So you’re looking at buying an Audi? Like any modern car, you will be stuck with the overwhelming number of packages and options you can select. And as one of the largest luxury car brands, Audi offers a lot of choices for their 2023 models.
Like its rivals, it is vital to choose the best options and packs for new owners. Whether you’re buying new or preowned, it’s important to pick a car with the best options for you.
But what are the best Audi packages and options and what should you avoid?
What are the best packages and options?
Across their model range, Audi has a lot of options. Some of their premium models, like the A8, have many options as standard and lower down the range, you need to select the packages available. There are a lot of packages and options to cover, so let’s get started…
Convenience Package
If you want a lot of general upgrades, this package includes
- Audi Advanced Key
- Auto Dimming and Electronic Folding Mirrors
- Memory Driver Seat
- Traffic Assist
- Advanced Alarm System
- Parking Assist
- 3-month trial to SiriusXM (in US)
- Auto Dimming Rear Mirror
I don’t like to compare Audi to their nearest rivals directly. Having said that, this pack is great value compared to the equivalent at BMW and Mercedes. You would usually have to pay for 2 or 3 packs to get all these features, but Audi has them in a single pack.
Some of these features, like the mirrors, should be standard, but parking and traffic assistance are very useful. It’s also strange to have the advanced alarm system in a ‘convenience package,’ but it’s a bonus.
Nothing amazing in this pack but all important options. Overall a Good Package
To find out more about the Convenience pack, click here
Technology Package
This pack upgrades the standard Audi cockpit, including:
- Audi connect® PRIME and PLUS (6-month trial subscription)
- Navigation plus
- Audi virtual cockpit (12.3″ screen)
- Touch response (10.1″ screen)
- Alexa integration
- Traffic sign recognition
- SONOS premium sound system with 3D sound
- Wireless Apple Carplay
The virtual cockpit you get with this pack is worth the cost alone, in my opinion. It’s the best in its class and has BMW and Mercedes playing catch up. You get a lot of customization on the display, and it’s very clear.
The other features are also very good. Like the cockpit, the upgraded center touchscreen is a big improvement. I don’t like the Audi system as much as BMW’s iDrive though. However, with wireless Apple CarPlay, you can use that instead, so the Audi system isn’t a big deal.
The SONOS sound system is great too. Go check out my other posts on BMW and Mercedes where I recommend their upgrades for sound systems, and Audi is no different.
Overall this package is a strong recommendation from me.
Black Optic Sport Package
This package covers exterior upgrades. What you get depends on the model you’re looking at, but the pack usually includes:
- Black Exterior Trim parts
- S Line Sport Seats
- Lowered Suspension (only Sedan Models)
This pack is a strange one. It’s only available on lower-spec models because the higher specs have these options as standard. So if you’re looking to get a few packages including this, go for the higher-spec vehicle.
That doesn’t mean this is a bad pack. The S-line seats are very good, and the black trim makes a big difference in my opinion. There isn’t much more to say about this package because it’s there to make you think about upgrading to the higher-spec vehicle anyway.
Overall this is an OK package, but I wouldn’t choose it.
to find out more about the Black Optic pack, click here
S Line Competition Package
This package is currently only available on a couple of models, but there is a lot included:
- Upgraded Wheels and Tires
- S Line Steering Wheel
- Audi virtual cockpit with Sport mode
- S line door sills in aluminum
- Black exhaust tips
- Brushed aluminum inlays
- High-gloss black exterior trim
- High-gloss black exterior mirror housings
- Interior elements in slate gray chrome
- Leather/Alcantara S sport seats with S line embossing
- Rear fixed wing spoiler in high-gloss black (TT Models)
- Red brake calipers
- S line sport suspension
This is an expensive package but has a huge list of features. Looking back at the Optic Sport Pack, this takes things to a new level, and I think it actually works really well. You get premium upgrades on the interior trim and improved seats, which make a substantial difference. The virtual cockpit (we covered this in the Technology Package) is a must-have too.
On the exterior, it’s hit-and-miss. The upgraded wheels and tires look good and handle better in the dry, but they worsen the ride quality. I’m not a fan of colored brake calipers on non-performance cars (same with the optional Spoiler), but those options are really up to you.
Overall though, this is a very good package.
Luxury Package
This package is only available on the highest-spec models. As a result, it includes some premium features, like:
- Massage seat functions
- Alcantara linings
- Extended leather package (center console, door armrests, and upper part of instrument panel)
This is a seriously expensive pack, which is why it is on the most expensive models only. Although if you’re looking at getting something like a Q8, you probably won’t be put off by the price. Massage seats are great if you have some long-distance driving planned, and extended leather improves the cabin.
I’m not a fan of Alcantara in vehicles in all honesty, but don’t let that put you off. If you’re a fan of Alcantara, then Audi adds a generous amount to their interiors, so it might be worth the cost.
Overall this is an OK Package.
Alongside the main packages you can select, Audi gives customers many more choices. These are very different depending on the model you select, so I won’t cover them all. Instead, let’s look at some of Audi’s best and worst options.
These are mostly on their performance vehicles, and there is a ridiculous amount of choice to spec.
What Are Some Of The Best Individual Options You Can Pick?
Adaptive / Dynamic Suspension
There are a few different options on suspension across Audi’s S and RS range, but all are worth selecting. Adaptive suspension makes a massive difference, giving you a choice of settings, from comfort to sport. You probably need to test drive a vehicle with this option to see the benefit truly. Definitely worth an investment.
Power Panoramic Roof
If you are looking at an SUV from Audi, you can’t go wrong with the panoramic roof. This option has recently become a feature on all the top SUVs in the market, and Audi is no different. This isn’t as good as a Tesla Model X but having a panoramic roof makes a noticeable difference in the cabin.
What Options Should You Avoid?
Sport Exhaust
This is an option that would have been top of my list usually. Unfortunately, everything I have heard from Audi owners with this option selected has been negative. It’s supposed to add a lot of volume and some cracks and pops, but everyone has told me it’s simply underwhelming. It’s a real shame because the S and RS models have some fantastic engines, and they are a bit wasted. Go for aftermarket options if you want a better exhaust.
Ceramic Brakes
Before you go mad in the comments – hear me out. Ceramic brakes are really not worth it for 90% of owners, so think seriously about this option. Are you going to do a lot of track driving? Because if not, don’t bother with these. Also, they are one of the most expensive options so money is better used elsewhere.
Summary
Just like their German rivals, Audi has some great (and not-so-great) packages and options. As always the best packages are different for each of you, but I hope this guide has given you some idea of how useful each package could be.
I’ll be putting together another post to look at the exterior and interior choices on things like fabrics and paint, so look out for that if you’d like to find out more.
To find out more about Audi and other brands, check out my other posts looking at the packages and options:
