Functions on demand

Recently made available in Germany and Norway and currently under evaluation in Australia, Audi functions on demand opens up a whole new world of vehicle options and functions for the future. With this new system, Audi offers customers the possibility of adding certain functions to their Audi, whether it be for a short or long period of time.

The functions are along the lines of such items as lighting, driver assistance systems and infotainment and customers are able to choose between various terms when they book these ‘aftermarket functions, or upgrades’ online using the myAudi app.

At present, these functions on demand are available in limited markets for the Audi e-tron models and the current A4, A5, A6, A7, Q5, Q7 and Q8 models, but other product lines and functions are set to follow and on a wider scale as the system becomes available in more markets.
Exactly which functions can be booked depends on the vehicle model and the market. With the Audi e-tron and e-tron Sportback, for example, customers can upgrade the LED headlights to Matrix LED headlights with automatic high beam in the lighting package. 

If customers would like to get to know a function first before committing themselves, they have the one-time option to book a one-month test period, and even during this phase, they can extend the booking according to their personal needs. 

If customers decide not to extend the term, the booking expires automatically and without requiring active termination at the end of the selected term. The booked functions always apply to a particular car. When the car is sold, they remain active for the remaining term and can be used by the next owner. In addition, the next owner can book further functions later on to suit their personal needs. 

Both the booking and the payment are handled via the app or the myAudi web portal, which is of course secure, and after the booking process has been completed, the Audi IT back end sends a signed data package to the car via the mobile network and the function is available the next time the vehicle is started. 

It is also now possible to extend the Audi connect packages available for the respective vehicle and book new Audi connect features via myAudi. Customers can select from different terms for the individual digital products here too. 

The hardware for functions that can be activated subsequently is installed in all vehicles at the factory, which means they are available throughout the entire life cycle of the vehicle, but customers only pay for the functions that they ordered when they purchased the vehicle or that they booked later on. 

Audi Australia is currently evaluating the Audi functions on demand service to see if it might be appropriate for Australian models and customers.