blorzoga

I give him another 3 months, max.

John Kane

So, ignoring the retractable/non-retractable screen aspect for a moment:

Aesthetically, I have to agree with Bob. This is Audi, and for me, Audi interiors are (understated) refined, integrated, smooth. IMHO, nobody comes close to them on this point. The MMI screen (while it doesnt bother me too much), in contrast to the rest of the 2017 A4 Audi design language, is absolutely 'tacked on'. OK, they made they the choice to be non-retractable. I think the static design could have been better integrated/flowed into the dash.

Fair point, Bob.

VM

MB does the same thing...

I think someone in an earlier thread said that retractable screens are effectively going to be banned as part of new rules making rear cameras mandatory. So that leaves three options:
1) lower the screen on the dash
2) raise the top of the dash, lowering visibility
3) the fixed pop-out screen like they've chosen

Also, one other silly thing I just thought of: aren't there different sizes of screens? Is it even theoretically possible that A4s in some markets don't get any screen there? The design they've chosen makes it very easy to accommodate different sizes of screens...

bugout

The door "issue" is because the A5 door windows are frameless and raise/lower a smidge when you open and close the door.

bob m

Yes, especially when I see how nice the other cars look with a norma, properly placed screen.

bob m

Well, I have learned to live with it - and it was not enough to stop me from buying 2 Audi's with it - 2017 A4 and 2017 Allroad. It's an aesthetic thing BUT equally annoying is the fact that it's those damn bean counters having their way once again. Other manufacturers have done a way more pleasing design with a non retractable screen.

bob m

It took all of 2 seconds to pop up and 2 seconds to retract in the A8 I sat in.

bob m

Well stated, John.

bob m

Ok, but what explains the huge difference in door " solidity sounds" between the 3.0 A5 and the 2.0 A5? I was not imagining it - as I tried it a half dozen times.

dseag2

I've read that the next gen A6 and A7 will come with non-retractable screens just like the A4 because very few people actually retract them when the leave the car.