Audi Q4 e-tron to lead connected services rollout for Volkswagen Group EVs in Australia

Audi Australia has quietly confirmed connectivity for its updated Q4 e-tron electric SUV range due early next year, marking the first time any Volkswagen Group MEB model has offered connected services in Australia.

Speaking with CarExpert at the recent launch of the new Audi RS5 in Tasmania, head of product for the German marque's local arm, Matthew Dale, said Audi leading the local rollout of connectivity for models based on the German auto giant’s electric MEB platform is a logical step given its existing infrastructure.

"Audi was in a very strong position to begin with – we launched connected services, the full suite as per Europe, and all of the the connectivity services, remote services, in-car infotainment services. That's across our whole range," Mr Dale said.

"So we have a very strong business case to speak to the MEB product and say 'for Q4 e-tron, we require connectivity', and we know BEV customers are tech-focused and really position technology as high in their top five [priorities].

"So when we looked at that, we had a very strong business case, and we managed to get the factory to develop connected services for the Australian market using an already very strong platform we've got across the range at the moment," Mr Dale continued.

"That was again one of the things that was raised by customers originally through dealers, and we've listened and adjusted accordingly."

First announced in August, the 2027 Audi Q4 e-tron lineup is available to order now, with the price of entry slashed by up to $13,000. That’s despite Audi claiming the updated range offers up to $20,000 of "enhanced overall value for customers", with plenty of additional kit, though the base model gets a less powerful motor with a smaller battery (and thus, less range).

The range now starts from $71,650 plus on-roads for the base Q4 e-tron 150kW, powered by a (you guessed it) 150kW/350Nm electric motor driving the rear axle, teamed with a 63kWh (59kWh usable) battery. Driving range for Australian models remains TBC, but European WLTP figures quote 391-451km depending on specification.

Elsewhere in the VW Group stable, the Cupra, Skoda and Volkswagen brands are yet to receive factory connectivity thus far in Australia, which in the case of MEB-based electric models lacks features like satellite navigation (with online routing and traffic updates), digital key and emergency call functions, in addition to over-the-air software updates.

Cupra has confirmed it will add factory connectivity to its models in the near future, but it has stopped short of confirming a timeframe or which models will spearhead it.

Volkswagen and Skoda have recently brought out updated infotainment systems based on new Android-based operating systems, which in the case of the VW ID.4 adds factory navigation sans online functions.

Skoda also said recently it's "significantly closer" to launching connected services in Australia, though it ruled out doing so this year. Based on the local director's comments, it could be as soon as next year.

As a workaround, last year Volkswagen Australia’s passenger and commercial divisions rolled out a third-party solution in lieu of proprietary services, in the form of GoConnect.

Via the compatible phone app, owners can view their parking position, visualise the vehicle’s most recent trips, interact and book appointments with their dealer, view important errors and warnings, check their high-voltage battery status, and see their vehicle's driving speed.

However, it lacks functionality normally included with factory connectivity, including scheduled charging, cabin preconditioning, emergency services and assistance call, and the ability to send navigation routes from your phone to the vehicle's infotainment system. Audi Australia's existing Connect Plus services offer the bulk of this functionality across most of its model lines.

Rival brands including Ford, Hyundai, Kia, Mazda and Toyota all offer connected services and app-based remote functions, as do the likes of BYD and MG.

All offer complimentary subscriptions with vehicle purchases, though the duration and available functionality can vary depending on the brand and subscription type. Not all of those brand’s models are compatible, either.

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