It was a foregone conclusion that Audi would have to update its slick but dated driver information interface to keep up with current trends. But does it go as far as BMW's i-Drive? Yes and no. The new Audi system, dubbed MMI for Multimedia Interface, allows access to audio, navigation, preference settings and more via a group of 'shortcut' buttons that surround a single, large, round knob. Audi's MMI is reportedly easier to configure for those with only average computer skills than BMW's system, but a full test will be needed to determine. Audi fans will no doubt heave a collective sigh of relief to hear that a conventional climate control interface will keep things cool while studying the MMI manual. Showing good taste Audi has chosen a pop-up CRT instead of a large fixed screen. The 178 mm (7 in) display is situated between the twin center vents just above the abbreviated center stack, neatly stowed behind an elegant piece of wood trim. Following what has become an Audi tradition the wood itself, comprising four varieties of which one is the new light birch shown in these photos, aluminum accents, leather upholstery and surrounding plastics are of the highest quality, while workmanship appears beyond reproach.
When the A8 arrived on the scene in Europe in 1994, and then subsequently in North America in 1996, it was considered the most advanced sedan on the planet, empowering with sensational driving dynamics while simultaneously spoiling in sumptuous luxury. That said the motoring press ran out of creative dysphemisms much quicker than Audi dealers ran out of stock, mostly due to its innocuous styling. Its 2001 tally equaled just 163 units in Canada, compared with 1,218 of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, 498 Jaguar XJs, 466 BMW 7-Series, 455 Lexus LS430s and 190 Infiniti Q45s. To be fare it was well towards the end of its life cycle, but so was the BMW and Jaguar.