Audi Connect
Connecting You to the Future of Driving
Remember when satnavs started to become a built-in feature of new cars in the mid to late noughties? It was a dashboard revolution, making it clear the importance of in-car software and giving drivers a better option than the old-fashioned A-Z.
But as smartphone technology emerged and took leap after leap, year after year, road users soon realised their phones could do more than their built-in navigation systems. Intuitiveness, frequent updates and cleaner map layouts meant drivers started to shun their built-in screens and use smartphones instead.
These days, in-car software tech is seriously good. Yes, navigation is easier. Yes, you can make a call from your central console. But those are just the basics. Car manufacturers like Audi are dreaming bigger, and that’s great news for drivers who love to stay connected on the move.
Audi Connect takes the concept of in-car infotainment to new heights for Audi drivers. Of course, it has the sat-nav side of things covered, but this combination of clever software and cutting-edge hardware is capable of so much more, whether you’re in the driver’s seat or enjoying the journey as a passenger. Here, we’ll explain all things Audi Connect, what it means for your driving experience, and how much it costs for those handy extra features.
What is Audi Connect?
Want to keep up to date with plans in the group chat while you’re on a long motorway drive? Need to refill your car but prefer to go for the cheapest local petrol station? Fancy finding a city centre parking spot straight away without endlessly searching side-roads and multi-storeys? Now you can, with Audi Connect.
Audi Connect combines all the informational features you could need at the wheel of your car with all the entertainment you need to keep your passengers happy. Whether you have a newer Audi model with an embedded SIM or you’re using your phone as a Wi-Fi hotspot in an older model, staying connected on the move unlocks a host of useful features for your journey. Your map will stay up to date, you can continue to stream your favourite driving playlist on Spotify, and you can search for points of interest for a little spontaneous pit stop. And that’s just for starters.
Here are some of the best features
Functions on Demand
With most apps and digital services, there are usually a handful of features you depend on and a few you end up either rarely using or not having a need for. Audi know this, and that’s why Audi Connect offers additional functions on demand. These are paid extras on top of your Audi Connect subscription that make driving your Audi even more of a breeze.
If your car has the ability, you can trial and buy advanced features like automatic parking assist and adaptive lighting from the myAudi app, so that you can use them the next time you hop in the car. Plus you can even enable features for a certain amount of time. That means you only pay for upgrades and extras as and when they’re necessary. Plus, as Audi produce more cars with Audi Connect capability, more Functions on Demand will become available. It’s a great way to explore what your Audi can do, as well as dispense with the functions you don’t need. If you don’t need it, you don’t need to pay for it!
Audi Connect Plug & Play
Why should new Audi drivers have all the fun? Even if you’re driving an older Audi model without a data SIM slot, you can still make the most of Audi Connect with Plug & Play. All you have to do is head to your local Sytner Audi dealership and purchase an Audi DataPlug. Then, just plug it into the OBD port in the driver’s footwell to get started. Next, download the Audi Connect Plug & Play app from the App Store or Google Play Store and create your Audi ID. From here, you’ll be presented with instructions to pair your phone to the car.
Once you’re connected, you’ll be able to access all the info you need about your car at any time, no matter where you are. And you’ll also get notifications about when a service is due, as well as 24- hour roadside assistance. Plus, you can even use the app to request appointments at your local Audi Centre.
But the feature we love most is perhaps the simplest. Ever been out browsing at a shopping centre and forgotten where you parked your car? With Audi’s app, you can save your parking location and be guided right back to your car when you’ve finished your shopping spree. No more multi-story car park trial and error!
How to set up Audi connect
Getting started with Audi Connect couldn’t be easier. Depending on the age and model of your Audi, you’ll find a 10-digit number either on the key tag of your car key, or you’ll have been given a QR code activation card. Go onto the myAudi app and create an account, then enter your vehicle identification number to add your car to your account.
Next, log into your car with your myAudi login details, and confirm it’s you logging in from the app on your phone. Then, select ‘User’ on your car screen and tap on ‘User management’. Now comes the 10-digit code – enter it below your email address on your car’s screen and choose ‘Set key user’. You’ll then get a notification on your car, and you’re ready to dive into a world of futuristic driving features. Simple.
How much does Audi Connect cost?
So, you’re probably wondering how much all these handy extras add to the total cost of driving your Audi. Well, the answer is not as much as you’d likely think. Audi Connect navigation and infotainment only costs £115 for a year-long subscription or £11.50 a month. That’s roughly the same as it costs to use any of the major content streaming platforms. If you want to add Functions on Demand to your Audi’s arsenal of neat features, this comes to an extra £37 a year. And the best bit? Audi Connect is available on all new Audi cars, from the A3 all the way to the TT.
Thinking about making your next car an Audi or fancy teaching your old car new tricks? At Sytner, we’re up to date with all things Audi Connect and can fit an Audi DataPlug into any Audi model from 2008 onwards in next to no time for as little as £36. Head to your local Sytner dealership and speak to our expert vehicle technicians today.