logo
New Delhi
Home
News & Reviews
Videos
New Cars
New Bikes
Used Cars
Sell Car
Articles
Car services

Registered Office

ADDRESS
Mahindra First Choice Wheels Limited, 602, 6th Floor, Tower - B, Embassy 247, LBS Road, Vikhroli (West), Mumbai - 400083
CONTACT
+91 9606045096
EMAIL
contact@carandbike.com
© Mahindra First Choice Wheels Limited 2025. All rights reserved.
Loading SecondaryBanner...
  • Latest News
  • Latest Reviews
  • Car News
  • Bike News
  • Car Reviews
  • Motorsport
  • Bike Reviews
  • Electric

2018 Audi A8 First Drive Review

the new generation Audi A8 is also the first production automobile, in the world, to have been developed for conditionally automated driving. From 2018, Audi will gradually be taking piloted driving functions, such as parking pilot, garage pilot and traffic jam pilot, into production, which gives us hope, to see all this tech, in the likes of the A4, A6, A7 and even the Q range of products. But, more on the tech, in a while; let's first take a look at what the new A8 is all about.
Ameya Naik
Ameya Naik
1 min read
2017-10-20 18:13:33
Follow us on
2018 Audi A8 First Drive Review
Key Highlights
  • The 2018 A8 gets new design, innovative touchscreen and electrified drive
  • The new generation of the A8 is bigger than the car it replaces
  • The new-gen A8 will be launched in India by mid-2018

Smart cars, with futuristic technology - now that's something all of us had foreseen. It existed, yes, in science fiction novels and even movies; but, in reality, we knew that the technology was decades away. Not anymore, though. Audi's cleverest car till date is here - the new generation A8. In its fourth generation now, the flagship model, from Audi, now gets a new design language, an innovative touchscreen operating concept and a systematically electrified drive. Besides this, the new generation Audi A8 is also the first production automobile, in the world, to have been developed for conditionally automated driving. From 2018, Audi will gradually be taking piloted driving functions, such as parking pilot, garage pilot and traffic jam pilot, into production, which gives us hope, to see all this tech, in the likes of the A4, A6, A7 and even the Q range of products. But, more on the tech, in a while; let's first take a look at what the new A8 is all about.

2018 audi a8

(Audi A8 is the first production automobile, in the world, to have been developed for conditionally automated driving)

The new generation of the A8 is bigger than the car it replaces - longer by 32mm and taller by 13 mm, in either short or long-wheelbase. In the long wheelbase variant, it adds up to 13 cm of rear legroom and that translates into quite a lot of room, at the rear, which is where you'll be spending most of your time. What we didn't expect the new generation A8 to be was heavier; yet, it is. This - after we were told that the car uses a combination of aluminium, Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polymer and magnesium, for the Space Frame chassis. However, the car maker says that the structure is more rigid than before, though the weight has gone up by nearly 100 kg, when compared to the old car. This means that it's heavier than both its competitors the BMW 7 series and the Mercedes-Benz S-Class.

Design

As far as the design goes, the A8 takes its inspiration from the Prologue concept, the company showcased, a few years ago. The flat roof dome lends the sedan a sporty touch, while the upright front end, combined with the gently inclined rear, give it a coupe-like design, which actually makes it look quite good. In fact, the high shoulder line, of the car, gives it a sporty look and the lines, on the side, make it look compact; instead of a long car.

2018 audi a8

(The A8L comes with HD Matrix LED headlights, including Audi laser light)

The A8L, I drove, came with HD Matrix LED headlights, including Audi laser light and rear lamps, with OLED technology. The continuous tail lamp is now a signature and we'll see other cars, from Audi, borrowing this design. Though it looks like one unit, there are more than hundred OLEDs that light the part up and Audi has had to work on making it brighter, so as to be at par with the standards, of the industry.

2018 audi a8

(The continuous tail lamp is now a signature and we'll see other cars, from Audi, borrowing this design)

Interiors

What Audi has also worked on is the cabin; and my word is that it is a place to be in now! I am sorry, I have let that verdict slip out, at the very beginning; but there's no need to hide the fact that the new-gen A8 is absolutely fabulous and the range of equipment offered, just takes it up a notch. The cabin has been deliberately reduced, in form; which means that there are hardly any knobs that you'll find inside. The architecture orientation is strictly horizontal and, while a whole bunch of car makers were against going in for touch screens; well, the Audi has finally gone in for it. The new A8 gets a new and improved infotainment system. The Virtual Cockpit is now part of standard fitment and the operation has not changed much; but the other two screens, it gets, placed on the centre console, handle all the functions, of the car.

2018 audi a8

(The Virtual Cockpit is now part of standard fitment and the operation has not changed much)

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.

2018 audi a8

(The passengers, at the rear, can use the touch control, on this new operating unit, to run numerous convenience and infotainment features)

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.

2018 audi a8

(India will get all the three engine options- a 3.0-litre V6 petrol, a 3.0-litre V6 diesel and a more powerful 4.0-litre V8)

Suspension

The talking point, though, is the suspension. All the A8s get adaptively damped air suspension, as standard, with selectable 'Comfort' and 'Dynamic' modes; but there's an optional extra available, in the form of the Audi AI active suspension. It's a clever system, which uses the camera, to gauge potholes, on the road surface, and adjust the suspension accordingly, to take it on. It doesn't really require anti-roll bars; but rather actuators, on all four corners, which lift the car or drop it down, stressing or relieving corners, as necessary, to dampen body movements.

2018 audi a8

(The Audi AI active suspension uses the camera, to gauge potholes, on the road surface, and adjust the suspension accordingly)

We tested this system, in a controlled environment, on a small test track, Audi prepared for us; and, the results were astounding. However, we have to mention here that, for this technology, to actually be used, regulations need to be passed, because it uses laser technology, to help with this predictive function. It's also likely to be a very pricey option, considering that the technology is pretty exclusive, to Audi. Mind you, the ride, with the active suspension, is a bit floaty; rather than just being comfortable, like the standard air suspension.

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.

2018 audi a8

(The Traffic Jam Pilot and parking/garage pilot systems are features that make it stand out)

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 Rs. 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?

2018 audi a8

(Audi says that the new-gen A8 will be launched in India by mid-2018)

No, it isn't, yet; and that's only because all the driver aids are yet to be seen, working in real world conditions and the engines, though overhauled, are no match for the inline sixes that the Mercedes-Benz S-Class adopts, when it comes to refinement and power delivery. Its right up there, though, and a very serious competitor!

# 2018 Audi A8# Audi A8 India# 2018 Audi A8 First Drive Review# Audi A8 Review# First Drive
  • Overview
  • Highlight

Related News

Yamaha YZF R3 Real-World Review: In Pictures
2 mins read
Yamaha YZF R3 Real-World Review: In Pictures
Yamaha YZF R3 Real-World Review; Good Motorcycle But Too Expensive For Its Own Good
1 min read
Yamaha YZF R3 Real-World Review; Good Motorcycle But Too Expensive For Its Own Good
Volvo XC40 Recharge Plus Single Motor Driven: A Better Deal Than The Twin-Motor Ultimate?
4 mins read
Volvo XC40 Recharge Plus Single Motor Driven: A Better Deal Than The Twin-Motor Ultimate?
Royal Enfield Himalayan Long Term Test: Introduction
2 mins read
Royal Enfield Himalayan Long Term Test: Introduction
Jawa 350 vs Royal Enfield Bullet 350 Comparison Review: In Pictures
2 mins read
Jawa 350 vs Royal Enfield Bullet 350 Comparison Review: In Pictures
2024 Land Rover Discovery Sport: Baby Land Rover Gets A Makeover
10 mins read
2024 Land Rover Discovery Sport: Baby Land Rover Gets A Makeover
Hero Xtreme 160R 4V Long Term Test: Introduction
1 min read
Hero Xtreme 160R 4V Long Term Test: Introduction
2024 Jawa 350 Road Test Review: In Pictures
4 mins read
2024 Jawa 350 Road Test Review: In Pictures
Jeep Trails: Weekend Date With The Wrangler Rubicon
7 mins read
Jeep Trails: Weekend Date With The Wrangler Rubicon

Research More on Audi A8

placeholder
Variants
Images
Colours
*Ex-Showroom Price

Popular Audi Models

  • Tata Harrier EV
    Tata
    Harrier EV
    Ex-showroom Price
    ₹ 21.49 - 30.23 Lakh
  • Volkswagen Golf GTI
    Volkswagen
    Golf GTI
    Ex-showroom Price
    ₹ 50.13 Lakh
  • Kia Carens Clavis
    Kia
    Carens Clavis
    Ex-showroom Price
    ₹ 11.1 - 20.76 Lakh
  • Lamborghini Temerario
    Lamborghini
    Temerario
    Ex-showroom Price
    ₹ 6 Crore
  • Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line
    Volkswagen
    Tiguan R-Line
    Ex-showroom Price
    ₹ 45.73 Lakh
  • Mercedes-Maybach SL 680
    Mercedes-Maybach
    SL 680
    Ex-showroom Price
    ₹ 3.92 Crore
  • BYD Sealion 7
    BYD
    Sealion 7
    Ex-showroom Price
    ₹ 48.9 - 54.9 Lakh
  • Kia Syros
    Kia
    Syros
    Ex-showroom Price
    ₹ 8.69 - 16.03 Lakh
  • Hyundai Creta EV
    Hyundai
    Creta EV
    Ex-showroom Price
    ₹ 18.02 - 24.38 Lakh
  • Lotus Emeya
    Lotus
    Emeya
    Ex-showroom Price
    ₹ 2.34 Crore

Upcoming Cars

  • placeholder
    Explore Other Topics

Trending News

  • New-Gen Audi A8 India Launch Delayed; Will Now Come By First Half Of 2019
    1 min read
    New-Gen Audi A8 India Launch Delayed; Will Now Come By First Half Of 2019
  • 2018 World Car Awards: New-Gen Audi A8 Wins Luxury Car Of The Year 2018
    1 min read
    2018 World Car Awards: New-Gen Audi A8 Wins Luxury Car Of The Year 2018
  • 2017 LA Auto Show: Audi Unveils New Generation A8 Sedan
    1 min read
    2017 LA Auto Show: Audi Unveils New Generation A8 Sedan
  • Audi A8 Caught Testing In India; Launch In 2018
    1 min read
    Audi A8 Caught Testing In India; Launch In 2018
  • 2018 Audi A8 Sales To Start In US From October 5; Deliveries in November
    1 min read
    2018 Audi A8 Sales To Start In US From October 5; Deliveries in November

Latest News

  • NewsNews
  • Expert ReviewExpert Review
View All
  • Latest KTM Super Adventure S Evo Revealed First KTM To Get An AMT
    Jaiveer Mehra | Nov 26, 2024
    Latest KTM Super Adventure S Evo Revealed First KTM To Get An AMT
    Compared to the 1290 Super Adventure, the new 1390 packs in a larger engine, more power and more tech on board
    1 min
  • Driving License Driving License Driving License Driving License
    car&bike Team | Nov 22, 2024
    Driving License Driving License Driving License Driving License
    0 mins
  • KTM Super Adventure S Evo Revealed First KTM To Get An AMT
    Jaiveer Mehra | Oct 25, 2024
    KTM Super Adventure S Evo Revealed First KTM To Get An AMT
    Compared to the 1290 Super Adventure, the new 1390 packs in a larger engine, more power and more tech on board
    2 mins
  • Toyota Crown Crossover RS Landscape Special Edition Revealed
    car&bike Team | May 20, 2024
    Toyota Crown Crossover RS Landscape Special Edition Revealed
    Japan-specific special edition gets off-road-focused tweaks including all-terrain tyres and a raised ride height.
    5 mins
  • 2021 MotoGP World Champion Fabio Quartararo To Stay With Yamaha Till 2026
    Yashraj Singh | May 16, 2024
    2021 MotoGP World Champion Fabio Quartararo To Stay With Yamaha Till 2026
    Despite a tumultuous journey in recent seasons, Quartararo reaffirms his commitment to Yamaha, citing belief in their new approach and potential for success
    1 min
  • Toyota Crown Crossover RS Landscape Special Edition Revealed
    car&bike Team | Apr 9, 2024
    Toyota Crown Crossover RS Landscape Special Edition Revealed
    Japan-specific special edition gets off-road-focused tweaks including all-terrain tyres and a raised ride height.
    2 mins
  • Yamaha YZF R3 Real-World Review: In Pictures
    Kingshuk Dutta | Mar 29, 2024
    Yamaha YZF R3 Real-World Review: In Pictures
    The Yamaha YZF R3 is fast, looks good and is a hoot to ride as well. But the price is where all the good work comes undone. Only if there was a way for Yamaha to price it right!
    2 mins
  • Yamaha YZF R3 Real-World Review; Good Motorcycle But Too Expensive For Its Own Good
    Kingshuk Dutta | Mar 28, 2024
    Yamaha YZF R3 Real-World Review; Good Motorcycle But Too Expensive For Its Own Good
    The Yamaha YZF R3 is fast, looks good and is a hoot to ride as well. But the price is where all the good work comes undone. Only if there was a way for Yamaha to price it right!
    1 min
  • Volvo XC40 Recharge Plus Single Motor Driven: A Better Deal Than The Twin-Motor Ultimate?
    Dhruv Attri | Mar 28, 2024
    Volvo XC40 Recharge Plus Single Motor Driven: A Better Deal Than The Twin-Motor Ultimate?
    The XC40 Recharge’s single motor variant is nearly Rs 3 lakh more affordable than the AWD version. But what’s the catch?
    4 mins
  • Royal Enfield Himalayan Long Term Test: Introduction
    Kingshuk Dutta | Mar 27, 2024
    Royal Enfield Himalayan Long Term Test: Introduction
    The new Royal Enfield Himalayan now joins car&bike’s long term fleet. Over the next few months, we will tell you how the motorcycle holds up to the rigours of daily riding, highway jaunts, off-road riding and much more.
    2 mins
  • Jawa 350 vs Royal Enfield Bullet 350 Comparison Review: In Pictures
    Kingshuk Dutta | Mar 27, 2024
    Jawa 350 vs Royal Enfield Bullet 350 Comparison Review: In Pictures
    The legacy of the Royal Enfield Bullet 350 has a new challenger in the Jawa 350. But which of these modern classic 350s with iconic nameplates is a better choice for you? We try and find the answer.
    2 mins
  • Home
  • News
  • New York Auto Show
  • 2018 Audi A8 First Drive Review