source: Audi of America
- New-for-2019 MMI touch response infotainment system delivers robust, intuitive experience for driver and passengers
- Natural voice controls, as well as handwriting recognition and haptic feedback, provide multiple touchpoints that enrich experience
- The Wards 10 Best UX award evaluates vehicles based on user experience behind the wheel, including connectivity, infotainment, advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) functionality and more
The intuitive technologies in the 2019 Audi A8, including infotainment experience and attention to detail, have earned the flagship luxury sedan honors the 2019 Wards 10 Best UX list.
WardsAuto’s automotive industry analysts evaluated the user experience (UX) behind the wheel of all-new vehicles, assessing vehicle connectivity, design, controls, displays, navigation and maps, advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) functionality, infotainment, overall value and elements that surprise and delight.
The A8 has long served as a leader for technology carried at the pinnacle of Audi’s sedan lineup. The latest, fifth-generation flagship Audi sedan is no different, featuring a smartphone-sensible, intuitive infotainment MMI touch response concept that includes haptic touch functionality, user-friendly menus and simplicity. Extending the ease in usability for all occupants, the A8 features an available tablet-sized OLED remote control that allows rear-seat passengers to tailor their seating and infotainment preferences as well as the ambient and matrix interior lighting settings.
Most functions in the A8 can be summoned via the dual-screen MMI touch response through button-style haptic feedback on the touchscreen and handwriting recognition or natural speech recognition. Controls can operate the audio system; the four-zone automatic climate control; heated steering wheel, seating heating, massage functions and ventilation; interior fragrance and other standard or available features.
“Audi’s new A8 flagship incorporates practically every infotainment, safety and hedonistic pleasure you can imagine, and we loved every minute of it,” said Drew Winter, senior content director, WardsAuto. “Audi explores the limits by adding a rear-seat heated massaging footrest to its lavish flagship’s list of features that include benchmark connectivity, almost every safety and driver-assist feature available and the latest ideas for great UX design.”
The Audi A8 was chosen from a field of 23 nominees – 12 SUVs, eight sedans, two SUVs and one pickup truck. Vehicle classifications are based on the window stickers (EPA/USDOT segmentation).
Audi will be among the winning automakers honored at a ceremony during the WardsAuto User Experience Conference, taking place October 1, 2019, in Novi, Michigan.
For more information about the 2019 WardsAuto 10 Best UX award recipients, please visit: wardsauto.com/10-best-ux.
Always pay careful attention to the road, and do not drive while distracted.
Driver Assistance features are not substitutes for attentive driving. See Owner’s Manual for further details, and important limitations.
