Google Earth, the interactive, three-dimensional atlas of the world, has gained a firm role on all personal computers. Now this software is making life easier on the road too. Audi has, for the first time ever, brought together the merits of the internet-based system Google Earth and its own built-in navigation system to create countless information facilities with user-friendly graphics.

The high-resolution display and photorealistic 3D maps provide a new dimension in intuitively understandable bird's eye visualisations that are rich in detail. The image angle and section can of course be adjusted to suit the driver's wishes at any time. By connecting to the internet, it will also be possible in future for traffic and weather information or even data on air quality to be included and taken into account in planning your route.

Using Google Earth's search function, the driver can also find addresses or service providers at the chosen destination and navigate directly to them – for instance restaurants, car parks or an Audi dealer.

To enter a navigation destination, there is no longer any need to enter the address by hand. The driver can click on an image in the Google Earth user interface and be directed to the identified destination.

Bang & Olufsen sound system and internet radio

Leading the way in technical and acoustical quality is the sound system from Bang & Olufsen. Derived from the unit used in the A8 luxury saloon, it is no less of a delight to the ear in the Audi Cross Cabriolet quattro. With its sparkling, brilliant reproduction, detailed resolution, precise spatial imaging and broad, well-defined frequency spectrum, this product from the Danish sound specialists satisfies every wish with its high precision and quality.

The key element in the Bang & Olufsen sound system is an amplifier with a supreme output rating of 505 watts. It processes signals digitally according to the manufacturer’s own surround algorithm, which enables the occupant of every seat to enjoy the full splendour of the system’s audio quality. The numerous user settings include four sound focuses. The system analyses the noise level inside the vehicle by means of a microphone and makes selective adjustments to its output signals in specific frequency ranges.

The advantages of a digital sound system really come into play in the Audi Cross Cabriolet quattro's innovative internet radio system. This provides access to the countless radio stations broadcasting over the World Wide Web.

At the same time, it turns radio into a highly personalised medium. Simply by pressing a button, the user can give a positive or negative verdict on a music track. The system will thereafter only offer the user tracks and music styles that match his/her preferences. This enables the internet radio to create a highly customised virtual station for each individual listener.

In addition, the internet delivers a large range of supplementary data besides the music being played – from a graphic display of the CD cover to information about the track and the artists.

An intercom system is fitted to assist the occupants in communicating with each other. This removes the need to raise your voice – especially welcome when driving with the top down. Four microphones pick up the speakers' voices and relay them at a subtly amplified volume via the vehicle's audio system. The sound processor filters out background noise to give an extremely natural voice reproduction.

The equipment, data and prices stated here refer to the model range offered for sale in Germany. Subject to amendment; errors and omissions excepted.