The ride selections are made on what Audi is calling a multimedia interface (MMI). It’s a display-based “infotainment” system something like BMW’s iDrive, but with much better ergonomics. A rotating knob handles selection of on-screen alternatives, and eight permanently assigned buttons arranged around the center knob access the categories themselves. Thus, you might select “car” and then find yourself looking at the air-suspension settings menu.
We found it easy and intuitive to use and were pleased to see that the arrangement is also employed on the climate-control panel, which has a similar quadrant-button layout. A dual-zone system is standard, with an infrared windshield moisture-sensing system to provide automatic defogging, and a four-zone system will be available as an option.
As befits a car in this heady price bracket, the A8’s interior is swathed in hides and timber, with standard Valcona leather along with birch or amber vavona wood. Along with the traditional high-end materials, the cabin features high-resolution LED instrumentation and electroluminescent-film interior lighting. An optional feature allows light intensities on the dash, console, etc., to be adjusted separately via the MMI.
U.S.-bound cars will wear standard-equipment 17-inch alloy wheels with all-season tires. Optional 18-inch rims with similar rubber or 19-inch, 12-spoke alloys with performance tires will also be offered.
The usual battery of airbags, including a ring-shaped bag for the driver and comprehensive curtain protection for outboard occupants, lurks within the Audi’s tasteful interior trappings, accompanied by active head restraints and a specially padded driver’s footwell.
Cars headed to the U.S. will be satellite-radio ready and will feature telematics by OnStar, a high-power stereo from Bose, and Audi’s MMI as standard equipment. Optional items include a Comfort package with heated front seats and steering wheel, side and rear sunshades, and a ski sack. A Convenience package offers acoustic parking sensors, power trunk operation, and a tire-pressure monitoring system. A Premium Seating package offers front-seat ventilation and massage, with rear-seat lumbar adjustment.
Audi’s A8 goes on sale in Europe for about $71,000, so we figure the longer-wheelbase, well-equipped version to be sold here will run at least $75,000. For an all-new, all-aluminum, all-wheel-drive executive express, that sounds almost reasonable.
Leave a Reply