Infotainment - a new experience of digitalization

The new infotainment system uses Android Automotive OS as its operating system for the first time and comes with the latest Audi connect services and the enhanced e-tron route planner. Well-known apps such as YouTube are available via the store for third-party apps, which is integrated directly into the MMI and does not require a smartphone to use. Apps such as YouTube are available via the store, which is integrated directly into the MMI and does not require a smartphone to use.

The store gives customers access to a wide range of apps that can be loaded directly into the MMI independently of the smartphone. Applications from the following categories are available to start with: Music, Video, Gaming, Navigation, Parking & Charging, Productivity, Weather, and News Services. The "Music" category includes apps such as Amazon Music and Spotify. The store is constantly being expanded, and the app portfolio is market-specific. It can be selected via a separate tile in the MMI. The additional apps are then seamlessly integrated into the MMI and can, therefore, also be used safely and reliably while driving.The app portfolio is market-specific. The familiar Audi smartphone interface for integrating Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is also on board the Audi Q6 e-tron.

Sound systems for maximum acoustic precision

The optional Bang & Olufsen Premium Sound System with 3D sound gives the Audi Q6 e-tron maximum acoustic precision. A small loudspeaker in each A-pillar reproduces the spatial dimension of the height; the windshield reflects the sound. The music unfolds exactly as it was recorded - for an impressive, natural sound experience. At the heart of the Bang & Olufsen Premium Sound System is a highly efficient amplifier. It drives 20 loudspeakers with 830 watts of power. Four of these are integrated into the headrests of the front seats, making so-called sound zones possible for the first time at Audi. These can be personalized or specifically controlled for navigation announcements.

The bass speakers in the front doors are located in a separate housing. This results in less vibration of neighboring parts and ensures great precision in sound reproduction. This improves the sound quality and reduces sound propagation to the outside. The decoupling of the loudspeaker also ensures precise and voluminous bass. Illuminated lettering also showcases the sound system at night. Compared to the Audi sound system, the Bang & Olufsen system features Vehicle Noise Compensation (VNC), which compensates for interior noise by adjusting the corresponding sound frequencies.

For the first time, the Audi Q6 e-tron offers the option of booking sound features “on demand”. This, in turn, contains three individual functions. A “bass booster”, MP3 enhancement,” and “automatic level adjustment.” The “Bass Booster” creates a bass experience via the built-in woofers for systems without a subwoofer. In this way, the Bang & Olufsen Sound System generates a slightly stronger bass. “MP3 Enhancement” improves the sound experience with poor MP3 quality.

With “automatic level adjustment,” the system adjusts the output volume of different sources so that the volume does not change when a radio station is automatically switched from DAB to FM.

Another Functions-on-Demand activation is called ”Virtual Rooms.” This uses an algorithm developed by the Fraunhofer Institute to recreate the spatial sound of different environments. The function offers different rooms such as “Elbphilharmonie” or “Living Room.”

Even more convenience with digital keys

With the digital key for the Q6 e-tron, compatible devices handle opening and locking doors, as well as authorizing the engine to start. Up to five digital keys can be conveniently assigned and equipped with different permissions. Modern encryption and transmission technologies in the vehicle and on the mobile device ensure a high level of security. The digital key on the smartphone offers all the functionalities of the familiar convenience key and frees drivers from having to carry additional hardware in addition to their smartphone. Each digital key can be used on at least two devices. The functionality is also similar to the convenience key: For example, with support for digital keys in Apple Wallet, Q6 e-tron drivers can lock, unlock, and start their vehicle by simply having their iPhone or Apple Watch nearby, such as in their pocket or bag. The digital key remains active for up to five hours even after the iPhone battery runs out.

Once set up, the digital key is stored on the secure element of the mobile device. The smartphone then communicates with the corresponding antennas in the vehicle via ultra-wideband (UWB), Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) or near-field communication (NFC). The driver authorization system thus recognizes the smartphone when it is in the immediate vicinity of the car or in the interior. Neither the cell phone nor the vehicle need to be online to open, start or lock the car. If the smartphone battery runs out, all functions of the digital key can be used for a certain period of time via NFC.

To prevent remote relay attacks, the ultra-wideband (UWB) antennas in and on the car precisely measure the time it takes for a signal to travel from the antenna to the receiving digital key and back, in order to determine the exact location of people near the vehicle. A pre-defined time limit ensures that any tampering is detected immediately. The authentication range is limited to a maximum of two meters (6.5 ft).

The digital key is only available in conjunction with a phone tray with inductive charging, compatible devices and convenience key and in countries where Audi connect is available. The availability of the digital key also depends on the country. Customers can check in the myAudi app whether their own smartphone is compatible. To assign the digital key to a vehicle, an activated and verified myAudi account is required for the main user of the vehicle.

CARIAD has developed its own platform-independent software for the digital key based on the industry standard CCC (Car Connectivity Consortium). It is optimally adapted to the hardware in the vehicle and the connection to the cloud. The vehicle software for the digital key accesses two high-performance computers of the E³ 1.2 electronic architecture: the HCP4 for storage and authentication and HCP5, the computer for controlling all data streams for the connection to the cloud.

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