Greetings,
New member here. I am in the process of ordering a 2014 A7 for my wife. The following criticism in this article by Car and Driver has me concerned: http://www.caranddriver.com/features...6-s6-a7-page-2

"Avoid the Driver Assistance package at all costs. Incorporating adaptive cruise with automatic panic braking, lane-keeping assist, and other equipment, this $2800 bundle is cheaper than running the car into a wall but has the same effect: utter ruination."

I planned on ordering the following major options plus some minor options that are not relevant to this discussion:
Prestige
Innovation pkg
Driver Assistance pkg

What do you think about the Car and Driver claim to avoid Driver Assistance at all costs? I'm told by the dealer that the Innovation package requires Driver Assistance. Is this true? If we find some of the features of Driver Assistance to be a bother, can't we simply switch them off in the MMI? Should I skip ordering both Innovation and Driver Assistance?

Thanks in advance for your assistance. I've been lurking on your forum for a while now and have already learned a lot.

 

This was discussed in this thread:

https://www.audiworld.com/forums/sho...1474&styleid=6

It's not really clear why they said this as the Driver Assist package includes some very useful safety and convenience features like ACC, corner view cameras and heated power folding mirrors. Other than they must feel they are "purists" at C&D, there's no reason to "avoid it at all costs". Most of the features can be turned off in the MMI or a steering wheel stalk.

And yes, the HUD and Night Vision Innovation package requires the Driver's assistance package on the A6/A7. Go to Audi USA and build one with the options to confirm for yourself. Also, do a global forum search for Innovation Package - not everyone who has it is completely thrilled due to some limitations, i.e. the Night Vision does not appear in the HUD, requiring eyes off the road to see any activated objects in the instrument cluster DIS.

 

If C&D's objection is the cost then its a decision you have to make based on value. I have the Prestige/Innovation Package that includes HUD, Infrared, Adaptive CC, LED lights, Pre-Sense, etc...

While the infrared is cool, in practice its not all that useable. Perhaps in rural environments it might have more use, but in urban areas (city of Chicago) its largely a novelty. Its does, however, work great.

The Adaptive CC/Pre-Sense is terrific. In fact we drove 6 hours yesterday (mostly interstate) and the Adaptive CC worked flawlessly . You can set the response mode (Auto, Comfort and Dynamic) of ACC and also the distance. Coming back last night I had it set at 70mph and never touched the gas peddle for nearly 90 miles. I've grown so used to it that while driving our Porsche 911 I have to remind myself that it doesn't have ACC or else I run up behind cars and have to hit the brakes. My only complaint with ACC is that I wish you could turn it off and have the car operate as just plain old cruise control. I some types of traffic I would like that to have more control.

Pre-Sense works well. I've have a few alerts with cars hard braking in front of me. While I don't think its saved me from any accidents, its certainly a failsafe. I'd get it again. Blind spot monitoring is also include for me in this and that's the one feature that I don't know how I've lived without all these years.

I can't speak to what is required to get the package, but you may want to phone another dealer and inquire about package bundling.

Good luck.... I can safely say that I've owned some terrific cars over my years, but the A7 is one of the best all-around cars I've ever had.

 

Thanks to both of you for the prompt responses. I spent some time (too much!) googling the Innovation Package, both on this forum and across the web.
Due to the fact that she can turn off the features if she wants, I think it's worth giving them a try. It might seem wasteful if she never use them, but I think she should have the option.

 

I very much agree :

1. Infrared is very useful if you live in the suburbs. At night I have "seen" pedestrians (wearing black of course) crossing streets in the rain and being alerted. In addition, driving in northern New England there is always the threat of hitting moose or deer. Head-up is also useful as part of the map guidance, do not have to take your eyes of the road.

2. ACC very useful if you drive on the highway. As has been said, the danger is if not all your cars have it.

3. Blind spot monitoring -a great feature.

4. We/ have also owned some terrific cars and so far the A7 is also one of the best we have ever owned.

 

Placed the order today. Checked the box on Innovation and Driver Assistance. The wait begins......