The sportiest premium sedan in the full-size class – the new Audi A8

Infotainment systems

The new Audi A8 is also far ahead of the competition when it comes to infotainment. The optional MMI navigation plus (standard in the S8 and A8 L W12) makes its data available to other technology modules. Its clear operating concept with the MMI touch touchpad is another pioneering solution. And there are numerous supplemental modules available, from the Audi connect system including online car phone to rear seat entertainment.

MMI navigation plus with MMI touch consists of two blocks. The radio unit combines the functions of tuner and sound system. The main unit contains additional components, including a DVD drive, two card readers and a 60 GB hard drive with the navigation data. A third of its capacity is reserved as memory for telephone and music data. The Audi music interface and Bluetooth interface make it easy to connect mobile devices and cell phones.

A powerful graphics processor generates top-quality, three-dimensional images. The map displays a detail-rich 3D terrain model, and the driver can choose between the classic arrow graphics or an animated representation during navigation. The power-retractable MMI monitor measures eight inches diagonally and delivers truly crisp images in brilliant colors thanks to its high resolution of 800 x 480 pixels.

The driver uses the MMI touch to enter a navigation destination or a telephone number by drawing the letters, numbers and even characters from Asian languages on the control panel with a finger. The driver’s hand can rest comfortably on the tiptronic’s gear selector lever during input. The system provideS acoustic feedback after every character. The MMI touch also can be used to shift the map and scroll through lists. Thanks to black panel technology, the touchpad also serves as the control panel for six radio stations.

The MMI navigation plus in the new A8 also offers classic Audi operation with the large rotary pushbutton. Cities and streets can be entered using the natural speech voice control function, which also extends to telephone and music data on the hard drive.

MMI navigation plus: Close networking
MMI navigation plus works very closely with the assistance and safety systems on board the new Audi A8. The navigation system predictively analyzes the data of the route driven and sends this information to the computers controlling the adaptive cruise control with stop&go function (not for A8 hybrid), the Matrix LED headlights and the tiptronic. This enables these systems to precisely adapt their function to the given conditions in advance.

A wide range of hi-fi and communication modules are available in the new Audi A8. The radio, which includes a DVD drive, two card readers and a triple tuner, comes as standard, as is the Audi sound system. It comprises a six-channel amplifier with 180 watts of power and ten speakers. Options include a dual tuner for digital radio reception (DAB and DAB +), a digital TV tuner and a DVD/CD changer (standard in the S8 and A8 L W12).

The next step up in the hi-fi hierarchy is the Bose surround sound system, which is standard in all V8 models, the A8 hybrid and the A8 L W 12. A digital amplifier with over 600 watts drives 14 speakers including a subwoofer. The system can also play stereo recordings in five-channel surround sound.

At the top of the line is the Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System. It uses a special algorithm to generate sound reflections like those that occur in a concert hall so that the music resounds from a large virtual stage. The heart of this top unit are two amplifiers with over 1,400 watts of total output. Their digital output stages, which have been systematically designed for energy efficiency, drive 19 speakers (including subwoofer) via 19 channels. The tweeters are recessed into the instrument panel on the left and the right and rise up out of the dashboard when the system is started. The speaker grilles are made of polished aluminum. Acoustic encapsulation prevents the noise from escaping to the outside.

Rear seat entertainment is available for all engine and body variants with the exception of the A8 hybrid. It is included in all cars equipped with the reclining seat. Two 10.2-inch displays are mounted on the backrests of the driver and front-passenger seats. The angle of the screens is adjustable, and they can each display different content.

The rear seat entertainment system includes its own DVD drive, a hard drive jukebox, two slots for SD memory cards and a separate Audi music interface for connecting mobile players. At the same time, it also offers full access to the sound system, the TV tuner and MMI navigation plus. It is controlled via a separate MMI control panel in the rear center armrest. Sound is supplied via the car’s speakers or two sets of either wired or Bluetooth headphones.

Audi connect

The ideal complement to MMI navigation plus is the optional Audi connect module (standard in the S8 and A8 L W12), a data transmission module that provides the connection to the Internet. In the A8 this is a UMTS module. In areas where no UMTS connection is possible, Audi connect steps down to an available EDGE connection.

Passengers in the new A8 can surf the web and e-mail with up to eight mobile devices via the WLAN hotspot that is included with Audi connect. The system uses LTE to deliver the tailored services of Audi connect to the driver – from navigation with Google Earth and Google Street View to Audi music stream web radio and online traffic information. The newest service, parking information, displays parking lots and parking garages at the current location, the destination or at any other location.

Audi connect uses the car’s antenna, which ensures optimal reception. A digital voice processor delivers excellent hands-free call quality, with voice signals transmitted via the sound system. One or two cordless handsets can be added to the system for discrete phone use, if desired. Encryption according to the WPA2 standard makes data transmission secure.

To use Audi connect, the driver simply has to insert a data-capable SIM card. The connection can also be established using the SIM Access Profile of a compatible cell phone. No additional fees or separate contracts are required. Audi recommends a flat rate due to the potentially large volumes of data.