CarsGadgetAudi MMI versions, explained
Audi shipped six different infotainment families between 2005 and 2019, and every retrofit — CarPlay, Android Auto or a backup camera — is built for exactly one of them. Here is how to tell them apart without touching a VIN decoder.
The families at a glance
| System | Years | The tell | Typical models | Retrofit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Concert / Symphony | 2005–2016 | Radio head with small display, no console controller | A3, A4, Q3, Q5 base trims | Concert/Symphony CarPlay kit |
| MMI 2G | 2005–2008 | Dash screen, console knob, monochrome-accent menus | A6, A8, Q7 | Ask — varies by radio |
| MMI 3G | 2009–2012 | Dash screen, 2D maps | A4, A5, Q5, A6, Q7 | MMI 3G CarPlay kit |
| MMI 3G+ | 2010–2016 | 3D terrain maps, joystick knob | A6, A7, A8, Q3 | MMI 3G CarPlay kit |
| MIB / MIB II | 2016–2019 | Slim wide screen, Google-Earth nav | B9 A4, A5, Q5, Q7 4M | B9 camera kit — $399.95 · MIB CarPlay kit |
Concert and Symphony: the radios
Concert (single-CD) and Symphony (6-CD) are the non-MMI radio units. The giveaway is the absence of a rotary controller on the center console — everything is driven from the radio's own buttons. Owners often assume no modern features can be added here; in fact a dedicated interface adds wireless CarPlay and Android Auto on the factory display, keeping every original function.
MMI 3G vs 3G+: the two look-alikes
Both have the dash screen and console controller. Two quick tells separate them:
- Maps. 3G+ renders 3D satellite-style terrain; base 3G draws flatter 2D maps.
- The knob. On 3G+ the central knob doubles as a four-way joystick.
For retrofit purposes they take the same kit family, so either answer puts you on the MMI 3G CarPlay page.
MIB and MIB II: the modern platform
From the B9 generation (2016+) Audi moved to the Modular Infotainment Platform. The screen is slim and wide, navigation uses Google-Earth-style imagery, and the whole cluster can be the Virtual Cockpit. MIB cars use their own kits — including the B9 backup-camera interface with dynamic guidance lines on the factory screen.
Frequently asked
How do I know if my Audi has MMI 3G or 3G+?
Check the navigation map: 3G+ renders 3D satellite-style terrain and its knob doubles as a joystick; base 3G shows flatter 2D maps. Both take the same CarPlay retrofit family.
Can I add CarPlay to a Concert or Symphony radio?
Yes — a dedicated plug-and-play interface adds wireless CarPlay and Android Auto to Concert/Symphony cars using the factory display and controls.
Which system does a 2018 Q5 have?
A 2018 Q5 is the B9 generation, so it runs MIB II — the slim wide screen with Google-Earth-style navigation. Use the MIB kits, including the B9 backup-camera interface.