive with self-locking centre differential as standard

Adaptive air suspension with electronically-controlled dampers are standard equipment for the A8, offering four ride height options and delivering extraordinary ride quality. The optional Audi AI active suspension is planned for introduction in 2019. Progressive steering too forms part of the standard equipment, with the optional dynamic all-wheel steering ensuring the A8 is even more agile and maneuverable.

The long wheelbase model, the A8 L – which adds an additional 130mm in overall length – is available with an optional 'relaxation seat' in the rear, which provides extensive adjustment options and back massage, as well as a unique footrest with heating and a full massage function for the soles of the feet offering the ultimate in on-board pampering.

As you would expect, the all-new Audi A8 boasts the highest levels of safety equipment and driver assistance systems as standard equipment. These include:

• Adaptive drive assist including adaptive cruise control with Stop&Go, distance indicator and lane guidance assist
• 360 degree cameras with 3D view
• Audi pre-sense front and pre-sense rear
• Lane departure warning
• Lane changing warning including with cross traffic assist rear
• Exit warning system
• Emergency assist
• Collision avoidance assist and turn assist
• Intersection assist
• Efficiency assist
• Head-up display
• Front centre airbag and crash response front head restraints

The level of equipment and appointment in the new A8 is truly impressive, and is fitting for a luxury vehicle of this calibre. Highlights include:

• Adaptive air suspension
• HD Matrix LED headlights; LED rear lights with front & rear dynamic indicators
• Panoramic glass sunroof
• MMI Navigation plus with MMI touch response 10.1" and 8.6" touch screens, with haptic and acoustic feedback
• Audi virtual cockpit, Audi connect and DAB+ Digital Radio
• Audi smartphone interface with phone box light
• Bang & Olufsen 3D Sound System – 17 speakers with 730 watt output
• Audi music interface with x2 front and x2 rear USB outlets
• Rear seat remote control
• Matrix LED reading lights in rear

In addition to this extraordinarily high level of standard equipment, a range of highvalue packages will be offered to customers so that they can tailor their A8 to their individual tastes and requirements.

The Premium Plus package includes 20-inch alloy wheels, chrome exterior styling package, adaptive windscreen wipers, privacy glass, extended leather interior package, Digital TV reception, premium air quality package, comfort headrests, electric powered rear sunblinds, as well front seat ventilation and massage function among other highlights. This package is available for $11,000 across the A8 and A8 L range.

The $6,650 Entertainment package includes two Audi tablets for the entertainment of rear seat passengers. The $9,950 Sport package includes the sport exterior styling package, 21-inch alloy wheels and dynamic all-wheel steering among other highlights, while the $9,950 full leather package includes a suite of interior accoutrements, including lower dashboard, door trims and pockets, seats trims and backrest covers, head restraints linings and Alcantara headlining.

The Audi A8 is officially on-sale from July 20.

Pricing
(Manufacturer List Pricing [MLP] – excludes dealer delivery and government statutory charges)

– ENDS –

The Audi Group, with its brands Audi, Ducati and Lamborghini, is one of the most successful manufacturers of automobiles and motorcycles in the premium segment.

It is present in more than 100 markets worldwide and produces at 16 locations in twelve countries. 100 percent subsidiaries of AUDI AG include Audi Sport GmbH (Neckarsulm), Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A. (Sant'Agata Bolognese, Italy) and Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A. (Bologna, Italy).

In 2017, the Audi Group delivered to customers about 1.878 million automobiles of the Audi brand, 3,815 sports cars of the Lamborghini brand and 55,900 motorcycles of the Ducati brand. In the 2017 fiscal year, AUDI AG achieved total revenue of €60.1 billion and an operating profit of €5.1 billion. At present, approximately 90,000 people work for the company all over the world, more than 60,000 of them in Germany. Audi focuses on sustainable products and technologies for the future of mobility.