Fully connected and intuitive: infotainment and Audi connect

One of the big strengths of the MMI is easy and intuitive operation thanks to its flat menu structure. The user can configure the surface of the display in order to use several apps simultaneously. The standard version with MMI radio plus offers handwriting recognition and natural-language voice control. It turns the new S3** into an intelligent conversation partner – the driver can formulate their instructions freely, and the dialog manager responds to them.

Navigation is another highlight of the top system. The route is calculated on board as well as online via the map provider HERE. Predictions on the development of the traffic situation make route guidance even more precise.

As a part of the MMI navigation plus route guidance is complemented by the online services from Audi connect, including online traffic information and various car-to-X services. The latter connect the S3 to other vehicles and the surrounding infrastructure. Provided the necessary infrastructure is available, they help with finding available parking spots on the roadside or allow the driver to surf the green wave by communicating with traffic lights, for example. The optional connect plus package bundles additional services. Among these are online radio, hybrid radio, navigation with Google Earth™, and a highly detailed 3D city view. The voice control also uses knowledge from the cloud.

The multitude of innovations in the new S3 models also includes the optional Audi connect key. This allows to lock and unlock the car and to start the engine with the start/stop button via an Android smartphone. Up to six vehicle users can save their personal settings, such as frequently selected navigation destinations and air conditioning preferences, in individual profiles as standard. The data is stored in the myAudi app and on a server in the cloud so that it is available to every user, e.g., family members. The free myAudi app also offers many additional functions such as the seamless continuation of the navigation from the car on the smartphone.

The infotainment services are supplemented by hardware components. The Audi phone box links the owner’s smartphone to the vehicle’s antenna and charges the phone inductively. The Audi smartphone interface establishes contact with the customers’ iOS and Android smartphones and transfers their Apple CarPlay or Android Auto environment to the MMI display. This will even work wirelessly in the near future. The Bang & Olufsen Premium Sound System provides an intense audio experience with three-dimensional sound. It controls 15 loudspeakers with 680 watts of power. USB sockets, including USB-C, are located in front of the S tronic shifter and in the rear.

All terms in blue in the text are explained in detail in the technology lexicon at www.audi-mediacenter.com/en/technology-lexicon.

The equipment, data and prices stated here refer to the model range offered for sale in Germany. Subject to change without notice; errors and omissions excepted.