NorthernMI

I know that it seems like the 2018 A5 SB just got here, but I am not sure that I am comfortable spending $ 55K on such a tech-focused vehicle knowing that a part of that tech (support for Google Earth) will be obsolete in less than 3 years because Google Earth is changing and current Audi hardware will not support new Google Earth.

SuperSwiss indicated in 12-6-17 post that 2019 MY will have new MMI interface to support whatever is coming to replace Google Earth (thank you SuperSwiss!) , so I am thinking of waiting so that I won't have that buyer's remorse of knowing that part of that tech that I paid for is quickly heading towards obsolescence.

Does anyone know approximate dates of when 2019 A5 SB might be available for ordering and delivery and will it for sure support whatever is coming to replace Google Earth?

SCarGuy

Likely to be early summer for orders to start, fall for orders to begin to arrive

the tech will not be obsolete, it will be addressed as an update via Audi. The sky won't be falling

NorthernMI

Thank you for the quick reply SCarGuy.

I agree that all tech will not be obsolete but my understanding from Audi lit and from SuperSwiss's 12-6 post is no more Google Earth support after 12-20....no updates because current Audi hardware will not support new Google Earth.

Can anyone confirm or correct this?

heisnuts

Google Earth will only become a possible issue if you plan on paying to subscribe to Audi Connect after the first 6 month trial is up (currently about $30 per month). If not, it is really a moot point.

NorthernMI

Excellent point and very helpful because I probably won't subscribe to Audi Connect after trial. Thank you.

Can I still update Nav maps and POI for free via SD card without paying for Audi connect?

heisnuts

The way I read it, the first 4 or 5 map version updates can be downloaded from the My Audi site for free using the SD card to transfer the files to the car. Again, after 4 or 5 updates there is probably not going to be too much added and by that time a lot of us will already be looking for (or already have) our next car and the process will be started all over again.

NorthernMI

Heisnuts, thank you so much for helping me work through this. I think that I will go ahead and order my 2018 A5 SB now :-) instead of waiting for the 2019's for something that may or may not be coming then and that I won't be using anyway because I probably won't continue the Audi connect. Problem solved. Thank you!