3G technology is coming to an Audi near you this year with an assist from Qualcomm.

A leading developer and innovator of advanced wireless technologies, products, and services, and AUDI AG announced that the manufacturer’s Mobile Media Interface (MMI) Plus in-car navigation system, featuring integrated UMTS connectivity from Qualcomm, will be available on select Audi A8 vehicles this year.

This stunning new feature will bring 3G high-speed data connectivity to the automobile and enables previously unseen navigation capabilities.  The MMI’s embedded 3G connectivity also allows the car to perform as a mobile “hot spot,” allowing passengers to connect their wireless devices to the Internet from the vehicle.

Demonstrated in an Audi A5 Cabriolet, the connected MMI Plus system and several other connected car technologies will be displayed at the GSMA Mobile World Congress in Barcelona running all this week.

The newest generations of Audi A8 vehicles with the MMI Plus navigation system will have high-speed data connectivity and simultaneous voice and data connections enabled by Qualcomm’s technology. Audi has made the most of this connectivity by integrating Google Earth to provide high-resolution, 3D satellite and aerial imagery to the navigation system. The MMI Plus navigation system can provide route planning, points-of-interest and real-time traffic updates on a single, seamlessly integrated platform.

[Audi]