evilwabbit

Hi guys

i'm thinking of getting nav option for the q5 but i want to get some opinions from the people with the option

is it worth it?
how accurate is the nav?
how do you update the maps later on?

i guess what i'm asking is, me using my iphone 4 tom tom gps vs the car's gps, is there really a difference between the 2 to justify the 3500 option?


Thank you

brian_ca911

Hi evilwabbit,

I was not going to get the nav and just use my garmin as I preferred it over the factory nav in my Murano. One test drive in a Q5 with Nav, caused me to add it to the order sheet. Key differences are as follows:

1) Back-up camera (had it in the Murano and knew I would miss it)
2) Advanced parking system with visual screen image showing 4 corners and front and rear center (I have come to really appreciate it)
3) Center DIS display is colour
4) Turn-by-turn instructions integrated into center DIS so that yo can use the main screen for other purposes
5) NVidia graphics chip and a DVD player
6) 2 SD card slots instead of one
7) When ordered with B&O additional advanced sound options are given
Fibre optic cable runs between head unit and amp
9) The voice control is exceptionally well executed. I find it to be really noticeable for phonebook integration (I have BB)
10) The benefits of always having nav available.
11) I have yet to have any issues with the nav directions
12) Hardrive based nav system and it provides you with about 10 to 12 GB of disk space for a jukebox (I encode at 320kbps and VBR and the sound quality exceeds my iPod since the head unit is performing the DA conversion

Map source is Navteq and the maps are updated by dealer

I personally do not regret the additional expense.

Adrena

My first car had the factory navigation and the one I currently own doesn't (I have a Tom Tom)... I really miss the navi and extras you get with it.

I'm totally getting the navi in the next car! Never again will I get a vehicle without it.

GJS - yow

I didn't order the Nav unit for my Q5. Despite all the accolades, I couldn't justify an extra $3200 (plus taxes!) for the Nav unit. I will not be playing DVD's in my Q5, and prefer to actually look out the rear when backing up. The real benefit I would have appreciated was having the MMI controller at my fingertips (below the gearshift) rather than on the vertical portion of the console. The latter is the location for those who don't order the Nav.

It would have been nice to have a colour display, but not essential. The other advantage from my perspective is the integration. I will use my portable GPS, and have a suction cup on the windshield and a power cord snaking down to the power outlet - blemishing an otherwise spectacular interior.

I have the Garmin nuvi 3790LMT (~$450, or ~$2750 less than the Audi system). It is great - voice activated, speaks street names, easily integrated with my BlackBerry. It also offers FREE lifetime map updates and free lifetime traffic. Audi will charge you for map updates (and they are expensive).

Of course, if money is no object, then go for it!

GT475

Ditto here.

I think I will never order a car without it if they are all like the Audi one.

After few minutes being stuck in Friday night traffic last week, I realized how convenient it is to have live maps to find alternate route. Of course you can so the same with a Garmin or Tomtom but to me for a car in that luxury range, the integrated system is a most (resale value in 4-5 years).

We regret not having pick that option in our 335xi last year. My wife says that her next car will have it too.
Price will go down in time.
Even now smaller cars are offered with NAV.
In 5 years, this will be an option that people will want more, I think.

Plus, like it is said on an other reply, it is more than a NAV. It is an integrated system.

I have traded other options (S-line and drive select) for this one. So far I think the NAV is more useful to me than the S-line or the drive select.
It is always a personal choice.

Marc

tomashek

I originally ordered without Nav. After 2 weeks of research and with help of that forum - I have changed my order and didn't look back. It's truly awesome system, and if you're a little bit tech person then you will probably regret not having it - it's pure pleasure to work with it.

ok2000A8

You can always add an aftermarket built-in Nav system. I installed a Kenwood DNX7160 in dash and it looks as good as any OEM unit, maybe better. My issue was loss of steering wheel audio controls, but that's because my car is too old for an aftermarket unit to "talk" to the car. Look at my pics posted here to see what it looks like. Total cost including install at Kromer Radio and taxes was about $2600 and an additional $900 for 2 CMOS 300 cameras installed - 1 front and 1 rear. I also have a portable Garmin Nuvi, I use on rentals and when traveling. The DNX uses same Garmin nav system. The Kenwood DNX is also a great stereo and Bluetooth phone communication system. There are other aftermarket systems out there like Alpine but think that Kenwood is leading the pack at the moment

warcity

iTrader: (1)

Everyone I know who didn't get the Nav on the Q5 regrets it today. Think about that. It's worth every penny.