Adaptive air suspension is an electronically controlled air suspension system at all four wheels with a continuously adaptive damping system. It unites sporty handling and a high level of ride comfort. In addition, the air suspension allows the speed-dependent lowering of the body – this change in ride height means a low centre of gravity and significantly increased directional stability as a result. The vehicle’s aerodynamics is improved at the same time.

The vehicle has air suspension struts on all four wheels. The data from sensors on the axles and acceleration sensors on the body is evaluated in the adaptive air suspension's central control unit. This computer controls the adjustment of the individual shock absorbers in milliseconds depending on driving situation. Provided no higher damping forces are required – for instance when driving straight ahead on good roads – the damper settings remain comfortably soft.

Controlled changes to the damping force at individual wheels help to eliminate body movements at any time which could reduce occupant comfort. The adaptive damping system automatically reduces rolling or pitching movements when cornering, braking or driving off. Adaptive air suspension moreover offers the advantages of a traditional self-levelling suspension system. The vehicle's suspension height remains constant irrespective of the load it is carrying.

The adaptive air suspension generally also allows the driver to influence the suspension characteristic – and thus the operating dynamics – as individually preferred. The damping characteristics and ride height can be adjusted in a single process via the MMI "CAR" menu system. Adaptive air suspension (sport), which is available as an option in the Audi A8, is the first Audi sports suspension system to be based on the principle of air suspension.

Even in very low sunlight, light-sensitive elements under the glass sunroof panel produce electricity to power the ventilator inside the vehicle. Even when the ignition is switched off, the interior will be supplied with a continuous flow of fresh air and temperature levels inside the vehicle can be reduced by as much as 50% with the outside air that is cleaned as is passes through the dust and pollen filter. This kind of ventilation does not put any additional demands on the car’s battery. This preliminary cooling lets the air conditioner cool the interior to the desired temperature with little energy and use of the ventilator.

The Audi parking system with rear view camera provides all-round assistance for parking and manoeuvring. The system detects obstacles the driver cannot see, gives reliable warnings and even looks for a suitable parking space – a great help in all cramped parking situations.

Any gap will do: the Audi parking system with rear view camera makes parking easier whatever the traffic and warns the driver of unseen obstacles close to the vehicle. Depending on the chosen specification, the system monitors the area behind the vehicle or in front of and behind it. If the car approaches an object during manoeuvring, a tone signals to the driver that the vehicle is heading towards an obstacle.

Eight ultrasonic sensors integrated into the bumpers detect the distance to the obstacle and feed their measurements to the control unit. As soon as the distance decreases to less than 120 centimetres in front of the vehicle or less than 160 centimetres behind it, an intermittent signal sounds. If the distance falls to less than 30 centimetres, the signal becomes a continuous tone.

The sensors are mounted on the bumpers in a barely visible flat configuration. Tone emitters are built into the dash panel and the rear shelf. At speeds above 15 km/h the system is automatically deactivated. The system can also be switched off with a button – for instance in dense stop-and-go traffic.

Always finding a space: the park assistance system (including hill-start assist) uses 10 ultrasonic sensors to search for suitable parking spaces beside the road – and does so while driving by at up to 30 km/h. Once a space has been found, the system calculates the ideal parking path and completes the parking manoeuvre almost automatically: the driver just has to accelerate and brake while the vehicle steers itself.

Easy and convenient: many Audi models can be ordered with luggage compartment lids that open and close automatically – electric or mechanical versions are available depending on the model line.

Convenience at the press of a button: a power-operated boot lid makes loading the vehicle easier and offers a real enhancement of comfort for short people and people with disabilities. The electric luggage compartment lid, available for selected models, opens and closes at the press of a button – via the opening button in the driver door trim, the soft touch button in the boot lid recess handle or the central locking remote control. To close the boot again, you simply press the button on the inside of the lid.

In the mechanical system, which is available for selected Audi models, opening of the luggage compartment is automated by means of a spring mechanism. The luggage compartment lid is closed again by hand.

A better view in all weathers: Audi offers a wide range of different configurations for exterior mirrors – electrically adjustable and/or heated and/or folding mirrors, also with the optional memory function if desired.

Memory function

A particularly handy feature if your vehicle is used by different drivers is the memory function, available as an option in conjunction with electrically adjustable seats with memory function. Various settings are stored together with the seat position and associated with the respective driver’s key. In addition, the memory function automatically tilts the mirror face of the passenger-side exterior mirror downwards when reverse gear is engaged, providing the driver with a better view of the kerb.

Heating

The exterior mirror heating responds automatically – depending on the weather conditions and humidity. The heating system uses heating foils on the reverse sides of the mirrors and switches their power on and off in cycles. The system heats as necessary depending on the temperature and the vehicle speed. The power consumption is regulated by the continuously changing internal resistance of the heating system. This ensures that the exterior mirrors are always supplied with the suitable level of current. At high humidity or low temperatures, the heating quickly removes any condensation or ice, making sure the driver has a clear view to the rear.

Electric folding

Electrically folding exterior mirrors prove especially useful when taking the vehicle through the car wash or negotiating narrow garages or tight spaces where every inch of space counts. You can fold them in using the electric mirror adjustment unit in the driver door and out again at any time by turning the knob.

Automatic anti-glare

Automatic anti-glare exterior mirrors protect the driver from headlight dazzle by automatically and progressively dimming when the light coming from behind is too bright. This prevents dangerous situations arising from glaring light reflections in the mirrors. Automatic anti-glare mirrors measure the light intensity by sensor and darken independently in response to excessively strong light. An electronic control unit varies the darkening effect quickly and continuously according to the current ambient light conditions.

Even in very low sunlight, light-sensitive elements under the glass sunroof panel produce electricity to power the ventilator inside the vehicle. Even when the ignition is switched off, the interior will be supplied with a continuous flow of fresh air and temperature levels inside the vehicle can be reduced by as much as 50% with the outside air that is cleaned as is passes through the dust and pollen filter. This kind of ventilation does not put any additional demands on the car’s battery. This preliminary cooling lets the air conditioner cool the interior to the desired temperature with little energy and use of the ventilator.