Because Audi drivers are important, they need to access information immediately. As they’re riding your backside in the right lane, they’re checking stocks and grabbing Google searches with their fingers, all thanks to an embedded 3G data modem. Now that Audi is increasing data speeds for its vaunted MMI system by nearly tenfold, we can expect their drivers to exhibit even less patience.
In Europe, Audi has just launched the industry’s first in-car 4G LTE service on the 2014 S3 Sportback. By November, 4G LTE will be introduced across all European A3 models; we won’t see it until the 2015 A3 sedan launches next spring. Just like cell phones, the switch to 4G requires a hardware upgrade, which means it’ll trickle up the Audi lineup when each model receives its scheduled refresh. For the R8 and TT—the only two models on sale without Audi connect internet services—4G won’t roll out until they see a new generation.
The announcement comes months after General Motors said it would install 4G LTE connections in most 2015 models. While Audi expects to be first to market, GM is adding the feature on several models next year, not just one.
With speed comes the ability to multitask, and that means some of Audi’s most noteworthy features—the reading of emails and ability to dictate text messages—won’t be offered in the U.S. because of distraction concerns. Audi said it’s currently talking with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration—our take on NHTSA’s distracted-driving guidelines can be found here—to decide which features it can offer without incurring the wrath of government regulators. That means you’ll have to stop first to read about your buddy’s late-night hookup and your aunt’s expert political opinions.
- First Drive: 2014 Audi RS7
- Instrumented Test: 2014 Audi R8 V-10 Plus
- First Drive: 2013 Audi S3 Hatchback
Currently, Audi offers unlimited 3G service through T-Mobile that’s free for the first six months and then $15 per month thereafter. Audi said it was negotiating among carriers (GM has selected AT&T) and would announce pricing closer to the L.A. auto show in November. We wouldn’t be surprised if the rates doubled to $30 per month, which is what most wireless carriers charge for a single smartphone.
Source: FULL ARTICLE at Car & Driver
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