Test drive Audi A8 50 TDI quattro: time machine
With our test, we want to find out if this car is anything more than a smartphone with 286 hp.
In the 60s, the new Audi A8 would have problems. For what? You know that in the last years of the German economic miracle there was only one direction - up. And the car is an indicator of the course for general well-being. After a career jump, pay raise, and/or rough savings and savings, dad comes next door with the latest model, causing the gold-edged curtains to move lightly. The change of pattern is clearly visible, something like annual circles on the tree of life. Therein lies the small problem with the fourth generation A8. It looks like a big Audi and is so similar to its predecessor that outsiders unfamiliar with the brand are unlikely to notice the change.
We open the door and wonder
In 2018, this is not a problem - today, some people prefer not to everyone to notice the upgrade of their car. Therefore, Audi did everything right. Outside, continuity is emphasized by a massive radiator grille with a simple and stylish figure.
And inside? We open the door and admire the play of lights. Even the traditionalists, who occasionally spray a little RON 102 gasoline behind their ears, are stunned. The austere, horizontal interior architecture, touchscreens of glossy black plastic and the ubiquitous reduction in buttons and controls transport even those with the past to the future.
Knock Knock. Well yes…
However, the good old volume control is still here. It is pleasant to rotate - with a corrugated periphery and a mechanical click. Something that Audi has been proud of since their brand moved into the luxury segment and showed the wealthy what solidity should look like. On this occasion, the people of Ingolstadt seem to have taken the throttle - the aluminum trim strip on the dashboard could not make such a dull sound when pressed, the cylinders and buttons on the steering wheel could be made of metal instead of plastic, the armrest in the middle could feel more solid. This is, of course, a criticism from the retailer, so you don't think the testers haven't been looking everywhere.
The rest is an interior in a high-end test car worth about 130 euros with pleasant to the touch leather, Alcantara upholstery and decorative elements in open-pore wood. Details fit without any deviation, surfaces feel as good as they look when touched. Distrustful fingers can reach far beyond visible areas without feeling any weakness.
Speaking of surfaces—rotating and tapping controllers and the like are long gone—the A8 owner touches the displays and writes on them with his fingers. And not in any way, but in the form of glass and jet. Suspended on springs, with the appropriate pressure, they are displaced by a hair (literally) with the help of an electromagnet. At the same time, they emit a certain tone. So things are not much easier than before, but they require more cleaning. Those who hate fingerprints will go crazy trying to remove them in vain.
Ergonomics? Logical
On the other hand, the control and monitoring of functions in general, including the individual setting of external lighting or auxiliary systems, is very well done. And last but not least, it has to do with clear individual menus and unambiguous labels, albeit with partly slightly complex sliders that have recently become widespread, including for controlling ventilation nozzles. However, we recommend that you first practice quietly on a stationary A8 because, unlike the mechanical controls that even moderately gifted people can use, touching the screens while driving requires attention.
And there is something to touch. For example, the settings for comfortable seats with an individual contour (the name is quite descriptive). Forward and backward movement, backrest and massage are controlled by the seat console, for everything else you need to enter the menu. It's worth it, because once the custom configuration is complete, the A8 expertly integrates its passengers – neither tall nor cramped. This applies to both the front and rear seats because the back row also offers plenty of space and comfortably upholstered seats. For an additional fee, buyers of the extended version can order a chaise lounge chair on the right rear side. When you lie in it, you can put your feet on the back of the seat in front of you and they will be warmed and massaged. Ordinary ceiling lights are also a thing of the past, the A8 is equipped with a matrix LED backlight, that is, seven single ones, controlled using a tablet element.
You're right, that's enough. Time to go. Press the start button, pull the transmission lever and start. The three-liter V6 TDI under low load mutters as if to itself somewhere far away and pulls a 2,1-ton car with the proper authority of 286 hp. and 600 newton meters. Why is this A8 called 50 TDI? It has nothing to do with workload or power. In the future, Audi will refer to models regardless of drive type with a power range in kilowatts. For example, 50 corresponds to 210-230 kW. Is this clear? In any case, measurements show that everything is in order with the dynamic indicators: from zero to one hundred in six seconds.
The TDI engine enjoys soft rather than overly stiff support for the familiar ZF eight-speed automatic that Audi folks have ordered with a trend towards more comfortable than dry manners. At the very least, harsh commands from the accelerator pedal are softened a little by the transmission, which avoids harsh reactions. Even in sport mode, the automatic spares itself the dry imitation of dual-clutch downshifting or jittery jolts during slow driving or sports performances, as if to tell you: I have a torque converter - so what? In addition, the gearbox skillfully crawls through traffic jams, quietly and smoothly shifts gears during acceleration, finds exactly the required gear ratio and maintains separation from the engine and inertia in the range from 55 to 160 km / h. For the so-called "Soaring" from Audi, they released an additional electric oil pump, thanks to which gears can be changed even when the engine is turned off.
48 volts and quattro
In this case, the A8 uses its 48-volt network in combination with a belt-driven starter-generator and a lithium-ion battery (10 Ah), making it so called. "Mild hybrid", that is, without additional electric acceleration of the driving wheels. A true plug-in hybrid is coming soon. Even now, the A8 drives four wheels as standard (with a base torque distribution of 40:60), and at an additional cost, a sports differential inhibits handling by directing torque to the rear wheels.
Hinders in control? This is the work of the steering system, the action of which never comes to the fore and skillfully contributes to the overall impression of balance. Neither fat, like in a limousine, nor sporty, he is focused on what he needs to do - just drive the car, even in the all-wheel drive option. It's amazing how easy it is to position a 5,17m machine, whether it's in fast corners or in tight patches with road repairs. This, of course, does not change the actual dimensions, which still cover the rotating rear wheels somewhat. For example, when maneuvering in a parking lot - with a virtual shortening of the wheelbase, which reduces the turning circle by about a meter. At higher speeds, this feature improves stability by turning in the same direction.
In terms of stability, there is a chassis with, although not the first time offered, a fully active, electromechanical version of AI Aktiv. Depending on the driver's wishes and the driving situation, he can load or unload each wheel individually using electric drives and thus actively and optimally adjust the body height. In the event of a side impact hazard, the system raises the impact-prone side by eight centimeters and thus resists attack using a stable bottom and a sill instead of the soft side.
It stops like an M3
These are interesting features, but the test car has a standard chassis with air suspension and adaptive dampers. This is problem? No, on the contrary - it keeps the body calm and supports a dynamic driving style, allowing you to move adequately, suppressing subsequent vibrations and sudden shocks. Okay, short hits on pavement patches and lateral joints combined with discreet tapping still break the barrier, but Audi's big models have never had a velvety-soft ride, and the number four remains true to that tradition.
Like the transmission and steering, the suspension has simply been tuned cleanly, without chasing effects in one direction or another - this is combined with a harmonious gradation of modes between comfortable and sporty. In any situation, the driver remains in touch with the road and always feels like a driver, not a passenger. Although with its quiet atmosphere, speed and long range, the A8 is a competitor to high-speed trains, when necessary it flies vigorously between the pylons in road dynamics tests or stops at the level of the BMW M3. Congratulations to the participants from Munich.
Helpers everywhere
The strongest selling point of the new A8, however, has to be the topic of assistants – with up to 40 systems on offer (some of which track the turn of cars, cyclists and cross traffic). While it looks like it won't be able to use its set of Tier 3 offline features, including the AI Pilot Jam, we've already had the opportunity to experience such piloting, albeit briefly.
The beginner feels completely detached from the car when he drives them at a set speed, limited by road signs or according to the profile of the route. All this is accompanied by active adhesion to the belt, which, however, gives the impression of bumps instead of uniform smoothness. In addition, the A8 sometimes has problems recognizing the side marks or an apology for partially disconnecting the sensors.
Most exciting are the excellent matrix LED headlights with anti-dazzle high beams, which illuminate straight sections, bends and intersections brightly and evenly (using navigation data). At the same time, they protect oncoming traffic from dazzle and solve the long-range problem with additional laser beams. During this time, the pilot controls various functions using voice commands, for example, he can adjust the temperature or order phone calls that need to be prepared, while he monitors the route sent to the car on the screen using the speedometer, along with tips for more economical driving. ...
And something disappointing: the sound of the €6500 Bang & Olufsen music system. True, she tries to create rear acoustics with the help of special speakers, but the result is not particularly impressive - neither in classical nor in popular music. However, the smartphone easily connects to the system and saves space in the center console, where it charges the induction and allows top-level hands-free talking.
Is the A8 becoming a mobile smartphone? The answer is clear: yes and no. Despite its modern look and ergonomics, the revolution has been postponed. In return, the car offers all kinds of helpers, the proper comfort and even a touch of dynamics in the luxury class. Which would have caused some envious exclamations behind the gold-edged curtains.
EVALUATION
The new A8 is a neatly crafted evolutionist, not a smartphone on wheels. It moves comfortably, quickly, safely and economically, but it also shows that there is still a long way to go before the driver can get the perfect assistance.
Body
+ Large front and rear space
Overall high quality workmanship
Ergonomic seat
Logical menu structure
– Touch control functions are partially impractical and distracting while driving
– Top audio system disappointed
Comfort
+ Comfortable suspension
Superb locations
Low noise
Nice air conditioner
"Slight knock of wheels."
Engine / transmission
+ Overall smooth and quiet V6 diesel engine
Elastic automatic transmission
Good dynamic performance
Travel behavior
+ Precise four-wheel steering
High level of road safety
Perfect grip
Harmonic driving modes
safety
+ Numerous support systems, great list of suggestions
Great offer list
Very good braking distances
– Assistants sometimes do not work
ecology
+ Transmission with targeted shift strategy
Efficiency measures such as inertia phases with the engine off
Relatively low cost for a car of this class.
Costs
– Expensive extras
Text: Jorn Thomas
Photo: Hans-Dieter Zeifert
