Audi Australia introduces online sales process for entire new-car range

Following in the footsteps of parent brand Volkswagen, Audi has rolled out the ability to purchase – and organise test drives for – its entire range online.

Audi has added the purchase portal to its Australian homepage, which allows customers to view every new vehicle in dealer stock, order one with a $500 deposit and then organise a test drive.

Driveaway prices will be shown by the site, which is also capable of offering customers options for trade-in and finance. From there, the relevant dealer will contact the customer “within two working hours” to follow-up.

Audi hopes the new scheme will give customers a solution which is “premium” but can also be undertaken in the security of the customer’s home.

Unlike the similar VW scheme (which also operates via a $500 deposit), delivery can be completed at the customer’s home, and the brand is also utilising ‘virtual walkaround’ experiences. Audi says the entire transaction can be done this way without needing to visit a dealership.

The new scheme comes in time for the arrival of two important models for Audi, the Q3 Sportback and heavily facelifted Q7.

Audi claims it is the first premium brand to offer an entirely digital purchase option, although in terms of pricing at least, we would argue Tesla beat them to it.

The German brand’s announcement also most recently follows Subaru, which is now offering “contactless” home new-car delivery as well as pick-up and drop-off service options similar to Ford, Genesis, and Lexus.