What is Audi MMI?

MMI is the name Audi gives its infotainment system, but what features does it offer and how do you control it? Keep reading for the answer to these and more questions.

Like most flash infotainment systems, Audi's MMI first appeared on the firm's flagship model in 2002 – the Audi A8 – but has since filtered down to every model in the range from the A1 and A3 hatchbacks, to the A4 and A6 saloons.

Why does Audi MMI exist?

MMI stands for Multimedia Interface, which gives you a helpful clue for why it exists – it's a central point which you can use to control a modern Audi's huge range of systems, everything from the stereo and mood lighting to the sat-nav and cabin temperature. The Audi MMI system essentially takes the place of many, many buttons.

How do I operate Audi MMI?

This is a controversial topic for diehard Audi MMI fans because Audi has recently done away with the MMI system's excellent scroll wheel, which allowed you to navigate the MMI system's menus using a fixed control that sits between the front seats.  

Instead, it has been replaced to a touchscreen interface. Why? Call it progress. The wide use of smartphones means we're almost all pre programmed to be confident operating a touchscreen and the development of gesture controls like pinch and swipe make a scroll wheel largely redundant. Audi also lets you write letters onto the screen but given that most of us write with our right hand, it doesn't help that the screen sits on the left-hand side of the steering wheel.

While all Audi models get a centre touchscreen, posher models – like the A6 and A8 – have a second screen below that features haptic feedback, which vibrates the screen to mimic pressing buttons. The downsides of touchscreens – haptic or otherwise – is that they're not that easy to operate as you jiggle down the road. 

The good news is that all modern Audi's also come with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. These programmes simplify and mirror the display of your smartphone, its logical menus and familiar layout making it significantly easier to navigate on your cars touchscreen. Although, the best option is to use your phones voice commands that tend to be more reliable than the voice activation system you get fitted to most Audi cars, even the A8. 

What has yet to be bettered, however, is Audi's Digital Cockpit which is becoming a standard fit option on more and more models. It replaces conventional analogue dials and means you can punch up a huge navigation display behind the steering wheel. It looks ace and is also very functional. 

Is Audi's Virtual Cockpit standard?

Audi's Virtual Cockpit is not standard, but its use is widespread across the range. What does that mean? Well, while the Audi A1 – Audi's smallest model – doesn't get it fitted as standard, it's an option on all models and standard on the top-of-the-range Vorsprung. The next-size-up A3 meanwhile, gets a 10.25-inch Virtual Cockpit with the option to upgrade to the Virtual Cockpit Plus screen, which is 12.3 inches in size. 

Whether you go for an A1 or a flagship A8, Audi's Virtual Cockpit swaps analogue dials for a digital screen that allows you to flick between different displays including large analogue dials, a full nav map view with smaller dials or a display that gives you driving information like fuel economy, range and average speed. 

What functions does Audi MMI control?

MMI controls almost all the functions on your Audi. The new A3 Sportback is a great example of how much Audi's MMI system has become central to the car's control because it's used for everything from the car's nav to the mood lighting.

Heading to a new destination? Then simply type or write in the post code and let the MMI guide you there safely. The latest Audi MMI systems are connected systems so, as well as guiding you to your destination, they can route around congestion and give you updates on things like fuel prices and parking availability. 

This function usually requires you to sign up to a three-year subscription, although all models come with three months access to the service for free, so you can decide whether it's worth the money or not. Bear in mind, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto mean you can use your phone's connected nav which won't cost anything, although it could pump up the data charges on your phone contract.

Another relatively new feature is your Audi's drive select. Punch it up on your car's MMI screen and you can do thing like adjust the throttle sensitivity to make it more responsive for sporty driving or slacker to help you keep eke out fuel economy. 

Something else you can alter is the steering – you can weight it up to make it feel more measuring in bends or lighten it up for easier manoeuvring in town. These features are standard on most modern Audis, but high-end or option-packed models also allow you to do things like adjust the suspensions (for more control or more comfort) and loosen the stability control to make the car more engaging to drive. 

What is Audi Phone Box?

Audi's Phone Box is a designated tray to put your phone, usually on the centre console or underneath the front-centre armrest. As well as stopping your phone sliding about when you're driving, the phone box also close access to USB and 12V plus so you can charge your electricals without strewing cables across the cabin. 

Connect your phone to the car via the Phone Box and as well as charging it, it hooks your phone up to your car's aerial for better reception when you're making calls. The latest versions of the Phone Box also feature wireless charging so you can charge your compatible phone simply by laying it on the charging pad. 

Does my Audi come fitted with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?

As of 2020, all new Audi's come fitted with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. To get it to work, all you have to do is connect your phone into the car's USB plug using its charging cable and you'll be asked to click through a quick setup process on the car's and your phone's screen. Some Audi's also offer wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto which works in exactly the same way, but swaps the USB for a Bluetooth connection.

Once your setup, you can use many of the useful features on your phone on your car's big screen. So you can use Google Maps or Waze to navigate to where you're going, play music through apps like Spotify check your calendar and – in some models of Audi – share a car key to allow other people to access and use the car using a key that's stored on their phone. Both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto can read your messages aloud and allow you to dictate a response. In fact, the voice recognition system on your Android or Apple phone tends to be more reliable than Audi's system. 

What audio system does Audi use?

The basic sound system in your Audi improves depending on what model you go for. Pick an entry-level A1 and you get a six-speaker stereo with the option to upgrade (on Sport models and above) to a Bang & Olufsen 3D Sound System with 11 speakers and a 560W output. It's part of the Comfort & Sound pack which costs £1150 and includes kit like heated seats, auto park and a rearview camera. 

The A8, meanwhile, comes with a 10-speaker 180W stereo that includes a loud speaker.  The Comfort & Sound pack is a £1995 option in Audi's biggest saloon and upgrades the stereo with a Bang & Olufsen sound system which has 17 speakers and a 730W output. Top of the range Vorsprung models get the Bang & Olufsen stereo as standard with the option to spend another £5395 on the Bang & Olufsen 3D Advanced Sound System which has 23 speakers no less and a whopping 1920W.