The Level 3 Autonomous Driving Function That Was Supposed to Be Included

The Audi A8, Audi's flagship saloon, a marvel of high technology that has championed "Vorsprung durch Technik" since its first generation with an all-aluminum body. When it underwent a full model change in September 2018, debuting as the fourth generation, its headline feature, touted worldwide, was the title of being the first mass-produced car equipped with Level 3 autonomous driving.

For reference, Level 3 autonomous driving is defined as "a system that handles all operations under limited conditions, such as on highways, with the driver responsible for intervention in emergencies." Unlike Level 2, where the driver must constantly monitor the vehicle's status, Level 3 and above is what the general public typically imagines when thinking of "autonomous driving."



The system, named "Audi AI Traffic Jam Pilot," was intended to allow drivers on highways to take their hands off the steering wheel and engage in activities other than driving, such as enjoying the scenery or watching videos. The reason for the past tense "was intended" is that, unfortunately, the legal framework in both Germany and Japan was not in place, and consequently, the system could not be used in any country. Thus, it was released without being equipped in the new A8.



The A8 driven this time, in a Vesuvius Grey Metallic color close to black, is the top-tier 60 series from the two grades, "55" and "60." It is powered by a 4.0-liter V8 direct-injection twin-turbo engine, producing a maximum output of 338 kW (460 ps) at 5,500 rpm and a maximum torque of 660 Nm at 1,800-4,500 rpm (the 55 is equipped with a 3.0-liter V6 engine). Power is delivered to all four wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission and the quattro system.

It features a 48V mild-hybrid system, a trend among European cars, and a coasting function that stops the engine during high-speed cruising above 55 km/h. The suspension was optionally equipped with "Dynamic All-Wheel Steering," a four-wheel steering system where the rear wheels turn up to 5 degrees in the opposite direction of the front wheels at speeds below 65 km/h, and up to 2 degrees in the same direction as the front wheels at speeds above 65 km/h.

Page02.Four-Wheel Steering System That Makes You Forget Its Over-5-Meter Body

Four-Wheel Steering System That Makes You Forget Its Over-5-Meter Body

Once on the move, the car exhibits agility that belies its 5,170mm length and 3,000mm wheelbase, clearly demonstrating the effectiveness of the rear-wheel steering. The intervention is natural, making it feel like a car with exceptionally responsive steering, a testament to Audi's advanced engineering. According to the catalog, the turning radius is 5.7 meters normally and 5.3 meters with this system, a significant difference.

Furthermore, up to 23 sensors, including a laser scanner—the first to be equipped in a mass-produced car for Level 3 autonomous driving—along with radars, ultrasonic sensors, and cameras, support the "Adaptive Drive Assist," a Level 2 driver assistance system.



When engaging the follow-drive function with the column-mounted lever located to the left and behind the steering column, the system's operation is prominently displayed in the center of the digital instrument cluster, and it begins to accurately trace the vehicle ahead. Maintaining its lane and navigating corners, a smooth torque is felt in the hands on the steering wheel, conveying the vehicle's intentions and confirming its sophisticated control.

The AI autonomous driving switch, which was planned for installation, was intended to be placed in a prime location in front of the center console's shift lever. In the test car, this spot was occupied by a conspicuously blank black plastic cover.



The interior emphasizes a futuristic ambiance by making the entire dashboard and console area a flat glass surface, featuring the "Audi Virtual Cockpit" where meters and various switches illuminate upon powering on. It resembles a sleek, modern business lounge, distinguishing it from the approach taken by Mercedes' S-Class.

The price is 15.1 million yen. The test car, equipped with numerous options such as the LED laser light system developed from Le Mans 24 Hours racing, the rear-wheel steering system, a panoramic roof, and a 23-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system, carried a price tag of 18.57 million yen.