Audi A6 Navigation

There’s no vehicle on earth that doesn’t have at least one con, and the Audi A6 and A7 are no exception. That being said, both are so well-made that it’s hard to find any flaws. Autotrader had a lot of great things to say about both vehicles and found only two complaints that aren’t that big of a deal.

In addition, the 2019 Audi A6 now comes standard with all-wheel drive, making it appeal to those navigating tough road conditions. There have been three generations of the Audi A6. The first generation ran from 2005-2011, and the second from 2012-2018. The third generation of the Audi A6 was released with the 2019 model.

The 2021 Audi A6 brings a lot to the table

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How to update for free Audi MMI Maps / GPS Navigation (For almost all Audi Models) - step by stepLink for Sign In and Download: https://www.audi.de/de/brand/.
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RELATED: Think Twice Before Buying the 2018 Audi A6

Autotrader reports that the 2021 A6 comes equipped with AWD standard, so you don’t have to choose between going with a lower price point or buying what you actually want and need.

There are several engine options. The standard engine is a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder. Higher trim levels offer a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6, a twin-turbo 2.9-liter V6, and a 4.0-liter turbocharged V8 that produces 591 hp and 590 lb-ft. The 4.0-liter engine is the most powerful engine offered on the A6.

Audi also included a full range of safety features. Automatic emergency braking, automatic high beams, lane departure warning, and front and rear parking sensors are included standard. For some extra money, you can also get the Driver Assistance package which includes full-speed adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic detection and exit warning, lane-keeping assist, and intersection assist.

The price point was what Autotrader really didn’t like. The lowest trim level starts at $54,900, which isn’t bad for a luxury vehicle. At the highest trim level, however, the price skyrockets to $109,000, according to Autotrader.

The infotainment system was another source of complaint, as it takes a bit of time to learn how to operate it. Some drivers will probably learn it fairly quickly, while others who didn’t grow up with tech will have a small learning curve.

The 2021 Audi A7 has the same problems

What sets the A7 apart from the A6 is the superior room in the back. Autotrader reports that the rear hatch allows for more cargo in the A7.

Like the A6, the A7 also comes with several engine options. There is a 3.0-liter V6, a 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6, a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, and even a hybrid 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. There are also enough tech options to keep even the most tech-savvy teenager happy.

Once again, the price point and the infotainment system lost the A7 some points with Autotrader. Even the base trim will set you back $74,400 and all the additional features could add up quickly.

In spite of this, some consider the A7 to be the perfect family vehicle. It might be expensive, but it’s got everything a growing family needs.

Are these complaints against the 2021 Audi A6 and A7 valid?

RELATED: 2021 Audi A6 vs. Acura TLX: It Comes Down to Price

Are the A6 and A7 worth buying in spite of the problems both have? Absolutely. Yes, there are some minor issues, but those come with the territory.

While both sedans are a little pricey, Audi is a luxury car company. The only way you’re going to buy a cheap luxury car is if you buy it used.

The argument could be made that not all luxury cars are made equal, and some cost much less than others, but that’s to be expected. You get what you pay for, as the old saying goes.

The infotainment system is also not that big of a deal. Yes, it can be a pain to learn, but if you’re driving the vehicle every day, you’re going to pick up on its quirks.

In spite of these problems, Autotrader still recommended both the A6 and A7. It’s obviously not for everyone, but for those who can afford one of these vehicles, the price is more than worth it.

Audi Navigation Plus is an in-car media and navigation system developed by Audi. Unlike the Audi Multi Media Interface, it can not control climate, convenience, suspension or engine settings. Audi Navigation Plus units were available mostly as an optional equipment instead of standard stereo systems.

Generations and features[edit]

Audi labeled three devices (of which the first two look identical) as Navigation Plus.^[1] Those units are technically known as RNS-C/RNS-D and RNS-E, where RNS stands for 'Radio Navigation System'.

RNS-C & RNS-D[edit]

Audi Navigation Plus (RNS-D) installed in Audi S6

The RNS-C and RNS-D devices look identical and are very similar to Volkswagen MFD^[2] installed in some Volkswagen, Skoda, SEAT and Ford Galaxy cars. Across brands, the devices share the same general features, internal electronics, tiltable LCD screen and some elements of user interface. However, there often are differences between individual hardware variants.

The RNS-C models (recognizable by a part number ending with 192A to 192E) use the 'non-DX' map system where map data is uncompressed and thus requires multiple CDs per country (i.e. for Germany, there's one for Germany North, one for Germany South, and one CD containing only major roads). The RNS-C doesn't use antenna diversity and the radio tuner only supports AM and FM.

RNS-D models which have a part number ending with 192F or later use the 'DX' map system which uses compressed data and thus requires less media changes. In addition, the hardware has been improved with a faster processor and more memory, and additional features (like a compass display) and options (like Bluetooth handsfree or voice control) were made available. The radio tuner also supports LW and uses antenna diversity with two antenna inputs.

Features include:

5-inch 4:3 ratio LCD screen, 2-axis tiltable
FM/AM radio (FM/AM/LW on RNS-D)
CD-based GPS navigation^[3] with compass
Compass (RNS-D only)
Analog TV Tuner (option)
Audio and video aux-in (option)
CD changer (option) - later variants also supported MP3 CD playback
Voice control (only on later revisions of RNS-D)
Firmware updates available through update CD

Neither RNS-C nor RNS-D are still supported with map updates. Non-DX maps stopped after 2007, DX maps stopped after 2014.

RNS-D models are often called 'RNS-DX' with what appears to be a reference to the DX map format these units use (and to distinguish from the RNS-C which often is erroneously called 'RNS-D'), however this isn't an official designation.

RNS-E & RNS-E 2010[edit]

Audi Navigation Plus (RNS-E)

RNS-E system installed in Audi A6 C5

In 2004, RNS-D was replaced with the RNS-E unit, and later upgraded to RNS-E 2010.

Features of RNS-E[edit]

This device offered a wide range of navigation, convenience and entertainment features.^[4]^[5]^[6]

6.5-inch 16:9 ratio color LCD screen with 400x240 resolution
FM/AM radio
2 SD card slots for MP3 storage (up to 4GB each) located behind the LCD screen
DVD-based GPS navigation^[7]^[8] with traffic message channel support
Route guidance shown on DIS display
Multifunction steering wheel support
Controls and user interface very similar to Multi Media Interface
Rear view camera and parking sensors display (option)
Bluetooth handsfree system (option)
TV tuner (option)
Audio aux-in (option)^[9]
Satellite radio (option)
CD changer (option)
Audi Music Interface (option)^[10]
Firmware updates available through update CD or with maps DVD
User interface languages: English, German, Dutch, Italian, French, Spanish (other languages available with 3rd party updates)^[11]

Features of RNS-E 2010[edit]

Higher resolution LCD screen (800x480)
Support for SDHC memory cards
Chrome control knobs instead of plastic ones
MEDIA button instead of CD/TV or CD/SD

Engineering mode functions[edit]

Audi RNS-E hidden menu gives access to few additional features and options.^[12] This menu was most likely used when navigation system software and hardware was developed by Audi engineers.

Taking screenshots to SD card
Using SK button as PTT (Press To Talk)
LCD screen test mode
Navigation, radio tuner and TMC diagnostics

Car fitment[edit]

Originally equipped[edit]

Seat Exeo with RNS-E Navigation Plus

Audi Navigation Plus was available in number of cars, including non-Audi models. Since Audi, SEAT, SKODA and Lamborghini are owned by Volkswagen Group, RNS-E devices can be found in SEAT Exeo (optional equipment)^[13] and the Lamborghini Gallardo^[14] (standard equipment).

RNS-E 2010 was remodeled to fit in Audi R8, but internally it's the same device.

Retrofited[edit]

Many car owners decided to retrofit one of the Audi Navigation Plus units in cars that were not equipped with RNS,^[15] or even not supported by the manufacturer.^[16] Since Audi cars share most of their components, it was possible to install RNS-D or RNS-E. In some cases, additional modules were needed to achieve full functionality.

Reverse Camera[edit]

The RNS-E is designed to receive and display a video signal from a reverse camera in both the Audi TT MK2 Coupe and Roadster. While Audi never offered this feature as a standard option, various after-market cameras and media adapters are currently available. Additionally, reprogramming the RNS-E with a VCDS is necessary in order for the RNS-E to recognize the video signal. Instructions, wiring diagrams and parts list can be found at various Audi forums and user websites. Once properly set up and re-coded, the RNS-E can display the reverse view on the screen when the vehicle is put into reverse gear.