2018 Audi A8 - Autonomous Parking

2018 Audi A8 Test Drive Review

Features
The top one is 10.1 inches and does everything; while the smaller one, underneath, is reserved for climate controls and also doubles up as a keyboard/trackpad, to enter destinations, onto the sat-nav system. You can set it to respond to a tap and give no haptic/audible feedback, or require a firmer push and 'click', which actually works very well. But, we all know that the best place to be in, in the A8, is the rear seat. To be more specific, the rear right-hand seat is where you want to be, as this is the optionally available relaxation seat, in the A8 L; and features options, for adjustment as well as a footrest, on the backrest, of the front-passenger seat.

Passengers can massage and warm their soles, using the several levels; but, as I said earlier, this is the optional pack; and sadly, I did not really get to try it out. However, was is included, in the relaxation seat package, is a back massage feature, electrically height-adjustable comfort head restraints, footrests and a long centre console, which has good storage space; then, there are optional features, like folding tables, with two-stage adjustable inclination. There's also four-zone automatic air conditioning; but the big focus, at the rear, has to be the rear seat entertainment system, which comprises two Audi tablets and a rear seat remote. The passengers, at the rear, can use the touch control, on this new operating unit, to run numerous convenience and infotainment features, as also to make discreet phone calls. The Rear Seat Remote, with its OLED display, is approximately as big as a smartphone and can be removed, from where it is stored, in the centre armrest.
The material quality, on the new-gen A8, is brilliant and cannot be faulted; but the layout of the cabin appeals to a different crowd, altogether. It's sharp, modern and very precise, unlike probably what you see in the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. The S-Class is a comfortable place, to be in, and is not all business, like the A8.

Engine
While the back seats are a treat to be in, the engines of the A8 compelled me to get into the front seat. There were three engine options to sample, the 3.0-litre V6 petrol, 3.0-litre V6 diesel and a more powerful 4.0-litre V8. We have been told, by Audi India, that all these engines will be made available, in India; but they won't be introduced in one go. However, given the push, of petrol cars, by Audi, in India, we are sure that the diesel and petrol V6 will be introduced first, which is why I hopped into the 3.0-litre petrol A8 L. The engine makes 335 bhp, at 5000-6000 rpm and, though the engines have been carried forward, from the last generation, this one has been extremely refined. This one also gets limited hybrid assistance, thanks to the use of an alternator that doubles as a starter, an arrangement that powers a 48-volt electrical system. The alternator/starter is good, for 15 bhp, during energy recuperation and 8 bhp, when assisting the petrol engine. This actually helps in making the engine operate, at its most efficient rpm, and lends a hand, to achieving better fuel economy. It also helps in achieving low-end torque, which is why you get 500Nm, from as low as 1350 rpm. It's pretty good; but nothing out of the ordinary. It's enjoyable to drive; but yet not something you'd leave the comfort of your back seat and take control of the car for.

Autonomous Features
The biggest selling point or differentiator, of the A8, from the rest of the rivals, is the 40+ driver assistance systems, that the new-gen limo gets; and this basically grants it Level 3 autonomy - a first, for a car, in this segment. The Traffic Jam Pilot and parking/garage pilot systems are features that make it stand out, from the crowd; and we were looking forward to testing these functions out! Sadly, we couldn't, because Audi says their introduction is "wholly dependent on the clarification of statutory framework, in each individual market." Now, India will not see any of these features yet, because its adoption, in the European and the American markets, is still a long way away.

What We Think
So, when is it coming to India and how will it be priced? Well, Audi says that the new-gen A8 will be launched by mid-2018; but, meanwhile, the company is testing the car, in India; and though it will come sans any of the 'Autonomous level 3' features, the car's design and other additional features will keep things interesting, in the luxury sedan space. As far as price is concerned, the 2018 A8 will be priced above the ₹ 1 crore mark, which it currently is at, in India. So, the only question you're asking is - whether the new A8 is the benchmark, in its segment, or is it not?
Full Review https://auto.ndtv.com/reviews/2018-audi-a8-first-drive-review-1764945

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"interior, Driver assistance system, Automatic parking system"
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