Photo: Audi
The flagship of the Audi passenger car lineup is even better for 2020. In anticipation of the ultra-luxury variant that’s supposed to revive the Horch brand, the A8 has received predictive active suspension for “maximum comfort and outstanding ability.”
The high-tech innovation will roll out in European markets for the TFSI powertrains of the A8, utilizing electromechanical actuators for adjustment. These parts are developed to lift up or force down the wheels individually, managing the ride height under acceleration, braking, cornering, and even when cruising on the Autobahn in Germany.
The predictive active suspension can lift or lower the A8 by up to 85 millimeters, which translates to 3.3 inches in the imperial system. It takes within five-tenths of a second to fully raise or lower the luxurious sedan, a feat made possible by the 48-volt electrical system.
In regard to power consumption, the proactive active suspension utilizes 10 to 200 watts. Audi says that’s “much less than a comparable hydraulic system.” The thing is, servicing will pose a bit of a headache once the A8 goes out of warranty. Hydraulic systems are a pain in the you-know-what to fix as well, more so if you’re accustomed to Range Rovers.
On a poorly surfaced road, the suspension system works best in “comfort plus” mode. At the other end of the spectrum, “dynamic” promises to incline the body shell by 2 degrees with 1 g of lateral acceleration as opposed to more than 5 degrees with the standard suspension system.
Developed in-house by Audi, the predictive active suspension lives up to its name by detecting a bump before the wheels roll over it. With less body movement and fewer vibrations sent to the cabin, there’s no denying the A8 has acquired a magic carpet-like ride quality.
But wait, there’s more! Working in conjunction with pre sense 360 ° helps the A8 avoid side impacts at more than 25 km/h (15.5 mph). If the inevitable does happen, the suspension is said by up to 80 millimeters (3.1 inches) on the side of the impact for the sill to absorb the impact energy as much as possible.
On that note, expect to pay 5,450 euros for this option in Germany.
The high-tech innovation will roll out in European markets for the TFSI powertrains of the A8, utilizing electromechanical actuators for adjustment. These parts are developed to lift up or force down the wheels individually, managing the ride height under acceleration, braking, cornering, and even when cruising on the Autobahn in Germany.
The predictive active suspension can lift or lower the A8 by up to 85 millimeters, which translates to 3.3 inches in the imperial system. It takes within five-tenths of a second to fully raise or lower the luxurious sedan, a feat made possible by the 48-volt electrical system.
In regard to power consumption, the proactive active suspension utilizes 10 to 200 watts. Audi says that’s “much less than a comparable hydraulic system.” The thing is, servicing will pose a bit of a headache once the A8 goes out of warranty. Hydraulic systems are a pain in the you-know-what to fix as well, more so if you’re accustomed to Range Rovers.
On a poorly surfaced road, the suspension system works best in “comfort plus” mode. At the other end of the spectrum, “dynamic” promises to incline the body shell by 2 degrees with 1 g of lateral acceleration as opposed to more than 5 degrees with the standard suspension system.
Developed in-house by Audi, the predictive active suspension lives up to its name by detecting a bump before the wheels roll over it. With less body movement and fewer vibrations sent to the cabin, there’s no denying the A8 has acquired a magic carpet-like ride quality.
But wait, there’s more! Working in conjunction with pre sense 360 ° helps the A8 avoid side impacts at more than 25 km/h (15.5 mph). If the inevitable does happen, the suspension is said by up to 80 millimeters (3.1 inches) on the side of the impact for the sill to absorb the impact energy as much as possible.
On that note, expect to pay 5,450 euros for this option in Germany.
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