Longdog

Like I said didn't notice any reflections but the weather was dull, however it's been glorious sunshine at home since I've been away and my wife hasn't mentioned it. I'm home next week and if it's sunny I'll report back!

At the end of the day whatever you get, you'll love it. The steel trim is nice but i think that the black surround is far nicer than the silver.

Smith837

Thanks again Longdog -- would certainly appreciate any sunny day thoughts. I realize I'm sweating this decision -- probably a bit too much -- but in the absence of being able to sit in the car and see for myself in person, it's hard to know whether I'll feel as you do (love it) or as blackphantom did (distracted by it).

blackphantom, if your comments about distracting reflections were limited to the piano trim over the glove box and on the passenger side door, and NOT the instrument panel surround, please let me know, as this might influence my final decision.

blackphantom

just checked on audi uk website car builder and used car stock the A4 black edition has silver surround on the instrument cluster so would not have any reflections this used car photos show you the glare on the piano black trim http://www.vehicleimagezoom.r66.co.u...i&Id=602326672

blackphantom

this is the new car configuration link http://configurator.audi.co.uk/contr...andant=accx-uk

Smith837

Thanks blackphantom! To clarify my situation, in the U.S., all S4's come with the silver surround. The piano black surround is new for 2013 and only comes on the car if one gets the Stainless Steel Mesh inlays option ($750 USD). With that option, the center console and instrument panel surround are changed to piano black, with the stainless steel mesh appearing above the glove box and on the passenger doors. When I initially saw pics of the facelift with the piano black surround (below), it looked fantastic and so much better than the silver one IMHO, that I changed my order to include the SS mesh/piano option. All this being said, your mention of distractions gives me pause. I'm not concerned about reflections over the glove box or on the passenger door, since U.S. cars will not have piano in those spots. My only concern is for glare or distracting reflections in the surround for the gauges and MMI screen. For you, when driving, were there bothersome reflections in that surround as well? Did your loaner have the piano surround?

blackphantom

No the loaner had the silver surround.i think the instrument cluster surround will be protected from above by the overhang of top of the dashboard which in my opinion will reduce the chance of reflections. The only way you are going know 100% is to see one in the flesh.You are a bit like me everything has got to be perfect good luck and I'm sure whatever you choose you will enjoy.