Continental says it is providing the new premium Audi Q6 e-tron SUV with a comprehensive access system. In addition to a conventional car key, the solution comprises the digital, smartphone-based CoSmA intelligent access system, based on highly secure ultra-wideband technology (UWB).

Conti says a major advantage of the virtual, digital car key is that the vehicle can be locked and unlocked without having to physically hold a car key or smartphone. The option to operate the vehicle using a physical key remains available. The system works with many mobile phone models from major smartphone providers. The Audi Q6 e-tron is a battery-electric powered sports utility vehicle (SUV) in the premium mid-range class, produced in Ingolstadt.

 In addition to the conventional, physical car key technology, Continental is supplying the complete digital CoSmA system for the Audi Q6 e-tron, consisting of integration into a central control unit, transceivers featuring ultra-wideband radio technology and intelligent software.

“With the Audi Q6 e-tron, we’re equipping an important new electric model from Audi with a particularly reliable and digital access solution,” says Jean-François Tarabbia, head of Architecture and Network Solutions at Continental Automotive.

Real “key” technology for secure and convenient vehicle access

Access to the vehicle is controlled via “Bluetooth Low Energy,” a particularly energy-saving variant of the Bluetooth standard, and ultra-wideband (UWB) radio technology. The position of the smart device is determined using the UWB technology. Additionally, the radio technology precisely detects the position of an authorized virtual key in the owner’s pocket, near the vehicle or inside the vehicle itself.

Thanks to precise location detection, CoSmA is able to effectively prevent so-called relay attacks, also known as the “man-in-the-middle” technique. Car thieves are thus no longer able to intercept and relay the key signal to gain unauthorized access to the vehicle.