Audi Subscription Services Explained In Detail

Audi aims to enhance their driving experience with the help of a few subscription-based services that are sure to make operating a new Audi more entertaining, personal, and assistive. These offers range from cosmetic packages to driver-assisted upgrades. And while the noteworthy new additions to Audi’s connect sevices are package deals, there are still smaller additions that can be purchased and implemented.

A few other brands, including Toyota and Ford, offer subscription-based packages that essentially work the same as Audi’s, though plans, prices, and inclusions vary from brand to brand. These types of services have effectively ushered in an age of connected vehicles, where more and more new models include standard connect services. These are often offered with a free trial to start at the time of purchase with the option to continue services after the trial ends.

Likewise, Audi seems to be making the brand-wide transition to standard connective services and subscription-based services, with many of the MY2024 models including Audi Connect CARE and more right from the dealership. This can be viewed as a step toward the future, though everything comes at a price. So, how much would it cost to obtain the latest in Audi’s connected services, and what will come of it?

The 2024 Audi Line-Up To Include Some Connective Services Standard With More Available After Vehicle Purchase

The Audi 2024 line-up includes many of the familiar nameplates associated with modern Audi offerings, including A3, A4, A5, Q4, Q8, and S5, to name a few. These returning models aim to raise the bar in terms of luxury sport vehicles and advanced technology. This is to be achieved by utilizing both the wide-spread availability of connective services and the upscale appeal Audi has built in their long history.

Both factors combined poise Audi to make an impression on the luxury sport class that could spark a widespread revolution, possibly leading to the normalization of mainstream subscription services and vehicle tech enhancements. Regardless, Audi has launched their latest and greatest, in terms of operating systems and connectivity. The 2024 Audi Connect plans include extensive suites containing just about every service one could think to employ.

Plans Available Under The Audi Connect Umbrella

To start, there are three main subscription plans on offer, with a few smaller stand-alone options.

• Audi Connect CARE
• Audi Connect NAV
• Audi Connect PLUS

These are the latest versions of Audi’s tech services and feature a host of modern functions, including an in-vehicle trip planner, satellite imagery, and full-speed Wi-Fi. Smaller packages include function on demand, which is exactly what the name implies.

Function on demand allows Audi drivers to access driver assist and safety function upgrades from the myAudi app and implement them right from the vehicle. This feature is helpful for those driving non-MY2024 models, allowing owners of previous models to get in on the up-to-date services.

Another stand-alone option is Audi Themes. Simply put, Audi Themes allow drivers to customize the appearance and ambiance of the cabin via cosmetic enhancements. These enhancements include color-change ambient lighting and screensavers for the multimedia interface (MMI) display.

These options can change the entire mood of the cabin with ambient lighting and screensavers coordinating a theme that ties together, including seasonal themes and aggressive, vibrant colors pallets.

How Much Do The New Audi Subscriptions Cost?

When it comes to price, Audi offers fairly competitive subscription prices, considering that they produce luxury vehicles. For example, the Ford subscriptions will likely be a few shells cheaper than the Audi subscription, based off the quality and application of said services. That said, two of the big three services, Audi Connect NAV and PLUS, come with a complimentary trial period of six months after purchasing a 2024 Audi model. Audi Connect CARE is a standard service on all Audi models. As they put it, “all Audi drivers deserve a comfortable driving experience with peace of mind”.

Audi Coonect NAV

To enjoy Audi Connect NAV, you will either need to pay a monthly fee of $15, or a yearly fee of $150. This price is on par with navigation plans from brands like Toyota, whose product is aimed more toward economical vehicles, unlike Audi’s luxury sport.

Audi Connect NAV includes advanced features like satellite imagery, predictive route guidance, and advanced 3D city view.

This is a highly sought-after function for those who enjoy exploring and taking the path less traveled. Detailed GPS and navigation can help ensure an enjoyable adventure or traveling experience without the worry of getting lost or stranded.

Notable Audi Connect NAV Features

• Traffic light info
• myAudi destinations settings
• myAudi trip planner
• Connective points of interest (POI)
• Advanced 3D city view

Audi Connect Plus

Audi Connect PLUS is the most entertaining of the subscriptions by far, as it includes full-speed Wi-Fi and access to the Audi app store. To enjoy the PLUS subscription, you’ll have to shell out a monthly fee of $25 or a yearly fee of $250. While it costs more than the Audi Connect NAV offering, the PLUS package is an all-inclusive media and internet package. For reference, Ford and Toyota both offer their media/music and Wi-Fi subscriptions separately, with Toyota’s subscriptions totaling a higher combined annual price than the Audi Connect PLUS subscription.

Notable Audi Connect PLUS Features

• Full-speed Wi-Fi
• Amazon Alexa
• Amazon Music
• Apple Music
• App Store

Latest Audi Models To Feature New Connected Services

As stated before, most MY2024 Audi models will feature standard connected services, including Audi Connect CARE for free, and Audi Connect NAV and PLUS with a complimentary six-month free trial. Models include the 2024 A3, A4, A5, A6, A7, and A8, as well as some higher trims for the 2024 Q4 e-Tron and Q5. While it’s well advertised, the new features coming to the Audi service and features list, many modern functions are standard for the MY2024 models. These include adaptive cruise control and remote start via the myAudi app.

The newest A3 shows off the latest connective tech with an off-road-oriented allstreet grade. Function on demand, MMI navigation PLUS, and access to the app store are all features advertised on the newest A3 allstreet, as Audi claims its integrated apps and cutting-edge components ensure the A3 is a highly connected and adaptable vehicle. Not only that, the exterior design and dimensions encourage a bit of of off-road exploration, making it an ideal candidate to show off the advanced nav system.

Audi Subscriptions Mark A Significant Change In Luxury Sport Vehicles

Audi’s subscription-based offers are competitive with the mainstream offers, which puts forth an interesting situation. That being that, while subscriptions are becoming more common, Audi is ushering in a more mainstream approach in the luxury field. Whereas BMW offers subscriptions for features like driving assist, parking assist, and remote engine start capability, Audi opts to make those features standard on most new models, and instead uses their subscription opportunity to appeal to the mass markets with convenience, media/entertainment, and navigation packages.

This sets a highly competitive precedent among the luxury and luxury sport classes, as Audi is already a popular opponent in the arena. Solid, sought-after subscription-based offers could be a decision maker for buyers torn on a luxury vehicle. Audi is in a good position to corner the market for these types of offers, as there is definitely a market to be had, seeing as many brands are soft testing subscription software, including BMW and Mercedes-Benz.

No Word Of Performance Subscriptions, But Audi Would Be A Proper Brand To Employ One

Mercedes-Benz offers a Horsepower subscription, which allows purchasers to acces additional horsepower for their electric models. This could be seen as a viable option for future Audi subscriptions, as the electric Q4 e-Tron and Q8 e-Tron GT show both subscription upgrade compatibility and, more so in the GT’s case, stellar performance potential. This move could increase Audi’s EV appeal and diversity, a mission MB likely tried to achieve with the horsepower sub.

2024 Audi Q8 e-Tron GT Specs

(Source: Audi)

At this point, Audi is proud to show off their new services on the latest 2024 models of their top sellers. With a slew of new available and standard features, functions, and amenities, the MY2024 line-up is off to a good start, for all intents and purposes. Offering subscriptions usually requires companies to increase the quality and appeal of the offer in order to make it worth paying extra to enjoy said service. With Audi taking notes note of mainstream subscription offers from other brands, as well as their proven quality, it’s exciting to see what the future of in-car enhancements holds for the German luxury firm and its competition.