If you’re thinking about an Audi, one question at the top of your list will be, ‘what features does my car come with, and what do I need to upgrade?’
Audi’s optional extras list isn’t as extensive as BMW or Mercedes, but there is still a range of packs and options to choose from. On higher-spec Audi models, one of the most expensive options is the Executive pack.
The Executive pack covers a wide range of upgrades, and adds some of the most advanced features available from Audi, along with some passenger comfort upgrades. The options in the Executive pack are different for each vehicle, and it’s often tricky to understand what each feature does.
What is the Audi Executive Package?
Let’s start by looking at what models have this pack, and what is included when choosing the Executive package. This can be confusing, as Audi includes different options depending on the vehicle model.
What Audi Models have this pack?
The Executive package is available on the following models:
- e-tron GT
- Q7
- SQ7
- Q8
- SQ8
- RSQ8
- A6
- RS6
- A7
- RS7
- A8
- S8
What features are available on the Executive pack?
Adaptive cruise assist with lane guidance
The adaptive cruise assist feature works like many recent cruise control systems, with some additional technology. You get an adaptive cruise control system, which controls acceleration and braking automatically depending on the vehicles around you. You also have automatic lane-keeping to help with the longer highway drives.
Overall the adaptive cruise assist feature is a step forward in Audi’s development of a fully autonomous system. The car contains radar sensors and cameras to measure all aspects of your surroundings to make your journey as hassle-free as possible.
Regardless if you’re planning a lot of freeways or urban driving, the cruise assist feature should make your driving life a lot easier. With full start-stop technology, the system works even in heavy traffic, when driving is most frustrating.
The Audi models that have this feature as part of the Executive package are:
- E-tron GT
- A8
- S8
LED interior lighting plus package
The interior lighting feature adds ambient lights to your Audi, with up to 30 colors to choose from. Like most ambient lighting systems, you get illumination across the dashboard, on each door, and on the center console. The system can be controlled through the central infotainment screen.
The Audi setup isn’t as impressive as the likes of the Mercedes Benz ambient light system, but it can still make a difference to your cabin. It’s likely to be an option you’ll use more when passengers are present, but it’s still a welcome feature, although on some high-spec vehicles, it should really come as a standard feature.
The Audi models that have this feature as part of the Executive package are:
- E-tron GT
- Q7
- SQ7
- SQ8
- A6
- A7
- A8
Heated rear seats
This one is straightforward – whereas most Audi models have heated seats as standard on Premium Plus and above specs, if you want heated rear seats, this is extra. Like the front seats, this feature comes with different heating levels and can be controlled by the rear passengers.
Is this a worthwhile feature? It depends completely on how often you’ll have rear passengers and your climate, so some owners might never use their heated seats. Heated rear seats don’t come as a standalone option, so the only way to access these is with the Executive package.
The Audi models that have this feature as part of the Executive package are:
- E-tron GT
- Q7
- SQ7
- Q8
- SQ8
- RSQ8
- A6
- RS6
- A7
- RS7
4-zone automatic climate control
4-zone climate control allows your rear passengers to individually control the climate settings in their section. Like the heated rear seats, this is an option that will appeal to anyone with frequent passengers, so some of you won’t be interested in this feature.
Multi-zone climate control is hit-and-miss in most luxury cars, and the Audi system is no different. It’s better than no control at all, but rear passengers won’t see a substantial difference with 4-zone controls.
The Audi models that have this feature as part of the Executive package are:
- Q7
- SQ7
- A6
- A7
Rear door and tailgate sunshades
With rear door and tailgate sunshades, you can block any sun for rear passengers and increase privacy. Like the 4-zone climate control, if you regularly have rear passengers, this will be a useful option to have. Rear sunshades are nothing new in luxury cars, but they are becoming more popular on various models.
You can operate the sunshades from the front control panel and each side door. This allows rear passengers to adjust their shades individually when needed.
Overall this isn’t going to be a feature that will make the difference between choosing the executive pack or not. It’s good to have sunshades if you want that extra privacy, but it’s a feature most can live without.
The Audi models that have this feature as part of the Executive package are:
- Q7
- SQ7
- Q8
- SQ8
Front ventilated seats (with powered lumbar support)
Audi’s ventilated seats use a combination of fans within the seat to apply cooling air, at a variety of intensity levels. While not as popular as heated seats (which are on almost every modern car) ventilated seats are just as useful in the right climate. The powered lumbar also offers additional support and comfort, which will be vital for some owners.
One thing to mention is the difference here between ventilated and cooled seats. Cooled seats use a motor and cooling liquid, a more effective but expensive option. Ventilated fan seats are still effective, particularly in climates where leather seats can get incredibly warm.
Currently available only through a package, ventilated seats would be a must for us, if you’re living in a region where temperatures are high. Even in milder climates, ventilated seats are a great option in summer, and it’s an option I would always look for. It’s an added bonus that this pack comes with lumbar support too.
The Audi models that have this feature as part of the Executive package are:
- Q7
- SQ7
- SQ8
- A6
- A7
Dual-pane acoustic glass for side windows
Dual-pane acoustic glass is a feature designed to insulate your cabin as much as possible. Developed by Audi to reduce as much exterior noise as possible, the dual pane glass is made from a composite with a special film.
The composite material is also designed to reduce the intensity of sunlight through the windows. This is designed to reduce heat intensity in the cabin too.
This is an impressive feature from Audi, and an option we’d expect to be made standard on models in the future as costs reduce. For now, it’s unlikely to be a feature most owners would pick, but as part of the executive pack, it’s definitely a benefit.
The Audi models that have this feature as part of the Executive package are:
- Q8
- SQ8
- RSQ8
Heads-Up Display
HUD features have become increasingly popular on luxury and performance models, and in the past few years, the heads-up display detail has improved significantly. Audi is one of the manufacturers leading the pack here, with a fantastic HUD.
Off the back of their excellent driver display system, the current Audi HUD allows you to view speed, navigational info, road sign information, and much more. The system is fully customizable, and you can change the height and brightness.
In terms of information and clarity, the rival system from BMW is slightly better than Audi’s, but this is still an extremely useful feature. Like the ventilated seats, the HUD is a feature we’d always look to select on modern Audi models.
The Audi models that have this feature as part of the Executive package are:
- RSQ8
- RS6
- RS7
Remote Park Assist Plus
The remote park assist plus feature allows you to instruct your Audi to park automatically in a bay or a parallel space. The important factor with this feature is that once you select remote parking, you can either stay in the vehicle or get out before the car starts its parking maneuver.
With remote parking, you are able to exit your Audi and control everything from the Audi app – and once the car has finished parking, it will automatically lock the car, apply the parking brake and switch the engine off.
This is one of those features that can be incredibly helpful, particularly for owners in urban areas where parking can be tricky. It’s also an impressive feature to show off to passengers, and I’d expect plenty of owners have chosen this feature mostly to show off.
The Audi models that have this feature as part of the Executive package are:
- RSQ8
- RS6
- RS7
- A8
- S8
Intersection Assist
The intersection assist feature allows your Audi to monitor traffic at intersections, to avoid collisions. The system is designed to stop you from accidentally driving into traffic, crossing an intersection, and turning across traffic also.
There is a speed limit to this tech, so if you’re traveling over 20 mph, the system won’t work. At slower speeds, typically when you pull away at an intersection, the system will work to prevent you from hitting any vehicles.
The Audi models that have this feature as part of the Executive package are:
- RSQ8
- A8
- S8
Powered soft closing doors
Soft-closing doors are nothing new on luxury vehicles, but they are slowly being introduced on high-end sports cars. For Audi, this now means you can add soft-closing doors to your RSQ8, RS6, or RS7.
Soft closing doors work by preventing the door from slamming shut, with an electronic damping system to slow the door’s movements. With this feature, you can avoid any problems with your door slamming and reduce the risk of trapping anything in the door.
The Audi models that have this feature as part of the Executive package are:
- RSQ8
- RS6
- RS7
Other Features
Other features on the executive package can include upgraded wheels, additional leather interior trim, and a heated steering wheel. Like the above features, these are dependent on the Audi model you choose.
- Traffic sign recognition
- Extended interior leather package
- Upgraded wheels
- Heated steering wheel
How much does the Executive pack cost?
The cost of the Audi Executive package depends on the model, but as a guide for the current US market:
- E-tron GT – $2,950
- Q7 – $2,000
- SQ7 – $2,150
- Q8 – $1,400
- SQ8 – $2,400
- RSQ8 – $2,800
- A6 – $2,250
- RS6 – $2,750
- A7 – $1,750
- RS7 – $2,750
- A8 – $3,650
- S8 – $4,050
Is the Executive Package worth it?
Overall, the executive pack contains some amazing features, although the price is steep. The highlights for us include the Heads-Up-Display and the adaptive cruise assist, but many owners will focus on the ambient lighting and ventilated seats.
With expensive optional packs, there are always some extras you won’t need, but as an overall price, the executive pack is one of the better options out there. It also stands up against similar packs from BMW and Mercedes, and with some Audi models starting around $100,000, the cost isn’t that unreasonable.
If you want to find out more about packages from Audi, along with other manufacturers, check out the links below:
