Drivers who already own a 2021 Audi A4, A5, Q5, or Q5 Sportback can now add a few features their cars didn’t initially have. They don’t even have to leave the house to do it. But they do have to agree to a monthly or annual fee.
Monthly or Yearly Fee
Audi calls the package “Function on Demand.” It includes both navigation-on-demand and in-car Wi-Fi for up to eight devices through the MyAudi app. The package will cost $84.99 per month, or $849.99 for 12 months (a savings of $169.99 vs. the monthly fee for a full year).
The monthly subscription does not require a longer commitment. Audi predicts that it will be “especially useful for a driver who may need a one-month navigation subscription on a road trip, allowing passengers and rear-seat occupants with up to eight compatible devices, such as smartphones or tablets, the ability to watch videos using a vehicle’s built-in 4G LTE Wi-Fi connection.”
Lighting Package Available for Some EVs
Owners of 2021 e-tron and e-tron Sportback models can add the package, as well as a Light Function Package for a one-time fee of $259.99. It includes:
- Turning light: Lateral illumination when turning; triggered when the turn signal is activated
- Dynamic cornering light: Illumination when cornering; follows steering wheel movement
- Maneuvering light: Illuminates maneuvering area laterally in front when reversing
All of the new packages are things owners could have added when they initially purchased their cars. What’s new is that Audi is enabling owners to add them after the fact through a simple download. There’s no trip to the dealer necessary.
This is a purchase model we expect many automakers to follow in the coming years. It may become the norm for cars to ship from the factory with nearly every possible feature and for owners to access them through monthly fees.
Volkswagen (Audi’s parent company) has even begun discussing hourly fees for access to some features.
