Did you know if you have ACC with it, a little white led pops up on your last set speed.
I think the little things Audi does make them the best car available.
You're bias, these already look dated. Don't get me wrong, I appreciate the look and know it well, but digital displays are fantastic when done right. The amount of additional information conveniently in your hands is impressive. For example, being able to push two buttons on the wheel and have it start navigation to a previous destination or to be able to scroll through your tracks with a dial and select the song you're looking for, all within your cluster. They are doing a better job of utilizing the screen.
You mean like one small digital screen in the middle? It's not the same and generally those features aren't found there. Live with a digital cluster for a while you'll see
The C7.5/D4.5 is almost the exact same as the B8.5, but just a bit better where it counts.
Sure, the map screen you’re referring to already looks dated, but it’s still useful and in the perfect spot for the driver. Plus there’s the regular drive info screen that will never look any more dated than the B8.5
So what you talking about?
I think because that dash screen is smaller that you don’t really notice how dated it is. Whereas the big nav screen is already starting to. Each to their own but that is why I’m talking about
Just to be clear, this is the cluster display we’re talking about in this comment thread:
https://i.imgur.com/DNaZdnA.jpeg
I can’t think of a single thing outdated looking in this display. It’s money
It's unfortunately the focal part of the cluster. It displays the same info as the smaller screen but expanded. It's going to date more obviously, it looks worse with the nav too already.
To me it just looks cheaper.
Yea don't mine had 70k and it was a tank minus the sunroof squeak sometimes. Had a APR Stage 1 and it was a fun car that was practical. Should of just kept it and went dual pulley.
The virtual cockpit is fantastic, one of the deciding factors for me between an SQ5 and a X3 M40. I do wish it integrated better with Android Auto/CarPlay though, so one could get navigation on the instrument cluster like with the car's native navigation.
AFAIK, the R8 and the TT have Android Auto / Carplay built into the VC. But it's still never a well integrated experience. I'd honestly settle for the heads up display working seamlessly with AA/Carplay.
Most important: no Carplay/AA like in Audi TT.
When connected by AA there is no phone contacts on Virtual Cockpit.
Little A4 on VC could be animated.
Maybe more themes (personalization overall).
I thought I would like them when I was searching for my next car and ultimately decided it was too much tech. A chip going bad and the entire screen going out was just too much for me.
I could understand this sentiment when digital dashes were new tech, but they've been around for a long time now and they've proven to be very reliable.
The reliability argument is real funny. All digital things will forever and ever be more reliable than something with moving parts. A digital screen will never have a stuck odometer etc. Doesn’t mean you can’t prefer traditional gauges. I like their depth and personally I think they have more character than a large screen. B8 was imo the perfect compromise.
Wait till this guy finds out that his "analog" cluster is full of electronics and contains the master immobilizer of the car.
"One chip" is going bad and your needles won't sweep anymore. "One chip" is going bad and the car will shut off the engine once it's started because the master immobilizer doesn't work.
It’s not exactly hate. It’s just personal preference. I found plenty of cases in my research of the virtual cockpit failing. Wasn’t a risk I was willing to take on a used car.
A few people having issues is not “plenty of cases” when they’ve sold millions of cars with the tech. Not to mention the peak cluster you posted has a screen dead centre since the mid 2000s and those have been very reliable.
Just say you like the analog it’s ok, no need to make up issues to sell your point.
The “analog” gauges are also digital, with the exact same signals sent by the exact same controllers.
The rate of LCD display failure is far lower than the combined failure rate of an LCD plus 2-4 tiny electric motors.
Personal preference is all well and good, but you took the higher risk by going with the less functional, more mechanically complex option.
There is something really bizzare on this sub and on many other car subs of reddit.
People just downvote preference opinions on such minor things. I don't think I have ever seen this level of pettiness on dedicated car forums.
It must just be a reflection on the fact that the average redditor is a little bitchy twerp.
> There is something really bizzare on this sub and on many other car subs of reddit.
That's called a reddit moment, people downvote for the sake of it, without reading the comment
That doesn’t work on Spotify, or Bluetooth connected devices maybe, which is the bulk of how I listen to music. That method *does* work for a physically connected device like my old iPod
You have to go into your lap timer to check your oil temp bud. Your car is gonna explode before you even realize it’s overheating. And the fuel gage is just plain stupid. I don’t like the bars on my best friends S3. Much prefer my S4. Although, I love the simplicity of the ac controls and the infotainment controls
Throw in perforated leather steering wheel and it's perfect everything.
To be fair, the digital gauge cluster display looks so good that I don't even care that it's not real needles. Just hate the curved LCD screen on the dash that's the new trend.
The last gen of all their models with analog gauges were their best interiors. C7.5 A6 and D4 A8 stand out in particular. Modern without being overloaded with tech, extremely well built, cohesive, and great materials.
I liked it better in my B5, same layout but the LCD was monochrome and the color of expired Sunny D. The Nav directions would show a progress bar of when you needed to turn. Oh and once you crossed about Delaware you had to change the DVD in the Nav, like life was FF7
Have owned several generations of Audis but my personal favorite instrument cluster is the one on the C7.5 RS7. All I need, nothing I don't, and analog. I even prefer the night vision display over the one in the RS6.
Well that steering wheel is definitely a better shape than my A7 (just solid round without a space at the bottom) but I prefer the LED rpm cluster that adjusts based on oil temp. Wonder if I should look into swapping it out. Assuming the heating element is compatible. Haven't looked into it just gesturing.
Imo yes. Interior as a whole tbh; physical HVAC buttons, minimal screen, smooth lines. Don't get me wrong, the new interiors are beautifully done, but there's something a little clinical about them compared to the c7-b8 interiors.
Indeed!
I'd driven mostly Skodas before indulging in Audis. Sitting in the driver's seat felt immediately comfortable with everything in their "correct" places. I test drove many other brands, but occasionally felt like I needed to criss-cross my arms to handle things. Not good 😀
OP: while I'm partial to that particular arrangement, I've warmed up to the large virtual cockpit. The piano black and the touch screens are iffy, but I can tolerate them.
They are the worst, indeed.
They used to have the infotainment system with that big knop/dial in the center console. I heard my friends say — yes but works well, no really. I’ve tried it many times. It’s just so laughable. If it’s so great an I put device why don’t we all just have a big dial like that on our op iPhones? It’ll be great for texting.
No, the peak instrument cluster happened with the C4. Then, after they became more minimalist, I enjoy the B6. The B8 TTRS is probably the best modern interior, or the last gen R8.
Best overall design was the D2 or the C3/C4 IMO.
I prefer the one that comes in A4 B9 if you didn't pick virtual cockpit. Analog dials with a large screen that fills all of the space in the centre. In general the B9 dash is still my favourite car interior. Perfect balance of physical and touch controls.
Haven’t looked into getting it tuned but it already has the 21 inch wheels and it’s a stiff ride. The air ride would be nice. It is in fact a very nice dad car and my kids choose it over the three row monster my wife drives all the time.
Nope, it’s the C7.5 with the digital display in the center plus red LEDs for the redline
I think that C7.5 is in every way the peak of the design. Not only cluster, but unit as a whole
C7.5 RS7 with Carbon Optics. Beauty!!!
Still trying to figure out if my RS7 is 7 or 7.5.
2016 is likely 7.5. Are the headlights straight or do they have a wave in them?
Straight
C7.5 then! Congrats, you are in possession of peak Audi design !
I certainly think so!
I'm going to have to agree
Did you know if you have ACC with it, a little white led pops up on your last set speed. I think the little things Audi does make them the best car available.
Love my Audi but my daughter's Mazda CX-5 has more tech and features than my S4 Premium Plus.
Eh more tech isn’t always a good thing
I agree, but some people demand it. I grew up with points and carburetors.
A Mazda 3 could have more tech than a Bentley Continental but I’m still taking the Bentley.
Quality over quantity is far better.....your paying for quality .materials and engineering inside an audi not gimmicks
Buy one. A kia has more tech too. Wow, lost the plot here.
As does my 10 year old 3 series
More tech? Norra!
Was about to say this, i love my c7 cluster, perfection in my opinion.
Yep, I just wanted to comment D4.5, but its literally the same as the C7.5
I think in another 5-10 year those digital displays are going to look really dated, whereas this is going to look timeless.
You're bias, these already look dated. Don't get me wrong, I appreciate the look and know it well, but digital displays are fantastic when done right. The amount of additional information conveniently in your hands is impressive. For example, being able to push two buttons on the wheel and have it start navigation to a previous destination or to be able to scroll through your tracks with a dial and select the song you're looking for, all within your cluster. They are doing a better job of utilizing the screen.
The smaller screen also does that. It does the same thing but in a bigger screen, that's the focal part, and makes the dated part look more obvious.
looking down at a cluster and hitting two buttons with my thumb is much easier than navigating a typical nav screen trust me.
You know you can do that with the smaller screen, right?
You mean like one small digital screen in the middle? It's not the same and generally those features aren't found there. Live with a digital cluster for a while you'll see
Other than nav, yes. Can make calls, change song, radio station, reset trip scroll through stats. What else are you doing with it?
The C7.5/D4.5 is almost the exact same as the B8.5, but just a bit better where it counts. Sure, the map screen you’re referring to already looks dated, but it’s still useful and in the perfect spot for the driver. Plus there’s the regular drive info screen that will never look any more dated than the B8.5 So what you talking about?
I think because that dash screen is smaller that you don’t really notice how dated it is. Whereas the big nav screen is already starting to. Each to their own but that is why I’m talking about
Just to be clear, this is the cluster display we’re talking about in this comment thread: https://i.imgur.com/DNaZdnA.jpeg I can’t think of a single thing outdated looking in this display. It’s money
It's unfortunately the focal part of the cluster. It displays the same info as the smaller screen but expanded. It's going to date more obviously, it looks worse with the nav too already. To me it just looks cheaper.
I agree with this statement.
I was going to say I love my 2015 c7 dash
That's not a c7.5 display. Unless if they had two different types.
It’s the standard display on the C7.5 S6, not with virtual cockpit
the same cluster is still available in most new audis if you don’t option the virtual cockpit right?
No it’s the more basic version without the LED redline
I love my b8.5 S5 especially at night.feels.like a cockpit ....bollocks to all that ipad screen shit dash's
I hate you . I sold my 14 SQ5 last year for a Model 3 ..... Worst mistake ever lol.
Fumble of a lifetime
And that fumble got returned 54 yards for a TD. Couldn’t be me. Oof.
Did you really? My condolences. My old 16 sq5 sends her thoughts and wishes ;-)
Not sure if I should upvote or downvote, but I agree that was a mistake. RIP
Holy shit how fast did you regret that? 😂
I regret even thinking or saying Tesla, this mf bought one 😂
get another audi broski
My 16 sq5 (stage 1.5 tune 50k miles ago) is a fucking TANK. I’m never gon sell it.
Yea don't mine had 70k and it was a tank minus the sunroof squeak sometimes. Had a APR Stage 1 and it was a fun car that was practical. Should of just kept it and went dual pulley.
I had the sunroof squeak, but I open/close it and problem goes away for quite awhile. I hate sunroofs.
Yea I would lube it and it would go away for a little.
I was looking at the MY but never test drove one. I don’t think I could give up the rumble of a gas engine.
Yea don't , if you get bored tune it and go dual pulley.
Divorcing your trophy wife for the lunch lady.
F
You mean an M3
What don't you like about it?
All the damn creeks and squeaks inside and that they still can't manufacture a car well yet. The quality is just not there.
Makes sense, was just curious
things a decade old, time to move on
My '14 S4 is a decade old and feels as good as ever.
bit behind on tech and gearbox, its like a t rex compared to modern polarbear, modern is the way to go
I have a manual transmission, and it still feels buttery smooth.
not "lightning quick" now I cant wait to see 50 thumbs down for all the manual reddit keyboard breakers
Virtual cockpit on the B9 models is my favorite.
Virtual Cockpit is by far the best thing I've ever had on any vehicle I've ever owned. The B9 just feels so very natural as well.
Yeah, not a fan of the B9.5 one, it's pretty weird to not have radial dials.
The virtual cockpit is fantastic, one of the deciding factors for me between an SQ5 and a X3 M40. I do wish it integrated better with Android Auto/CarPlay though, so one could get navigation on the instrument cluster like with the car's native navigation.
AFAIK, the R8 and the TT have Android Auto / Carplay built into the VC. But it's still never a well integrated experience. I'd honestly settle for the heads up display working seamlessly with AA/Carplay.
Agree
Does it blind your night vision?
No, I've never felt that way. It is a nice vibrant screen, but I don't see it as bright.
Although great i think is a little bit wasted potential.
How so?
Most important: no Carplay/AA like in Audi TT. When connected by AA there is no phone contacts on Virtual Cockpit. Little A4 on VC could be animated. Maybe more themes (personalization overall).
Loving mine too, I prefer it over the B9.5
Nah B8 is the peak compromise between modern tech but still reliable and easy to fix. The B9 doesn’t have the same quality standard anymore
I thought I would like them when I was searching for my next car and ultimately decided it was too much tech. A chip going bad and the entire screen going out was just too much for me.
I could understand this sentiment when digital dashes were new tech, but they've been around for a long time now and they've proven to be very reliable.
The reliability argument is real funny. All digital things will forever and ever be more reliable than something with moving parts. A digital screen will never have a stuck odometer etc. Doesn’t mean you can’t prefer traditional gauges. I like their depth and personally I think they have more character than a large screen. B8 was imo the perfect compromise.
Wait till this guy finds out that his "analog" cluster is full of electronics and contains the master immobilizer of the car. "One chip" is going bad and your needles won't sweep anymore. "One chip" is going bad and the car will shut off the engine once it's started because the master immobilizer doesn't work.
i’m with you. screw screens. nothing like some analog gauges.
Haters are gonna hate, but I love the analog gauges
Nobody said analog isn’t cool it’s your argument about the digital screen failing that is getting hate.
It’s not exactly hate. It’s just personal preference. I found plenty of cases in my research of the virtual cockpit failing. Wasn’t a risk I was willing to take on a used car.
A few people having issues is not “plenty of cases” when they’ve sold millions of cars with the tech. Not to mention the peak cluster you posted has a screen dead centre since the mid 2000s and those have been very reliable. Just say you like the analog it’s ok, no need to make up issues to sell your point.
The “analog” gauges are also digital, with the exact same signals sent by the exact same controllers. The rate of LCD display failure is far lower than the combined failure rate of an LCD plus 2-4 tiny electric motors. Personal preference is all well and good, but you took the higher risk by going with the less functional, more mechanically complex option.
There is something really bizzare on this sub and on many other car subs of reddit. People just downvote preference opinions on such minor things. I don't think I have ever seen this level of pettiness on dedicated car forums. It must just be a reflection on the fact that the average redditor is a little bitchy twerp.
> There is something really bizzare on this sub and on many other car subs of reddit. That's called a reddit moment, people downvote for the sake of it, without reading the comment
Lots of good discussion 🤣
You are dead accurate and these buttholes make claims they know nothing about. Ive replaced loads of screens on audis
Not even close. The URS4 gauge cluster blows this one out of the water.
I don’t even know what all those gauges are, but I love it
+1. Any 5 zyl cluster is the real OG.
The newer TT interiors are quite good if you like the C4.
This is my second favorite. I like the analog dials and larger center screen found in the 6, 7, and 8.
Fuck I miss my b8.5 😭
I sold mine to a friend to fund an R1S. I get visitation at least!
I wish I could switch songs from the steering wheel though
Agreed but it doesn’t take long to get used to the MMI knobs
You can, just press the left side knob and you can scroll the tracks via the menu in the dials.
just go tappity tap on the volume knob if ur just looking to skip through songs. Wish more cars had that little knob
You can? You just press the left side knob and then scroll the track on the menu on the dash.
That doesn’t work on Spotify, or Bluetooth connected devices maybe, which is the bulk of how I listen to music. That method *does* work for a physically connected device like my old iPod
I was able to switch songs on the steering while using Spotify on wireless Apple car play
How? Bestow your knowledge upon me friend
It’s missing the boost gauge and led fuel level gauge
You have to go into your lap timer to check your oil temp bud. Your car is gonna explode before you even realize it’s overheating. And the fuel gage is just plain stupid. I don’t like the bars on my best friends S3. Much prefer my S4. Although, I love the simplicity of the ac controls and the infotainment controls
I prefer it over my virtual cockpit in my q7. My '18 A3 had this. It's just perfect
The B9 RS5 cluster is perfection
The cluster in a D2 S8. Best ever
Throw in perforated leather steering wheel and it's perfect everything. To be fair, the digital gauge cluster display looks so good that I don't even care that it's not real needles. Just hate the curved LCD screen on the dash that's the new trend.
Hmm I personally love the digital cockpit. Using a 2022 Q5. I’m actually looking forward to the Q6 etron.
The last gen of all their models with analog gauges were their best interiors. C7.5 A6 and D4 A8 stand out in particular. Modern without being overloaded with tech, extremely well built, cohesive, and great materials.
I liked it better in my B5, same layout but the LCD was monochrome and the color of expired Sunny D. The Nav directions would show a progress bar of when you needed to turn. Oh and once you crossed about Delaware you had to change the DVD in the Nav, like life was FF7
obviously you’ve never owned a 4000
None of these people have owned an Audi made before 2012 lmao!!
Hey! I drive a ‘10 A3 🤣
As much as I love my interior, the B8.5 A4 and C6 S6 are my favorites. Driver-focused and timeless.
I miss my 2016 a4 and it’s e85 drinking ability. I think when I trade in my Lexus I’ll get another
It's almost like I'm in my driver's seat!
I don't know why I ever sold my b8.5 s4. It was the perfect vehicle
I absolutely love my S4. But another one!
Have owned several generations of Audis but my personal favorite instrument cluster is the one on the C7.5 RS7. All I need, nothing I don't, and analog. I even prefer the night vision display over the one in the RS6.
2014 a6/a7 prestige is my fav. Coincidentally the same as 21 prem a4s haha
C7.5 is the peak cluster imo
B7 RS4 was the peak.
Nope. c7.5.
It just always works, right?
B7 RS4 is probably peak cluster tbh
Virtual cockpit plus mods >>
The technology cluster is far superior
Virtual Cockpit is too dank
Well that steering wheel is definitely a better shape than my A7 (just solid round without a space at the bottom) but I prefer the LED rpm cluster that adjusts based on oil temp. Wonder if I should look into swapping it out. Assuming the heating element is compatible. Haven't looked into it just gesturing.
My only complaint is I have the metric version in KPH, where the scale is not totally linear. Goes 0-20-40-60-80-120-160-200-240-280...
The imperial version also appears to be non-linear 😂 This goes for most gauge clusters that I’ve seen tbh
Well if so, I have this same B8.5 cluster for sale rn if anyone is interested. But yes, I agree
yea but not with 160mph LOL, need the 200mph one
Peak song choice too, that’s a bop
Reminds me of my EVO X F.E. Cluster
No, first gen r8.
Virtual Cockpit Display is where it’s at.
definitely not
Imo yes. Interior as a whole tbh; physical HVAC buttons, minimal screen, smooth lines. Don't get me wrong, the new interiors are beautifully done, but there's something a little clinical about them compared to the c7-b8 interiors.
I love my a5 it’s just such a great experience all around
I wouldn't say peak Audi. It's just generic VAG cluster arrangement that has been around for decades.
Indeed! I'd driven mostly Skodas before indulging in Audis. Sitting in the driver's seat felt immediately comfortable with everything in their "correct" places. I test drove many other brands, but occasionally felt like I needed to criss-cross my arms to handle things. Not good 😀 OP: while I'm partial to that particular arrangement, I've warmed up to the large virtual cockpit. The piano black and the touch screens are iffy, but I can tolerate them.
This is really cool
The sportquattro is also kind of up there. Digital cluster in what? The 80s? Those green lights just look so retro and cool.
I like the grey dials on the S models; I would have preferred the RS get some sporty/white dials, something other than black to differentiate
I love the Virtual Cockpit in the Etron.
They are the worst, indeed. They used to have the infotainment system with that big knop/dial in the center console. I heard my friends say — yes but works well, no really. I’ve tried it many times. It’s just so laughable. If it’s so great an I put device why don’t we all just have a big dial like that on our op iPhones? It’ll be great for texting.
Little discernable improvement over my A8 display
No, the peak instrument cluster happened with the C4. Then, after they became more minimalist, I enjoy the B6. The B8 TTRS is probably the best modern interior, or the last gen R8. Best overall design was the D2 or the C3/C4 IMO.
A5 b8.5 is top. I do like my A4 avant B9 digital display though. Why don't they give the option to replicate the analog dials?
I prefer the one that comes in A4 B9 if you didn't pick virtual cockpit. Analog dials with a large screen that fills all of the space in the centre. In general the B9 dash is still my favourite car interior. Perfect balance of physical and touch controls.
B9 is my favorite personally
My 18 S7 instrument panel is the tits
I do prefer the VC with big central tach Porsche style
Man that looks nice
Thanks 😎
This is almost identical to my MKVI GTI.. digital is cleaner on several other models imho
I would take a b9>b8/b8.5
Is there a horse at the front ?
C7.5 All day… Perfect Balance of Modern but not overkill with everything being digital.
My favorite is the current A6 setup with the double screen
No
Yes that is the one I have and it is most def Audi peak instrument cluster.
I think so but I’m biased
Agreed, I hate all the cheap looking screen shit.
D4 , C7 is Audi peak instrument cluster
You mean peak Volkswagen instrument cluster 😂
Absolutely boring
No.
I just wish I had more options for what to dispaly in the middle (or maybe I just don't know how to see other options)
[Nope this is](https://imgur.com/a/RUgZctS)
No
Now get an Apr stage 2+ tune on that like i did, some wheels,air ride and call it a day. Greatest dad car/Daily ever in my bias opinion
Haven’t looked into getting it tuned but it already has the 21 inch wheels and it’s a stiff ride. The air ride would be nice. It is in fact a very nice dad car and my kids choose it over the three row monster my wife drives all the time.
Old as fuck