Among the advanced equipment fitted to the 2020 new Audi A8 L 3.0 TFSI MHEV which competitors do not have is the flagship luxury sedan’s intelligent predictive active suspension system. Depending on the chosen setting, this feature affords the full-size Audi A8 L the supreme ride comfort of a chauffeur-driven limousine or the firm handling of a sports car.
Fully dynamic, the Audi A8 L’s predictive active suspension uses electromechanical actuators to adjust its settings. These actuators can lift up or force down each of the vehicle’s wheels individually to actively manage ride height in every situation. The active suspension can raise or lower the car’s body by up to 85 millimeters from its central position at all four corners within five-tenths of a second, thanks to compact electric motors located close to each wheel. The motors are operated by the car’s 48-volt primary electrical system and are governed by power electronics.
The Audi A8 L’s predictive active suspension works together with a camera placed at the front of the car. With this, the system identifies uneven surfaces before these are reached and predictively regulates the active suspension. Even before the car hits a bump, the predictive function—developed in-house at Audi—signals the correct positioning travel to the actuators and actively adjusts the suspension. This reduces body movement and compensates for undulations or similar unevenness on roads. Plus, the complex process takes just a few milliseconds as the camera generates information about road surface properties 18 times a second.
Included in the Audi A8 L’s predictive active suspension settings are “dynamic” and “comfort plus.” The feature works in conjunction with the car’s air suspension and the Audi drive select dynamic handling system. In “dynamic” the Audi A8 L becomes a sports car as it turns in firmly when cornering fast. The car’s front end also rises or dives minimally during acceleration or braking, respectively.
The “comfort plus” profile lets the luxury sedan glide with velvety smoothness over any bumps any surface. The setting also offers transverse force reduction. Upon entering a bend, this raises the body on the outer side of the bend while lowering it on the other side. The result is that the driver and passengers barely notice the car is cornering—even drinks in the cup holder will not spill. Straight-line travel in “comfort plus” also reduces the car’s pitching motions.
Predictive active suspension even works when the car is at a standstill. When the Audi A8 L’s door handle is pulled, the body quickly raises by up to 50 millimeters to make entry and exit into the car even more convenient.
When combined with Audi’s “pre sense 360°” system, predictive active suspension also increases the Audi A8 L’s passive safety function. In an impending side impact at speeds exceeding 25 km/h, the active suspension raises the body by up to 80 millimeters on the side of the impact. This brings the car’s sill into a better position to absorb the impact energy.
With its predictive active suspension, long wheelbase, and powerful but efficient 3.0-liter, turbocharged V6 gasoline engine developing 335 hp and 500 Nm, as well as a host of other advanced features like MMI touch response, 360° 3D-view camera, panoramic sunroof, an air quality package and multifunction massage in all seats, the Audi A8 L truly offers specifications and equipment unmatched by competitors in its class.
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