Audi connect

The most powerful and most attractive communications technology for the A5 is the Bluetooth online car phone, which grants Internet access by means of a UMTS module. And thanks to Audi connect, the brand with the four rings is ahead of the competition in yet another field of technology.

The UMTS module, incorporated in the MMI navigation plus system, provides drivers with up-to-the-minute data ranging from specially configured travel-planning information through weather reports and the news to points of interest suggested by Google. Drivers can plan their routes on their home computers, upload them to a special section of the Internet site www.audi.com and download them from there upon starting the trip.

A push of a button is all it takes to display the map with attractive visuals, backed with aerial and satellite images from Google Earth, which are also delivered on demand to the vehicle via UMTS.

The Bluetooth online car phone is operated by means of the voice-control system (not in the A5 Cabriolet), the terminal of the MMI navigation plus or the multifunction steering wheel. A separate Bluetooth headset is optionally available for discreet calls. Signals are transmitted via roof antenna. An additional feature of the system, the WLAN hotspot, makes it possible for passengers to use as many as eight mobile terminal devices.

A driver merely needs to insert a data-capable SIM card into the card reader to go online. Alternatively, they can connect their cell phone – if it is equipped with the SIM Access Profile – via Bluetooth to the system. No additional fees or separate contracts are required. Given the high data volumes, however, Audi does recommend an appropriate flat rate.

The best in information: Audi’s online traffic information
The Internet telephone is joined on board the Audi A5 by yet another top-end service. Audi’s online traffic information displays traffic flows on the GPS map. If a specified route is problem-free, it will appear in green on the monitor. Heavy traffic is yellow, slow-moving traffic is orange and traffic jams are red. In the latter case, this technology will explain the problem in words and calculate a sensible alternative route.

Because it takes rural routes and especially cities into consideration, this Audi system is faster and more precise than conventional TMC and TMC Pro solutions. Audi’s online traffic information relies primarily on hundreds of thousands of smartphones and GPS navigation systems, which very frequently transmit their current locations to a service provider via mobile-phone networks. The data are analyzed to provide a nuanced portrayal of traffic flows. Audi’s online traffic information recently debuted in Central Europe, France and Italy; additional countries will soon follow.

The equipment and data specified in this document refer to the model range offered in Germany. Subject to change without notice; errors and omissions excepted.