Audi has heated up the premium four-door segment with the A8, its flagship luxury sedan featuring state-of-the-art technology, keeping competitors on their toes.

In line with its global slogan “Vorsprung durch Technik (Progress through Technology),” the German luxury carmaker designed what might be one of the most comfortable and innovative vehicles the world has yet seen.

The Audi A8L (L stands for long wheelbase) is dressed in a sturdy yet lightweight aluminum body, a core feature that allows the car to perform effectively under any conditions.

“The Audi Space Frame has become closer to a philosophy than it is a technology,” said the carmaker.

According to the company, the improved strength of the ASF body component by about 25 percent and the reduction of its thickness and weight by up to 20 percent mean both enhanced fuel efficiency and better safety, while the aluminum’s ability to absorb vibrations from road surfaces allows for smoother handling and a more dynamic driving experience.

As for the engine, the A8 comes in three types ― the 4.2-liter TDI (diesel), 4.0-liter TFSI (gasoline) and 6.3-liter FSI, a 12-cylinder gasoline engine ― which have slight differences in horsepower, torque and gas mileage.

All three engines utilize a controlled oil pump with changeover and a heat monitoring system to reduce friction loss and optimize output, the company said.

The heat control system, especially, allows for an ideal distribution and flow of internal heat, which in turn helps cut fuel consumption.

As far as drivetrain and lights go, the A8 wields Audi’s signature Quattro all-wheel-drive and full-LED headlights.

The Quattro system disburses the optimal amount of torque to each wheel for maximum traction, which is not only useful when turning sharp corners, but also in poor road conditions.

The headlights, on the other hand, underwent slight modifications, with a departure from the widely used tubular light modules.

Because the full-LED headlights use a color temperature similar to that of daylight, they are less demanding on the eyes and more energy-efficient than the xenon plus headlights, according to the carmaker.

Also on board is an adaptive cruise control with a “Stop & Go” function.

Two radar sensors accurately measure the speed of and distance from the car in front and aid the ACC so that it may respond and adjust accordingly.

Moreover, the A8L was designed to provide ample interior space and maximum comfort.

Twin air chambers for pneumatic massages and three-stage cooling are available, while the backseat ― dubbed the “relaxation seat” ― has footrests, various ventilation functions and power sockets.

Audi sold roughly 1.58 million cars across 100 countries in 2013 and plans to invest about 22 billion euros ($30.6 billion) in sustainable technology development between 2014 and 2018.

By Kim Joo-hyun (jhk@heraldcorp.com)