navin in KC

I see comments in the info about the new A8 that mention the addition of the HUD, but there are no details. I have also read some of the A7 comments that it really isn't all that great (but I am very interested in it for my new A8 anyway).

My specific questions are:

-Did Audi just put the A7's HUD into the A8 or did they make it better? (if so, how?)

-If the vehicle has "Night Vision Assistant" will that pop up in the HUD and does it have to be activated or is it in an "always on" type of state?

I have seen quite a few videos that include all kinds of images of the interior of the new A8 (posted here on this forum) but none show the HUD.

navin in KC

I found this on the German site, in partial answer to my own question:

derfA8L

I've read where you can't see the display if you're wearing polarized sunglasses, so for me daytime utility is "zero."

BTW, looks like the same intrusive/ugly instrument panel display mount we've seen on other Audi models. Not a fan.

Lazydog

I don't know. I drove an S6 with HUD and I liked it a lot. I wish my A8L had one.

navin in KC

I think I'd rather just get sunglasses that aren't polarized and have the HUD, myself.

Also: I don't really care what that part of the dash looks like if it gives me a HUD.

DeerHunter

My Drivewear sunglasses are polarized and, while it dims the HUD a little, it's still perfectly legible under most conditions.

jakematic

Agreed - I finally was able to get polarized sunglasses with bifocals so this would be a no go.
The upside is I'm allowed to go to the grocery store by myself now that I can see what I'm buying.

In the South the long days of low angle sunlight would likely make it impossible to see anyway.

It's more of a gimmick than anything useful in my opinion, especially if it doesn't show upcoming road bends like the European version.
And just wait until they put Facebook and other distractions on it....

derfA8L

Ahhh, wasn't aware of those sunglasses. I'm due for new lenses, so I'll check them out (hopefully LensCrafters carries them). Thanks.

Lazydog

It's an acquired taste I guess.

gatorguy7

My polarized Oakley's only dim the screen as well. If the HUD is on maximum brightness it is still more than visible. It is the same way for my wife's HUD in her M5 so just something to do with the technology. She keeps a pair of none polarized glasses in her car just so that there is no interference.

As far as the usefulness, those that can train themselves to look at the HUD rather than the gauge clusters will find it to be one of the most useful options in the car. It gives you more time of your eyes on the road and at the same time make you more aware of your speed.