Super luxury Audi A8L redefines the pathway to intelligent driving

German luxury automobile brand Audi is expecting to turn a corner in the fast-approaching era of intelligent driving with the flagship all-new Audi A8L that brings tomorrow's technologies to today's reality.

Officially launched to the market last Sunday in Sanya, Hainan province, the latest model will help unfold the new era - together with future-oriented thinking and bold action - to push the limits of intelligent vehicles.

"As a flagship model, the Audi A8L is a proud integrator of leading-edge technologies," said Marco Schubert, president of FAW-Volkswagen's Audi Sales Division.

"It represents the prestigious image and progressive spirit of the Audi brand."

The company said its model had strengthened the "intelligent" concept for the first time in the luxury large-size car segment, with industry-leading futuristic technologies taking it toward the digital intelligence era.

Its sophisticated human-machine interactions, that provide active intelligence experiences for drivers and passengers, are deployed to define a new era of intelligent mobility.

The sedan carries a 48-volt power system, a high-performance central processor, and a powerful sensor network - the three cutting-edge necessities for an intelligent car - to provide users with futuristic intelligent mobility.

The all-new Audi A8L is the only model in its segment to have a 48-volt power system as standard. This integrates engine, transmission and a 48V mild-hybrid system to provide a more environmentally friendly and intelligent driving experience.

The model provides a brand new approach to human-machine interaction, based on Audi's sophisticated touch operation concept.

The deeply integrated active intelligence experience is presented in front of users, thanks to its class-leading comprehensive driving assist system and its forward-looking artificial intelligence.

The model has opened the way forward for a series of intelligent experiences for drivers and passengers, such as all-wheel drive, electrification and human-machine interaction, providing users with "no-compromise" intelligent luxury experiences worthy of the new era.

"The all-new Audi A8L creatively integrates luxury and technology in a perfect way," said Jing Qingchun, executive vice-president of FAW-Volkswagen's Audi Sales Division.

"As a new benchmark of the luxury large-size segment, it has elevated the segment to a brand-new era of intelligent experiences."

The model not only inherits the premium qualities of previous generations, but also demonstrates Audi's future-oriented brand image and expresses its deep understanding of luxury. The launch of the all-new Audi A8L has honored FAW-Volkswagen Audi's promise to "always provide products users truly want".

The company has again pushed the limits in the dimensions of luxury, which premium sedan users are most concerned about.

Featuring an all-new family design language steeped in static aesthetics and integrating the dynamism of Audi's signature lighting technology, the automaker said its new model has redefined the design direction of large luxury cars and brings distinctive experiences.

It added that the model would appeal to customers comprehensively in terms of touch, smell, sight and hearing for class-leading satisfaction and comfort.

Its full range of class-exclusive features include a rear relaxation seat with foot massage, summer and winter fragrances, adjustable rear passenger LED reading lights, and an immersive 3D surrounding Bang & Olufsen Sound System for rear passengers.

In addition, the model provides a powerful safety system that combines active and passive safety as well as pedestrian protection. Its innovative body structure and use of strengthened materials, coupled with highly intelligent safety assists, keeps users protected in everyday mobility.

It's also the only model in the segment with a full range of advanced functions installed as standard, including the quattro all-wheel drive system, 48V mild-hybrid system, adaptive air suspension and MMI navigation touch response system.

Powered by a 3.0 TFSI 250kW engine, the model comes in four variants for varied customer preference to meet their exact demands.

In addition, the all-new Audi A8L 55 TFSI quattro Launch Edition and the 55 TFSI quattro Edition Plus have substantially increased the product value of "entry-level" cars in the 900,000 to 1 million yuan ($142,900-$158,700) price range.

The company said the launch of the all-new Audi A8L has unveiled Audi's "big year" for both its brand and products.

It plans to launch a new round in its market offensive, with a substantial upgrade in product competitiveness and brand power.

haoyan@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily 04/11/2018 page15)