An optional or standard digital instrument cluster is available on the majority of contemporary automobiles. Behind the steering wheel, these digital dials take the place of the conventional analogue speedometer and rev counter with a programmable screen.
One of the earliest systems on the market, Audi’s Virtual Cockpit set a high bar for other automakers to match. But should you spend more money to go digital if you’re speccing a new Audi at your neighborhood dealership and the salesperson offers you upgrade to the system?
In This Article...
What is Audi Virtual Cockpit?
In place of the traditional analogue dials above the steering wheel, the Virtual Cockpit is a single screen. It’s a programmable system that delivers more complexity than the information provided by conventional dials, from sat nav directions to audio information, and the driver can select the information that is presented.
There are numerous layouts and sizes that range from 10.25 inches to 12.3 inches depending on the model and specification across vehicles such the A3, A4, A5, A6, Q3 SUV, and Q3 Sportback. Virtual Cockpit can be installed to models of the Audi A6 saloon that don’t come equipped with the technology as standard for a fee of around 1,500 as part of the brand’s Technology Pack.
What is included in the Audi virtual cockpit?
Features of the Audi Virtual Cockpit are geared toward your vehicle’s enjoyment and navigation. You can easily operate the digital dials on your front dash because they are located in your line of sight. Controls for your music library, texts, phone calls, apps, and Audi Stats are also included.
What is the virtual cockpit for Audi?
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.
The value of the Audi virtual cockpit
In some of its more recent models, the Virtual Cockpitas Audi calls itreplaces the customary analog dials with a TFT screen. Instead of forcing you to look over at the infotainment screen, the goal is to bring all the information you require within your range of vision.
It would have cost $1595 as an optional upgrade on our Q2 Sport. But it was a part of the 1395 optional Technology pack that we purchased. This is only available on S-line and Black Edition vehicles, Sport models with a S tronic transmission (like ours), and Sport models. It also needs to be used with the flat-bottomed Sport steering wheel.
This is the much more cost-effective choice if you really want the Virtual Cockpit because it also includes MMI Navigation Plus with MMI Touch, a 36-month subscription to Audi Connect Infotainment Services, and the Audi wireless charging phone box (although you can’t use it with an iPhone without the 40 charging cover).
The 8.3-inch, high-resolution color display, touch-sensitive control panel with handwriting recognition, and ability to pan and zoom on the 3D map are all included in the Multi Media Interface (MMI).
The speedometer and rev counter are prominently displayed on the screen in Classic View. However, you may tailor the Virtual Cockpit to your requirements, so if you like, you can prominently display the map in the center with the dials in the background.
Additionally, the 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit may display music information, tyre pressures, driver assistance menus, and fuel level. Basically, that means that you can use it to pull up everything from radio stations to routes on the map, much like an infotainment system.
Is it therefore worth the money? It will depend on how tight your budget is, like with most things. It’s a great piece of technology, and if you were spending the money on a brand-new Audi, you’d probably add it. But you could purchase a complete second automobile for a fiver off of $1400. An old vehicle with many miles on it, yet still…
If you have CarPlay or Android Auto, which is standard on the Sport trim, you can access Apple or Google Maps, music, etc. for free. However, looking down rather than across to a screen feels more natural (and safer). Although you won’t receive all the glitzy information about fuel pressure and digital dials, you also won’t have to pay a significant sum of money to move it all in front of your face.
Is the virtual cockpit for Audi common?
You may have seen a Virtual Cockpit display if you’ve ever driven or sat in the front passenger seat of a modern Audi vehicle. The Virtual Cockpit is the moniker Audi gives to the digital dashboard display it now installs in many of its models in place of traditional analogue dials. It is not some kind of phantom car interior that only appears in a VR headset.
A variant of Virtual Cockpit was also used on the Lamborghini Huracan, which was introduced at the same year as the Audi TT Mk3 in 2014. The technology has already crept down through the rest of the range, and the majority of Audi vehicles now include the Virtual Cockpit as standard equipment.
Virtual Cockpit is an optional addition that can be ordered on versions that don’t come standard with it (such the base and mid-range trim levels of the Audi A6 executive saloon). It often comes with a Technology Pack that costs roughly $1,500. The sole exceptions are the Audi A1 and Q2’s most basic Technik models, which are completely incompatible with the Virtual Cockpit system.