Audi is rolling out its fourth generation A8 and breaking away from quite a few traditions.

In this latest model, there is no need for an active driver. At least not in certain situations like traffic jams.

It has also thrown away the key.

It is often the attention to detail that makes a car so interesting. We’re all familiar with the electronic key fobs for locking and unlocking cars or starting the engine.

In the new Audi, these are being replaced by smartphones, with the ability to provide easy access to your partner, children and in the future even delivery services, which can simply put whatever you’ve ordered into the trunk of your car.

The new A8 also has more than 40 different assistance systems on board and four systems supply them with relevant information.

Radar sensors, a front camera, ultrasound sensors and a laser scanner allow the car to get a full picture of its surroundings at all times.

All the combustion engines are now supported by electric drivetrains, while a belt-driven starter generator is part of the standard mild hybrid system.

At the rear there’s more to discover than just the snazzy lighting design that has become synonymous with Audi.

The car's naming strategy is also new.

This is the 55 TFSI Quattro with a three litre V6 engine. It’s a gasoline driven car with 340 horsepower, but with hybridisation or electro mobility.

The model numbers still indicate the vehicle’s performance, with smaller numbers representing lower performance while larger numbers imply greater performance.

This new method of numbering different models goes back to the Chinese market where this numbering has previously been introduced.

Consumers can choose between a 210-kilowatt diesel model or 250-kilowatt strong gasoline model.

Thanks to the mild hybrid technology, fuel consumption has been reduced by 0.7 litres per 100 kilometres.

At speeds between 55 and 160 kilometres per hour the car is able to coast with the engine switched off, driving emissions free for 40 seconds at a time.

Despite the Audi A8’s considerable length, it handles well on winding roads.

The dynamic all-wheel steering allows the steering angles on the front and rear axels of the 5.17 metre vehicle to be set individually.

In addition, the A8's body sits on an intelligent, active chassis along with the pre-sense 360-degree system that enhances passive safety.

In case of a collision the vehicle raises itself up by 80mm before impact. The headrests are adjusted and the seatbelts tighten. This innovation is a step towards making the vehicle safer for passengers.

The various sensors around the body detect every movement around the car.

Another highlight among the assistance systems is one that prevents you from opening the door when a bike rider is approaching from behind. The feature is on all the doors, which is likely to appeal to parents.

The car can even see around corners. The intersection assistance senses vehicles approaching from the side well before they appear in the driver’s field of view. The bike rider is shown in advance in the display and the car stops if the driver doesn’t react.

With all that tech the A8 sets new standards in active and passive safety, protecting everyone in the car and even those moving near it.

This premium luxury sedan is really spacious throughout, including the trunk.

While all the assistance systems included in the A8 are impressive, it is yet to be seen whether Audi will include them in their entire range of cars.

This content has been published in partnership with Deutsche Welle (DW).