Advanced Key with Hill Hold or Bang & Olufsen sound system.

[paul8852]

Just finalising the spec on my soon to be ordered A3 S Line Sportback 1.4 TFSI COD just weighing up the pros and cons of speccing the Audi sound system in preference to the B&O and saving the £500 to spend on the Advanced Key £425 and Hill Hold Assist £90, concerned that some on the forum are a little underwhelmed with the Audi sound system upgrade whereas many others are listing the B&O as their first choice pick, any advice would be appreciated.

 

[NICK-C]

For me if I would go ak and probably not bother with hill hold. I had already specced too much on the A5 so got hill hold but didn't get ak or b&o. I find the Audi sound system adequate and not really noticed too much difference between it and the bose from the S3. Hill hold I hardly use so was a bit if a waste for me really.

 

[paullowther]

When it comes to this stuff I base my decision on the amount of time I will use the option in question. The advanced key you'll use twice in a journey and forget about whilst you're driving the car. This is the same with HHA. The sound system however you'll enjoy for entire journeys, which is why I'd spec that over the others. That's the way I make these tough decisions anyway!

 

[Rum Lad]

When it comes to this stuff I base my decision on the amount of time I will use the option in question. The advanced key you'll use twice in a journey and forget about whilst you're driving the car. This is the same with HHA. The sound system however you'll enjoy for entire journeys, which is why I'd spec that over the others. That's the way I make these tough decisions anyway!

Agreed. Would be nice to have advanced key but its not essential, more of a luxury. I would much rather have b and o, its so much better than standard and will be used all of the time

 

[Daveotto]

I was almost tempted by the advanced key but IMHO is way overpriced for what it does, but would keep The hill hold assist.....sounds like if I were you I would dump the advanced key and go for the B and O sound system and hill hold, only a few more pounds for much less compromise.

 

[Fragup]

Personally B&O over advanced key given that choice.

You have probably seen but there are very good reviews on both these options or here.

Advance key, brilliant, really clever, works really well, cool, but bit pointless ?
You put you hand on back of the door Handel to open instead of pushing button on key
(not really a hardship).
passengers walking to car with you can't get in much before you unless you press button on key anyway.
as I said Cool, but once novelty wares off what's the point for £425
And you push a button to start instead of turning the key with again is nice, but have had on last 2 Hondas and again the novelty wares off, them you have the keys digging you leg in your pocket, or you take them out anyway and put them in the cup holder.

i personally went Audi upgrade sound system nearly as good as b&o at lower / medium volumes (loud enough for me)
i like my music, but 700 ish watts isn't absolutely needed in a car, 180watts ish is fine for me, but for loud volumes b&o is the way to go!

hill hold at £90 is so cheap that as i have never owned a car with electric hand brake, Is a safer bet as one or two have struggle to adapt to it, and makes it a little bit easier, especially in stop start traffic, and people seam to like it.

personally I most wanted the Panoramic sun roof over all the rest of options, but some others where practical over desirable.

n.b. S Line C.O.D. Sportback Great choice ! (Same as me) what colour ?

 

[97catalunya]

For me if I would go ak and probably not bother with hill hold. I had already specced too much on the A5 so got hill hold but didn't get ak or b&o. I find the Audi sound system adequate and not really noticed too much difference between it and the bose from the S3. Hill hold I hardly use so was a bit if a waste for me really.

Interestingly enough when I was ordering my car the dealer didn't an an A3 with B&O for me to listen too but they did have an A5 so I listened to that. I was absolutely blown away and ordered it, but I did walk away feeling a little deflated thinking "that was prob a more expensive system and the A3 won't be as good" but when I got home and checked the spec:


A3
A3 | A3 SPORTBACK | S3 - Bang & Olufsen


A5
A5 | S5 | RS5 COUPÉ - Bang & Olufsen


The A3 is actually the more powerful system!


In a word go for the B&O but if you have a manual for the sake of £90 I would order HHA too. As cool as the advanced key is if you have never had it you won't miss it.


Chris.

 

[M11 CUV]

Paul

If you do decide on the B&O (can't comment on that as I have the Audi sound system which I am pleased with) don't ditch the HHA. On getting my car I turned the HHA on and haven't touched it or the handbrake since! Wouldn't be with out it now.

 

[-Ju-]

I have similar options on my R36 (Keyless, Dynaudio and Auto Hold). If I had to choose them then I would go with the B&O, as has been said it is something that adds to the experience for the whole journey and not just twice.
The Advanced key is a nice option though but one that does frustrate a little sometimes. I have to wait by the door handle when locking if I have passengers and they are not as enthusiastic as me getting out, namely the wife! and sometimes doesn't recognise the touch on the handle although maybe that's because I'm thick skinned lol....... seriously though I have builders hands! It is an option I do love though so if your budget will allow and the fact your talking about it, can you not run to both?
The HHA I would tick anyway for £90, I use it all the time. On the B6 passat you have to press the button everytime you start the car to activate (on by default on the B7) and I find it's the first thing I press. I would say it slightly more suits an auto, my car is DSG, but I would still have it on a manual as it complements the electronic handbrake.

Whichever way you go, you will have a nice car though so enjoy the dilemma!

 

[Toadoftoadhall]

Not that I have a new Audi (yet) but I would say go for B&O (which I have heard - as well as the Audi system) and Hill Hold. Advanced key is good but it is an extravagent luxury.

Looking at Fragup's post above I would just say bear in mind that B&O is not just about how loud it is, it is also the clarity/purity of sound. (with good looking lighting built in to speakers for good measure!)

 

[snakehips]

Surely B&O is the best option, for the reasons above but also at resale the B&O system will be a major enticement whereas the AK is pretty "meh" and may even put people off.

 

[smk82]

I too would say "meh" to the adv key. Great idea in theory. But def a luxury. I listened to both the BOSE and Audi Sound systems back to back, and whilst I admit the BOSE is brilliant, I couldn't justify the cost. Unless it was up at full power I couldn't tell a great deal of difference, apart from obviously a more "surround sound" appeal due to the larger number of speakers. I like my music, but felt that the Audi SS was sufficient for my needs..I would listen to both (if you haven't already) before you make a choice, personally I would go Audi SS, then either spend the £500 saved on something other than the adv key, or just save it in costs! I would keep the hill hold as well!

 

[snakehips]

I too would say "meh" to the adv key. Great idea in theory. But def a luxury. I listened to both the BOSE and Audi Sound systems back to back, and whilst I admit the BOSE is brilliant, I couldn't justify the cost. Unless it was up at full power I couldn't tell a great deal of difference, apart from obviously a more "surround sound" appeal due to the larger number of speakers. I like my music, but felt that the Audi SS was sufficient for my needs..I would listen to both (if you haven't already) before you make a choice, personally I would go Audi SS, then either spend the £500 saved on something other than the adv key, or just save it in costs! I would keep the hill hold as well!

Is that the old BOSE you compared with, or did you mean the new B&O? The B&O is a major step up.
Yes I agree it all comes down to value for money if you can't really tell the difference between the 2 systems, but I know for sure if I was looking for a 2nd hand A3 and found identical ones at same price except one had B&O I would buy that one.

 

[Zoowatch]

I concur with the above posts. Adv key is nice to have but it won't change your experience as much as the B&O sound system.

In my opinion, the electric seat/lumbar support, parking system plus with park assist, auto dimming/folding wing mirrors are three other "nice to have, but can live without" extras that you can save £££ on.

On the other hand, the LED headlights do make a big difference to the look and driving experience.

 

[smk82]

Is that the old BOSE you compared with, or did you mean the new B&O? The B&O is a major step up.Yes I agree it all comes down to value for money if you can't really tell the difference between the 2 systems, but I know for sure if I was looking for a 2nd hand A3 and found identical ones at same price except one had B&O I would buy that one.

Sorry I meant the B&O. I could tell the difference, but only at higher volumes than I would normally use the system at..

 

[snakehips]

Sorry I meant the B&O. I could tell the difference, but only at higher volumes than I would normally use the system at..

I turn my volume up to 11!

 

[A3sportbackMark]

Havn't got my car yet, but I agree with majority on here, B&O over advanced key. Also would keep hill assist as people who have got it really rate it.
I take it you really like your music, so if I were you go for the best.
I tinkered with ordering advanced key, sounds very cool, but as people say, the novelty will soon ware off.........I don't think B&O will.
good luck in your choice.

 

[Coxy234]

I went for the Audi sound system and advanced key as I'm only used to standard sound systems in my previous cars and I've never used advanced key before so I thought it would be a nice addition to an excellent car.

A lot of people on here have said for the money the Audi sound system is very good, so I thought I'd have the best of both. A good sound system and something I didn't really need but looks cool.

Oh and hold assist I think would be really useful, when I get chance to try it.

 

[Vertigo1]

Interestingly enough when I was ordering my car the dealer didn't an an A3 with B&O for me to listen too but they did have an A5 so I listened to that. I was absolutely blown away and ordered it, but I did walk away feeling a little deflated thinking "that was prob a more expensive system and the A3 won't be as good" but when I got home and checked the spec:


A3
A3 | A3 SPORTBACK | S3 - Bang & Olufsen


A5
A5 | S5 | RS5 COUPÉ - Bang & Olufsen


The A3 is actually the more powerful system!


In a word go for the B&O but if you have a manual for the sake of £90 I would order HHA too. As cool as the advanced key is if you have never had it you won't miss it.


Chris.

My boss has B&O in his A5 and my system sounds far better (to my ears at least).

Small comfort mind as he's just got an F-Type. Bar-steward!!

 

[hittchy]

Small comfort mind as he's just got an F-Type. Bar-steward!!

Passed a transporter load of these a few hours ago on the M40. My 7 year old lad asked "can we have one of those next daddy?"

How quick the novelty of the A3 has worn off for him!

 

[markwiggy]

I have the Audi Sound system in my car, if I was placing my order again I would defo go for the B&O. The Audi Sound System is ok but not as good as Bose in my opinion, so if you like quality sound B&O all the way for me. Not got the other extras you mentioned so can't comment on them.

Mark

 

[paul8852]

Thanks guys for all your input on this one, wasn't expecting so many responses and very thankful for them, seems like the B&O is the way to go with the majority of you which will please my kids as that's the only option they insist I get as for the Hill Assist will probably tick that one too as I am used to it with my current car, will ditch the AK (although will miss it) but as many of you have mentioned £425 is a lot of money for a push button start!! Fragup the colour is my last hurdle to cover, been so used to driving Black cars for the last 10 years not sure I can do a complete switch to Glacier White which certainly looks great and my family are keen I go that route, its just if I go BB I get Privacy Glass and Alu Roofrails for about the same price...one to ponder on