http://www.boatinternational.com | May 2018A
s the light of a new Mediterranean
season glows ever brighter at the end
of the long dark tunnel of winter, the
question of choosing the right car in which
to transport guests from jet to marina may
be vexing some owners’ minds.
It’s all about getting the balance right
because while luxury, comfort, silence and
swiftness are clearly paramount it can also be
important to maintain an air of discretion –
in other words, nothing too flash.
The ability to simultaneously make a
statement while quietly blending in has made
the Audi A8 a familiar sight at superports
around the world and, with the arrival of the
latest version, the thinking person’s limo seems
set to prove more popular than ever.
Available in standard and L versions (13cm
longer), the new generation “mild hybrid ” A8 is
the world ’s first series-production car to have
been developed for so-called “conditional ”
automated driving. This means it will both
park itself on the street or in a garage and
drive itself in slow-moving traic.
As legislation adapts around the world,
the car’s software can be updated to extend
its autonomous abilities to a further four
levels, to the point where the “driver” need
not be involved in the process of making the
car stop and go.The road to relaxation
Foot warmer, masseuse, perfume unit: the new
Audi A8 is more spa than car, says Simon de BurtonspeedBespoke eyewear by Tom Davies
ATomDaviesbespokeconsultationisamulti-
step process. They enquire about your lifestyle,
thenselectarangeofframesandtakedetailed
measurements and photographs before designing
your perfect specs.From £495, tdtomdavies.comCustom plimsolls by Vans
Cult skateboarding footwear brand Vans lets
you create your very own pair of trainers online
in minutes. Pick your style, colours and patterns,
or upload your own artwork or photograph for
something truly unique. From £67, vans.co.ukDressing gown by New & Lingwood
Choose between silk or velvet and select your
favourite pattern for a made-to-measure gown, or
take it to the next level and commission a bespoke
pattern based on a photograph or drawing of your
choice. From £1,500, newandlingwood.comCool customer
Three of the best
design-it-yourself piecesFor the time being, however, A8 drivers and
their passengers can settle back into an interior
that is one of the most comfortable, quiet and
high-tech of any car on the market. Most of
the A8’s functions are controlled from a large
touchscreen that can be activated by voice,
touch or text and is complemented by a second
screen in the centre console.
The instruments are of the fully digital
“virtual ” type, the seats adjust in 22 ways,
the windscreen is “acoustically glazed ” for
silence and there’s even an automatic perfume
dispenser to ensure a welcoming atmosphere.
In the back, each passenger gets personalised
climate control, wireless phone charging and a
demountable tablet that can make the most of
the high-end infotainment system and ambient
lighting. Whoever bags the seat at the left rear of
the L version can also take advantage of a special
foot warming and massaging unit.
With all this on ofer, the relaxation process
starts well before you step on deck. audi.co.ukAUDI A8/A8L
ENGINE 3 litre, turbocharged,
V6 diesel; 3 litre, V6 petrol
with “mild hybrid” electric
assistance (4 litre V8 petrol
and 6 litre W12 petrol due soon)
TOP SPEED 155mph (limited)
PRICE from £69,100 plus extrasBOAT LIFE