Audi A7 Android Head Unit Upgrade Review — Enhanced Infotainment

Audi A7 MMI Update for Android Auto & CarPlay

For owners of the 2016 Audi A7, particularly the 50TDI Quattro Premium model, the native MMI navigation system can sometimes feel outdated. If you find yourself wishing for the convenience of smartphone navigation apps and streaming services directly on your car's display, an MMI software update to enable native Android Auto and Apple CarPlay is an excellent solution. This upgrade offers a significant boost to your vehicle's infotainment capabilities without the need for costly aftermarket installations. It's an efficient way to modernize your A7's interface, especially if you primarily use your smartphone for navigation and entertainment.

Seamless Integration via MMI Software Update

The 2016 model year Audi A7 is equipped with an MMI system (specifically the MHI2 version) that supports the activation of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay through a straightforward software update. This process leverages your car's existing hardware, making it a cost-effective and integrated solution. Unlike external devices, this update ensures a factory-like experience, providing a clean and intuitive interface for your smartphone apps. The update is recommended for those who prefer using familiar apps like Google Maps, Waze, Spotify, or Apple Music directly through their car's screen.

Installation Process:

1. MMI Version Check: Before proceeding, the current MMI software version is verified to ensure compatibility. The system must be running a compatible MHI2 version.
2. Software Update: The MMI software is updated to the latest version that enables the smartphone interface. This typically takes about 15-20 minutes.
3. Functionality Test: After the update, the system is checked for the new 'Audi Smartphone Interface' option, and a smartphone is connected via USB to confirm Android Auto and CarPlay functionality.

Results and Additional Features

Upon completion of the MMI software update, a new menu option, 'Audi Smartphone Interface,' appears on the MMI screen. Connecting your Android or iOS device via the USB port in the center console instantly activates Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, respectively. Both systems demonstrated stable connectivity and full functionality during testing. This allows for seamless use of navigation apps such as TMAP, Kakao Navi, and Google Maps, as well as music streaming services like Melon, YouTube Music, and Apple Music. Beyond the core functionality, several additional coding options were performed free of charge upon the owner's request. These included activating the welcome ceremony, enabling the lap timer, adjusting the start-stop system settings, adding a DRL (Daytime Running Light) ON/OFF menu, disabling the headlight washer fluid reminder, enabling beep sounds for door lock/unlock, and expanding the heated steering wheel temperature range from 34°C to 38°C. These enhancements further personalize the driving experience in the Audi A7.