AUDI Q6 e-tron projects driving information on front windshield using augmented reality

AUDI Q6 e-tron at IAA Mbility 2023

At the IAA Mobility 2023 in Germany, the AUDI Q6 e-tron prototype parks to show the attendees its changeable exterior skin and the digitized, roomy interior. Glancing at the exterior, the AUDI Q6 e-tron’s car design comes in different color models, but its white and gray variant may steal the show, oozing a snakeskin concept with its geometric play of stripes and paint. The minimalist yet eye-catching exterior complements the digital interior of AUDI Q6 e-tron which features an optional augmented reality head-up display.

The technology projects the driver information such as speed, traffic signs, and assistance and navigation icons on the front windshield of the electric car. It reflects a large, tilted image plane, and the image plane is titled upward to enhance the AR experience. What is more to this is that the information moves along the focus of the eye. AUDI says that this process and the high virtual image distance create the impression that the items depicted are floating up to 200 metres away and that they interact directly with the environment.

images by AUDI

Panoramic free-standing and curved OLED display on dashboard

AUDI Q6 e-tron presents a digital stage inside its roomy electric car, starting with its panoramic display that extends to the front passenger. It is slim, free-standing, and curved, and comes with OLED technology to showcase a high-quality display. AUDI adds special ambient lighting to the curved display so that at night, the 11.9-inch Audi virtual cockpit and 14.5-inch MMI touch display installed in the digital stage appear to be hovering from its placement.

The front passenger is dedicated their own digital stage through the 10.9-inch MMI front passenger display, which neighbors the panoramic one for the driver. It is equipped with an active privacy mode and shutter technology to let the passenger watch movies without distracting the driver. Other than for entertainment use, the display enables the passenger to assist the driver too when it comes to navigation as it has its own digital map.

the electric car features an optional augmented reality head-up display

Audi Q6 e-tron comes with self-learning voice assistant

The smart technology installed in the AUDI Q6 e-tron means it learns from the commands of the driver and passengers. The electric car’s self-learning voice assistant entails that the user can activate the assistant by saying ‘Hey Audi’ or using touchpoints and the myAudi app. The voice assistant has a mind of its own as it continuously learns from the driver and passenger to offer them what they need on the road.

For instance, it can voice recurring sequences such as the use of the seat air conditioning or the best path to take on the road as these may have been the routines of the driver. It can also provide suggestions that the driver might need such as the nearest charging station and can supply call lists in case the driver or front passenger needs to call someone while on the road or driving.

the prototype electric car was unveiled at the IAA Mobility 2023

Sound-wise, the Audi Q6 e‑tron can be fitted with the optional Bang & Olufsen sound system whose 3D sound feature provides acoustic precision. Four speakers are integrated into the front seat headrests, and the bass loudspeakers in the front doors are in a separate housing to prevent too much vibration and ensure that the sound is reproduced with great accuracy. This improves the sound quality and reduces sound propagation outside the vehicle.

Head of Audi Design Marc Lichte says that the AUDI team looked into what their users want to experience in and with their vehicles. ‘All-encompassing digitalization, the central importance of sustainability and personal freedom, new definitions of time well spent and luxury – we unquestionably live in the most exciting times in the history of automotive design. So it is exactly the right moment for brave and creative minds to ask innovative questions and leave the well-trodden path to find intelligent answers elsewhere,’ he says.

AUDI Q6 e-tron presents a digital stage inside its roomy electric car