Audi A6 e-tron and Q6 e-tron get a big tech update

Audi is making sure its e-tron models keep up with the pace of the fast-moving world of electric cars. The German carmaker just announced a massive hardware and software update for several of its key vehicles, including the all-electric Audi A6 e-tron and Audi Q6 e-tron, along with the gas-powered A5, Q5, and A6. Audi's Chief Technical Officer, Geoffrey Bouquot, called the update a "comprehensive innovation." Let's take a closer look at this refresh.

For those who love to drive, the new updates bring more excitement. The sporty Audi S6 e-tron and S5 models get a new "dynamic plus" mode through the Audi drive select system. This mode apparently makes the car feel super responsive.

In the S6 e-tron, power comes from the electric quattro all-wheel drive, which now works with a feature called brake torque vectoring to give the driver maximum control and a fun, intense driving experience. The system automatically switches the electronic stability control (ESC) into sport mode to allow for controlled oversteer - you can actually have a little controlled slide for pure driving enjoyment.

Audi is also making its EVs more efficient. The regenerative braking feature now allows the vehicle to slow down and come to a complete stop without even needing the regular brakes. This makes stopping smoother and more comfortable, but also captures more energy, giving you a better driving range.

Driving is getting easier and safer with a new wave of driver assistance systems. An advanced adaptive cruise assist keeps the car in its lane and also helps with highway lane changes. Turn the signal on, and if conditions allow, the car steers itself into the new lane. For city driving, the traffic sign recognition feature sees signs like speed limits, stop signs, and even warnings for uneven roads, and it automatically adjusts the vehicle's speed.

Parking gets an upgrade, too. The optional "Park Assist Pro" now includes Reverse Assist, which memorizes and takes over the steering for the last 164 ft you drove. Maneuver Assist helps prevent dings in tight spots. Even better is Trained Parking, which can save up to five 656 ft long parking routes on private property and perform them all by itself. Plus, a new feature lets you use your smartphone to manage garage parking, even without driving past the spot first.

The Audi A6 e-tron will come with the new Digital matrix LED headlights that use micro-LED technology for better light and contrast - great for bad weather. These lights can even project lane guidance arrows onto the road to help the driver stay centered and can show an ice symbol in slippery conditions. When you enter or exit the car, the headlights put on a dynamic light show.

The headlights have 48 segments each, and the taillights, which are digital OLEDs, have 198 segments per side. Both lights offer eight selectable digital light signatures that can change their look, adding a striking, recognizable presence to the e-tron lineup.

Inside the car, the digital experience is now smoother and clearer. All updated models feature a new user interface with simpler icons, much like the one found in the Audi Q3. Drivers can choose between three different layouts for the Audi virtual cockpit. Audi is bringing back physical buttons for some controls on the new multifunction steering wheel, replacing some of the touch-sensitive areas for easier operation.

The car's brain is getting smarter, too. The voice assistant now uses artificial intelligence with ChatGPT integration. This means you can ask it to find a place by giving a vague description, like "the Italian restaurant with a view of a river," and it can figure out the destination. It can also manage your calendar and emails from a connected work account.

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