Comfortable driving test drive the new Audi A8L Germany

In the experience of the new generation of Audi A8L flagship long axis of the car before we think up a question. In the end of the new generation of luxury brand's flagship car, the world's buyers expect that? Or, is different from models corresponding to the general public, the flagship limousine peak belongs to a small public passenger floor level, how to impress these discerning customers heart?

This question, in Munich, Germany, arrived, it will be used to observe the dynamic growth in recent years, the German luxury brand Audi, the new flagship saloon car series ─ A8L long-axis version, feel completely new A8L, the world's luxury car buyers who will be , which prepared the charm of the new design.

A pulse family style tradition, LED lights form the focus of

Audi brand heritage in the posture of a hundred years, selected in December 2009 in Miami, "Design Miami" premiere major facelift A8 short axis version, released time position with the brand's flagship, has lead the Audi we wait a hundred years special meaning. Therefore, the new version of the short axis A8, then the test drive, just in April 2010 Beijing auto show debut of the A8L long-axis version, the new generation A8 cars pass by the design vocabulary, will also be leading the Audi family the balloon.
A8 and A8L has published the premiere will be held, has let the media see the new generation A8 world design style, and now, test drive and close personal tour by car, the new A8's styling cars have a deeper realize.
First, the ancient calm Audi A8 cars restrained style body lines are still inherited to the new A8L, one can identify people, this is a genuine Audi A8 cars, or even can be said other than Audi new generation cars, stunning and highly innovative style transformation, outline the basis of the new A8L, but revealed the design of consistent adherence. Perhaps, for Audi, the appreciation of the layer peak ages A8 buyers, stubborn taste, is the development of products that some stereotypes.

Then, Audi family styling of the two core ─ trapezoid grille with lanterns lighting aesthetics, the new A8 is also more specific interpretation. Audi motor sport aesthetic design to create a new pattern of trapezoidal grille, from the current A6 cars since 2004 in Geneva, not only the evolution of the Audi brand as the most important family characteristics, even in the car to follow the wind off the altar. Now, the new A8 is even more forward deduction, in the upper right corner of trapezoidal grille left to join a small dog-ear treatment, so that the original trend rounded ladder frame, adding sharp tough spirit.
Audi signs of large trapezoidal grille, to a new generation of Angular A8L become more obvious, so that the overall style is more original style.
Supplemented group of LED lighting technology lighting style, Audi family has become the focus of aesthetics. New A8 cars seen group of LED daytime running lights, arranged in a line of innovative lighting group portfolio, cars flagship A8L W12 LED headlights as standard, but Audi R8 supercar, following after the LED lighting technology leader to make. The lines from the LED daytime running lights and LED headlamps context design point of view, Audi brand in the trapezoidal grille elements shared under, LED lights set the details of the design changes, the cars in Audi's "with the divergent", the play important role in the finishing touch.
A8L W12 standard LED headlights and daytime running lights set to construct A8L cars the focus of the most striking lighting aesthetics, from the details to enjoy, in addition to the actual recognition results, but is rather a focus charm.



A8L cars with daytime running lights used CORNER, whether static or dynamic, can become the most important cars identify features. Automotive electronic technology and innovation everywhere

When a beautiful fresh car, walking on the road, can be said that everyone can share the aesthetic of action; cockpit control and ride experience, is not, in that intimate cabin space, the owners enjoy the exclusive pleasure hundred percent outsiders not only difficult to identify with, or even just want to pry into two, is nowhere.



Facing a highly competitive luxury car scene, as the Audi brand's flagship A8L, how to firmly place? The answer, in the actual test drive day experience, add a bit more assured. The new facelift of the A8L, the cockpit lay out, in addition to ancient inherited texture with the reputation of luxury, the luxury car now sing each altar of advanced automotive electronic technology, Audi A8L the show also by the deep R & D strength everywhere, innovation, practical cockpit stack operation and driving comfort, as the testing process A8L overseas, most notably Encore chapter.


Let me control the level of experience, the day of the Munich, southern Germany, to Austria in the direction of, the original arrangement of the test drive route mainly Autobahn highway, supplemented by short-range plane urban roads with gentle mountain. To meet the big boss of the rear layer of business travelers, the long-distance cruising comfort and safety is certainly an important consideration in car, on this point, there is indeed a very new A8L lining job performance.

The first is to control security technology, the new A8L has improved over the previous generation of standards, so that drivers on the road safety master, a comprehensive leap day on the highway, to experience the A8L equipped with blind spot warning system side of the car and the integration of satellite navigation information display, speed limit alerts and spacing can be set before the vehicle systems, active cruise control, does make it easier long-distance driving and safety.



When Euro NCAP intends to further driver assistance safety systems included in the accreditation process, the security of the depot in the driver assistance technology bets are increasingly improved. Generation A8L's owners also enjoy the security technology and better equipment, including cars side blind spot warning systems, active safety is a very useful technology, when the system detects a vehicle approaching on both sides, it will light integrated in rear view mirror module LED flash, timely to remind drivers of vehicles approaching on both sides to avoid accidentally switching lanes of collisions.



When the drive is now increasing reliance on satellite navigation systems, navigation instructions will be shown closer to the driver's visual content, has become a driving interface design is now a major issue, from the current trends, in addition to head-up display, but like the Audi DIS integration In-dash LCD display system, is a popular two spindle design.

Actually, A8L this periscope-style features double loop instrumentation in addition to Audi ownership, the large size of the LCD screen in the home more vehicle information indicates a more mature integration, the functions supported by a rich, multimedia systems in addition to integrated MMI trip computer with a variety of outside information, including night vision imaging and electronic compass and other features, all All In One in the instrument, in this car also observed when the more complex electronic features, how to effectively and securely deliver information to drivers has become the focus of the skill test design of the depot, and was re-A8L breakthrough.



Although there is not much chance to test drive during the day and the day of actual use night vision systems, night vision, but the Audi will assist images cleverly integrated in the dashboard LCD screen inside the home, really focus on the degree of driving has risen markedly, than traditional integration in the center console LCD screen Night View Assist system, focus on the degree and recognizable driver has better performance.


Microwave radar detection of the vehicle in front by the distance, and can take the initiative to set the pitch length of active cruise control, on the highway in Germany quite good enough to become a tool to reduce driver fatigue. The A8L's active cruise control setup is very simple, to set the speed and spacing bar integrated in the steering wheel, while instruments in the LCD monitor will be set to LCD image display space with the length of the vehicle in front, set very clear on hand.

Speaking of the evolution of automotive multimedia control interface has become the core of the modern cockpit technology context, simply play music from the traditional players 1Din/2Din CD stereo console, just the past ten years time, with trip computer and digital information and multimedia oriented, so that a substantial change in cabin control interface, including remote control, the control knob, touch screen and voice-activated system, etc., to sustain sophisticated control interface and data moving line search optimization.



Generation MMI system with richer functionality, able to operate through the system, and the first search level, moving lines of writing board features with a simplified easy to understand display of images, so that the new MMI system in the use of more user-friendly. In addition, taking into account the safety of vehicles, the German set of MMI system will also support the local ADAC and other emergency assistance units integrated into the phone system data within, so that drivers can be controlled via the MMI system or steering wheel controls, for important safety and emergency help navigation unit phone calls, etc.



With Google in the global satellite map data created by the huge database, so A8L's MMI system to use built-in Google map data and satellite navigation positioning signals, where the operation of vehicles traveling in line with 3D three-dimensional map data, traffic routes and topography accuracy of interpretation, is indeed today a leader in vehicle navigation systems.

In this context, the generation of the MMI Audi A8L a new breakthrough in multimedia wire system works, in which the touch input panel to write the most impressive as the focus of the MMI system, in addition, the satellite navigation feature that supports Google 3D three-dimensional navigation map data is not to be missed experience focus. That had been accustomed to using Google Map satellite map data features consumers, A8L The three-dimensional navigation map data using Google, the terrain and traffic routes display, today's reality is indeed a degree of verisimilitude very excellent system .

Despite the personal satellite navigation machine touch screen design handwriting is already common, but in the car cockpit interface design of the tablet, it is A8L brought innovative design, practical use, when the fingers touch the tablet is moved, systems with MMI control the reaction was quite agile, its numbers and letters and other information is input, MMI system written interpretation of the touch input is high, increased dramatically in the past require more complicated input action phone numbers, names, address address and navigation, while the white background of the digital writing board shortcut keys function, but also to information on the book key processes easier.



Written version and the use of shortcuts designed to carry a new generation of A8L MMI system interface, to simplify the overall effect of the image display with easy to understand, so that drivers will soon be able to master the MMI system supports various features.

Of course, in addition to Arabic and written in English, the Chinese writing is the focus of attention. The original test drive on the trip who said that this set supports input in early stages of writing the MMI board will function only supports Simplified Chinese, so the written interpretation of the cultural transmission system is not a problem, how can the Audi factory in Taiwan for Traditional Chinese version of the development support, it is the next goal. In addition, the tablet also has a recommendation that the subsequent development, should have the support to Vice-driver's seat and rear panels feature writing, if we make the driver's seat and rear seat occupants also vice shared by the design, that to perfection.



Since writing the driver's seat side panel design, so not easy to use co-pilot on writing, and writing experience on the driver's seat, regardless of Arabic numerals or letters, written in this very high recognition accuracy. I also try to "write" Taiwan keywords to search for map data, the system was also in Germany the local Taiwanese cuisine restaurants, a very interesting experience.
Please rear buyers, more comfortable cabin style

When you first experience the new A8L's cabin comfort with, I believe it yourself, you do not mistake, there is no sitting the wrong car, the flagship limousine in the design of this car, with some luxury cars in the past system design specialization tips This time, Audi A8L designers figured out! Because there is a "Masha Ji" and Audi, and The front seat electric massage chair Jieke support system, whether it is massage transform patterns of differentiation, or ergonomic massage just the right strength, really Guamuxiangdai of people, in the original texture of the high cabin space, comfort in the stack with a more intimate, no doubt, this part of the new A8L is certainly able to meet the tastes of the East buyers.



New design of the electric chair, electric massage will be widely, and more to the seat belt height adjustment is fully integrated with the MMI system icons to the side of the seat control knob, is more concise than the traditional key. The electric massage chair, this time in the test drive to get my high praise, both waves, percussion, soothing, waist and shoulder massage mode switching effect of different apparent magnitude of massage strength and location are just right, to release However, pressure to reduce the degree of interference but crew fatigue ride comfort.



Original demonstration of top personnel, especially the back seat with the use, including the exclusive rear multimedia system, there are curious feet supporting plate, the actual use of the very positive evaluation, however, light-colored back than the original of low resistance to dirt, you need to pay attention to the user, to avoid leaving prints in the sole in the back.



Continuation of the previous generation of successful collaboration, this new generation of Audi A8L again cooperation with Bang & Olufsen stereo through the top speakers create a pleasant listening experience, especially the more well-Su static cockpit surround sound audio to make more points.
The A8-based, more zoom wheelbase length 130mm, 3,122 mm in one fell swoop to 5,267 mm long wheelbase and car length set A8L, is nothing more than the long axis of the enlarged figure, to win back seat buyers needed please spacious seating space, in front of larger size A8L, one got into the back seat, the original pass can feel good space lay out, in particular, to adopt an independent, four-seater A8L W12 models, buyer is fully rear-oriented design of course, have a good reward out to monitor the prison tours.

Day test drive models with 3.0 TFSI, 4.2 V8 FSI and the 6.3 W12 FSI three models, but the cabin comes equipped with a richness flagship A8L W12 model up, and to demonstrate a new generation A8L cars equipped with the most complete lineup, the original arrangement is also equipped for some of the back seat A8L W12 exclusive foot support and the exclusive dual screen rear seat system, which is most intriguing design, new rear seat is A8L exclusive foot support design.



178 centimeters tall and the author, when the driver's seat forward and start using your feet, vice support plate, the front passenger seat back and still maintain a considerable distance off the show in the long axis of the advantages of this system, the space for rear-seat ride advantage.



Even in normal riding mode, the new A8L has been able to provide a satisfactory ride back seat occupant comfort, leather chairs and physical pressure release material of touch, are in line with the high level of luxury cars should perform.

Unlike the mainstream after the long axis of the Ottoman power seats with seat design, A8L open up a new generation of martial art, dual front design of the rear foot support, especially the right rear seat can also slide through the Vice-power front driver's seat button forward to the co-pilot, then put down the foot support board, just so your feet can easily forward a release, after the seat is too great master of the addiction, the experience of the back seat, "heels" comfortable sitting position, in spite of the limited experience of time can not be too long, but this foot support plate can be designed to detect really quite attractive, even if the knee is still in limbo, but the seat cushions forward extending support plate together, so that your feet are still good performance support and pressure release, if there is a chance later, you can then try a longer time to use the depth of response.

No matter what, even without the feet of the top support plate design, A8L can provide all car occupants ride rather excellent environment for the different grades of leather car seats, leather material, seat material and detail stitching press release plaque, etc., should reach the top level luxury cars. Of course, the audio part, in addition to the standard cabin is equipped with Bose stereo speaker outside, Audi A8L is also once again the sound cooperation with Bang & Olufsen, with special speakers, amplifiers and surround sound programs, providing more top cabin surround sound enjoyment.
Compiled a variety of power, quattro to show steady strength

The original arrangement of the test drive route from southern Germany to drive south to Munich, Salzburg, Austria (Salzburg), mostly German and Austrian territory's main highway, along with some gentle hills and land-curve section Overall, the manipulation of the difficulty of the road is not high, this arrangement is also consistent with A8L actual use, the more emphasis on business long distance cruising.



Use half the time, to experience compact cars of three gasoline-powered A8L heart, top-down sequence for the 290 largest power 3.0 V6 TFSI supercharged engine, maximum power 372 4.2 V8 FSI engine with the flagship Power 500 hp 6.3 W12 FSI engine, three engine A8L vehicle, can be said to be distinctive.

All cars equipped with standard 8-speed Tiptronic gearbox Shouzi Pai, and Audi's signature quattro all-wheel drive system, ASF lightweight aluminum body and suspension institutions, is the next generation A8 cars of standard design, Ring also inherited this depot in the transmission process of the essence. In the mostly straight-line speed on the road, take half a day's drive time, compact cars to turn experience A8L launch of three gasoline-powered version: 290 hp 3.0 V6 TFSI supercharged engine, 372 hp 4.2 V8 FSI engine with 500 of the 6.3 W12 FSI engine.

Sequence to displacement of view, supercharged 3.0 V6 TFSI, although the maximum power is not adjusted to the previous experience S4 Avant version of the 333, but 290 horsepower and 2,500 rpm maximum 42.8 kilograms of rice can be the emergence of peak torque, sufficient for the empty weight 1,880 kilograms A8L 3.0 TFSI, showing a lively and dynamic response with blood, the use of double helix rotor supercharger organizations, so that the engine started to accelerate the reaction Fengyun very direct, even in the S stalls when driving or sport mode, the gearbox has deliberately let the engine speed down in standby around 2,000 rpm, throttle up a little so you can enjoy driving the most abundant torque release, so the theory of displacement and performance, will Fengyun 3.0 V6 TFSI can be very good match.



Can detect the steering wheel at low speed auxiliary force of deliberately enlarged to allow easier driving close to turning movement, when the vehicle pulled up when the force is also supporting the right to reduce, to get a clearer sense of road feedback.



Audi A8 Shouzi Pai standard 8-speed Tiptronic gearbox, the gear lever in a similar boat-wire electronic throttle lever showing the faces of the gear stick, add a strong science and technology for the cabin atmosphere, not only that, it used a leather gear lever coating process, as well as large Booth head design, the driving operation of pushing contraction action, have a good grip back.



290 maximum horsepower and 2,500 rpm can emerge peak torque of 42.8 kg m definitely enough A8L 3.0 TFSI easily pay a lively and dynamic response of blood to displacement and the actual performance point of view, A8L 3.0 TFSI and the lining is quite power options.

The use of naturally aspirated 4.2 V8 FSI based set with 6.3 W12 engine, it is showing a large displacement naturally aspirated engine of the most charming several advantages: Jing Su of the engine, running fine with the speed and pulled up, you can still stream of released with plenty of power without a break, 4.2 V8 FSI engine is Fengyun Audi V8 engine is familiar with the main, turn the emergence of 372 of the 6,800 high-speed settings, plus the engine with a vigorous wave of charming, so A8L 4.2 V8 in Autobahn sprint particularly enjoyable, especially when heavy throttle full sprint, 4.2 V8 engine cruise mode in the high position, a fall of breath from 8 stalls to five-speed gear 3, then the engine speed is 4,000 to switch from the fall all the way to climb nearly 7,000 liters of files and then sprint after the turn, continued to show plenty of beautiful high-speed power output, is that this 4.2 V8 naturally aspirated engine, the most charm.

Audi factory newly developed W-shaped 12-cylinder engine, although a lower displacement motor racing against today's mainstream trend, displacement than the previous generation A8L 6.0 W12 higher, still 12% of fuel consumption can be sophisticated output, a displacement and power increase, fuel efficiency improvement of specific examples. When the actual experience, just a start, the people immediately impressed by the A8L W12 sense to fill the gap of light, W12 engine with the 500 and 63.7 kg m large power output, after gently with the throttle, only to 1,000 in his early low speed, can make almost quietly A8L light speed, bow glance, A8L has quietly accelerated more than 100 per hour, but it is not the slightest sense of effort.



After just a start, people immediately impressed by the A8L W12 sense to fill the gap of light, W12 engine with the 500 and 63.7 kg m large power output, so that full speed is very smooth and delicate, is completely off layer for the highest levels to create , and extremely comfortable luxury mobile experience.
Will pressure the new A8L suspension mode, by the MMI system can be integrated into the Audi Drive Select system, vehicle dynamics program, to comfort, auto, sports and other personal settings mode, the air suspension, engine output, transmission program even auxiliary steering gear ratio and variable strength and other parameters, can create a corresponding demand for road driving control and system settings.



Audi Drive Select Programmable vehicle dynamics system that allows the vehicle's handling and driving tone, a more complete integration coordination, and in the A8L cars, switch Auto Comfort mode and experience, they all are comfortable and energy efficient transfer of bias.

Test drive before in Germany, had the opportunity to ride on the generation A8L, the time, I note in particular driving the road passing through the ups and downs poor, it will adjust the air pressure close to suspension settings, the settings will be tough to switch than the original to the softer comfort mode. Now, the new A8L will air suspension mode, by the MMI system can be integrated into the Audi Drive Select program body dynamic system, the air suspension, engine output, transmission or steering auxiliary force of the program with variable gear ratio and other parameters, creating that can correspond to the needs of the road driving control and system settings.

The switch on the actual experience, regardless of what a dynamic version of this dynamic system can program the body is actually in the Auto mode and Comfort blend close to the original in the automatic mode is to make the whole vehicle dynamics and ride response, do may pursue both smooth and energy-saving, and switch to the Dynamic campaign mode, irrespective of engine speed is improved, more agile response and turn the throttle a bit more tough suspension response, the system will give drivers more aware of the different blend However, overall, A8L has not been given the movement of the adjustment is too strong, even if the switch to the Dynamic mode, still retains a certain degree of comfort based limousine.



Although nearly 5,267 mm in length the size specifications, so A8L leapfrogged BMW 7 Series long axis of 5,212 mm, and S-Class long axis of 5,226 mm, however, by quattro all-wheel-drive system, with well-tuned Dynamic Steering dynamic variable gear ratio steering system, Sport Differential sports-style limited slip differential system, so A8L actual shift in the response curve, still retains quite good steering and tracking of flexibility, so that drivers will not feel like is open more than 5 meters in length of a cart, need to always be careful in the corner, this sense of body size reduced the feeling of control, it is the depot to gradually enlarge the body size, while maintaining the confidence held by the control response.

Finally, it should take the opportunity to mention the experience is at the end of the airport in Salzburg, Austria, after the media party, Audi factory driver special arrangement, from Salzburg airport's party venues Red Bull Hangar 7, take a break A8L return Munich This section of the main highway, with a total mileage of about 165 km route, just to experience the back seat is a great opportunity to relax.

Can even be said that the day to experience the essence of the back seat, in this period, because, just before the return journey, the team encountered while heavy rain, despite the high quality German autobahn, but dropped to rain on the highway, not only driving vision deterioration, and even had to dry naturally wet pavement. However, A8L is still up at this time about 180 km per hour speed, high-speed break in the rain on the Autobahn speeding, in addition to the vehicle before the rain hit the roof and file with the magnification of the rain noise, silence driving shows self-confidence, with a high-speed A8L chassis feedback is still calm, still day after the test drive, I have been half asleep in the back seat, by the new A8L has a unique opportunity to show their value.



This readily captured images, recorded in the waves of Showers, A8L is still up to about 150-180 km per hour speed, wet road surface in high-speed Autobahn breaking rain passing on, coordination of people and vehicles to show extraordinary calm self-confidence.

The brand's flagship car, enjoy the value of the double

Back to the message before the cars just across the threshold of a century of Audi, featuring brand new generation of car flagship A8L, the world's luxury car off layer, showing the faces of those characteristics? After Munich, Germany, went to test drive and test ride of the media, my views more clearly, as the brand flagship, A8L is not only inherited the tradition, more new faces to lead the family of Victoria, and the forward-looking automotive technology and drive technology, more accurate and stable control with experience, combined with the texture of the ride comfortable atmosphere, a two-A8L enjoy the fun of a car.