2011 Audi A8 Tech Review - Audi Schools BMW and Mercedes on Flagship Gadgets

Laptop-like touch pad ... talk about one state-of-the-art whistle

Audi again names the brands it really, really wishes it could be and proves yet again how desparately it is trying.

If there is one thing Audi (and VW) are known for is its electronics nightmare. BMW and Mercedes both have come a long way to improve there reliability in this area. Still not as reliable as a Lexus LS, but better than Audi for sure.

"If there is one thing Audi (and VW) are known for is its electronics nightmare."

Eh, maybe in the US this perception is rampant but not in Europe. Audi and VW have a solid quality and reliability reputation here.

i have an audi with the B&O sound system... it's crap. all of the front speakers have distortion in them. i've never turned it up all that loud, so i can't imagine i blew them. i am not at all impressed. my 135, however, sounds great.

Which Audi do you have? The Bang & Olufsen audio package is quite a pricey option. I cant imagine you blowing anything with that system when turning it up, even to the max. Have you experienced any of their home systems? They are insane! Idk, sounds strange. Im not calling you a liar, Im just saying. Who DOESNT crank their system in their new car when they hear a tune they like (at least to see what its got)?

When you can use voice commands to change radio stations, make calls, enter navigation instructions, etc. (which both the BMW and Mercedes do, and I am sure the Audi does as well), I don't see how great of an innovation the touchpad is. The BMW also has 8 programmable memory keys that can be used to quick access radio stations, nav destinations, phone numbers, etc. Those would be of more value than a touchpad, at least to me (in fairness I'm biased there because I have those buttons on my 535xi and they're exceptionally useful -- I've been driving and wished I had more quick keys but never have I wished for a touchpad). I also read complaints about the sound quality of that B&O stereo recently, which surprised me considering how much they charge for it. I do like the Google Earth maps, that's a cool looking feature. But my understanding is it connects to Google Earth via an integrated phone (correct me if I'm wrong) and requires a paid subscription, so I'm curious how well that feature will work (i.e. the speed of the map updates as you're driving) compared to other cars that store the maps on a hard drive. And are free. And I still hate the pop up screen, that I just don't get at all.

All that stuff aside, I am sure the Audi A8 is nice. I just don't think it "schools" BMW, Benz, etc. the way GermanNut is saying (and as he undoubtedly knows, the article didn't say that either). I am sure the gadgets are nice and the fit and finish is great, etc. All the cars in the class have lots of tech, all are beautifully finished, all drive well. My biggest complaint about the car is that it looks so boring outside. The Benz, BMW, and new Jag XJ are all much more exciting visually.

JRob you are wrong. Yes, the article does say "Audi Schools BMW and Mercedes on Flagship Gadgets." It is mentioned right under the title of the article.

GermanNut, I stand corrected, I missed that header in the title. As for whether it actually does so or not, I'll reserve judgement until I get to play with one. Some of the features I think are cool (the ability to see what's playing on radio stations other than the one you're listening to, for example). But I don't care for the touchpad (voice or quick keys are still more convenient) or B&O audio system (reviews have been unflattering), and I still hate the pop up screen. My belief is Audi's new MMI and BMW's new iDrive are the best systems on the market currently.

The last paragraph of the article states:

"But if the new A8 has a distinct advantage over the 7 Series and S-Class — or any competitor — it's the sedan's over-the-top technology. And that it won't drive a driver over the edge while using it."

I give Audi credit for their gear shift, monumentally better than BMW "unjoy-stick.

To all here with negative comments about the A8 technology, did you even read the article?!
You obviously have not tested the A8 so you are in no position to make such comments or make comparisons with the technology in other cars. The editors at Insideline have obviously tested the technology in the A8 as well as the S-class and 7-series, and they concluded that the A8 has the advantage.

I give Audi props for new ideas (touchpad) but I don't believe that that and a apparently disappointing audio system upgrade are not enough gadgets to warrant the article.