New Audi A8: Subtle luxury, leading technology and assured performance

The new 2014 face-lifted Audi A8 has many attractive subtle design cues but for the uninitiated eye it looks much the same as the outgoing model.
However, for those seeking understated luxury, powerful and assured quarto performance and leading technology, the new Audi A8 is hard to beat.
The model tested for a week in the UK had a 3.0 liter turbo diesel engine with power upped to 254 BHP, cutting 0 to 100 km time to 5.9 seconds which beats all German competitors in this class including the Porsche Panamera diesel.
The secret is the light aluminum space-frame chassis and the aerodynamic design.
Models in the region use TFSI petrol engines, which are both smooth and powerful.
All Audi A8s use stop-start technology and engines are linked to a smooth eight-speed automatic transmission pushing all four wheels.
One of the most advanced technologies applied in this year’s model is the MatrixBeam front lights that can mask segments of the main beam from oncoming traffic while allowing the driver maximum visibility.
So, the driver can put on his main beam but the front and oncoming traffic would not be dazzled while the driver enjoys full visibility of the empty sections between traffic.
The system, which is 100 percent LED, works together with the sat-nav to light up junctions and corners before getting there.
The rear indicators have moving beams of amber light going from the center to either side of the car. This is also a new and unique technology developed by Audi last year. Driving the A8 is a pleasure. There is a choice between comfort and sport settings.
Selecting the sport option is best suited to fast cruising on motorways.
If the exterior design is a little conventional, the interior is ultra-modern.
A color- 3-D flat screen pops up upon engaging the engine via the start button by the driver’s seat. In addition, sets of information can be reviewed by a rotating button on the steering wheel to give range, distance covered, average speed and fuel consumption. Not many components in the A8 are shared with lesser Audi models which makes the A8 interior feels very special.
The screen information and multimedia include Audi Connect, radio, media, sat-nav, information and telephone. Underneath is a slot for CDs, SD and telephone sim cards.
Dual buttons with large temperature digits set the dual climate control for both the driver and front passenger.
The A8 also carries an analogue clock and surround cameras.
Two cup holders and amble storage space with telephone-charging connections lie conveniently between the two front seats.
Front seats are heated and electrically adjusted.
There is enough room in the back seats but for those seeking a limousine with a driver it is better to opt for the long-wheel base version.
A useful option is the adaptive cruise control which is easy to use by selecting the appropriate speed for the road. The system then sets safe distance to the car in front and slows the A8 right down if needed. Other basic specifications include powered trunk lid, keyless entry and electronic parking brake. The trunk is also bigger by 10 cubic liters than the previous model.
The standard petrol engine for the GCC is the whisper-quiet 4.0 liter V8 which benefits from noise cancelation through the car’s speakers and also cylinder de-activation on low speeds. Overall the A8 strikes the right balance between being a sporty sedan and a cosseting limo. In its short-wheel base format it is definitely a driver’s car.
All components of the A8 exhibit uncompromisingly precise workmanship and demonstrate the hand-built character of the new Audi A8.
New additions include veneers in fine grain poplar brown silver and fine grain ash natural gold brown, which are adorned with silver and gold, respectively.
Particularly discerning customers will enjoy the luxury of customizing their Audi A8 L in the Audi exclusive range which offers an opportunity to personalize their car to limitless combinations.
The limited-edition A8 L W12 Audi exclusive concept features a leather interior in the color Agatha cognac from the Italian furniture maker Poltrona Frau.
The all new A8 L offers excellent comfort, superb craftsmanship, strict lightweight construction and a broad portfolio of high-end technologies.
New assistance systems and the innovative Matrix LED headlights make for even more superior driving and confirm Audi as one of the innovation leaders in the luxury segment. The engines are also more powerful and more efficient.
Despite the more generous list of equipment and more powerful engines, prices vary only slightly.
The new Audi A8 L is available with a starting price of US$88,452.