Heated Front Windshield Option Not Available In North America

[JohnEnglish]

Hello Vincenzo,

I was recently lamenting to a friend that Audis don't have a heated front windshield option like Jaguar, Acura, Ford, and many others do. Someone pointed out to me that Audi does in fact offer heated windshields; just not in North America.



I would pay $500 for this option no questions asked. Living in a northern climate and having been in several cars with a heated windshield it is such an incredible convenience. I hope Audi seriously considers making it available for us (even as a sold order only option) since they're now offering the Phone Box (the 2019 RS 5 Sportback).

[vliou]

Ugh, don't get me started.

Audi does not offer this, or acoustic double glazed windows for any Audi vehicle in Canada other than the A8/Q8.

This pisses me off, ROYALLY.

[Doc H]

With regard to the Q7, in the US Audi also doesn't offer headlight washers in most configurations (for which there are actually cutouts on the bumper), or a hill-hold assist button (for which there is actually a non-functional placeholder button), or an actual parking assist function (as they do for EU cars). All offered in competitor's luxury SUVs in the US, unrelated to any US regulations. No mentioning matrix headlights or sequential turn signals, for which the excuse of regulatory restrictions is frequently given (and could be true), but are frequently retrofitted. There's a lot that Audi doesn't offer to US consumers.

[JohnEnglish]

With regard to the Q7, in the US Audi also doesn't offer headlight washers in most configurations (for which there are actually cutouts on the bumper), or a hill-hold assist button (for which there is actually a non-functional placeholder button), or an actual parking assist function (as they do for EU cars). All offered in competitor's luxury SUVs in the US, unrelated to any US regulations. No mentioning matrix headlights or sequential turn signals, for which the excuse of regulatory restrictions is frequently given (and could be true), but are frequently retrofitted. There's a lot that Audi doesn't offer to US consumers.

The matrix headlight and sequential turn signals regulation issues is a real thing. Audi ha tried for a while to get them approved but eventually gave up. retrofitting the matrix headlights is technically possible but is extremely expensive. AFAIK there's only one or two people on the board that have done it due to the need for a special and expensive tool (like $10K) to code the lights correctly.

I'm guessing the headlight washers is purely a cost savings move because unlike Europe, there are no laws here requiring headlight washers. However, the order guide for the 2019 RS 5 Sportback for North America specifically mentions headlight washers.

[Doc H]

The matrix headlight and sequential turn signals regulation issues is a real thing. Audi ha tried for a while to get them approved but eventually gave up. retrofitting the matrix headlights is technically possible but is extremely expensive. AFAIK there's only one or two people on the board that have done it due to the need for a special and expensive tool (like $10K) to code the lights correctly.

I'm guessing the headlight washers is purely a cost savings move because unlike Europe, there are no laws here requiring headlight washers. However, the order guide for the 2019 RS 5 Sportback for North America specifically mentions headlight washers.

Actually understood about antique US regulatory requirements (including spotlight for night vision). I expect some of the requirements at least contribute to the protection of US auto manufacturers, who may not be the most progressive. The other piddling cost-cutting from Audi, however, is irritating, and in my opinion doesn't match their otherwise luxury label. My 2018 Q7 is outfitted with every option - yet my 2015 BMW X5 had headlight washers (my Audi has them, but only because it has NV). And a hill-hold button. And the ability to permanently turn off auto stop/start. And automatic parallel parking. And I could use voice commands to change the temperature, or the radio station. My pre-set buttons could be set for any BMW Connect function, including navigation points or phone numbers, not just radio stations. All first-world problems, and of course the Bimmer didn't have WiFi, or an air suspension, or four-wheel steering. But the 2019 X5 does. So here's hoping Audi's luxury imprimatur carries the day in it's new offerings compared to the very equipped competition, because it's really a great driving car with some great tech. But it's not the only game in town.

[ALLROADINGB9]

You can get the phone box on MY19 models


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[JohnEnglish]

You can get the phone box on MY19 models


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Yeah I noticed. Hopefully that means they might bring the heated windshield to North America.

[au_k9]

I had a heated windshield on a Volvo XC60 R-Design. Living in Alaska, that was a great convenience. I don't know if this is common to all brands, but there was a slight rainbow effect under some lighting conditions (apparently) due to light reflecting of the tiny wires embedded in the glass.

One benefit I wouldn't have thought of is that insurers were forced to provide OEM replacement windshields, at least at that time, as there weren't any 3rd party replacement heated windshields for that model.

I miss it.

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