snagitseven

Sirius sources traffic data from NavTeq Traffic over satellite (Audi also sources NavTeq for the base nav maps and internal POIs). Google Maps started using Inrix in 2012 augmented by crowd sourcing. The red, yellow, green traffic overlay map indicators are pretty standard among the different nav/traffic providers.

Since Sirius Traffic is received over satellite and Google provides traffic over the internet along with their maps, the fact that you can receive traffic data when Audi Connect is disabled in the car would confirm that all traffic data is coming from Sirius.

Here's an Audi Nav recap as it is today:

Audi 3G MMI Nav Plus:
Nav Maps - NavTeq provided - loaded internally on hard drive - static
POI database - NavTeq loaded internally on hard drive - static
Traffic - Sirus satellite - dynamic

Audi Connect adds:
Google Earth overlay - internet provided - dynamic
Google online POI database search - internet provided - dynamic
Google Send to Map POIs - internet provided - dynamic
Google Street View - internet provided - static
Other Audi Media services - i.e. Weather, News, Parking, Gas prices, Events, etc. - internet provided by various sources, i.e. Inrix and others - dynamic

Transfer

I think I have used Audi Connect features once in my almost 3 months of ownership. I will not be paying $15/mo for it when the freebies expire. The traffic info is the important thing to me.

Q5 Bob

Having the choice to keep Audi Connect, or not, is good since one size doesn't fit all. I wonder what the renewal rate is? 50%-60%?

skinzy

Its dumb. Will not renew. Connection speed too slow and will grow increasingly obsolete. We have iPhones and iPads for this that are significantly better. Just another one of those “monthly” fees!

koobah

Totally agree, though the only thing I would miss is the "send to car" option from google maps. As convenient as it is, it's not worth the fees.

Q5 Bob

Kinda harsh but I'm sure it's of value to some.

Tjleonard

Exactly, send to car is super nice. I just don't know if it's a monthly fee nice.

Q5 Bob

Yesterday, I received an email from Audi with an invitation to a "research event" being held later this month. It looks like one of the main topics is technology with emphasis on the navigation system, it's usage/functionality, Audi Connect and even renewal is one of the topics.

At this point, not sure if I'll go but the $300 is tempting.

SeaBlue

I can't send destinations from google maps to my car. When I do as stated in the Audi Connect site all I get is a blank screen when using the "google.com/maps/sendtocar" link. Are you using a different link?

Q5 Bob

There is an 800 number to call for Audi technology help. You might try it. I don't have it handy right now.