[anthonye]

I joined this forum a couple of weeks ago, after I took delivery of my Q4 45 quattro. I have only had a chance to drive it for 2 weeks and a few hundred Km but in that time, I listed 10 problems.

Now that I have read posts here, I am beginning to realise that this may only be the tip of an iceberg and, worse still, is the fact that Audi do not have an over-the-air system to apply any software updates - even if they did have fixes, which they don't.

I was disappointed by options I didn't know I needed to order: face ventilation in the rear, front parking sensors or a domestic outlet charging cable. These are also expensive and usually part of some whole package.

By items they didn't supply: the rear light bar doesn’t illuminate and there is no flat tyre kit.

And software issues, which were beginning to reveal themselves. The ones I found were: not storing my settings and the on-board charging timer not working. I was also ‘told’ to put my hands on the wheel, when they were and the radio traffic info would suddenly come on, even though it was set not to.

Neither the Swiss Dealer, Importer nor Audi (who are uncontactable) were concerned to do anything about it. Although I now understand better why this might be the case, I cannot follow why they are being allowed and allowing their brand reputation to slide.

 

[sbt007]

Since I have also had the car for only about 10 days now, I was interested to know your issues because so far I have no issues at all.
Hopefully some comments from others.

rear light bar doesn’t illuminate and there is no flat tyre kit - this does not seem right, mine definitely illuminates (unless I am misunderstanding which light bar this is). And I have a flat tire kit. Wonder if this is country specific.

options I didn't know I needed to order: that is unfortunate - probably the dealer should have done better as well

software issues: These seem to be the actual issues? Although I have never used the timer because I simply plug it in at work and check the app. The"hand on wheel" and radio traffic are possibly options I don't have.

 

[Oenonee]

The lightbar will only light up if you have the Matrix Headlights Pack which is about £1000 extra here in the UK, did you spec that?

Likewise in the UK the base model (Sport) should have a tyre repair kit and all models above should have run flat tyres.

I run Android Auto and mostly avoid the MMI as the mapping experience is so poor.

On the plus side I've had the car for 11 months now and it's a great drive, however I have come to realise that

1. It didn't come with a lot of features I thought it did (lightbar, I actually rang the dealer after I got the car and he had to go check with a colleague as he thought it should light up too).

2. It didn't come with a lot of features which would have been useful (memory seats, heatpump, adaptive suspension) and which, in my opinion, should be standard on a car of this price.

3. The lack of OTA updates is a pretty big issue for an EV. I've been reading up a lot on Polestar as I really like the Polestar 2, and they have an SUV coming out soon, and a recent software patch increased the efficiency of the car quite a bit - just software. I'm not asking for Tesla level software here, we all like traditional cars and it's why we all probably got the Q4, but some software updates really are necessary in this space.

 

[ReaK]

I was also about to ask if you spec'd the matrix headlights because also in finland the light bar only illuminates on Q4s with matrix lights.

 

[anthonye]

Swiss spec'd cars come with nothing. However, how is one supposed to know that would mean no front parking sensors if it comes with rear ones or no rear face ventilation?

The rear light bar (the strip between the left and right stop lights), I discovered as you say, only comes with the 'disco light' matrix package. In the grand scheme of things it's not important but it smacks of cost cutting. Their designers went to great lengths, no doubt, with the styling and then missed the opportunity of brand distinction; just an additional disappointment with my new delivery.

 

[3w771k]

Clearly the light bar is only lit up with the matrix headlights.
You have to carefully read the option specs as it was not that obvious that it was matrix headlight specific.

Face ventilation in the rear was also a big disappointment on my part. I need to go to my dealers workshop to ask if it can be retrofitted. I had it in the Q3 as a standard with bi-zone climatisation. I didn't take the 3-zone as the dealer told me it was not that useful... Thought he was right as I don't care about controlling the zone temperatures but would definitely have liked a vent in the back especially with hot summers.

Your software issues are strange as I didn't have any problems with storing my info and using the timer on the car.
What MMI version are you on ?

For the "hands on wheel" pop-up I had it a lot while driving on the highway and holding it a bit loosely. Sliding my hands up on it did the trick of taking the warning off. A bit annoying at first but then it was pretty much just a way to keep me focus on the road and not completely relying on the different assistance (lane assist, adaptive cruise control,...)

@Oenonee : all of the features you talk about are options on the car (heatpump, memory seats and adaptive suspension,...). Memory seats and adaptive suspension were already very pricy on other Audi cars.
I think Audi tries to have a low price point to attract customers but catches up with options.

Mercedes has better equipped starting models but their price is way above Audi's.

 

[ReaK]

It's odd how Audi decide what is standard and what isn't depending on country. In Finland, tri climate is standard on 45 quattro, so is the heat pump. The heat pump might be because of our cold winter but I'm surprised to hear the tri climate isn't standard in other countries...

 

[3w771k]

It's odd how Audi decide what is standard and what isn't depending on country. In Finland, tri climate is standard on 45 quattro, so is the heat pump. The heat pump might be because of our cold winter but I'm surprised to hear the tri climate isn't standard in other countries...

Here in France it was a 690€ option when I ordered the car now the price is 810€ for new orders.

 

[anthonye]

Face ventilation in the rear cannot be retrofitted, they told me. I too chose not to have 3-zone ventilation control as, like 3w771k, I was not interested in paying extra. How can you guess that this means you then have no face ventilation in the rear? This is not the case, for example, in my BMW.

MMI software version 3669

 

[ReaK]

If not having tri climate means no rear vents at all then the Audi dealer should for sure say that. I can't say anything regarding the tri climate because it was standard for me but when I was ordering my Q4 the dealer went through all the options and told me the light bar was only with matrix lights... the dealers should be more responsible, they should have better communication when ordering the car. That seems to be down to luck though... if the dealer is good with communication.

Not good service if they don't explain the pros and cons of each extra.

 

[3w771k]

**** if it cannot be retrofitted…. This is very disappointing.
In the Climate pack it only states 3 zone climate and not any other information….

 

[3w771k]

If not having tri climate means no rear vents at all then the Audi dealer should for sure say that. I can't say anything regarding the tri climate because it was standard for me but when I was ordering my Q4 the dealer went through all the options and told me the light bar was only with matrix lights... the dealers should be more responsible, they should have better communication when ordering the car. That seems to be down to luck though... if the dealer is good with communication.

Not good service if they don't explain the pros and cons of each extra.

I believe the dealer was not aware of that.
again not much info in the website configurator

 

[ReaK]

I believe the dealer was not aware of that.
again not much info in the website configurator

Then that is very disappointing. I would think that the dealers should know more than the website.

 

[ReaK]

Then that is very disappointing. I would think that the dealers should know more than the website.

Of course all information should be on the website clearly, especially if the dealers don't know about the options in detail. I had this issue with the Finnish website also, that is why I went to the dealer to ask questions. I guess we will see when my car arrives if there are any surprises.

 

[anthonye]

When is your delivery due?
I hope for your sake it goes well.

 

[ReaK]

Mine is due on February 2023. I ordered November 2021... so after such a long wait I hope it goes well too!

 

[Oenonee]

@Oenonee : all of the features you talk about are options on the car (heatpump, memory seats and adaptive suspension,...). Memory seats and adaptive suspension were already very pricy on other Audi cars. I think Audi tries to have a low price point to attract customers but catches up with options.

Yep, I think I was stung a little there, that's been a steep learning curve. I think it's why I'm starting to lean towards Volvo (three trims with pretty logical features being added as you go up) or Polestar (three add-on packs with logical grouping).

I feel like Audi inhabits this weird space with extras -

1. They don't include pretty standard features at a price point where they should really be included (looking at the reversing camera here, it's not standard on any of the UK cars even the top-spec Edition 1 which retails at £61,790)
2. They allow you to add on extras but group them with others that you may not want
3. They allow you to add on extras that aren't logically grouped together

For example with Polestar if you add on the Pilot Pack you get -

• LED front fog lights with cornering function
• Automatically dimmed exterior mirrors
• 360° camera
• Pilot Assist
• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Emergency Stop Assist
• Blind Spot Information System with steer assist
• Cross Traffic Alert with brake support
• Rear Collision Warning & Mitigation
• Park Assist, sides
  For £2,150

Which all seem to be extras that help you to drive better/safer.

With Audi (UK at least) you get the Comfort and Sound Pack -

• Reversing camera
• Parking system plus
• Adaptive cruise control with speed limiter
• SONOS premium sound system
  For £1,295

I have no idea why there's a sound system in there. I don't actually care for the sound system. Just give me the reversing camera 😂

Even more confusing is the Assistance Package Advanced Pack -

• Reversing camera
• Parking system plus
• Adaptive cruise control with speed limiter
• Adaptive cruise assist with emergency assist
  For £1,425

It's pretty much the same pack. The extra feature "is an extension of adaptive cruise assist or lane departure warning and detects, within system limits, if the driver is inactive. In such instances, the system provides the driver with a visual, acoustic and haptic warning. If the driver does not respond, the system assumes control of the vehicle, automatically bringing it to a stop in its own lane. The hazard warning lights are activated".

Call me crazy but that should just be part of the Adaptive cruise control with speed limiter feature...they drive me crazy 😆

 

[ReaK]

Yep, I think I was stung a little there, that's been a steep learning curve. I think it's why I'm starting to lean towards Volvo (three trims with pretty logical features being added as you go up) or Polestar (three add-on packs with logical grouping).

I feel like Audi inhabits this weird space with extras -

1. They don't include pretty standard features at a price point where they should really be included (looking at the reversing camera here, it's not standard on any of the UK cars even the top-spec Edition 1 which retails at £61,790)
2. They allow you to add on extras but group them with others that you may not want
2. They allow you to add on extras that aren't logically grouped together

For example with Polestar if you add on the Pilot Pack you get -

• LED front fog lights with cornering function
• Automatically dimmed exterior mirrors
• 360° camera
• Pilot Assist
• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Emergency Stop Assist
• Blind Spot Information System with steer assist
• Cross Traffic Alert with brake support
• Rear Collision Warning & Mitigation
• Park Assist, sides
  For £2,150

Which all seem to be "Help you drive better" extras.

With Audi (UK at least) you get the Comfort and Sound Pack -

• Reversing camera
• Parking system plus
• Adaptive cruise control with speed limiter
• SONOS premium sound system
  For £1,295.00

I have no idea why there's a sound system in there, I don't actually care for the sound system, just give me the reversing camera 😂

Even more confusing is the Assistance Package Advanced Pack -

• Reversing camera
• Parking system plus
• Adaptive cruise control with speed limiter
• Adaptive cruise assist with emergency assist
  For £1,425.00

It's pretty much the same pack. The extra feature "is an extension of adaptive cruise assist or lane departure warning and detects, within system limits, if the driver is inactive. In such instances, the system provides the driver with a visual, acoustic and haptic warning. If the driver does not respond, the system assumes control of the vehicle, automatically bringing it to a stop in its own lane. The hazard warning lights are activated".

Call me crazy but that should just be part of the Adaptive cruise control with speed limiter add on...they drive me crazy 😆

This is so weird. Why do they do this? For me, adaptive cruise and reversing camera were also standard!

I have to say that I actually like the fact that I can choose the extras with Audi though (but this is for my particular circumstances). My husband is 199cm tall. Headroom is a massive issue. He can't drive my A4 so that is why we went with the Q4 this time as he was very happy to hqve actual headroom. We didn't spec electric seats because with the electric seats being higher it give him less headroom.

 

[anthonye]

Mine is due on February 2023. I ordered November 2021... so after such a long wait I hope it goes well too!

Good heaveans! 16 months? What on earth did you order? My Q4 (mostly unloaded) was ordered in January 2022 and delivered in August - 7 months.

 

[ReaK]

Good heaveans! 16 months? What on earth did you order? My Q4 (mostly unloaded) was ordered in January 2022 and delivered in August - 7 months.

I ordered Q4 45 quattro with matrix lights, HUD, park assist and tow bar as extras... all other things are standard.