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No, Audi does not charge for basic navigation functionality—turn-by-turn directions and standard mapping work without any subscription on all Audi vehicles[1]. The charges apply only to enhanced connected features through Audi Connect NAV, which costs $15 per month or $150 annually for 2024+ model years[1]. New vehicle buyers receive a complimentary 3-year trial on MY26 models, effectively delaying subscription costs until the fourth year of ownership[2].
What Audi Navigation Services Are Free?
Every Audi with built-in navigation includes core routing at no cost. You can enter destinations, get turn-by-turn directions, and view standard maps without paying Audi a dime[3]. This basic functionality remains available regardless of whether you subscribe to any connected services.
The catch? You won’t get real-time traffic rerouting, satellite imagery, or traffic light timing optimization without paying for Audi Connect NAV[1]. For many drivers who rely on Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, this may not matter since smartphone navigation apps provide similar connected features using your phone’s data plan.
Audi Connect NAV Pricing Breakdown
2024-2026 Current Pricing Structure
Audi significantly reduced subscription costs starting with the 2024 model year. The Audi Connect NAV plan now costs $15 monthly or $150 annually—an 82% reduction from previous Function on Demand pricing[1][2].
| Service Package | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost | Annual Savings | Free Trial |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Audi Connect NAV (MY24-26) | $15 | $150 | $30 | 3 years (MY26)[2] |
| Audi Connect PLUS (Wi-Fi) | $25 | $250 | $50 | 6 months (MY24)[2] |
MY26 vehicles receive the most generous trial period—three years of complimentary Audi Connect NAV with new vehicle purchase[2]. After the trial, continuing the service runs $450 total for years 4-5 of ownership.
2021-2023 Legacy Model Pricing
Owners of 2021-2023 A4, Q5, A5, S5, RS5, and SQ5 models face significantly higher costs through Audi’s original Function on Demand program[4]. If your 2025 Audi A4 or newer model has these features, you’re already on the reduced pricing structure.
| Package | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost | Applicable Models |
|---|---|---|---|
| Navigation with Audi Connect PLUS | $85 | $850 | 2021-25 A4/S4, A5/S5/RS5, Q5/SQ5[4] |
| Enhanced Navigation Package | $80 | $800 | 2022-25 A3, S3[4] |
The price difference between old and new structures is substantial—$700 annually for essentially similar features.
What Does Audi Connect NAV Include?
The subscription unlocks several connected navigation features that basic routing doesn’t offer[2]:
- Real-time traffic information with automatic rerouting around congestion
- Google satellite imagery and 3D city views for visual orientation
- Traffic light information showing optimal speeds to hit green lights
- Natural voice recognition with “Hey Audi” commands
- Connected POI search using Google integration
- Parking information with pricing before arrival
- Fuel prices at nearby stations
- myAudi Destinations import from smartphone
For electric vehicle owners driving models like the 2025 Audi Q8 e-tron, the subscription also includes real-time charging station availability—a genuinely useful feature when planning longer trips, especially when combined with Audi’s Electrify America free charging benefits.
Audi Navigation vs. Competitors
How does Audi’s pricing compare to other luxury brands? The picture is mixed depending on what trial period you receive.
| Brand | Basic Navigation | Enhanced Annual Cost | Trial Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audi (MY26) | Free | $150[1] | 3 years[2] |
| BMW ConnectedDrive | Free | $200+ | 1-3 years[3] |
| Mercedes me Connect | Free | ~$180 | 1 year[3] |
Audi’s 3-year trial on MY26 models provides a genuine competitive advantage during initial ownership. But mid-term pricing places Audi roughly in line with Mercedes and below BMW’s comparable ConnectedDrive services.
Is Audi Navigation Worth the Subscription?
That depends entirely on your usage patterns and smartphone habits.
The subscription makes sense if you:
- Regularly drive unfamiliar routes in congested areas where real-time traffic matters
- Prefer integrated systems over mounting a phone
- Own an EV and need charging station availability data
- Find voice commands more convenient than touchscreen input
Skip the subscription if you:
- Already use Apple CarPlay or Android Auto for navigation
- Primarily drive familiar routes
- Don’t mind using your phone’s data plan for connected features
Here’s a 5-year cost comparison:
| Solution | 5-Year Total Cost |
|---|---|
| Audi Connect NAV (MY26 with trial) | $300 (years 4-5 only)[1][2] |
| Apple CarPlay/Android Auto | $0 (uses phone data) |
| Garmin/TomTom portable | $300-500 (device + updates)[3] |
For MY26 buyers, the math favors trying Audi’s system during the free period before committing. Your mileage may vary—literally.
How to Subscribe or Cancel Audi Navigation
Managing your subscription is straightforward through the myAudi ecosystem. Both subscribing and canceling happen through the same interface[2].
To subscribe or manage your plan:
- Download the myAudi app or visit the myAudi portal
- Navigate to the Marketplace section
- Select Audi Connect NAV or PLUS
- Choose monthly ($15) or annual ($150) billing
- Complete payment through the app
If you’re buying a used Audi, always verify subscription status through the myAudi app before purchase—previous trials don’t transfer, and you’ll need to start a paid subscription immediately[3]. While checking, you might also want to verify whether Audi can track a stolen vehicle through the connected services.
Key Takeaways
- Basic navigation is always free—Audi doesn’t charge for turn-by-turn routing and standard mapping on any vehicle[1]
- Enhanced features cost $150 annually for 2024+ models through Audi Connect NAV, down dramatically from $850/year in earlier years[1][2]
- 3-year free trials on new MY26 vehicles provide significant value before any subscription decision becomes necessary[2]
- Legacy models (2021-2023) face higher pricing at $80-85/month for comparable features through Function on Demand[4]
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto offer a $0 alternative for connected navigation using your phone’s data plan
- Used Audi buyers should verify subscription status before purchase since trials don’t transfer to new owners[3]
FAQs
Does Audi charge for basic turn-by-turn navigation?
No. Basic navigation including routing, turn-by-turn directions, and standard mapping works on all Audi vehicles without any subscription fee[1]. The charges only apply to enhanced connected features like real-time traffic, satellite imagery, and traffic light timing optimization. Your built-in navigation system functions for basic routing without paying Audi anything[3].
How much does Audi Connect NAV cost per month in 2026?
Audi Connect NAV costs $15 per month or $150 annually for 2024-2026 model years[1][2]. This represents an 82% reduction from the previous Function on Demand pricing of $84.99 monthly that applied to earlier models[5]. New MY26 vehicle buyers receive a 3-year complimentary trial, making the effective cost $0 for the first three years of ownership[2].
Do used Audis come with free navigation?
Used Audis include basic navigation functionality for free, but any enhanced subscription trials from the original owner don’t transfer[3]. If the previous owner’s trial expired, you’ll need to start a paid subscription immediately to access connected features. Always check subscription status through the myAudi app before purchasing a used Audi to understand your actual navigation costs[3].
Can I use my phone instead of paying for Audi navigation?
Yes. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto work on most Audi models and provide access to Google Maps, Apple Maps, or Waze using your phone’s data plan at no additional cost to Audi[3]. Many owners find smartphone navigation sufficient, especially since these apps include real-time traffic and voice commands similar to Audi Connect NAV’s paid features.
Why did Audi reduce navigation subscription prices?
Audi dropped pricing from $85/month to $15/month in response to customer feedback and competitive pressure from other luxury brands[3]. The dramatic 82% price reduction starting with 2024 models reflects market reality—customers increasingly use smartphone navigation and won’t pay premium prices for redundant features.
References
- Audi USA. (2025). Audi Connect NAV Plan. https://www.audiusa.com/en/inside-audi/innovation/audi-connect/audi-connect-nav/
- Audi USA. (2025). Audi Connect Subscription Pricing. https://www.audiusa.com/en/inside-audi/innovation/audi-connect/
- Autvex. (2025). Does Audi Charge for Navigation? Complete US Cost Guide. https://autvex.com/does-audi-charge-for-navigation/
- Audi USA. (2025). Function on Demand Packages. https://www.audiusa.com/en/inside-audi/innovation/audi-connect/audi-connect-function-on-demand/
- SlashGear. (2021). Audi Confirms Function On Demand Navigation Subscription. https://www.slashgear.com/audi-confirms-function-on-demand-navigation-subscription-and-other-options-for-2021-20673661/
I am a senior automotive analyst at Autvex. Expert vehicle evaluations, in-depth reviews, and objective analysis helping readers make informed automotive decisions with years of industry experience.
