The victory for the Audi A8 is testimony to the numerous innovations, which the brand's flagship delivers. The active suspension took first place in the rankings. In the case of a side impact, it mitigates the risks for passengers by instantly raising the body by a few centimetres. The exit warning, laser scanner and HD Matrix LED headlamps with Audi laser light also provided the large sedan with important points.

For the award as the most innovative premium brand in the 'Autonomous driving and safety' category, the four-door design vision Audi Aicon proved compelling alongside the assistance systems in the Audi A8. The futuristic design study is geared entirely to autonomous driving and dispenses with a steering wheel and pedals.

With the 'Automotive Innovations Award', which was held for the seventh time in 2018, the most innovative automakers and suppliers of the year were singled out for praise. The manufacturer's standings were decided based on a study of the database maintained by the "Center of Automotive Management" in Bergisch Gladbach. An expert jury reached the decision for the suppliers. A total of 1,296 innovations from all leading automakers involving around 60 brands were incorporated into the 2018 rankings.