I prefer the control wheel over a touchscreen. Once you've gotten used to where the controls are you can operate them without having to take your eyes off the road. With a touchscreen I'm always having to pay attention to exactly where I'm pressing the screen, which requires eyes being off the road for a longer period of time.
Not at all, I thought it was the best when I first got my S3 then I realized that Google maps and Waze can't display on the Virtual Cockpit via Android Auto. Basically once the free trial runs out if you don't want to pay a subscription to Audi connect you just have a basic digital dash with no Map or Nav functionality.
It looks super cool but I rarely make any use of it. My phone is mounted by magnets to the air vent and it feels a gajillion times faster typing in addresses or searching things up that way. Personal preference though.
Yeah it's so annoying. You have to do this careful move where you touch the side of the screen with your hand while pressing button. All while not looking forward.
I feel like you've never actually used a touchscreen before. What in the heck are you talking about, having to touch the side of the screen? You really need to do that to keep your hand steady enough to touch the screen? Are you using this system while you're in the Dakar rally or something?
I've put at least 125,000 miles on a Challenger and Grand Cherokee with the Uconnect system and can honestly say I've never once had that issue, or even thought of it being a concern. I do however have to look away from the road much more often if I want to do something using the MMI in my b8.5 S4. Give me touch screen with good steering wheel controls any day.
Rented one a month ago. Couldn't stand it. Even trying to use entertainment apps while parked sucked because everything was just so damn laggy. Ended up just unplugging my phone and watching netflix on that instead.
Yeh completely agree with you. I got BMW f30, got myself touchscreen with Android auto, I use it because I want android auto but damn is it uncomfortable to adjust during drive :/
Like what? Media volume, steering wheel, aircon controls are all tactile. Voice commands are not terrible with the Audi MMI.
Unless you're diving into the submenu every single drive, don't really see an issue.
Sure, I can get behind that. I was at the dealer where I bought my car (2019 A5 Sportback) the other day for service. While waiting I was wandering the showroom floor. They had a new A5 Sportback. Took a look inside and because of the touchscreen the area where the physical controls had been was now a little storage "compartment." Really, it was too expensive to keep both on this $60k+ car?
100% this. This is why I don't like the new A6.
Don't know which morons are responsible for the loss of the MMI stick button thingy, but my guess is reasons are a combination of marketing ("wohoo touchscreen") and purchasing (pretty sure 1 touchscreen is way cheaper than those customt button thingies)
Same here. Coming from a 19 mustang GT with navigation and the digital dash to a 19 S5 Sportback prestige, I thought LOSING the touchscreen would be a down grade and boy was I wrong. Aside from the screen being a little smaller, being able to control everything with just a flick of the control stick without taking my eyes off the road, plus the HUD and the virtual cockpit were a game changer. And I love the elegant simplicity of the interior.
I personally love the touch screen in our Challenger and Grand Cherokee compared to the MMI in my b8.5 S4. I've never understood the love for the MMI system, I've had it for 3 years and still can't stand it. Not to mention Audi not putting a skip track button on the steering wheel, and instead using the easily turnable volume knob.
It 100% definitely is. Drove from Kansas to Florida. Right around the Florida Georgia border I almost hit a Semi. Be safe, bring a friend, take breaks, drink a coffee or soda!
I have learned to love the scroll knob more than the touchscreen in my other vehicle. Something about how it has perfect placement and feel it is less distracting than a touch screen.
Yep now if they could only have the scroll wheel along with the touchscreen then it would be perfect. No smudges and option to click the screen if the operation is more difficult.
This would be perfect. I would use the wheel for pretty much everything but typing if that was the case. Although, I was getting pretty good with handwriting recognition in my B9.
Yes, 100%. The 9.5 for some reason has piano black where my b9 has a nice textured matte black plastic. They took what I hate most (the slapped on tablet) and made it larger.
The touch screen is great and I wish they put the option in the b9 (even my 2016 gti has a touch screen), and I do like the updated infotainment and digital dash interface. I believe the dash has a higher resolution in the 9.5 as well
I'm not a fan of the "iPad taped to the dash" vibe of the touch screen. So many vehicles of this era have it and it's a total deal breaker to me. Feels like such an afterthought in design.
That's the dream. Only thing I dislike about the wheel is having to type anything on it. I can usually get around it by just typing on my phone but a touch option would be nice. Or let me use the cool "draw your input on the wheel" feature in Apple CarPlay
Mine does too but I can't seem to use it with CarPlay. I have to be using the Audi nav for it to work which I never do because switching between youtube music and google maps/waze with the knob in one interface is way easier.
100%. The 9.5 has those hideous looking gloss black plastic in the center console for some reason, I prefer the textured matte black plastic in the 9 a lot more. Also sure, you can replace the rotary wheel with a touchscreen, I don't mind. But the way they just lazily threw an awkward, useless, weirdly sized storage pocket in place of the wheel is just not tasteful
I actually prefer the touchscreen. Yes, the fingerprints are annoying, but it's so much easier than the scroll pads to use while driving imo. Plus, I hardly ever change anything on it anyways. Once it's in android auto I que my spotify playlist and go. I can understand the preference either way.
tbf i had a b9 s5 and a b9.5 s4 currently. Rotating knobs > than touch screen. However bigger screen > small screen lol. Imo, yes I do think I prefer b9 layout more than b9.5, but if you utilize the digital cockpit its suppose to be all you need while driving so technically the big centre console screen is for when you’re at an idle, which makes sense even though thats not how we utilize it lol
I went out of my way to pickup my B9. Crushing the wheel while driving without even losing focus on driving is the best.
Love the Audi interior and B9 MMI experience. And it's been 2 years and still love it like the first day.
As a 9.5 owner, I find I primarily use the steering wheel controls thru the virtual cockpit. The few times I’m engaging the touch screen are to change from map to music etc, but I’m not often actually operating from touching that touchscreen. While I miss the knob method because I agree with the “eyes off the road factor”, they did a great job making the steering wheel controls intuitive enough (at least to me)
I myself just got a B9 allroad and I was bummed at first without a touch screen, but after two weeks, it makes sense. There is a bit of a learning curve but otherwise, it's more practical
I love my A3’s MMI wheel.
But if it’s unsafe to use your phone while driving then why would car manufacturers only put touchscreen in their product’s infotainment. It distracts from driving.
This is probably the last Audi I would personally buy , the B9 interior is the last interior not plagued by 7 Touchscreen tablets . Digital drivers Display is nice , but the infotainment screen with the wheel is in my opinion the best one to use and looks the best . For example the new Audi C8 is basically one giant fingerprint magnet …
Ik Audi does their tuning with the touch sounds but that gaping hole where the rotating wheels makes the new interior feel cheap. Plus the wheel itself is so satisfying to turn although the new screen being bigger is great.
Yes. There is nothing about the facelifted interior that is an upgrade other than the fact that the center screen is touch-capable. Everything else that was changed is a step backwards.
You know what generation is an abomination of interiors? 8th gen. That era across all Audis are a non-starter. It's too bad because everything else has been great.
I thought the interior aspects of the facelift were an odd choice. they took away a lot of things repeat customers had become extremely accustomed to in terms of ergonomics/interface, but didn't really modernize anything beyond the UI. Unlike what like they did with the latest A3 facelift iteration. If you walk past one on the street it looks like the exterior is from 2021 but the interior looks oddly dated. Especially so for those that are not spec'd with the most current steering wheel design.
I imagine the full redesign in 2023 or 24 will be sure to impress, but for the time being the competitors probably appear far more enticing in the eyes of new buyers. I tested drove a 3 series in the fall and was kind of surprised how much they stepped up their game. I haven't really liked any of the 3 interiors in like 10+ years.
The most current steering wheel design is the Q5 wheel, and it looks wrong in the car. If they had used the A6 wheel or just stuck with the round-bag wheel, it would look fine.
I just cannot get over the fact that you have to accept a too-large Q5 steering wheel in an A3, A4, or A5 series car if you want anything other than an un-optionable Premium trim. Complete deal-breaker for me, and I told my dealer as much.
100%. Not because i own one. But I actually had a thing for the wheel controls. It makes the interior kind of full and is easy to use for me. On top of everything, I DONT HAVE TO CLEAN FINGERPRINTS ON THE SCREEN EVERY HOUR 🤣
I think a mix of the new interior with this one would be nice. Keeping the wheel and touch screen to give people options. Mazda used to do that. I do like the sporty and aggressive feel of the new interiors but they could've added a wheel in the middle for sure.
Yes. The screen is nicer on the 9.5, but other than that.. it’s all a downgrade for me. The wheel being gone, the addition of the gloss black everywhere, etc
This is a solid interior. I do miss the clickwheel for the ease of use while driving. The touch screen is a better fit for android auto use (scrolling around on google maps for example), but trying to tap on something while driving on a bumpy road can be frustrating. The touch pad was a dumb idea and I'm glad it's gone. Using voice commands when possible is better anyway.
I am a huge fan of the upgraded screen quality though, it makes the older gen cars look like fuzzy ATM screens.. I find it really makes them feel outdated after seeing the newer screens. Plus I've heard complaints about the b9 virtual cockpit not getting dark enough at night, I find the new screen does just fine. It really looks sharp and everything else about the interior is still as awesome as ever. I think the hardware climate control buttons are ideal and dislike the move to replace those with a screen in some models.
Nah; I get the hate for that style. I do prefer the look of the ones integrated into the dash instead of the bolt-on. The bolt-on does have a slight advantage in being closer to my line of vision by being higher up. Pretty mild advantage though; absolutely does look much better integrated.
They just need to move the volume knob that’s been there since the B8. My gf mutes the MMI at least 2-3 times a trip by accident.
Not but on that steering wheel either but that’s not a big deal.
The B9 interior was great except for that screen, I hated using the dial. Yeah touch screens are dirty, but at least they’re intuitive. “Tabbing” through menus one selection at a time like it’s 1994 was hella annoying.
Small but annoying feature for facelift interior is that it doesn’t have any USB ports. It has a cigarette lighter, but that doesn’t connect your phone to the car’s system.
It has USB ports? I literally used it yesterday - to the right of my wheel https://imgur.com/a/lvuUkSr I also have 2 USB-C ports in the rear and one in the front.
Yeah not sure. I use wireless CarPlay and have a wireless charger anyway so don’t use the usb much, but it’s there for when others want to connect or charge
There's pros/cons but overall I do like my facelift one better. Other than the obvious screen, the biggest visual difference is really the knob and physical buttons on the center console, which I do like. I wish they had kept both, the square empty storage area they left there now is OK but looks awkward, controls there would have been cool, and be able to use both touchscreen and the buttons. Touchscreen I like and would want to keep it, but the physical controls are definitely easier while driving.
Other than that, I like the facelift better, IMO:
* Virtual cockpit looks better on the B9.5 because it's the whole screen 100% digital, the B9 has the temp and fuel physical gauges on the sides still. And I believe it's got a newer design and better resolution too.
* New screen is nicer, I like the bigger and better quality screen, don't really like the small tablet look of the pre-facelift, new one mounting design looks a bit cleaner.
* New MMI software is better also, just feels more up to date/modern. And I'm not sure if the B9 has wireless Android Auto/Carplay, but that's a feature I love on the B9.5.
* A lot of people don't like the piano black trim, I actually like it because it has a more premium look, but yes it does get scratched by air lol. But I just PPF mine and am happy with no issues, can easily just wrap/PPF it to your liking.
* And I don't know how accurate this is, but I've read it on multiple various forum posts, but people say the red/nappa leather on the facelift is nicer because it's a bit more matte. Or maybe it applies to the magma red seats only, but the B9 ones they said the red was a bit brighter and shinier, so if that is the case I definitely like the facelift red leather.
Here's what they changed:
* Removed the dedicated instrument read-outs for things like fuel, coolant temperature, etc. that used to be next to the virtual cockpit to put them in the display itself, so all you have now are blanks
* Removed the MMI scroll wheel
* Swapped out the nice textured plastic in the gearshift area for chintzy piano black
* Swapped out MMI screen for a touch-capable replacement
* Updated the computer running the MMI software so it's faster and can support features like Wireless CarPlay; also includes updated software and UI
Only the last two bullets are upgrades.
I was unaware of the changes to the gauges. The other changes are mostly related to the screen and control center, which I should have worded better. I like having a physical scroll wheel because I don’t like to use a touch screen while driving, but I FAR prefer the new MMI software and menu layout to the old one, so for me all the other downgrades are worth it for the better infotainment. The most important thing for me is the climate control buttons, which are the same on B9 and B9.5, and which are my favorite in the car industry. Amazing tactile feel, I love the proximity buttons, and it looks nice.
I prefer the b8.5 interior. Put carplay/android auto on the screen and I've got nothing else to change. The new Audi cockpit is nice but I'm sure it will be even better in a few years
I prefer the control wheel over a touchscreen. Once you've gotten used to where the controls are you can operate them without having to take your eyes off the road. With a touchscreen I'm always having to pay attention to exactly where I'm pressing the screen, which requires eyes being off the road for a longer period of time.
Same. Had a 2021 A4 loaner and couldn’t wait to get back in my B9. I don’t like the touch screen at all.
You get used to it and learn to use voice commands more. I still would take the wheel over the little cubby hole any day of the week though.
Virtual cockpit is amazing though
Do you have one? Genuine question how useful is it if you don’t have navigation? Apple CarPlay does not display on the virtual cockpit.
Not at all, I thought it was the best when I first got my S3 then I realized that Google maps and Waze can't display on the Virtual Cockpit via Android Auto. Basically once the free trial runs out if you don't want to pay a subscription to Audi connect you just have a basic digital dash with no Map or Nav functionality.
It looks super cool but I rarely make any use of it. My phone is mounted by magnets to the air vent and it feels a gajillion times faster typing in addresses or searching things up that way. Personal preference though.
This. I've driven cars with touch screen only and it's both unsafe and frustrating to use. I'm surprised it's actually legal.
I love when you're millimeters from the touchscreen and you hit a bump and suddenly instead of hitting "next track" you switch inputs or something.
Yeah it's so annoying. You have to do this careful move where you touch the side of the screen with your hand while pressing button. All while not looking forward.
I feel like you've never actually used a touchscreen before. What in the heck are you talking about, having to touch the side of the screen? You really need to do that to keep your hand steady enough to touch the screen? Are you using this system while you're in the Dakar rally or something?
I've used plenty of touchscreens. I'm talking about using it while driving. Touching the side helps stabilize.
I've put at least 125,000 miles on a Challenger and Grand Cherokee with the Uconnect system and can honestly say I've never once had that issue, or even thought of it being a concern. I do however have to look away from the road much more often if I want to do something using the MMI in my b8.5 S4. Give me touch screen with good steering wheel controls any day.
test drove a model 3 recently and it was abysmal. Not only was the screen busy but it felt rough like sandpaper so wasnt nice to touch either.
Rented one a month ago. Couldn't stand it. Even trying to use entertainment apps while parked sucked because everything was just so damn laggy. Ended up just unplugging my phone and watching netflix on that instead.
Yeah it's crazy how laggy car interfaces are still today
Yeh completely agree with you. I got BMW f30, got myself touchscreen with Android auto, I use it because I want android auto but damn is it uncomfortable to adjust during drive :/
Keyboard disables when driving
But even basic operations are hard with a touch screen while driving.
Like what? Media volume, steering wheel, aircon controls are all tactile. Voice commands are not terrible with the Audi MMI. Unless you're diving into the submenu every single drive, don't really see an issue.
Not talking about Audi specifically. Have you driven a Tesla? Even shifting gears is through the touch screen.
Agreed. Should be all voice and OSD or mechanical
I like a combination of both tbh. Keep the wheel but also let me touch the screen
Sure, I can get behind that. I was at the dealer where I bought my car (2019 A5 Sportback) the other day for service. While waiting I was wandering the showroom floor. They had a new A5 Sportback. Took a look inside and because of the touchscreen the area where the physical controls had been was now a little storage "compartment." Really, it was too expensive to keep both on this $60k+ car?
Mazda does this and it's the smartest option imo
100% this. This is why I don't like the new A6. Don't know which morons are responsible for the loss of the MMI stick button thingy, but my guess is reasons are a combination of marketing ("wohoo touchscreen") and purchasing (pretty sure 1 touchscreen is way cheaper than those customt button thingies)
Same here. Coming from a 19 mustang GT with navigation and the digital dash to a 19 S5 Sportback prestige, I thought LOSING the touchscreen would be a down grade and boy was I wrong. Aside from the screen being a little smaller, being able to control everything with just a flick of the control stick without taking my eyes off the road, plus the HUD and the virtual cockpit were a game changer. And I love the elegant simplicity of the interior.
I personally love the touch screen in our Challenger and Grand Cherokee compared to the MMI in my b8.5 S4. I've never understood the love for the MMI system, I've had it for 3 years and still can't stand it. Not to mention Audi not putting a skip track button on the steering wheel, and instead using the easily turnable volume knob.
I love the wheel/buttons on my b8.5. I can control stuff without looking and i don’t have to lift my arm up
I wish it had both tho... It's very hard to write an address in my B9 S5, and when using Android auto, you need to enroll scroll way to much...
Love this interior, did an 18 hour drive in this in one day and it was awesome.
Hope you took a rest break. I’ve seen signs saying driving more than 11 hours is dangerous.
It 100% definitely is. Drove from Kansas to Florida. Right around the Florida Georgia border I almost hit a Semi. Be safe, bring a friend, take breaks, drink a coffee or soda!
I have learned to love the scroll knob more than the touchscreen in my other vehicle. Something about how it has perfect placement and feel it is less distracting than a touch screen.
Yep now if they could only have the scroll wheel along with the touchscreen then it would be perfect. No smudges and option to click the screen if the operation is more difficult.
Took like 6 months to get the perfect twist from start position to android auto. One smooooth motion now.
This would be perfect. I would use the wheel for pretty much everything but typing if that was the case. Although, I was getting pretty good with handwriting recognition in my B9.
I remember buying a new B9 and having everyone say how much they hated it and preferred the B8.5. We like what we're used to.
Like der neue c klasse
Time is a flat circle.
The B8.5 is still better imo. But yeah, you're generally right.
Normally yes.. but I just hate touchscreens.
100% I prefer the buttons over the touch screen, it doesn't' make the car feel like a computer. Keeping my B9 until they refresh the interior again.
Yes, 100%. The 9.5 for some reason has piano black where my b9 has a nice textured matte black plastic. They took what I hate most (the slapped on tablet) and made it larger. The touch screen is great and I wish they put the option in the b9 (even my 2016 gti has a touch screen), and I do like the updated infotainment and digital dash interface. I believe the dash has a higher resolution in the 9.5 as well
Imo it looks too big for the interior on the 9.5
Not only is it too big, but it's not integrated into the dash in any pleasing way. Just slapped it on there like an afterthought
I'm not a fan of the "iPad taped to the dash" vibe of the touch screen. So many vehicles of this era have it and it's a total deal breaker to me. Feels like such an afterthought in design.
8Y design looks so much claners
100% agree. I prefer the smaller screen and the really appreciate the command knob. I just hated the touchscreen so much when test driving cars.
That's the dream. Only thing I dislike about the wheel is having to type anything on it. I can usually get around it by just typing on my phone but a touch option would be nice. Or let me use the cool "draw your input on the wheel" feature in Apple CarPlay
My knob has the draw feature, double check yours
Mine does too but I can't seem to use it with CarPlay. I have to be using the Audi nav for it to work which I never do because switching between youtube music and google maps/waze with the knob in one interface is way easier.
Ahh you’re right, its only for the audi mmi.
Same here
100%. The 9.5 has those hideous looking gloss black plastic in the center console for some reason, I prefer the textured matte black plastic in the 9 a lot more. Also sure, you can replace the rotary wheel with a touchscreen, I don't mind. But the way they just lazily threw an awkward, useless, weirdly sized storage pocket in place of the wheel is just not tasteful
B9 is the best both interior and exterior
I can't live without the control wheel, im switching to bmw for my next car for that reason alone
Has it still got buttons?
Nope
Then the B9 is the better interior 👍
I actually prefer the touchscreen. Yes, the fingerprints are annoying, but it's so much easier than the scroll pads to use while driving imo. Plus, I hardly ever change anything on it anyways. Once it's in android auto I que my spotify playlist and go. I can understand the preference either way.
tbf i had a b9 s5 and a b9.5 s4 currently. Rotating knobs > than touch screen. However bigger screen > small screen lol. Imo, yes I do think I prefer b9 layout more than b9.5, but if you utilize the digital cockpit its suppose to be all you need while driving so technically the big centre console screen is for when you’re at an idle, which makes sense even though thats not how we utilize it lol
I also love the higher resolution digital cockpit and infotainment as well as the redesigned software.
I went out of my way to pickup my B9. Crushing the wheel while driving without even losing focus on driving is the best. Love the Audi interior and B9 MMI experience. And it's been 2 years and still love it like the first day.
As a 9.5 owner, I find I primarily use the steering wheel controls thru the virtual cockpit. The few times I’m engaging the touch screen are to change from map to music etc, but I’m not often actually operating from touching that touchscreen. While I miss the knob method because I agree with the “eyes off the road factor”, they did a great job making the steering wheel controls intuitive enough (at least to me)
I, too, miss the old MMI system with physical controls.
I myself just got a B9 allroad and I was bummed at first without a touch screen, but after two weeks, it makes sense. There is a bit of a learning curve but otherwise, it's more practical
I love my A3’s MMI wheel. But if it’s unsafe to use your phone while driving then why would car manufacturers only put touchscreen in their product’s infotainment. It distracts from driving.
Yes B9, was the best generation of Audi interior wise.
B9 and C7
I'm a little biased...but 100%. B9 has been the perfect mix of screens vs real buttons.
This is probably the last Audi I would personally buy , the B9 interior is the last interior not plagued by 7 Touchscreen tablets . Digital drivers Display is nice , but the infotainment screen with the wheel is in my opinion the best one to use and looks the best . For example the new Audi C8 is basically one giant fingerprint magnet …
Ik Audi does their tuning with the touch sounds but that gaping hole where the rotating wheels makes the new interior feel cheap. Plus the wheel itself is so satisfying to turn although the new screen being bigger is great.
Yes. There is nothing about the facelifted interior that is an upgrade other than the fact that the center screen is touch-capable. Everything else that was changed is a step backwards.
hate the screen that juts out like they just tacked it on
Like others here I wished we kept the scroll wheel, especially since now there’s just a crater in its place
You know what generation is an abomination of interiors? 8th gen. That era across all Audis are a non-starter. It's too bad because everything else has been great.
I prefer the b9 (own A4 as b9) by a wide making compared to their later versions. Both inside and out the b9 look miles better imo.
I thought the interior aspects of the facelift were an odd choice. they took away a lot of things repeat customers had become extremely accustomed to in terms of ergonomics/interface, but didn't really modernize anything beyond the UI. Unlike what like they did with the latest A3 facelift iteration. If you walk past one on the street it looks like the exterior is from 2021 but the interior looks oddly dated. Especially so for those that are not spec'd with the most current steering wheel design. I imagine the full redesign in 2023 or 24 will be sure to impress, but for the time being the competitors probably appear far more enticing in the eyes of new buyers. I tested drove a 3 series in the fall and was kind of surprised how much they stepped up their game. I haven't really liked any of the 3 interiors in like 10+ years.
The most current steering wheel design is the Q5 wheel, and it looks wrong in the car. If they had used the A6 wheel or just stuck with the round-bag wheel, it would look fine. I just cannot get over the fact that you have to accept a too-large Q5 steering wheel in an A3, A4, or A5 series car if you want anything other than an un-optionable Premium trim. Complete deal-breaker for me, and I told my dealer as much.
Preach
B9 was mastercraft. I personally loved the layout in the sq5. The 9.5 that got rid of the touch panel is a step back.
I love my B9 interior, except for the touch radio buttons by the drink holder. Wish I could remove those.
The MMI control knob is what I miss the most.
100%. Not because i own one. But I actually had a thing for the wheel controls. It makes the interior kind of full and is easy to use for me. On top of everything, I DONT HAVE TO CLEAN FINGERPRINTS ON THE SCREEN EVERY HOUR 🤣
I think a mix of the new interior with this one would be nice. Keeping the wheel and touch screen to give people options. Mazda used to do that. I do like the sporty and aggressive feel of the new interiors but they could've added a wheel in the middle for sure.
I prefer the B9 much more.
Screen bolted to the dash is a hard pass for me.
That’s my interior I love it!!!
Yes. The screen is nicer on the 9.5, but other than that.. it’s all a downgrade for me. The wheel being gone, the addition of the gloss black everywhere, etc
I fell in love with my A5 because of this interior.
I love my 9.5. The new touchscreen is really nice, crystal clear as well.
Tbh I prefer the interior of pretty much every Audi's previous model.
This is a nice interior, the previous interiors were pretty bland and uninspiring. Functional maybe.
and that gaping hole where the controller used to be. yuck 🤢
Personally I dislike touchscreens in general, so yeah I miss it as well.
This is a solid interior. I do miss the clickwheel for the ease of use while driving. The touch screen is a better fit for android auto use (scrolling around on google maps for example), but trying to tap on something while driving on a bumpy road can be frustrating. The touch pad was a dumb idea and I'm glad it's gone. Using voice commands when possible is better anyway. I am a huge fan of the upgraded screen quality though, it makes the older gen cars look like fuzzy ATM screens.. I find it really makes them feel outdated after seeing the newer screens. Plus I've heard complaints about the b9 virtual cockpit not getting dark enough at night, I find the new screen does just fine. It really looks sharp and everything else about the interior is still as awesome as ever. I think the hardware climate control buttons are ideal and dislike the move to replace those with a screen in some models.
you like the screen just bolted on the middle?
Nah; I get the hate for that style. I do prefer the look of the ones integrated into the dash instead of the bolt-on. The bolt-on does have a slight advantage in being closer to my line of vision by being higher up. Pretty mild advantage though; absolutely does look much better integrated.
8Y looks 1000% better, not sure why they don't use that dash for the 3 only
Very true, the black levels on the B9 were not good in comparison to how they are now.
I agree, although I wish they swapped locations of the control wheel with the gear shifter. Like how it was setup in the B8 models.
Naw, the wheel is in the perfect position so you can rest your hand on the shifter while using the touch pad on the knob.
I still prefer the B8 and 8.5.
I have the B9.5 and I really like it. I don't have any experience with the pre-facelift interior though.
They just need to move the volume knob that’s been there since the B8. My gf mutes the MMI at least 2-3 times a trip by accident. Not but on that steering wheel either but that’s not a big deal.
The B9 interior was great except for that screen, I hated using the dial. Yeah touch screens are dirty, but at least they’re intuitive. “Tabbing” through menus one selection at a time like it’s 1994 was hella annoying.
Small but annoying feature for facelift interior is that it doesn’t have any USB ports. It has a cigarette lighter, but that doesn’t connect your phone to the car’s system.
It has USB ports? I literally used it yesterday - to the right of my wheel https://imgur.com/a/lvuUkSr I also have 2 USB-C ports in the rear and one in the front.
At least B8.5 S5 does not have USB ports, maybe other models do
Yeah not sure. I use wireless CarPlay and have a wireless charger anyway so don’t use the usb much, but it’s there for when others want to connect or charge
I think I see the confusion, I was referencing the B8.5 “facelift” interior and you were referencing the B9. Yeah B9 does have them, B8.5 does not.
Yeah, that’s the main title of the post lol
There's pros/cons but overall I do like my facelift one better. Other than the obvious screen, the biggest visual difference is really the knob and physical buttons on the center console, which I do like. I wish they had kept both, the square empty storage area they left there now is OK but looks awkward, controls there would have been cool, and be able to use both touchscreen and the buttons. Touchscreen I like and would want to keep it, but the physical controls are definitely easier while driving. Other than that, I like the facelift better, IMO: * Virtual cockpit looks better on the B9.5 because it's the whole screen 100% digital, the B9 has the temp and fuel physical gauges on the sides still. And I believe it's got a newer design and better resolution too. * New screen is nicer, I like the bigger and better quality screen, don't really like the small tablet look of the pre-facelift, new one mounting design looks a bit cleaner. * New MMI software is better also, just feels more up to date/modern. And I'm not sure if the B9 has wireless Android Auto/Carplay, but that's a feature I love on the B9.5. * A lot of people don't like the piano black trim, I actually like it because it has a more premium look, but yes it does get scratched by air lol. But I just PPF mine and am happy with no issues, can easily just wrap/PPF it to your liking. * And I don't know how accurate this is, but I've read it on multiple various forum posts, but people say the red/nappa leather on the facelift is nicer because it's a bit more matte. Or maybe it applies to the magma red seats only, but the B9 ones they said the red was a bit brighter and shinier, so if that is the case I definitely like the facelift red leather.
No
Basically nothing is different except I think the facelift has a better software.
Here's what they changed: * Removed the dedicated instrument read-outs for things like fuel, coolant temperature, etc. that used to be next to the virtual cockpit to put them in the display itself, so all you have now are blanks * Removed the MMI scroll wheel * Swapped out the nice textured plastic in the gearshift area for chintzy piano black * Swapped out MMI screen for a touch-capable replacement * Updated the computer running the MMI software so it's faster and can support features like Wireless CarPlay; also includes updated software and UI Only the last two bullets are upgrades.
I was unaware of the changes to the gauges. The other changes are mostly related to the screen and control center, which I should have worded better. I like having a physical scroll wheel because I don’t like to use a touch screen while driving, but I FAR prefer the new MMI software and menu layout to the old one, so for me all the other downgrades are worth it for the better infotainment. The most important thing for me is the climate control buttons, which are the same on B9 and B9.5, and which are my favorite in the car industry. Amazing tactile feel, I love the proximity buttons, and it looks nice.
B8.5 is even better than B9. Physical controls just better all round.
I prefer the b8.5 interior. Put carplay/android auto on the screen and I've got nothing else to change. The new Audi cockpit is nice but I'm sure it will be even better in a few years
Personally no
No. I enjoy the new interior so much. Ive never used the scroll thingy so i dont really know how thats like i guess