Audi continues to enhance its in-car infotainment experience as it rolls out the third generation of its modular infotainment toolkit, known as MIB 3, in its 2021 models coming this fall.
While current Audi owners won’t see much of a change from the current version, the German premium brand has expanded the capability of the new version so that it’s faster and more versatile than its predecessor.
Some of that speed and versatility comes from a Linux-based operating system that, in some instances, accelerates processes tenfold. This allows for a variety of new options that make life simpler while driving.
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One of the new features impacted includes SiriusXM with 360L and hybrid digital radio and Function on Demand. The Function on Demand offering permits Audi A4 and A5 owners whose vehicles that don’t have the in-vehicle navigation to buy the company’s system after the fact.
Additionally, the new Audi Connect Generation 3 service introduces basic unlimited Wi-Fi included in Audi Connect Prime with connectivity for up to eight devices. 2021 models expected to receive the latest MIB 3 features include: Audi A4, Audi A5, Audi A6, Audi A7, Audi A8, Audi Q3 (late arrival), Audi Q5, Audi Q7 and Audi Q8, with other models to be announced at a later date.
Another convenience that the Connect-equipped Audis offers is the ability to listen to local radio stations even when outside of the station’s normal range. The system will shift from the regular radio signal to a station’s streaming signal without prompting using the new system. In fact, if a driver’s on the outer fringe of the station’s signal range it will switch back and forth between the two depending upon how strong the radio signal is at the time.
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Most 2021 Audi models will have SiriusXM with 360L available or standard. In addition to being able to tap into the live programming, owners can delve into more than 10,000 hours of on-demand content like celebrity interviews, concerts and what Audi describes as “smart ‘For You’ content recommendations.
“For You” allows listeners to easily discover more content based on their listening habits. College and pro games can be found quickly and easily, and listeners can even choose the home or away team’s game broadcast. The system can be customized to the driver’s preferences so if one person follows the Georgia Southern Eagles and the next driver listens to the Detroit Lions, no problem.
The Audi Integrated Toll Module, which lets you pass through automated toll booths without needing an extra transponder on your windshield, will be available on the Q5, Q8, A4, A5, A6, A7 and A8. Only the E-tron and Q7 had the feature previously.
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Like in so many other vehicles the brand offers, Amazon Alexa will available for use in the Q5, A4 and A5 for the first time this year, joining the A6, A7, A8, Q3, Q7, Q8 and E-tron. Pricing for various features and data services will be available closer to the on-sale date in the second half of this year.
