Audi has always made being at the forefront of innovation (Vorsprung in German) one of the founding values of its DNA and one of the 'strong' elements in the constant updating of its range. Now, with the debut of the Model Year 2021, the Casa del Quattro Anelli the hi-tech equipment of the high-end models is enriched by the adoption of the MIB 3 platform, new Audi Connect services and the parking pilot system.
Since the launch of the most recent generations, A6 sedan and Avant, A7 Sportback, A8, Q7 and Q8, they have used the concept of command management and on-board digital touch response functions, navigation according to the principles of machine learning, command intelligent voice and Car-to-X connectivity that takes advantage of the collective intelligence of the Audi fleet. The fully digital instrumentation is flanked by the availability of multiple driving aid systems, grouped in the Tour, City and parking assistance packages, as well as the Audi Matrix LED headlights with adaptive management of the main beam. Projectors that, in the case of A7 Sportback, A8 and Q7 can be integrated with the laser spot. The new MIB 3 infotainment platform replaces the previous MIB2 + system, guaranteeing higher computing power, a higher speed in the execution of commands and a refinement of navigation functions, with the updating of the maps that takes place monthly - instead of every three months - and without costs. The voice command, able to recognize commonly used expressions, also exploits knowledge in the Cloud and is activated with the phrases Hey Audi or Alexa. Audi Connect draws traffic information according to a not only reactive but also predictive logic. The services can be used through the SIM card permanently installed in the vehicle.
In the hardware sector, the parking pilot system, included in the Parking Assistance Plus package, makes its debut. 12 ultrasonic sensors and 360-degree cameras allow the maneuvers to be carried out independently through the autonomous management of the steering, accelerator, brake and transmission. The driver only needs to keep the activation button pressed for the duration of the maneuver. The system operates with longitudinal, perpendicular, forward or reverse parking, and also manages the exit from the longitudinal stalls. The Parking Assistance Plus package is standard on the Sport Attitude version of the Audi S6, Audi S6 Avant, Audi S7 Sportback, Audi SQ7 and Audi SQ8. Finally, among the novelties of the 2021 model year, new solutions in connection with portable devices stand out. The Audi music interface system features USB Type-C sockets with data function and charging for music playback via USB memory or MP3 players. The Amazon music service can be used without the physical connection of the smartphone.
Among the models benefiting from the innovations introduced in view of 2021, the Audi A6, sedan and Avant proposal, stands out in 2019 as the leader of the E segment and in the first six months of 2020 confirmed the benchmark of the category with a market share of 34%. Digitization is increased in the 2021 model year which, starting from the second set-up level - called Business plus - introduces high-quality infotainment and connectivity equipment. News also for Audi Q8 to which the Innovative Assistant package is dedicated which, in addition to the parking assistance system plus with parking pilot, includes electrochromic side mirrors, Audi Matrix HD LED headlights with dynamic direction indicators and animated lights.
The lane change warning and the exit notice are now accompanied by the rear cross traffic assistant and the activation of preventive passenger protection measures if there is an imminent rear-end risk. Equipment to which is added the Tour Assistance Package, with adaptive driving assistant that adjusts the longitudinal and transverse dynamics of the car in the entire speed range. In conjunction with the Efficiency Assistant, the system decelerates and accelerates the Q8 predictively - the turn and obstacle assistant. Also included are the emergency assist that stops the car if the driver is unable to do so and the recognition of road signs by means of a camera. Finally, the Audi Sport alloy wheels with a 10-inch 23-trapezoidal spoke design so far present in the 600 HP RS Q8 floors make their debut.