Displayed in prototype form at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, the tablet features a 10.2-inch full-HD display along with the Android operating system and a powerful NVIDIA Tegra 40 processor. The device uses a secure and stable WLAN interface to connect with infotainment and navigation systems and can display car's operating status.

The device also offers internet access at optimal Long Term Evolution (LTE) speeds – said to significantly outpace more familiar broadband connections – via the Audi connect system.

Passengers in the front and back can also access apps, movies, music, audio books and eBooks through the Android app store.

The unit's internal storage serves as an audio and video jukebox, but the Audi Smart Display can also receive video from the MMI navigation plus system. One notable advantage of its portability is that a film that could not be watched in full on a particular journey can be resumed back at home in the living room at the exact point where it was paused in the car.

Audi added that the device has been specifically developed for use in cars – it can easily withstand extremes of temperature and its robust hardware makes it crash-proof.

No further details on when the tablet will make it into production or likely costs have been announced.