Audi Drops Popular Features From A4, Q5 and Others Due to Chip Shortage

[Steve Q]

• The ongoing chip shortage is limiting production throughout the industry.
• Audi joins a number of manufacturers cutting features (and the microchips that power them) to boost production.

The ongoing microchip shortage has put automakers and customers alike in a tough spot. The former has to contend with falling sales due to production constraints, and limited supply has forced the latter to deal with record dealer markups. A few manufacturers — including BMW — are trying to pump up production and get more vehicles into potential customers' hands by cutting popular features that use these semiconductors. Now Audi is getting in on the action, axing items like blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control from popular models like the Audi A4 and Audi Q5.

Here's a full breakdown of which features might be missing from your new 2022 Audi.

Which models are affected?

Based on the production date of the Audi at your dealer lot, the following models may not have certain features. Note that some vehicles will have the Semiconductor Shortage "package," which deletes the following features from the car or SUV:

• Blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert
• Rear collision detection system
• Adaptive cruise control
• Lane keeping assist
• Wireless charging pad 

How do I know if the Audi I want to buy is missing features?

If you're considering one of the Audis mentioned above — and you probably are, given that this list encompasses nearly every vehicle in Audi's lineup — check the Monroney, or window sticker, to see if the particular car or SUV is missing items. These feature exclusions come right from the factory, so they'll be noted on the Monroney as a credit to the price of the vehicle.

Edmunds says

Audi is cutting features from many of its cars to boost production, increasing the likelihood that shoppers will be able to find one on a dealer lot. However, if these features are essentially for you and you can afford to wait out the shortage, we suggest doing so. 

Please see the link for a full table of affected models: 

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.edmunds.com/amp/car-news/audi-drops-features-due-to-chip-shortage.html