2009 Audi A8 Features Review

March 23, 2009

FEATURES | 9 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

audiophiles will not want to miss the optional top-of-the-line Bang and Olufsen Advanced Sound System
J.D. Power

premium luxury package [is] discontinued as its features become standard for 2009
Cars.com

the navigation system is even relatively simple to program and use.
MyRide.com

The 2009 Audi A8/A8L offer plenty of useful and convenient features in addition to amazing seats, according to the experts at TheCarConnection.com.

Audi has fitted the base model of the 2009 Audi A8 with such features as leather seats, bi-xenon headlights, and a six-disc CD player. Cars.com lists keyless entry and engine start-up, a navigation system, four-zone automatic climate control, a front and rear Parktronic parking system, and electric sunshades for the rear and side windows among the gear included on each A8. Those who want more can choose add-ons that include heated seats, electric sunshades, acoustic parking sensors (great for anyone who struggles with parallel parking), and backseat lumbar adjustment, as well as the massage-and-ventilation mechanisms for the front seat.

Voice recognition for operation of the stereo and the on-board navigation system is included, reports ForbesAutos. For those who must talk on their cell phones while driving, the Audi A8 is equipped with Bluetooth wireless capability, allowing for hands-free telephone operation as well.

These many features can be accessed via Audi's proprietary MMI—a series of buttons and controls mounted on the steering wheel with which the driver can operate the vehicle's numerous devices and controls easily and in greater safety, according to Edmunds. ForbesAutos, however, tells us that it's easier and more intuitive than the BMW iDrive system (albeit "more distracting than traditional knobs and buttons").

Other options include rear dual-zone climate controls, obstacle-detection systems, a rearview camera, a solar-powered ventilation system, and a power rear sunshade. A Sport Package is also available on the 2009 Audi A8. J.D. Power notes that "audiophiles will not want to miss the optional top-of-the-line Bang and Olufsen Advanced Sound System." With this 14-speaker setup, "the sound is pure, rich and deep."

A few changes to the features lineup debut in 2009. Cars.com reports that the "premium luxury package [is] discontinued as its features become standard for 2009." A new Technology Package has been designed to include side assist, adaptive cruise control, and lane assist.

Conclusion

The 2009 Audi A8 and A8L offer plenty of gadgets and gizmos along with traditional luxury.

FEATURES | 9 out of 10Expert Quotes:audiophiles will not want to miss the optional top-of-the-line Bang and Olufsen Advanced Sound SystemJ.D. Powerpremium luxury package [is] discontinued as its features become standard for 2009Cars.comthe navigation system is even relatively simple to program and use.MyRide.com The 2009 Audi A8/A8L offer plenty of useful and convenient features in addition to amazing seats, according to the experts at TheCarConnection.com. Audi has fitted the base model of the 2009 Audi A8 with such features as leather seats, bi-xenon headlights, and a six-disc CD player. Cars.com lists keyless entry and engine start-up, a navigation system, four-zone automatic climate control, a front and rear Parktronic parking system, and electric sunshades for the rear and side windows among the gear included on each A8. Those who want more can choose add-ons that include heated seats, electric sunshades, acoustic parking sensors (great for anyone who struggles with parallel parking), and backseat lumbar adjustment, as well as the massage-and-ventilation mechanisms for the front seat. Voice recognition for operation of the stereo and the on-board navigation system is included, reports ForbesAutos. For those who must talk on their cell phones while driving, the Audi A8 is equipped with Bluetooth wireless capability, allowing for hands-free telephone operation as well. These many features can be accessed via Audi's proprietary MMI—a series of buttons and controls mounted on the steering wheel with which the driver can operate the vehicle's numerous devices and controls easily and in greater safety, according to Edmunds. ForbesAutos, however, tells us that it's easier and more intuitive than the BMW iDrive system (albeit "more distracting than traditional knobs and buttons"). Other options include rear dual-zone climate controls, obstacle-detection systems, a rearview camera, a solar-powered ventilation system, and a power rear sunshade. A Sport Package is also available on the 2009 Audi A8. J.D. Power notes that "audiophiles will not want to miss the optional top-of-the-line Bang and Olufsen Advanced Sound System." With this 14-speaker setup, "the sound is pure, rich and deep." A few changes to the features lineup debut in 2009. Cars.com reports that the "premium luxury package [is] discontinued as its features become standard for 2009." A new Technology Package has been designed to include side assist, adaptive cruise control, and lane assist. ConclusionThe 2009 Audi A8 and A8L offer plenty of gadgets and gizmos along with traditional luxury. 2009 AUDI A8/A8 L STYLING | [7 out of 10] Edmunds: "handsome and spacious" Car and Driver: "changes for the 2009 Audi A8 are minimal" TheCarConnection.com finds that the 2009 Audi A8 carries over many existing design decisions. Other options may offer bolder styling. On the ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

The A8 feels substantially lighter than its big-sedan rivals—likely because of its aluminum construction—and can be hustled along a tight, curvy road at higher speeds than you might think; although competing models might have more horsepower, the 2009 Audi A8 has impressive passing ability. The interior in the Mercedes-Benz S-Class looks more modern and sophisticated than that of the Audi A8, while the BMW 7-Series and Lexus LS 460 also stand out for offering high-tech features. Both the 7-Series and S-Class have available night-vision systems and seats, and seating comfort in both of those vehicles is about as good as in the A8. The Lexus LS 460 has an especially conservative look and feel, along with one of the most refined and isolated interiors, for those so inclined, while the Jaguar XJ has classy, uniquely British styling and surprisingly brisk performance.

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See the Audi A8 in Other Years:

2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999 | 1998 | 1997

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