Australians miss out on in-car connectivity

Audi is promising to deliver safer, smarter motoring in its future vehicles.

However, it could be some time before Australian motorists can benefit from the full range of connectivity options in their own vehicle, as some advanced functions available to Audi drivers in Europe are currently off-limits for Australians.

The key enabler of many of these systems within mainland Europe are cellular phone network upgrades to the latest LTE Advanced standard, which enable faster data transfer speeds.

It means Audi can use the networks to transfer data from cars to the cloud more quickly, opening up opportunities for drivers to become more connected within their cars. European customers can option an Audi Connect SIM, which facilitates a number of connected functions for the driver.

Using Audi’s modular infotainment platform, customers can connect to the internet from within the car at download speeds of up to 100MBPS. An integrated Wi-Fi hotspot allows passengers to connect their device to the internet while drivers can access a range of Audi services.

Such services include traffic information which beams real-time data to the navigation system while a parking information service will display parking lots close to the destination, in some cases displaying the number of available spaces and parking fees.

Additionally, buyers of models including the A3, A4, A5, Q2 and Q7 can buy an embedded SIM which allows them to use Audi connect services with unlimited data from the purchase of their new car. In the case of the A3, A4, A5 and Q2 models, the service is free of charge for the first three years of ownership.

Customers can also buy data packages for the Wi-Fi hotspot to use services outside of the Audi connect service. Once the driver has their credit card details registered with their myAudi account, it is as simple as selecting a data package on the screen and clicking to purchase.

Extending the connection options still further is Audi connect safety and service, which offers customers assistance in certain situations. The system will make autonomous emergency calls in the case of a serious accident or can be employed by the driver or front seat passenger.

The system can also be used to make an online roadside assistance call, with the location and date on the car’s status sent to an Audi service centre. Service data from the car can also be sent to the Audi dealership specified by the customer two weeks ahead of a maintenance service so that the service department can contact the customer to schedule an appointment.

Currently available for all new models in the A4, A5 and Q7 ranges, the system costs a one-off fee of 250 Euros with services available free of charge for a period of 10 years and remote services supported for three years.

Buyers who sign up to the safety and service package are also able to use Audi’s MyCarManager services via the Audi MMI connect app. This allows the remote operation by smartphone of several functions including locking and unlocking doors and starting and stopping the auxiliary heater. In the case of the Q7 e-tron and A3 Sportback e-tron, users can even use the app to charge the battery.

In the US, the Audi MMI connect app also features a geofencing alert which is activated if the car leaves or enters a defined zone, is used during an unauthorised time of the day or is driven over a particular speed.

Audi says that due to limitations with the current data networks and access to required frequencies, some services will now be available in Australia.