Desirable, technologically formidable and environmentally responsible – the latest Audi range is designed to be all these things and more, but as the continual pursuit of progress is a cornerstone of Vorsprung durch Technik an update programme for the 2022 Model Year is about to further accentuate all these attributes in many model lines. Attractive new trim levels, detail enhancements and wheel designs, fresh colours and advanced new entertainment features from Amazon and Sonos are among the changes, which now take effect for orders placed with UK Audi Centres.
"From the high-tech A1 Sportback to the high octane R8 sports car, and from the punchy A3 Sportback TFSI e plug-in hybrid to the redoubtable all-electric RS e-tron GT, the Audi range already excels at every level,“ commented Director of Audi UK Andrew Doyle. "This enhancement programme will ensure that our model lines maintain their edge aesthetically and technologically, and are perfectly placed to capitalise on a new model year notable, hopefully, as a period of greater stability and renewed consumer confidence.“
Highlights of the 2022 Model Year Audi Update Programme
Giving voice to technology - the MIB3 infotainment platform and Amazon Alexa
Media and navigation in the majority of Audi models are now delivered by an updated, third-generation modular infotainment platform known as MIB 3, and one of its many additional benefits is the ability to integrate the Amazon Alexa voice assistant using the Audi connect internet link. As a result, all Audi models except for the Q2, TT and R8 will offer Alexa access using the same vocal commands as the in-home service. For the 2022 Model Year, Alexa becomes available in the range from the A4 Saloon and Avant upwards, and other models will follow. Via Alexa users will be able to stream music and audiobooks, access over 80,000 Alexa skills and even lock household doors, control lighting and operate garage doors from within the car via the smart home control function.
Sonos – now a big noise in the A1, Q2 and Q3
Famous for its compact home speakers and amplifiers with expansive sound, new and exclusive Audi audio partner Sonos applied its considerable expertise to the development of an exceptional new in-car system for the recently launched Audi Q4 e-tron and Q4 Sportback e-tron fully electric SUVs. Now it has turned its attention to top-tier Vorsprung versions of the A1, Q2 and Q3, which as part of the 2022 Model Year update programme also now deliver an exceptional listening experience courtesy of the highly regarded company. Their advanced new Sonos system, which replaces their original Bang & Olufsen components, is also available for other trim lines in each range as part of the optional Comfort and Sound Pack.
Cover story – Dinamica Microfibre upholstery from sustainable sources for many more models
Also seen first in the Q4 e-tron SUVs and the e-tron GT models, the breathable microfibre material Dinamica brings an increased focus on sustainability to the A3, A4, A5, A6, A7 Sportback and Q5 as part of the package of Model Year changes. Used in combination with traditional and synthetic leathers, the new material replaces the suede-effect Alcantara trim which has been a longstanding feature of the sport seats in these models, and has very similar properties.
Polyester fibres obtained from recycled PET bottles, old textiles and other residual materials that would otherwise be consigned to landfill or incinerated account for 45 per cent of its composition. Recycling polyester rather than producing it from new raw materials using the traditional petroleum-based production process is significantly less energy-intensive and reduces associated carbon emissions by around 80 per cent.
More choice, consistency and simplicity – revised trim structures, new trim lines
Rationalisation of the Audi range structure and optional equipment lines continues to be a key priority for Audi UK as it seeks to simplify and expedite the model selection and ordering processes for customers wherever possible. To this end, adjustments to trim structures form part of the latest update programme. In the A5 range the limited-run Edition 1 trim, introduced at the same time as extensive revisions to the model lines in 2020, has been phased out in Sportback and Coupe variants in favour of the popular Black Edition specification; and in the e-tron range the fully electric SUV’s Technik, Sport and Black Edition trim levels also now become available for the e-tron Sportback to equalise their respective ranges.
In addition to the alignment measures, a new trim level also offers A7 Sportback customers an attractive midpoint specification between the entry-level Sport and mid-range S line tiers. The new Sport Edition option is available in conjunction with all standard TFSI and TDI engines, and also with the petrol-electric drivetrain powering the 50 TFSI e plug-in hybrid. Carrying a premium of £900 over Sport model equivalents, it gains exclusive 19-inch alloy wheels, privacy glass and a black styling pack adding gloss black highlights to the Singleframe grille and grille surround, front and rear bumper elements, side window trims and door mirror housings.
A shade darker – the updated Black Edition and Vorsprung specification options
Included in the package of changes for the new model year are external enhancements for the range-topping Vorsprung versions of the majority of models, which already combine S line styling with black trim detailing for elements such as the Singleframe grille and frame, air intakes and window cappings as part of the black styling pack. Updated Vorsprung models will now also feature front and rear Audi rings and model designation badges in either matt black or gloss black and their engine or motor designation badges will also be removed, except in the case of 'S' and 'RS' models. Depending on the range, some Black Edition models also benefit from these changes (see below for more detail).
Model-by-model – the updates
(Note – Model lines that do not appear here do not feature specification changes for MY22)
A1 Sportback:
A3 Sportback and Saloon
A4 Saloon, Avant and allroad:
A5 Sportback, Coupé and Cabriolet:
· Edition 1 specification is discontinued in the Sportback and Coupé ranges and replaced with Black Edition, which in line with other models is positioned between A5 S line and Vorsprung and S5 and S5 Vorsprung – equipment highlights include 20-inch x 9J 'five-twin spoke polygon' design alloy wheels in gloss anthracite black, black styling pack with additional black front and rear Audi rings and model badging (engine designation removed in A5 models), black rear spoiler
· A5 Sportback and Coupé Vorsprung and S5 Sportback and Coupé Vorsprung models also gain black front and rear Audi rings and black badging
· Amazon Alexa integration becomes standard across the ranges
· Audi Smartphone Interface upgraded to include wireless connectivity for Android handsets as well as iOS devices
· Upholstery combining leather with Dinamica microfibre made using waste textiles and plastics now features in S line and new Black Edition versions of the A5 Sportback and Coupé, and S line and Edition 1 versions of the A5 Cabriolet. New S5 Sportback and Coupé Black Edition models are two exceptions as they feature full fine Nappa leather upholstery.
· A head-up display becomes available as a standalone option for the RS 5 Sportback and Coupé
· A wind deflector becomes available as a standalone option for all A5 Cabriolet models
A6 Saloon and Avant:
· Previously optional for all bar the Vorsprung versions, the Technology Pack becomes a range-wide standard feature as part of the 2022 Model Year update. It brings onboard MMI Navigation Plus, the Audi Virtual Cockpit, Audi Phone Box wireless charging and connectivity and the Audi connect Package Plus including Amazon Alexa integration.
· The Audi Smartphone Interface is upgraded to include wireless connectivity for Android handsets as well as iOS devices
· The S6 Saloon and Avant and RS 6 Avant, which previously featured the Audi Virtual Cockpit as standard, upgrade to the Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus with additional ‘dynamic’ and ‘sport’ display views
· S line and Black Edition versions of the A6 Saloon and Avant feature sport seats combining leather with the more sustainably produced Dinamica microfibre in place of their original leather and Alcantara upholstery. Black Edition versions are also enhanced by striking carbon twill inlays
· A heated steering wheel is added to the already extensive specification offered by Vorsprung versions
· New 20-inch Audi Sport 10-spoke star black alloy wheels are optionally available to replace the standard 20-inch wheel in Black Edition versions, and Vorsprung models feature a new anthracite black, diamond cut 21-inch Audi Sport wheel in a five-V-spoke structured design. The A6 allroad Vorsprung also now features a 21-inch Audi Sport five-twin-spoke module wheel in matt titanium with inserts in gloss black
· New exterior metallic paint colours include Ultra Blue for S and RS models, Manhattan Grey for Sport models and Chronos Grey and Dew Silver for the A6 allroad.
· A6 and S6 Vorsprung models gain black model badging and black Audi rings in the Singleframe grille and on the boot lid/tailgate to complement the standard black styling pack. The engine designation will also be removed in A6 and A6 allroad Vorsprung versions, and the model and engine badging in TFSI e Vorsprung variants
· A head-up display is now available as a standalone option for RS 6 models
A7 Sportback:
Q2:
Q3 and Q3 Sportback:
Q5 and Q5 Sportback:
Q7:
Q8:
e-tron and e-tron Sportback:
TT and TT Roadster:
R8: