Instead of a touchscreen, the multifunction steering wheel’s buttons are used to operate the Virtual Cockpit. It is not worthwhile to retrofit Virtual Cockpit to an Audi that didn’t have it installed from the factory because the steering wheel is different from the one in models that don’t have the technology included.
In This Article...
When was Audi Virtual Cockpit introduced?
The original iteration of Virtual Cockpit debuted on the 2014 Audi TT, and a renamed version of it was utilized in the Lamborghini Huracan, yet it still seems like cutting-edge software. Early versions of the software had certain technical issues and weren’t always readable in direct sunshine, but they have now been fixed, and measures have been taken to make the system viewable in all lighting circumstances. Making sure the car you’re considering has the most recent system is worthwhile because the current one is significantly more dependable.
The 10.25-inch Virtual Cockpit is now standard on mid-range and top-tier variants of the brand’s smallest model, the A1. Previously, the 10.25-inch Virtual Cockpit was only available on the company’s more expensive vehicles, such as the Q5 and Q7, S, and RS models. The A1 and Q2 base model Technik versions are the only ones that don’t include the Virtual Cockpit option.
With brand-specific designs, features, and, in some cases, somewhat different titles, each brand in the VW Group now has its own digital instrument cluster. While Skoda adopts the naming convention used by Audi, Volkswagen and SEAT refer to it as the Active Info Display and Digital Cockpit, respectively.
What model of Audi features a virtual cockpit?
The A3, A4, A5, S4, Q5, and R8 all come equipped with the Audi Virtual Cockpit. This cluster is entirely digital and can be used by drivers that require information to be formed quickly. A TFT screen eliminates the requirement for analog information interpretation.
When did Audi start using virtual cockpits?
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.
Which A3 from Audi has a virtual cockpit?
The premium compact class was firmly established in 1996 by the Audi A3. The fourth generation of this wildly popular car is now prepared to make its mark, 24 years later. In keeping with the brand’s Vorsprung Durch Technik ethos, the premium five-door compact once again raises the bar with an entirely new digitalized interior and cutting-edge infotainment, as well as distinctive new light signatures, potent engines, and a suite of cutting-edge assistance systems housed in a completely redesigned, yet instantly recognizable body.
“According to Andrew Doyle, Director of Audi UK, each version of the A3 has represented a substantial step-change for both Audi and the premium compact segment. “Similar to our previous models, our new one upholds the ideals of Vorsprung Durch Technik. It is entirely digital, totally interconnected, and very user-friendly.
Revolutionised: the exterior and lighting
The concave flanks of the new A3 Sportback add an entirely new motif to the Audi design vocabulary and give it an athletic posture. They emphasize the compact five-door car’s aggressive aspect, as do the sharply angled C-pillars above the rear wheels. From the headlights to the rear lights, the shoulder line ascends. The surface below it slopes inward, emphasizing the body shoulder and drawing attention to the quattro blisters. The sharp contour in the sill area is mostly to blame for the intense dance of light and shadow that results from this. Before the lower body line reaches the rear wheel arch, it is drawn upward once more. This gives the A3 Sportback a very athletic appearance.
A broad, hexagonal Singleframe with a honeycomb grille dominates the front end. It helps to visualize the dynamic personality of the premium small car in conjunction with the huge, angular air inlets and the eye-catching bumper. The lengthy roof edge spoiler towards the back makes the window look low. This effect highlights the breadth of the vehicle along with the shoulder line that wraps around the entire car, the flat back lights, the diffuser, and the trapezoidal exhaust screens. The headlights of the A3 can also be used to identify it right away. The matrix LED headlights are a standard feature on Edition 1 and the top-tier Vorsprung variants, and they are the first to have digital daytime running lights. Depending on the equipment version, a cutting-edge pixel matrix made up of 15 light-emitting diodes displays a particular daytime running light signature: While the basic models are characterized by horizontal lines, the S line exterior’s two vertical LED lines emphasize its sporty appearance. The matrix LED headlights also provide dynamic turn signal lighting, intelligently regulated high beam lighting, and dynamic light sequencing when the car is locked and unlocked.
Digitalised: the cockpit
The instrument panel and center console have a black-panel appearance, and there is attractive contrast stitching, eye-catching door handles, and a new shifter design that all add to the inside of the A3 Sportback’s feeling of high quality. The cockpit’s breadth is emphasized by clean, precise horizontal lines and surfaces. The eye-catching air vent door strip on the passenger side and the curving trim strip below also help to achieve this. The instrument cluster cover and the air vents on the driver’s side make an outstanding unit. Here, the parts are combined, emphasizing the puristic nature of the design.
The driver is the only subject in the cockpit. It borrows recognizable design cues from the company’s full-size class products and comes standard with a 10.1-inch touch screen. The navigation, media choices, and extensive connect services can all have their settings changed using this tool. The device offers audio feedback when the driver chooses a function. The high-gloss black bezel in the center of the instrument panel integrates seamlessly with the center display. The newly built temperature control control unit is positioned below, and the entire region is slightly angled toward the driver. Left of the steering wheel is a continuation of the black-panel appearance.
The center tunnel console’s design focuses on ergonomics in particular. Its black-panel surface incorporates a cutting-edge shifter that provides the driver with an entirely new operating experience: The seven-speed S tronic’s fundamental operations can be managed by pushing and pulling the small controller, which employs shift-by-wire technology. Another advancement is right next to it: a circular volume control that responds to finger motions in a round pattern.
Additionally, the 10.25-inch virtual cockpit is a standard feature of the Audi A3 Sportback and is controlled by the multifunction steering wheel. The Audi virtual cockpit, which includes numerous additional features including a big view of the navigation map, is where the displays for the MMI navigation plus are located. Even more appealing is the 12.3-inch display added to the Audi virtual cockpit, which comes standard on Edition 1 and Vorsprung trims: There are three views available, one of which is a sports layout. Another choice is a head-up display, which presents significant data in color onto the windscreen. Nearly two meters in front of the driver, the image looks to be floating.
What automobiles feature virtual cockpits?
The following vehicles use digital speedometers and dashboards:
- Subaru Panamera (2017) The instrument cluster of the second-generation Porsche Panamera mixes analog and digital design.
- Audi A4 (2017)
- Revolver Karma (2017)
- Continental Lincoln (2017)
- T-Prime Concept GTE by Volkswagen.
Can I upgrade my Audi with a virtual cockpit?
On newer cars that didn’t have the option selected at the factory, we can source and install brand-new Audi Virtual Cockpits. For vehicles that did not have the navigation function activated when they left the factory, we can provide genuine Audi navigation activations & MIB updates.
The cost of the Audi virtual cockpit
Audi Virtual Cockpitor Digital Cockpit, as VW refers to itreplaces conventional dials for speed, revs, and other factors with programmable digital displays; for a better understanding, refer to the gallery above. The idea is to bring all the data you require down below your range of vision. However, the more important query for Audi/VW buyers is: Should you purchase it?
For instance, the top Prestige trim of the 2018 Audi Q5 SUV and S4 sedan comes standard with Virtual Cockpit; the Premium Plus level with the $2,600 navigation package offers it as an option. Volkswagen’s new Atlas, Tiguan, and e-Golf all come standard with the Digital Cockpit.
Both versions are configurable, so you can add your map and navigation data, songs, phone calls, and anything else you can think of to the space typically used for analog gauge rings. Of course, you can check your speed and rpm. While neither is touchscreen, they both use the steering wheel or voice instructions to navigate, and with Audi’s Google Earth-like maps, it looks really interesting. And isn’t bragging about yourself half the fun?
The Virtual Cockpit gauge cluster was thoroughly examined by our British friends at Car Magazine, and they gave it a thumbs up. We concur after testing the technology in a few recent vehicles from the VW Group and some Audis.
Is there a virtual cockpit on the Audi A4?
The 2018 Audi A4 Prestige includes Audi virtual cockpit as a standard feature. When you choose the optional Navigation and Telematics Package, it’s also offered with the 2018 Audi A4 Premium Plus.
What distinguishes the virtual cockpit plus and virtual cockpit for Audi?
More study has led me to believe that the plus has a larger battery gauge than the standard, which is the only change (so not really much of an upgrade). The addition apparently integrates the analog fuel gauge and engine temperature into the virtual cockpit screen in ICE vehicles, making it a more sensible update.
I’m actually more irritated by things like the inability to specify certain features, like memory seats or the phone box, as distinct options as opposed to making them model-specific or just offering them as part of a pack. I’m also disappointed that it lacks keyless entry and 360-degree parking cameras, although I wonder whether it is a result of a global chip shortage.
When did the Audi A3 receive the virtual cockpit?
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.
Is there a virtual cockpit in the Audi Q3?
Every Audi Q3 comes with a dual-screen infotainment system that includes a 10.25-inch Virtual Cockpit digital instrument display in addition to a 10.1-inch central touchscreen as standard equipment. All of the Audi Q3’s onboard amenities may be accessed through these, with the exception of the climate control, which is controlled by a straightforward row of buttons by the gear lever.
Even in strong sunlight, the center displaywhich blends almost seamlessly into the glossy black dashboard of the Q3is bright and simple to see. Your inputs are processed swiftly, and all of the menus are arranged clearly and simply. However, since there isn’t a tactile scroll wheel like in a BMW X1, changing settings while you’re driving isn’t as simple.
Nevertheless, you may use convenient buttons on the steering wheel to access many of the system’s capabilities through the digital driver’s display. These let you to change the radio station, personalize the dial graphics, and check impending sat-nav directions.
Using the on-screen keypad, the Audi Q3’s basic navigation system is simple to use and provides precise instructions. The 3D Google Maps tool is a useful addition as well, as it enables you to determine whether a particularly unpleasant hill is about to appear over the horizon. But in areas of the map that are extremely dark, it can be challenging to discern location names.
If you go from the normal 10.25-inch digital driver’s display to a 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit system, it becomes even simpler to follow instructions. This enables you to minimize the digital dials and replace them with a huge widescreen map.
If you don’t like Audi’s own system, you can use your phone’s navigation apps through the Q3’s built-in screens because Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard in the Q3, unlike in the BMW X1. Through the Audi Q3’s radio, you may also play music from your phone using these functions without the need for a Bluetooth connection.
Even if you only listen sometimes, you should consider upgrading to the optional Bang & Olufsen stereo. This optional 15-speaker system has an excellent sound quality and is easily loud enough to drown out any criticisms of your musical preferences from your passengers.