Adaptive Cruise Control

Adaptive cruise control makes driving safer and easier. You can preset speeds between 19 and 124 mph without experiencing a time lag as in earlier systems. You can also select one of four types of acceleration: Distance 1 (sports); Distances 2 and 3 (standard); or Distance 4 (comfortable).

If the Distance 1 programme is selected, the distance to the vehicle in front is set at its shortest (though within legal limits and in accordance with sensible driving practice). Why it's called 'sporty' is shown on motorways when the vehicle in front turns off onto an exit road. The Audi A8 uses the empty space to return to the preset cruising speed, even shifting down by as many as two gears to do so.

The Distance 2 and 3 programmes are ideal for relaxed and assured cruising in free-flowing nose-to-tail traffic. The Distance 4 programme is ideally suited to comfortable cruising on well-maintained country roads or when pulling a trailer.

If the adaptive cruise control detects a vehicle in front moving more slowly, or perceives that a jam is building up, the system ensures that the correct distance is maintained by gentle deceleration. If that is not sufficient, the brakes are automatically applied - to around 25 per cent of the maximum possible vehicle deceleration. If the distance is still too short, the adaptive cruise control delivers a prompt (gong) in good time for you to take over control of the vehicle.

Adaptive cruise control does not respond to stationary obstacles or oncoming traffic. It must not be used on winding roads or in adverse weather conditions.