• High-tech interior shared with other big Audi cars
• Three screens replace dials and most buttons
• Exceptional level of quality and build

How is the quality and layout?

The Audi A8’s interior is beginning to feel its age compared with the latest Mercedes-Benz S-Class. Where that car has a large single screen and a brilliant augmented head-up display, the A8 has what feels now like a dated infotainment system, albeit with a contemporary and elegant-looking, airy interior.

Although the A8 is all about the rear-seat passengers, the driver has been looked after comprehensively. The dashboard is dominated by a three-screen set-up, which might look a little intimidating to newcomers, but it’s reasonably simple to use.

The instrument panel behind the wheel is just a larger update of Audi’s already-excellent digital set-up – you can tailor the display to show small dials with things like the navigation map in the background.

Or you can mirror a conventional analogue set-up, and display a large pair of dials, flanking essential driving information. We like it, but appreciate it takes a little time to get used to.

Infotainment and tech

On the left of the wheel, an upper and lower screen replaces many of the physical buttons and switches of the old car. The top most is a conventional sat-nav and infotainment display, with very little reflection and good clarity. It features ‘haptic’ feedback – so when you touch the screen it feels like you’re pressing a button. This can be switched off if you prefer a more simple touchscreen.

The lower screen is for the climate controls and to enter a sat-nav destination – you can do this using a simulated keyboard, or by ‘writing’ on the screen with your fingertip. Given the UK is a right-hand drive market, only left-handed people will feel comfortable doing this.

However, the voice control system is our preferred method because it accepts natural commands like Siri on an Apple device, or Alexa on Amazon. You want to make the cabin warmer? Just say, ‘I’m cold’. Or fancy a bite to eat? Just ask it to, ‘take me to the nearest restaurant’.

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Comfort

• Roomy and multi-adjustable seats front and rear
• Comfortable seats all round, especially in the rear
• Beautiful ride quality

Get behind the wheel of the A8 and you’ll find there’s plenty of adjustment in the driver’s seat, meaning just about anyone can get comfortable. It has a commanding view forward and a massive range of adjustments for an excellent driving position.

We’ve tried all models in the range and can report they’re as comfortable as you’d hope for in a car that’s touted as one of the best in the world. There’s plenty of support around the upper and lower body, while and more than enough support to retain that on the longest of journeys.

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