Audi unveils updated flagship for Australia

Flagship model puts on a stunning light show for owners, as it tries to inject new life into a market segment that has struggled in recent years.

You haven’t seen lights like this before.

Audi’s latest A8 sedan is loaded with new technology including world-first headlights that illuminate your chosen lane with a precise “carpet of light” much brighter than the road around it.

The 2023 Audi S8 has arrived in Australia

Fitted with 1.3 million “micromirrors” controlled by the car’s computer, the digital headlights can highlight road hazards such as pedestrians or animals, run high beams without dazzling other drivers and signal your intention to change lanes by illuminating your desired path on the road. Owners can choose “welcome home” messages to be projected on their driveway at the end of a journey and customise the appearance of high-tech OLED tail-lamps.

Audi’s A8 has ‘magic carpet’ headlights.

Audi board member Oliver Hoffmann says the clever lights are an example of Audi saving its best features for its range-topping limousine.

“We do everything we can to always introduce the newest technology in the A8 first and then in other series and segments,” he said.

Long wheelbase Audi A8 L models are aimed toward ultra-rich customers.

“The approach that we bring to producing this car radiates into the rest of our portfolio.”

Expect the fancy headlights to flow to other models in the Audi range in the near future.

But other features will remain exclusive to the brand’s most expensive machines.

The Audi A8 has a sophisticated cabin with multiple display screens.

The big sedan has “predictive active suspension”controlled by electric motors that help the car react to bumps in the road and even lean into corners to eliminate body roll. The A8 can rapidly raise one side of the car if it detects the possibility of a side-on “T-bone” collision, using the reinforced floor of the sedan to protect passengers in a serious crash.

The Audi S8 is a high-performance version of the A8.

It has more driver aids than anything else in the Audi range and customers can have their car equipped with perfume, a 23-speaker Bang and Olufsen stereo, and a bar fridge positioned between the rear seats.

Fully-loaded versions have seats with 18 air bladders that inflate and deflate to massage the bodies of those lucky enough to ride in the rear.

Audi A8 customers enjoy spacious back seats.

A footrest mounted on the rear of the front passenger seat flips down to reveal a fabric section that provides a heated foot massage to VIP passengers.

None of this comes cheaply.

Those massaging rear seats are part of a $20,000 package that includes airline-style tray tables and twin TV displays.

The A8’s rear seat and foot massage systems deliver world-class comfort.

The updated Audi A8 starts from $202,700 plus on-road costs, or $222,700 for the roomier long wheelbase version. Those cars are powered by a 3.0-litre V6 with 210kW and 600Nm.

Folks who want more power can step up to the twin-turbo, V8-powered Audi S8 with 420kW and 800Nm for $273,400 plus on-roads, taking home a huge car capable of ripping to 100kmh in just 3.8 seconds.