- A3.
- A4.
- A5.
- A6.
- A7.
- A8.
- E-Tron.
- GT E-Tron.
In This Article...
Which models of Audi have heads-up displays?
Voice recognition, a touchpad, and clever search tools
The user operation possibilities are incredibly diverse. They all work toward the same objective, which is to naturally and ergonomically lead the driver through the highly complex infotainment system with high-resolution displays.
Audi virtual cockpit
With a 12.3-inch TFT display, the Audi virtual cockpit is an entirely digital instrument panel. It features a resolution of 1,440 x 540 pixels or 1,920 x 720 pixels in full HD, depending on the model. Its display graphics are incredibly detailed and sharp.
In tidy, bright, and highly detailed graphics, the display simply and concisely presents a variety of information. Along with the usual speed and rpm measurements, it also contains data on media, navigation, and driver aid systems. Along the lower edge are fixed indicators that display the current time, the outside temperature, the odometer reading, warning and informational symbols, and the date. The image is refreshed 60 times per second to ensure that the rev counter’s virtual needle moves smoothly and precisely.
The driver can choose between two viewpoints in the virtual cockpit of the Audi by pressing the View button on the multifunction steering wheel. While in driving mode, the tachometer and speedometer are shown as huge dial-type gauges, infotainment mode is dominated by a central window. It creates a sizable stage for the phone, radio, and audio regions’ lists or the navigation map. In this instance, a simple dial instrument is used to show the tachometer and speedometer. Both views in the S and RS versions prominently display red graphic features. The MMI also has a performance layout option where the tachometer is the primary display element, presented as a square graph, while performance and torque are displayed as percentages.
The driver can configure two additional perspectives for the Audi virtual cockpit plus in the MMI. As seen in the S versions, in addition to the Sport layout, there is a display graphic with a particularly dynamic design: These bar graphs of the RPM and speed have angular red visual components.
Free text search / MMI search
All fundamental menus in Audi MMI can be searched using the free text entering method similar to a search engine. After only a few letters are entered, it typically responds to searches while taking into account the position of the car at the time. For instance, to find a restaurant in Europe, just type in the restaurant’s name and the first few letters of the city; a list of results with locations will then show. This is also how searching for songs, albums, and radio stations works. The MMI search incorporates intelligent features in part.
If there is an internet connection, the list of results while looking for a restaurant, for instance, also contains Yelp reviews. Additionally, sorting can be done using a variety of criteria. The cost of gasoline is listed for filling stations. An alternative is to conduct a Google search.
Head-up-display
The head-up display projects data from assistance systems, warning messages, and other information pertinent to the driver into symbols and numbers that may be rapidly understood inside the driver’s immediate field of vision. The information is picked up by the eye very rapidly, so drivers don’t need to shift their concentration away from their usual long-range perspective.
Audi provides two unique systems. The image is projected onto the windshield in model series A4, Q5, and higher. The visual window is 200 by 80 mm in size, and the information appears to hover around two meters (6.6 ft) in front of the driver (7.9 x 3.1 in). The color image is produced using a TFT display with a white LED backlighting system. The picture is enlarged and redirected by two aspherical mirrors. The mirrors also correct for any distortions brought on by the windshield’s curvature. The head-up display’s height and brightness may both be changed using the Audi MMI, and the driver can decide which data should be displayed there.
The head-up display of the Audi Q2 projects the images and numbers onto a different glass panel. An electronic actuator behind the instrument cluster extends the 100 50 millimeter (3.9 x 2.0 in) panel upward when the system is turned on. The visual window’s height can be altered to match the seated driver’s height. The information to be shown, such as navigational symbols or details about the support systems, is selected via the MMI.
MMI touch
Audi offers a variety of MMI touch-based systems. On some models, there is a touchpad on the surface of a round rotary/pushbutton control in the center console. The touchpad is utilized for both character input and multi-finger movements, such as allowing the driver to zoom in on a map. Along the edge, buttons add functionality to the terminal. Another version of the bigger MMI all-in-touch is available: Each time a command is entered, the driver receives acoustic and tactile feedback as well as the ability to write, zoom, and scroll on its glass surface. In some instances, the MMI touch is also available as a console-mounted display. Its diagonal measures between 8.8 or 10.1 inches, depending on the available hardware. The driver controls all navigation and entertainment features on the big touch screen with a single finger. Additionally, the driver is able to type letters and symbols.
MMI touch response
With the MMI touch response, Audi is showcasing the most recent level of its MMI operating ideas. It was first used in the Audi A8 (2017), the fourth generation, and is now being introduced into other model lines. The 10.1-inch touch display with black panel technology serves as the centerpiece. When not in use, the screen virtually disappears into the instrument panel’s high-gloss black faceplate. The user interface with its clear graphics first shows when the system is launched. The TFT screen’s 1,540 x 720 pixel resolution offers outstanding contrast and razor-sharp images even when seen at an angle. Controlling navigation, media, and vehicle features is done with the big display. The driver may zoom, scroll, click, and swipe on it. Like a modern smartphone, the menu structure, which includes the search functions, is simple and flat.
The haptic feedback provided by the MMI touch response system is its main advantage. A specific amount of moderate pressure must be applied in order to activate a function when a finger touches the display glass. An electromagnet pushes the spring-mounted display very slightly to one side by about the width of a human hair, producing the mechanical pulse that the driver experiences as confirmation feedback. A little loudspeaker nearby makes a click noise at the same moment.
Utilizing the latest technology is even more appealing when there are clever, thorough solutions. The program certifies when a finger contacts an icon either through animation or a change in color. If the finger presses firmly enough to activate the function, the icon or list item temporarily illuminates. Many symbols are supported via long-touch and long-push functions, just like on a smartphone. This enables the driver, for example, to move a tile.
The air conditioning system and convenience amenities are controlled via a second display on the center tunnel console. The driver has the option to bookmark favorite functions. The screen measures 8.6 inches diagonally and has a 1,280 x 660 pixel resolution. The gear selector knob on the transmission rests on the driver’s wrist, making it quite comfortable to use the display. When the car is stopped, the driver can also type text using a digital keyboard or a cutting-edge handwriting recognition system that can read words written in their entirety as well as letters stacked on top of one another. Each letter that is identified generates an audible response, allowing the driver to maintain his or her eyes on the road at all times.
The two displays feature some sort of anti-fingerprint coating on their surfaces. This makes wiping away fingerprints simple. The light that is reflected is also refracted by an anti-glare layer. The reflections become blurry as a result, keeping the driver focused. Due to the toughening of the top layer, it is exceptionally robust and scratch-resistant.
Natural language voice control
Many phrasal patterns used in common speech are understood by voice control in natural language. Calling a contact only requires a command, such as “Call Peter Miller, please. Inputs in natural language like “Where can I refuel?” and “Where is the nearest Italian restaurant?” are also acknowledged by the navigation system. The new voice control system may be used without an Internet connection and is compatible with the Radio and Media menus. It also allows for the dictation of text messages. By pushing the voice control button on the steering wheel, voice control is turned on.
Models with MMI navigation plus and the modular infotainment platform 2+ (MIB 2+) include hybrid voice control. It offers two ways to respond to commands and enquiries. For starters, the system makes use of information about the user’s preferences, such as saved special destinations or navigational destinations. Another is that it uses the cloud to access knowledge. The driver’s query is transmitted as a data packet to speech recognition software. The response comes in less than two seconds if the network signal is strong.
The driver has complete freedom to issue oral commands.
The voice recognition system can comprehend phrases like “Please drive me to the Berlin Adlon Hotel. The deft dialogue manager permits interruptions and asks questions when appropriate. He or she also allows revisions and offers options. The driver can navigate through several menu regions while conversing with the voice control system. A contact from the phone book may be called, for instance, and the related address could be entered as a navigation destination. Additionally linked to media sources, the HVAC system, phone features, and a few Audi Connect services is the new hybrid voice control system.
When was Audi’s Heads Up Display introduced?
While Audi demonstrated a similar system that appears to be much more grounded in reality, Mercedes-DICE Benz’s concept at the 2012 Consumer Electronics Show teases a super-futuristic cockpit that we felt isn’t quite ready for the present. Unfortunately, the head-up display doesn’t have a flashy acronym or mashup typical of German cars, but we were nevertheless impressed.
While Audi demonstrated a similar system that appears to be much more grounded in reality, Mercedes-DICE Benz’s concept at the 2012 Consumer Electronics Show teases a super-futuristic cockpit that we felt isn’t quite ready for the present. We were impressed despite the head-up display’s unfortunate absence of a fancy acronym or portmanteau typical of German automakers.
Three head-up projectors and a reflector screen are mounted atop the mocked-up dashboard (in a real car, the windshield serves as that screen). From the passenger side, you cannot see the driver’s display, and the opposite is true. The shared center display functions similarly to the infotainment panel in modern Audis.
The driver’s display functions similarly to the HUDs seen in several GM and BMW products, although with a slight modification. Images are projected between 35 and 100 feet in front of the automobile, as opposed to the present systems’ eight-foot-tall image that appears in front of the car (and in the other two views on this Audi’s demonstration). The street is directly overlaid with navigational information, such as direction arrows. Information might also be overlaid on the vehicle in front of you, similar to how we noticed an arrow on onlookers in the Audi booth. However, compared to current HUD systems, the huge display and far focal distance are a significant improvement.
The passenger display can show far more distracting content, including films or in-depth point-of-interest information, because the driver cannot see it. Although the Audi concept is far more straightforward than the Mercedes-Benz DICE system, it also incorporates gesture controls. You can only swipe up, down, left, and right in reality. Pushing a navigation destination to the passenger may bring up extensive information, while pushing it to the driver may designate it as a destination and show the route right away. Left-right gestures move things on the center screen to and from the outside screens. On the central screen, the several primary functions are scrolled through using up-down gestures.
Because of its simplicity, the Audi system is significantly more dependable than the more complex system Mercedes demonstrated, and the necessary technology to make Audi’s displays a reality is essentially already available. However, it is still some time before it will be in production. For the time being, Audi merely intends to keep working on the technology and study its effects on driver distraction.
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What is it like on the inside?
Nowadays, everything is controlled via screens, with hardware dials primarily used for functions like climate control and other small controls like drive mode selection. Audi’s Virtual Cockpit TFT screen is installed in front of the driver in all models. Sometimes it’s useful to have a map take up the majority of this screen, but you’re still left with a tiny speedometer. However, even as an option, there is no head-up display here, unlike on other Audis. At least the steering wheel has a few buttons you may use to navigate the necessary controls.
The main screen appears stunning. It is elegantly integrated into the dash rather than perched on top and has a greater resolution than an electron microscope. The air vents are now high enough to actually aim at your face.
Since the screen system comes equipped with cloud connectivity, you may access real-time traffic information that is correct. It creates a wifi hotspot in the automobile for everyone’s devices using the same network.
But it’s not flawless. The MMI selector wheel in the console has been removed since Audi switched to touchscreens. A pity. By the time it was done, it was very well-developed and useful for entering commands while the automobile was bouncing down the road.
Despite how nicely drawn small symbols may be, hitting them with a jiggling finger on a touchscreen is difficult. Therefore, you might go back to using Android Auto or CarPlay. The climate control still has real knobs, at least.
Families will like the cabin’s internet hotspot and power outlets, but they will also appreciate how roomy the back is. The boot is hungrier-bellied behind it. Except if you choose the plug-in hybrid variant, which reduces the capacity from 530 to 380 liters. That’s a significant loss, even for PHEVs that carry batteries. Additionally, you’ll see that the cable bag takes up a sizable portion of the image if you scroll through the gallery above. You should try to leave that at home as much as you can.
The back seats also move. It makes logical that your children won’t need legroom so you can scoot them forward when you need a lot of boot since you have to cope with a pushchair. Pack less densely and slide it back when they start to get ganglier.
There are various other colors and textures available for the trim and upholstery materials. But several of the interior plastics deviate from Audi’s standard design. Why do they insist on having a soft-touch dash top that you never actually touch, but installing rough, scratchy door handles that hurt your fingertips every time you enter the vehicle?