Infotainment Review: Audi Q7

Launching with the latest TT sports car range, Audi's clever Virtual Cockpit is beginning to pop up across the German luxury brand's entire range.

Here we get a closer look with the new Q7, a vehicle that can be kitted out with lots of techy goodness, in particular the vibrant animated Virtual Cockpit screen that replaces the traditional instrument gauges.

The main difference between the very driver-centric single screen of the TT is the sheer size of the Q7's digital instrument display, which even within its massive dashboard is perhaps just a little too much.

This is particularly noticeable if you are showing off: having the bright, moving navigation maps visible within both the instrument binnacle and the large central touch-screen can feel a little like watching the drive-in movie on the move.

It is not dangerous or overly distracting, but there is plenty of eye-line pixel-candy there if you want it.

It has to be said that Audi has made the correct decision to employ the main central screen for all data input via the touch pad or rotary controller, as well as for viewing both front and rear parking cameras.

Unlike the TT, it allows passengers to get involved with the entertainment, which — depending on your particular domestic arrangement — can be a good thing.

Many other dedicated infotainment functions not suited to full presentation on the driver’s Virtual Cockpit display are also better served on the large central screen.

This means that, for the driver, the Virtual Cockpit screen has been cut down to four essential tabs providing the essentials for car system information, phone, entertainment and navigation.

All Virtual Cockpit systems can be controlled by the multi-function buttons on the steering wheel.  Making the display even more driver-centric has meant Audi has maintained minimal clutter for these buttons.

Where it gets just a little complicated is with getting the vehicle connected to the internet. The surest way is by dropping a data SIM into the slot within the glove box. If that is unavailable, then tethering a connected smart phone or other 3G/4G device is an option.

From there the car has access to Audi connected information. However, it is here that many may be disappointed. It seems we live in a backwater region of the world for these services.

The Audi MMI Connect App is not available on local app stores; this limits the services to Google Search functions and enabling the navigation map to use Google Earth and Street View options.

While we are in disappointment mode, the Q7 we had for test was not equipped with the Audi Tablet; the portable touch-screen android-based tablet that integrates with the infotainment system.

At $3300 for one or $5700 for two of the tablets rear-seat mounts, perhaps they just are not being ordered in great enough quantities here to warrant a press play day with one. Next time perhaps.

The Audi MMI (Multi Media Interface) system remains one of the most elegant on the market today. From the rotary dial and large input touch-pad to the respectively intuitive UI (User Interface), there is plenty to be impressed about.

Topping the list of subtle touches such as a pop-up message when you start the car asking if you want to navigate to the closest petrol station because fuel is getting low.

While not really part of the infotainment package, there is certainly a wow-factor attributed to the Q7 when you step out at night. We love the design of the exciting internal ambient lighting; a cheap night out with the family can be had playing with the different colour options.

Taking the Audi Virtual Cockpit and refining the clever concept for drivers and their passengers by spreading infotainment across to the central screen is a great step in an already top-notch offering.