In their quest for perfect accuracy, body shop workers at Audi often use fine shims to adjust equipment by tenths of a millimeter. “Agile shimming”, which is used on the two-way framer at the Audi Sport plant at Böllinger Höfe, is a unique technology within the group. Shimming during the fitting of the exterior side parts was automated at one location and connected to the in-line measurement station via a control circuit. An algorithm automatically adjusts the actuators. Audi employees from Neckarsulm and Ingolstadt developed the technology together.

Manual shimming is an art unto itself. By adding or removing fine shims at geometrically crucial clamping points, the position of a part can be adjusted by tenths of a millimeter before it is fitted. Previously, shimming was based solely on the experience of employees. At the heart of agile shimming is an algorithm that continuously monitors the dimensional accuracy data from the in-line measurement technology and calculates optimal compensation values. Thanks to the closed control circuit, a built-in linear motor directly adjusts the clamping points based on the data from the measurement station.

“The measurements clearly show that agile shimming has made us even more precise”, says Wolfgang Shanz, Head of Audi Sport Production at Böllinger Höfe. “It is also noteworthy that the project was developed and implemented entirely in-house. ‘Agile’ describes not only the technology, but how we work.” The technology is being used in the body shop for the Audi e-tron GT. As a real-world laboratory, small-series production at Böllinger Höfe plays a special role in advancing the digitalization of production and logistics. At Böllinger Höfe, Audi tests intelligent solutions for the fully connected and smart factory.

Article source: www.audi-mediacenter.com

The Audi Q5 stands out as a true all-rounder. Since 2008, the first two generations of the SUV have impressed numerous customers with their qualities. Now the third edition of the Audi Q5 demonstrates its variable and versatile features in southern Spain. From mountain biking to dinner in the city, Dominic Stern, Product Marketing Expert for the Audi Q5, takes us on a day trip.

We meet Dominic Stern in front of a hotel in Málaga. Working in Product Marketing, he knows all the features of the new Audi Q5; his role in the development process was to represent customer interests in the best way. “It was important to us that the third generation of our bestseller can also be clearly recognized as an Audi Q5. The model has been a major success for the brand since 2008. In addition to its sporty design with well-defined surfaces and lines, the new Audi Q5 impresses above all with its outstanding suitability for everyday use. And that’s what we want to demonstrate today.”

Comfortable, spacious, and plenty of storage

Dominic packs the car for a trip to the countryside and mounts a bike rack with a mountain bike on the swivel trailer hitch. Thanks to the adaptive damper control in the air suspension, he can lower the car slightly to make it easier to load. An especially practical feature of the Audi Q5 is the versatile adjustable rear seat. It can be moved lengthwise, and its angle can be adjusted – increasing the trunk volume or comfort for rear passengers as required. With the rear seats folded down, the storage volume increases up to 1,473 liters, depending on the model variant. Dominic comments: “I’m always impressed by the adjustable rear seat bench, and here in the luggage compartment, you can see very clearly how we’ve directly implemented customer wishes. For the first time, the luggage compartment cover can be stowed away in a specially designed compartment under the trunk floor in just a few simple steps. That’s extremely practical!”

While Dominic removes the child seat from the rear bench to stow more equipment, he explains: “The Audi Q5 is also an absolute family vehicle.” He gestures to the mounting points. “A child seat can be fixed onto the two outer seats of the rear bench as well as the front passenger seat – and we even offer this as standard.” Other practical features include a larger storage compartment under the center armrest and numerous smaller storage areas for sunglasses, keys, and other everyday items. An inductive, cooled charging tray with 15 watts of power in the front center console, as well as two USB-C ports in the front and two in the rear, supply power to smartphones and other devices. The ports can even optionally output up to 100 watts – enough to conveniently charge a tablet or notebook.

Over hill and dale with air suspension and adaptive damper control

Dominic pulls his sunglasses out of the storage compartment and sets off toward the mountainous hinterland of Málaga – but first the Audi Q5 drives out of the parking lot on electric power. “Audi stands for ‘Vorsprung durch Technik’. That’s why we now use the new, efficient and powerful MHEV plus in every unit of the Audi Q5. Thanks to a small component on the transmission, the so-called powertrain generator, we not only reduce consumption, but also enable partially electric driving.”

We drive through picturesque landscapes. The Audi assistant makes it easy to access information about the towns and places of interest along the route. The learning voice assistant can also be used to control numerous vehicle functions, such as the temperature. The AI-supported digital assistant is integrated into the vehicle and is represented for the first time by an avatar in the central touch display of the MMI and in the head-up display.

We make a stop off the paved road to hop on the mountain bike. On the way, Dominic adjusts the suspension to suit the characteristics of the route. He explains: “The adaptive air suspension provides a good balance between comfort and sportiness. I can easily set the appropriate modes using Audi drive select and, for example, raise the vehicle by around 30 millimeters in off-road mode, or even as much as 45 millimeters at low speeds.”

Safe and stylish nighttime driving with cutting-edge lighting technology

It is now early evening, and the sun is slowly sinking into the horizon. With the new Matrix LED headlights, the Audi Q5 makes its way safely through the onset of dusk and the impending night. We make a short stop at the hotel before heading into town for dinner. Now the interior lighting of the Audi Q5 really comes into its own. It showcases the clearly designed interior even in the dark, and the combination of contour and ambient lighting creates the right mood. The standard progressive steering helps as we maneuver through the narrow streets of Málaga.

After dinner, Dominic parks the car back at the hotel. It has been a beautiful and eventful day. He takes a last look at the Audi Q5 as it bids us farewell with the dynamic lighting display of the Coming Home function. With its 266 segments, the second-generation digital OLED rear lights generate a new image several times per second using a specially developed algorithm. Dominic concludes: “The Audi Q5 is simply fun to drive, whether as your practical everyday companion or as an all-rounder for your holiday.”

Article source: www.audi-mediacenter.com

Featuring UEFA Champions League, the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, American sports like NFL and NBA, and handball and golf: Audi is expanding its Audi Application Store offer to include the DAZN app, bringing the sports streaming service into the vehicle – with Audi as the first automaker ever to do so. Sports fans can experience the content both on the MMI touch display and MMI passenger display. The DAZN app is now available in the new models of the Audi A5, Audi Q5, Audi A6, Audi A6 e-tron, and Audi Q6 e-tron series via the Audi Application Store.

Audi is taking its special relationship with sports to the next level by becoming the first carmaker to integrate the extensive offering of the DAZN sports streaming service into its vehicles. This will allow sports fans to experience live sports, highlights, and documentaries from the driver’s seat on the 14.5-inch MMI touch display, for example during a charging break. The app’s integration also means great things for passengers, who can follow all the content on the MMI passenger display even when the car is moving. Using a range of well-known third-party apps, they can watch live sporting events, movies, or series and access games on the 10.9-inch passenger display without distracting the driver.

The DAZN app is now available in select vehicles via the Audi Application Store. This currently includes the Audi A5, Audi Q5, Audi A6, Audi A6 e-tron, and Audi Q6 e-tron series, which all have an Android-based infotainment system as their onboard operating system.

From Audible to Zoom: app portfolio continues to grow

The premium carmaker offers its customers a range of market-specific third-party apps in the store, including Amazon Music, Audible, booking.com, Spotify, Yelp, YouTube – and now DAZN. The app portfolio is steadily growing to provide a wide selection of entertainment options, especially for short breaks. The infotainment system seamlessly integrates the customer’s digital ecosystem, which accompanies them throughout their daily lives.

In addition to the infotainment system, the “Audi Application Store and Smartphone Interface” is also required. The Audi Application Store is integrated directly into the MMI and does not require a smartphone to use. A myAudi account and an active data connection are necessary.

The integration of the DAZN app into the Audi digital ecosystem was achieved in collaboration with CARIAD, the Volkswagen Group’s software company. The app has been specifically optimized for in-car use. DAZN content will also be accessible in vehicles from other Volkswagen Group brands in the long term.

A special connection: Audi and sports

With the integration of DAZN into its vehicles, Audi is once again underscoring its special relationship with the world of sports. The premium automaker has been closely associated with regional, national, and international sports for decades as a partner and sponsor.

Audi is involved in promoting young talent, for example, and sponsors regional and international sporting events. The company also works with established athletes and clubs. Audi has been a partner of FC Bayern Munich since 2002; Germany’s record champions are celebrating their 125th anniversary this year. The FC Bayern Munich app has been available in the Audi Application Store since last summer.

Beyond the large selection of apps, sports fans can also personalize their vehicle with backgrounds from the sports category in the myAudi app’s theme world. Users can choose their favorite image and display it as a background on the MMI. Best of all, the optional ambient lighting will automatically adjust the color scheme in the car to match the selected motif if the driver so desires. 

Article source: www.audi-mediacenter.com

The new Audi A6 Avant is more dynamic, efficient, and digital than ever. It stands for first-class travel like no other vehicle in the premium full size class. Modern gasoline and diesel engines increase performance and reduce CO2 emissions thanks to the mild hybrid technology MHEV plus. On long journeys and in the city, the adaptive air suspension and all-wheel steering ensure a high level of driving comfort and agile handling in equal measure. The outstanding drag coefficient of 0.25 – the best value of an Audi Avant with a combustion engine – means high efficiency and demonstrates the perfect interplay of form and function. The exterior reflects the vehicle’s sporty, elegant character and gives the A6 Avant a striking presence with new digital lighting technology. The model also impresses with its intuitive and systematically user-oriented operating and infotainment concept with Audi MMI panoramic display and front passenger display.

Audi CEO Gernot Döllner: “We are writing the next chapter in our Avant history: The new Audi A6 unites an elegant and dynamic design with exceptional aerodynamics. Efficient yet high‑performance drive systems and cutting-edge suspension technology combine sportiness with a high level of comfort, making traveling in the A6 a first-class experience.” With this model, the company is also continuing its major product initiative that began in 2024. The modernization and rejuvenation of the product portfolio is part of the Audi Agenda, with which Audi is positioning itself for the future in the face of intensified competition. “With the A6, we are now renewing an important model series,” said Döllner.

The perfect interplay: design and aerodynamics

With its reduced design language, the A6 Avant conveys a functional and timeless character. This is reflected in both its design and the aerodynamics, which boasts a drag coefficient of 0.25 – the best value of a combustion-engine Avant at Audi.

In addition to the large air curtains and controllable cool-air intakes at the front, the striking roof spoiler and aerodynamic panels on the sides of the rear window are the main contributors to this achievement in aerodynamics. 

The sporty rear with eye-catching diffuser embodies typical Avant characteristics. Paired with the quattro blisters powerfully emerging from the shoulder area and the wide track, the rear accentuates the model’s dynamic design. At the same time, its long wheelbase and extended hood embody elegance and round off the perfect proportions of the A6 Avant.

Economical and powerful: MHEV plus technology

The MHEV plus mild hybrid technology drives play a key role in the outstanding driving experience. In addition to the 2.0 TDI four-cylinder with 150 kW (204 PS)1, the 3.0 TFSI six‑cylinder with 270 kW (367 PS)2 also features this type of partial electrification. The MHEV plus system supports the combustion engine, increases performance and driving comfort, and reduces carbon emissions. The system consists of three main components: a 48-volt battery, the belt alternator starter (BAS), and the powertrain generator (PTG) with integrated power electronics. The PTG enables fully electric parking and maneuvering. The A6 Avant also runs on electric power when driving slowly in the city, in slow-moving traffic, or outside city limits when coasting to the next village. Furthermore, the PTG produces additional torque up to 230 Newton meters and up to 18 kW (24 PS) of power when starting off or overtaking. When decelerating, the PTG can recover up to 25 kW of energy.

A synthesis of sportiness and comfort: the chassis and steering

The new A6 Avant perfects the synthesis of sportiness and comfort thanks in part to optional features such as all-wheel steering and adaptive air suspension, the latter of which regulates body height and shock absorption. Moreover, the quattro sport differential ensures even greater agility.

The standard progressive steering of the new A6 Avant now responds even more directly. Compared to its predecessor, the entire path from the steering wheel to the wheels is designed to be stiffer. This includes the torsion bar, the rigidly bolted steering rack, and the stiffer control arm bushings. Camber on the front axle has also been slightly increased. All in all, these measures result in a noticeably improved steering response and more feedback from the road, which, in combination with the high-performance drive, leads to precise and light-footed handling.

All-wheel steering is available as an option in conjunction with quattro all-wheel drive. It works with a dynamic function whose reaction speed has been improved even further. At low speeds, the rear wheels turn up to five degrees in the opposite direction to the front wheels. The car is thus more agile in city traffic and in tight curves, and the turning circle is reduced by up to one meter. At medium and higher speeds, the rear wheels turn in the same direction, enabling stable and even more precise handling.

Superior comfort with digital functions: the interior

The interior also ensures first-class travel with its generous space and state-of-the-art technology. The operating concept puts the driver first and, thanks to the panoramic and passenger displays, takes the digital experience to a new level. Personalization plays a major role here – including in the lighting. The driver can choose from seven digital light signatures at the front and rear. Active segments that intelligently brighten and dim visibly showcase the innovative technology, especially in combination with the second-generation digital OLED rear lights. They create a strong recognition value while also increasing road safety. Digital lighting technology – an essential part of Audi DNA – thus contributes to a comfortable and safe driving experience.

The feel-good factor is further enhanced by numerous first-rate features, including the adjustable panoramic glass roof. It amplifies the generous sense of space and allows the driver to switch between a light-flooded interior and effective shading. The premium sound system with 3D sound from Bang & Olufsen guarantees an outstanding sound experience, with speakers in the front headrests providing customized listening enjoyment. The basis for this is the sophisticated aeroacoustics and overall vehicle acoustics, which are at the highest level thanks to improved sound insulation, among other factors. Additionally, the optional four-zone automatic climate control package enables a particularly high level of climate comfort for the driver, front passenger, and rear passengers. The optional air quality package includes an ionizer and fine dust sensor, which improve air quality in the interior.

Starting at 58,000 euros: launch and pricing

Orders for the new Audi A6 Avant can be placed as of March 2025. The entry-level engine TFSI 150 kW will start at 58,000 euros. The 2.0 TDI with MHEV plus technology will start at 61,700 euros. The first vehicles will be delivered to customers at the end of May 2025.

Article source: www.audi-mediacenter.com