The biggest functional difference between the Jetta's Digital Cockpit and the A8's Virtual Cockpit is the lack of Google Earth overlay on the maps. But that will even out in just over two years, when the Audis lose that feature.

 

Exactly. You can get the same software in Toyota as in a Lexus. Luxury is defined by quality of materials, build and craftsmanship. As well as how the vehicle actually *drives*. I don't consider software to be a luxury, especially when it's inferior to software that is largely free and open-source.

 

 

You can call it what you want. The point is, it's not very exclusive. I've clearly demonstrated that you can get Virtual Cockpit on a very cheap A3. Your math is absurd. You do not have to spend $6.5k to get VC. IF you spend $6.5k, you get a massively upgraded car that happens to additionally come with VC. I generously calculated $500 cost for VC bc in the A3, it's exactly $3200 for the Technology Package. That package comes with:

• MMI® Navigation plus with MMI® touch (probably $700)
• Bang & Olufsen® Sound System ($2k at a minimum)
• Audi virtual cockpit ($500 or less)

Do you ever wonder why manufacturers have to bundle this stuff? It's because customers would instead go straight for the upgraded sound system and ditch the other, very costly, boondoggles.

Congratulations, you spent $6500 on a map (by your math).

Personally, I'd give my left n*t to seamlessly integrate a new iPhone Xs Max into my aging 2013 Audi (and 2018 Lexus). While I respect your opinion, it seems most folks on here would agree with me.

P.S.
That's a very bold claim, my friend. I do agree, though, that Audi, eg, will continue to charge you exorbitant prices for software they wrote a decade ago, under the guise of fancy marketing like "virtual cockpit". For that reason alone, manufacturers will push back against outsourcing their infotainment systems.

For the record, you will be able to access "YouTube" on your dash in the near future . I can already hear you cringing from behind your computer

 

I think your math is pretty spot-on. As a second datapoint, virtual cockpit on the Q7 is part of the $2000 vision package, which can be added to the Premium Plus trim and is standard on Prestige. In addition to the VC, this includes the top-down 360 degree camera system and full LED headlights. Audi doesn't sell either of these options separately, so we have to estimate a bit. But Lexus charges $1610 for full LED headlights on the RX350, so that's a halfway decent proxy. So that leaves a Q7 buyer effectively paying $400 for virtual cockpit and the top-down camera system together.

I'm already there I don't actually watch Youtube, but the primary function of the cellular iPad Mini that's been installed on the dash of my E90 for the past 6 years is to play video podcasts.

 

Exactly. And VC is really just a screen with the same Audi operating system installed. There is nothing inherently unique about it that sets it apart from the basic MMI on the dash, besides its location. So you're paying something like half the cost of an iPhone for VC, and on top of that Audi is probably adding $1k or more to MSRP all in the name of "luxury" (and this number goes up as you go up in model number).

 

ok i think we can leave the audi virtual cockpit discussion out now as it's not what this thread is about, thanks.

 

So I wanted to see what the hype was about in regards to Waze and thus I tried it out today, had to visit a customer and visit some stores for business related reasons. So I tried it out, OMG why on Earth would I ever want to use an on-board navigation ever again? Usually I use Google Maps which I really like. Entering the address locations is so much easier than any on board systems, it tells me all the slow downs, what is there (ie: cars stopped on side of road, police activity, slow downs etc etc). There is even an alert setting that will remind you to check on your child in the back seat upon arriving at your destination. Real time gas prices as you drive (can choose which gas stations to show and what not to show) My gosh, how could you not want this feature in any car?

If I could use this system via Apple Car Play, all the better. So I am going to change my opinion, Apple Car Play would be a deal beaker for me going forward.

I would say options whether standard or optional are important as well.

 

Okay. My math is absurd.
1) Go here:https://www.audiusa.com/models/audi-a3-sedan/2018/build
2) Check Premium Audi A3 starts at $31,950
3) It doesn't offer you the option to buy the Technology package (VC in it)
4) Go to Premium Plus which starts at $35,200 (which is a $3,250 increase)
5) Pick Technology package (which is a $3,200 increase)
6) End result - in order to get VC, you would have paid $6,450 which is roughly 6.5K.

Manufacturers push back against outsourcing their infotainment systems because there's too much money involved, yes. Secondly - in the luxury market - its the demand to have something unique. If you can't see how VC is unique and offers an experience or "wow" factor to someone that buys an Audi, then why do people buy the Audi A3? Audi A3 is the cheapest Audi, yes, but its a re-skin Golf. If people didn't care about VC, the badge, or anything else, they would have bought the Golf. Its the same car. Its all about the market. This is why full integration of iOS or Android can't happen at the luxury level.

Cringe? Yeah. I'll cringe. Who the hell wants to watch YouTube and drive? I sure don't. Besides - YouTube on a car infotainment system will never happen. Too much liability. I can see it happening for backseat entertainment which I think its a plus.

Yes. Waze is good. The reason I don't use Waze is that in the SF Bay Area - Waze and the my standard Lexus Maps with HD Radio traffic offers me the same crap. It made no difference in my commute. I find that Waze is subjected to your location - if you want improved traffic time.

Secondly - the entering of an address being easy is not a good reason when other systems are just as easier if not easier. The 2019 Lexus ES with Alexa makes it easier than Waze. I find the iDrive easier to use too.

Thirdly - if a person need a message or warning to check on your child in the backseat before leaving the car, then I don't know what to say about that parent other than don't have kids. My dad grew up with nothing before building a real estate empire. Before all of that - he drove a rolly window Corolla from the 80s. Not once he forgot me in the backseat.

I can see Waze being a good reason to want Apple Car Play but I can't see the reason to totally dismiss a car because you can't have Waze. That's extreme. What I'm saying is - I do love the Waze feature but I don't love it enough to totally disregard a good car because of one feature.
I also think Waze UI is ugly and whack. It makes a luxury interior look cheap with their map running. They need to update their map design, seriously.
I mean - there are all sorts of people in this world. When the F80 M3 first came out, people refused to buy it because it didn't have LED turn signals.

So - you would never own a BMW without Apple Car Play? That's harsh. My neighbor's daily drive his BMW M2 and he doesn't even use Apple Car Play.

 

I dunno. I think you are completely out of touch. The mention of the check your kid option was just a point I was making, there are so many features that can make your life better, so for example "Avoid difficult intersections, and avoid unpaved roads" are a few more. And it would get better going forward.

 

I see, so you pay $6500 for a second MMI screen and the Bang&Olufsen system is "Free"? I don't know why you keep arguing that you paid $6500 for a redundant infotainment display.

You know that thing that makes you select "ok" before you use any infotainment system? That absolves manufacturers from any liability. Playing videos in a car has actually been around since the 90's, and we're all still here. Crazy, I know.


Agreed. They'd rather have 2 infotainment screens doing the exact same thing than even entertain the idea of integrating their smart phone.

 

I am just blown away at how useful it could be. I now know why Toyota, Hyundai have their infotainment screens set up on the dash like a tablet for their newer models. This will be the future.

 

Anyone that thinks their smartphone is a burden will necessarily shun the very thought of smartphone integration.

 

Maybe I am "out of touch".

But isn't it a bit "out of touch" and "ignorant" too to completely ignore a purchase of an excellent vehicle because you can't use Waze?

I never said those features weren't good. I clearly stated they are good. However - those are subjected to where you live. I have used Waze in the SF Bay Area. It didn't improve my travel time so I don't really need it.

I was only mentioning the uselessness of "checking for your child feature."

 

I would dismiss any new model (my opinion has changed) if I was not able to connect my phone via Apple Car Play. Although I have no use for text messages or phones calls while driving, not having this feature IMO is a must going forward. But you are welcome to feel the way you do, I just think you are flat out wrong.