What Is the Audi Black Optic Package?
The Audi Black Optic package is a purely aesthetic exterior upgrade available on most Audis—but is it worth the money? Find out here.
Written by Bonnie Stinson
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
For between $500 and $5,000, you can get the Audi Black Optic package—but why the big price range? This package is purely aesthetic and it differs slightly from one Audi to the next. But if you want a meaner, darker appearance for your Audi, then the Black Optic package might be well worth the cost.
Audis are luxury cars, but some are more luxurious than others. But not everyone wants to shell out thousands for a Sport performance Audi. What if we told you that the Black Optic package can give you the look of owning a pricey Audi without losing all that cash?
The Audi Black Optic package is being replaced in 2023 by the Black Optic Plus package, but the benefits of each package are similar. Before you decide, here’s what you need to know.
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4.7/5 rating on the App Store | Trusted by 5+ million customers and 7 million cars4.7/5 app rating | Trusted by 5M+ driversWhat is the Audi Black Optic package?
The Audi Black Optic package is an optional appearance package that typically costs between $1,700 and $2,000 depending on the model. As the name describes, the Black Optic package adds black optics to the exterior of the Audi.
This package is available on most (but not all) Audis, although the specific modifications will depend partially on which Audi is getting the upgrade.
Starting in 2023, the Black Optic package will be replaced by the Black Optic Plus package. There are additional features available in the Plus version. For instance, in an S Line Audi, the Black Optic Plus package unlocks optional 18- or 19-inch wheels plus red calipers.
What’s included
The Black Optic package is entirely aesthetic, transforming a standard Audi into an exclusive black-badged beast:
- Black exterior trim
- Black wheels
- Black wheels
- Black spoiler
- Black high-gloss grille
In some models, this package adds body-color exterior mirrors, red brake calipers, and other unique modifications like wider tires or black roof rails.
What it does
Some people think that performance cars should be flashy. Other drivers want to fly under the radar. The Black Optic package is for the second type of driver.
There are no performance upgrades in the Audi Black Optic package—it’s a purely aesthetic improvement that is associated with exclusivity and muted luxury.
The biggest benefit is that the black badging and trim can provide higher contrast (or the absolute minimum contrast) to the body of your Audi, depending on the exterior paint color. With the Black Optic package, an Audi tends to look more aggressive than it does with the chrome badging. If that’s your jam, then the Black Optic package is for you.
How much is a 2023 Audi Black Optic Plus package?
On a brand-new Audi, you can expect to pay between $500 and $5,500 for the Black Optic Plus package.
The price of this package depends on the specific model but here is a few example costs broken down by model:
Is the Audi Black Optic package worth it?
Ultimately, the Black Optic package may only be worth the investment if it levels up your specific Audi. For some models, the package could improve the appearance of the vehicle enormously without the price tag of a higher trim level.
But the Black Optic package is not your only option if you want to look cooler.
You could opt for the S Line package if you want to mimic the appearance of higher-performing Audis. This trim level gives you aluminum exterior accents and a leather interior plus lowered suspension.
The Sport package puts an S in front of the model, transforming your Audi into a performance Audi. S Audis include some interior trim upgrades as well as an improved engine and braking capability.
If you can’t afford a high-end performance Audi but you covet its speed and power, then you’re probably better off buying the Sport package on a less expensive Audi. But if you don’t mind having a car that looks cooler than it really is—and saving money—then the Black Optic package could be a savvy investment.
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Black Optic package versus Design Edition
The $2,500 Design Edition is only available on some 2023 S6 and S7 vehicles.
Similar to the Black Optic package, the Design Edition package darkens the exterior trim with dark chrome accents and darkened Audi rings.
The Design Edition also offers interior upgrades like microsuede, faux suede on the steering wheel, and red contrast stitching.
You’ll have to pay a pretty penny for these vehicles. The starting MSRP for the 2023 S6 is $73,795 and the S7 starts at $83,595.
The bottom line
Not everybody loves the chrome accents—but not everybody can afford the priciest Audis that look like high-end sports cars.
Enter the Audi Black Optic package. This package offers an undeniable improvement to the exterior of eligible Audis, with understated black badging that slides sleekly under the radar. For the price (about $2,000 on average, depending on the model), it’s a lot to pay for purely aesthetic upgrades. But can you really put a price on cool?
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