Audi debuts new Connect plus system

AUDI has unveiled its new-generation Connect plus connectivity suite, which introduces a range of new features based around safety, security and convenience for the German brand in Australia.

Launching in the all-new A6 sedan set to go on sale this month, the Connect plus system has been rolled out with a soft launch beginning in April, starting with the A7 and A8 sedans, and Q8 SUV.

Audi Connect plus adds more than 15 new features over the existing Audi Connect system that has been in place since 2014 and lays the framework for future vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) and vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2X) communication.

Audi Australia managing director Paul Sansom said the intuitive nature of the new system meant he expects a high level of use from the customers, which includes a smartphone app integrated into the system.

“We’ve spent a long time bringing this to market, based on a lot of testing and consultation so we can make sure that when we bring it to market, we’ve got something that’s going to be very intuitive, very usable, very convenient, with the sole aim of making our customers’ lives easier,” he said.

“I think it’s going to be used a lot, like any good smartphone device that’s simple to use, intuitive, that’s making your life simpler. That’s what the Audi Connect Plus provides.

“I think the usability of it as well, the way it executes, is very intuitive to use, and therefore I don’t think it will scare people off, even the technophobe will be quite comfortable using.”

New Audi Connect plus features start with extra safety kit including a new emergency call feature that activates automatically in the event of a crash and sends an ambulance if the driver does not respond to prompts, Audi incident assist and online roadside assist. This negates the need to make calls from your phone and can be done automatically.

Viewed through the Connect plus app, a number of security features are included, such as a vehicle status report with driving range and fuel level, remote lock/unlock and anti-theft alarm, and a vehicle finder that activates the hazard lights or alarm for when you misplace your vehicle in a carpark.

Audi has teamed up with Google to provide a range of services around maps and navigation, utilising Google Earth and real-time traffic information to provide the best routes.

For example, the user can enter a dinner destination on the myAudi app and the car will find the best route and locate parking lots nearby, including the number of available spots.

Once parked, the user can open the app or even Google Maps to have the last leg of the journey on foot guided with the help of the phone.

Map updates are introduced online, while the new hybrid radio feature allows occupants to stream radio stations from all over the world and can be sorted by country of origin or genre.

In the future, Audi plans for the Connect plus system to engage in V2V and V2X communication, allowing for features such as predictive suspension ,which communicates between vehicles when there are unforeseen bumps in the road such as potholes and allows the air suspension to adjust accordingly, and communication with traffic lights that allows the cars to accurately time when a green light is coming up.

Connect plus uses Telstra’s mobile network and will greatly benefit from the addition of the 5G network when it arrives here.

Three years of data will be included for free upon vehicle purchase, after which the owner will have to renew a data subscription going forward.

Customers purchasing new vehicles with the system will be given a detailed run-down of it at the dealership and can come back at a later date if pressed for time.

Additionally, Audi is providing video and text documents explaining the system online as well as a FAQ page.

Audi plans for all new vehicles going forward to feature the system, with the A1 hatch, refreshed A4 sedan and wagon, and Q3 and Q7 SUVs the next models in line to receive the technology.