You can now buy a new Audi online

Fancy buying a brand-new Audi RS Q3 Sportback or the latest Audi Q7 from the comfort of your own home?

Well now you can do it online, since Audi has become the latest manufacturer to begin selling new vehicles online, after Subaru pioneered the concept in Australia in 2012 and added home delivery to its retailing menu.

Since then, Volkswagen, MINI and – despite Audi’s claim it is the first premium brand to offer internet sales – Mercedes-Benz have followed suit, the latter for its EQ electric models.

From today, Audi customers can search the full model range via the configurator on the brand’s public website – narrowing down location, price, engine, colour, etc – then reserve their chosen model with a refundable fee of $500, organise a ‘virtual walkaround’ of the car and even order a test drive, before having their new car delivered at home.

Customers are also provided with trade-in and finance options online, and Audi says the process can be taken ‘offline’ at any point of the enquiry/purchase stage.

“It’s a fast, flexible and easy solution that is seamlessly integrated into our sales process, providing customers with an entirely new way to begin an Audi purchase: from the comfort and security of their home,” said Audi Australia chief customer and marketing officer, Nikki Warburton.

Online vehicle retailing isn’t just the domain of an increasing number of key auto brands. Many car dealers have now signed up for carsales’ new ‘Buy from home’ initiative, allowing you to purchase new and used vehicles from them without even getting off the couch.