Audi’s 2018 S5 Sportback Offers One of the Best User Experiences

Work for Torque News, follow on Twitter, Youtube and Facebook.

Submitted by Marc Stern on September 23, 2017 - 11:13PM

The editors of WardsAuto have honored Audi's S5 Sportback for the user experience it provides drivers. The Audi Sportback joins nine other vehicles that were similarly honored.

Audi’s 2018 S5 Sportback has joined nine other vehicles on the list of WardsAuto Best User Experiences. Judged by editors of the prestigious automotive information providers, the Sportback was called a benchmark for exceptional technology integration and refined interior design.

Automakers seeking simplified connectivity

More and more today, automakers are seeking simplified connectivity between personal electronics. For example, manufacturers are trying to simplify the interface between information displays and advanced driver-assistance features. The S5 Sportback received praise for its Virtual Cockpit, refined design with carbon fiber accents and its suite of available advanced driver assistance systems.

In making their decisions, WardsAuto editors evaluated vehicles based on:

  • The overall effectiveness of the user experience
  • How easily the car connects to compatible smartphone technology
  • The user-friendliness of the controls
  • The availability of advanced driver assistance technology
  • How appealing the materials are as a component of the user experience

Audi’s innovative virtual cockpit changes the way drivers interact with their S5s through the use of a digital dashboard that produces 3D graphics with brilliant clarity. Driven by a quad-core Nvidia Tegra 3 processor, capable of delivering vibrant color at 60 frames per second, the technology package enhances infotainment viewing and navigation via large Google Maps images supported with 4G LTE. The newly available Audi smartphone interfaces also offer Apply CarPlay and Android Auto integration for compatible smartphones.

Other benchmark infotainment features include:

  • The MMI® touch® with handwriting-recognition
  • Available full head-up display that projects driving information in the driver’s field of vision

Audi connect infotainment and security features

Also, Audi connect® infotainment and security features supported by 4G LTE connectivity, link the vehicle and the internet, the owner and the surrounding infrastructure. There has been a host of small, but noticeable improvements, including better online traffic information, weather updates, and internet radio streaming. Other features include picture navigation, read-aloud personalized new headlines, and Twitter® alerts.

From the “vivid graphics bright head-up display, large rotary multi-media dial and fast response to commands, the user-experience of the S5 Sportback remains a benchmark for autonomous functionality, graphics, user-friendliness, and infotainment,” enthused TomMurphy, WardsAuto senior editor.

The S5 Sportback was one of 23 nominees that competed for the accolade which complements the annual Wards 10 Best Interiors competition. Audi will formally receive the award during a ceremony Oct. 5 at the WardsAuto User Experience Conference in Novi, Mich.

Full suite of driver assistance systems

In addition to the graphics system, the S5 Sportback features a full suite of advanced driver assistance systems, including standard Audi pre-sense® primary and city, Audi active lane assist and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go and traffic jam assist that helps drivers navigate roads and traffic with increased confidence.

Source: Audi