Audi EV owner finds paywalled HVAC function

The notification on the infotainment system didn't contain any prompts to purchase the missing feature.

An Audi Q4 e-tron owner recently shared a short video clip of how vehicles today are heavily software-based.

The owner of the EV decided not to purchase the optional tri-zone climate control feature, but still received the 'Sync' button for the same. Upon pressing the button, a notification popped up on the infotainment system indicating the function had not been purchased.

Historically, cars with unpurchased features came with a blank piece of plastic replacing the button. These plastic pieces merged with the interiors and didn't look out of place. However, while Audi's implementation with the dummy button serves the same purpose, the owner didn't expect a pop-up notification for the same.

Having said that, the notification on the infotainment system didn't contain any prompts to purchase the missing feature.

There isn't a clear reason as to why Audi has chosen to keep the buttons, irrespective of whether customers opt for them or not. Speculations suggest that it might just be a way to help bring down costs, or maybe there is a chance of Audi offering in-car purchases at a later stage.

Source: Reddit