2021 Audi A8 - INTERIOR

Modern luxury is all about free space – the interior of the sedan feels as spacious as a well-dimensioned lounge. In length, both body variants have gained an extra 32 millimeters (1.3 in) compared with the predecessor model. Even the headroom, leg room and entry dimensions are greater on the new model. The doors unlock electrically and the handle needs only be pulled very slightly. Already from the point of entry, the driver experiences the intelligence of the new A8. The driver can open the sedan by means of near-field communication (NFC) using a suitable Android smartphone, provided that the digital Audi connect key has been stored in it. Using this, the owner can provide access to the vehicle for a further four persons. The new A8 recognizes them upon opening and adjusts all of the settings to the respective person’s profile – from the seat position to climate control settings and even the navigation system, a total of around 400 parameters can be personalized in the vehicle’s seven profiles. Besides access to the vehicle, the Audi connect key also allows the engine to be started. It is saved in a protected storage element within the smartphone which is secured against manipulation and unauthorized access. For situations in which the driver has to temporarily hand over the vehicle key to someone else, the Audi connect key card in credit card format is located in the vehicle. It can be activated by the driver and, for example, handed over for the purpose of valet parking. In terms of design, Audi is following a central design principle of reduction. The new touch operating concept, as part of which buttons and controllers play only a minimal role, is harmoniously integrated in the clearly laid-out and broad instrument panel. Form and function become one entity. Highlighting the horizontal lines makes the interior appear extremely wide and spacious. In darkness, contour and ambient lighting elegantly outlines the striking design lines. New for the rear compartment are precisely controllable Matrix LED reading lights. Besides the brightness, passengers can also adjust the size and focus of the cone of light. Optionally available, a two-piece panorama glass roof brings more light into the interior of the A8 L. The materials used in the A8 reflect the authenticity, sustainability and craftsmanship of top-level manufacturing. This is true of every detail – from the velvet-smooth leather of the comfort head restraints right up to the electrically opening and closing covers of the air vents. The majority of the fine-wood inlays are in open-pore wood and thus have a natural feel to them. For its leathers, Audi fundamentally steers clear of chrome tanning – its top-quality unique pieces are natural materials tanned with plant-based products, can breathe actively and are hand-crafted. Numerous material and color worlds are available for the luxury sedan, among which is the top variant, Audi design selection. Customers who wish to make their A8 even more individual will find a vast selection of inlays, colors and leather appointments in the Audi exclusive range. A major aspect in the lounge character of the interior comes in the form of the new seats. They are optionally available with pneumatic seat cushion and backrest bolster adjustment, as well as seat heating and ventilation. On long journeys, the massage function and especially the soft comfort head restraints ensure relaxed travels. In each seat backrest, 16 massage bubbles, arranged in groups of three one above the other, can be actuated. The driver can choose from seven programs and three intensities. In addition, there are heated armrests in the doors and heated center armrests in the front and rear. To ensure the best possible feeling of well-being on-board the vehicle, the optionally available air quality package with ionizer and fragrancing can also be ordered. The latter sends a discreet fragrance – available are sea breeze or mountain air – via the outlets of the air-conditioning system into the interior, whereby the customer can set the intensity in four stages.