
Driving
Setting and releasing the parking brake
>» Setting: pull the © switch.
> 1f 2 / © appears, the parking brake is hold-
ing the vehicle. You can remove your foot from
the brake pedal.
> Releasing: when the ignition is switched on,
press and hold the brake pedal and press the ©)
button.
If the red indicator light flashes, the braking
force has not built up enough or it has decreased.
You can also secure the vehicle by selecting the
“P” gear or pressing the brake pedal.
Automatically releasing the parking brake
when starting to drive
Requirement: the driver's door must be closed
and the driver’s safety belt must be fastened.
> Press the accelerator pedal to start to drive.
ZA WARNING
—To reduce the risk of an accident, always
make sure the vehicle is situated safely
while stationary.
— If the parking brake is set, it can release au-
tomatically when the accelerator pedal is
pressed. To reduce the risk of an accident,
do not inadvertently press the accelerator
pedal and always shift into “P” when the ve-
hicle is stopped.
— If the power supply fails, you cannot set the
parking brake once it is released, or release
it if it is set. In this case, park the vehicle on
level ground and secure it by engaging the
"P” gear. Contact an authorized Audi dealer
or authorized Audi Service Facility for assis-
tance.
@) Tips
— On steep inclines, especially when in trailer
mode, the vehicle may roll backwards unin-
tentionally when starting to drive. To re-
duces the risk of this happening, pull and
hold the ©) switch while pressing the accel-
erator pedal. If enough drive power has
built up at the wheels and the vehicle does
not roll backwards, then release the switch
to start to drive.
94
— If you leave the vehicle when “D” or “R” are
engaged, the parking brake will be set auto-
matically.
— Noises when the parking brake is set and re-
leased are normal and are not a cause for
concern.
— The parking brake goes through a self-test
cycle at regular intervals when the vehicle is
stopped. Any noises associated with this are
normal.
Applies to: vehicles with hold assist
If the vehicle is stopping frequently, the system
can assist the driver in a comfortable transition
when starting to drive from a stop, for example,
at a red light, ona hill, or in stop-and-go traffic.
Switching the hold assist on and off
You can switch the hold assist on and off in the
MMI.
> Applies to: MMI: Select on the home screen:
VEHICLE > Settings & Service > Hold assist.
Starting to drive with hold assist
Requirement: the driver's door must be closed,
the drive system must be active, and “D” gear
must be selected.
> Press and hold the brake pedal for several sec-
onds while the vehicle is stationary.
> roe appears, the hold assist is holding the ve-
hicle. You can remove your foot from the brake
pedal.
> Press the accelerator pedal to start to drive.
In certain situations, the hold assist may transfer
the function of holding the vehicle to the parking
brake.
When in “R” gear, the hold assist is switched off
to help improve maneuverability. Press the brake
pedal to secure the vehicle.
ZA WARNING
— The hold assist cannot hold the vehicle on
inclines in every scenario (for example, on
slippery or icy ground). Be ready to apply the |>

4KE012721BB
Driving
above the lower edge of the body. Oncoming
vehicles could also create waves.
— Do not stop the vehicle while in the water.
— Do not switch off the drive system.
Z\ WARNING
After driving through water, press the brake
pedal carefully to dry the brakes so that the
full braking effect will be restored.
@) Note
Vehicle components such as the motor, drive
system, suspension, or electrical system, can
be severely damaged by driving through wa-
ter,
G) Tips
If possible, avoid driving through salt water
because it increases the risk of corrosion. Use
fresh water to clean any vehicle components
that come into contact with salt water.
Hill descent assist
Applies to: vehicles with hill hold assist
The “@ button is located in the function bar on
the lower display. It lights up when the system is
turned on.
Hill descent assist can assist you when driving
down hills by maintaining a constant vehicle
speed by automatically braking all four wheels.
You can adjust the speed using the accelerator
and brake pedals. The regulation depends on the
hill and the vehicle speed.
> Switching on: press “2.
> Switching off: press “2 again.
Active regulation
Regulation begins shortly after you start driving
and is possible at speeds up to approximately 19
mph (30 km/h) and on hills that have an approxi-
mately 6-60% grade. If these conditions are met,
regulation will be activated and the 2 indicator
light will turn on.
Ready mode
If one of the requirements for active regulation is
not met, the system will be in ready mode. The
ndicator light will turn on. Once the require-
ments are met again, the system will be able to
provide active regulation again.
Z\ WARNING
— Be ready to apply the brakes at all times
when using the hill hold assist.
— Always adjust the speed to the visibility,
weather, road, and traffic conditions. The
system cannot replace the driver's atten-
tion.
— The system cannot maintain a constant vehi-
cle speed in all situations, for example when
on smooth or slippery ground. This can in-
crease the risk of an accident.
(i) Tips
If you select the Audi drive select* offroad
mode, hill descent assist will switch on.
97

4KE012721BB
Driving dynamic
Have the steering system checked immediately
by an authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi
Service Facility. Please note that the red indicator
light may turn on after restarting the drive sys-
tem. Do not continue driving if it does.
|e —o| Steering lock: malfunction! Please contact
Service
There is a malfunction in the electronic steering
lock. Drive immediately to an authorized Audi
dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility to have
the malfunction repaired.
Z\ WARNING
Do not tow your vehicle if there is a malfunc-
tion in the electronic steering lock because
this increases the risk of an accident.
G) Tips
If the & or a indicator light only stays on
for a short time, you may continue driving.
ALL wheel drive (quattro)
Applies to: vehicles with all wheel drive
The all-wheel drive system distributes the driving
power variably to the front and rear axle to im-
prove the driving characteristics. It works togeth-
er with selective wheel torque control, which can
activate when driving through curves
=> page 102.
The all-wheel drive system is designed for high
engine power. Your vehicle is exceptionally pow-
erful and has excellent driving characteristics
both under normal driving conditions and on
snow and ice. Always read and follow safety pre-
cautions > A\.
Z\ WARNING
— Even in vehicles with all wheel drive, you
should adapt your driving style to the cur-
rent road and traffic conditions to reduce
the risk of an accident.
— The braking ability of your vehicle is limited
to the traction of the wheels. In this way, it
is not different from a two wheel drive vehi-
cle. Do not drive too fast because this in-
creases the risk of an accident.
— Note that on wet streets, the front wheels
can “hydroplane’” if driving at speeds that
are too high. Unlike front wheel drive vehi-
cles, the engine RPM does not increase sud-
denly when the vehicle begins hydroplaning.
Adapt your speed to the road conditions to
reduce the risk of an accident.
BB att-wheel drive: malfunction! Limited stabil-
ity. Please contact Service
Driving stability is reduced. Continue driving with
caution. Drive to an authorized Audi dealer or au-
thorized Audi Service Facility immediately.
Electronic Stabilization
Control
Electronic Stabilization Control (ESC) supports
driver safety. It reduces the risk of slipping and
improves driving stability. ESC detects critical sit-
uations, such as if the vehicle is oversteering or
understeering, or if the wheels are spinning. The
brakes are applied or the engine torque is re-
duced in order to stabilize the vehicle.
If the [i indicator light blinks while driving, the
ESC is actively regulating.
If the BA indicator light turns on, the system has
switched the ESC off. In this case, you can switch
the ignition off and then on to switch the ESC on
again. The indicator light turns off when the sys-
tem is fully functional.
If the B indicator light turns on, ESC was limit-
ed or switched off manually > page 102.
The following systems are integrated in the ESC:
Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
ABS prevents the wheels from locking when brak-
ing. The vehicle can still be steered even during
hard braking. Apply steady pressure to the brake
pedal. Do not pump the pedal.
101
>

4KE012721BB
Driving dynamic
some situations to limit the ESC so that the
wheels can spin:
— Rocking the vehicle to free it when it is stuck
— Driving in deep snow, on unpaved ground, or
with snow chains
— Offroad mode: driving downhill while braking
on loose ground
— Offroad mode: driving with axle articulation
Limiting ESC (Sport/Offroad mode)
—To limit the ESD, press the £20 button briefly.
The B indicator light turns on.
— To completely reactivate the ESC stabilization
function, press the button again. The indicator
light turns off.
Either Sport or Offroad mode will be activated
depending on the selected Audi drive select
mode*. Sport mode is particularly suited for driv-
ing on an even road surface. Offroad mode is suit-
able for uneven terrain with loose ground.
Switching off ESC
— To switch off the ESC, press and hold the Sor
button for more than three seconds. The B
and Ea indicator lights turn on.
— To completely reactivate the ESC stabilization
function, press the button again. The indicator
lights turn off.
Z\ WARNING
— When the ESC is switched off or limited,
there will be no vehicle stabilization or it will
be limited. The driving wheels could spin
and the vehicle could swerve, especially on
slick or slippery road surfaces, which in-
creases the risk of an accident.
— Because of the increased risk of an accident,
only drive with the ESC switched off or limit-
ed when it is necessary. Reactivate the ESC
as soon as possible.
@ Tips
If malfunctions occur in other systems or cer-
tain driver assist systems are active, the ESC
must be switched on by the system. In these
cases, the ESC is automatically switched on
and cannot be limited or switched off with the
button.
BB fs / B © Stabilization control (ESC/
ABS): malfunction! See owner's manual
There is a malfunction in the ABS or EDL. This al-
so causes the ESC to malfunction. The brakes still
function with their normal power, but ABS is not
active.
Drive to an authorized Audi dealer or authorized
Audi Service Facility immediately to have the
malfunction corrected.
103

4KE012721BB
High-voltage system
—If the battery has been charged to the desired
level, the charging unit cover will automatically
relock. Otherwise, the cover must be manually
locked. To do this, press the center of the but-
ton @,.
— Disconnect the charging cable from the power
supply if necessary or return it securely to the
charging station.
— Install the protective caps on the charging ca-
ble again.
— If you are transporting the charging cable in
the vehicle, store it securely > page 113.
If the charging connector cannot be removed,
you must unlock it manually > page 111.
ing, drive immediately to an authorized Audi
dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility
and have the malfunction corrected to re-
duce the risk of injury.
ZA WARNING
— When closing the cover on the charging
unit, make sure the area where the cover is
closing is clear to reduce the risk of injury.
— Do not disconnect the charging cable from
the socket or the vehicle charging port while
the vehicle is charging. End the charging
process before removing the charging cable
from the socket in order to reduce the risk of
damaging the connector contacts from
sparks.
— Never drive with the charging unit open. If
the cover on the charging unit is open, it
could hit other road users and potentially
cause injury.
— If a charging unit is damaged, the vehicle
must not be charged at the damaged charg-
ing port or at the charging port on the other
side* to reduce the risk of injury.
— If the charging unit is damaged or the
charging unit cover cannot close or is miss-
@) Note
— If you drive with an open charging unit, both
the cover and the electronics installed be-
hind it could be damaged. Check before ev-
ery drive after charging if the cover is
locked.
— Applies to: vehicles with charging ports on
the driver and front passenger’s side: Never
attempt to charge the vehicle using both
charging ports at the same time, because
this could damage the charging infrastruc-
ture.
(i) Tips
— Applies to: MMI: in addition to other set-
tings, you can also select if the charging
connector should be released automatically
after the immediate charging process is
complete. To do this, select on the home
screen: VEHICLE > Charging & Efficiency >
Charging > <3 > DC connector: unlock after
charging ends.
— The parking brake may make noises when
connecting the charging connector.
— Remove ice and snow in the charging unit
using a hand brush and solvent-free deicing
spray.
— The vehicle radio and TV systems may have
limited reception when charging the vehicle.
Charging display
The charging display is an LED light on the charg-
ing unit and shows the charging status. A label
on the charging unit @) > page 108, fig. 90 in-
forms you about the various displays. The key for
the LED light is explained in the following table.
LED on the charging unit Meaning
Vehicle charging system is in sleep mode. A timer may be active,
Off but charging has not started yet.
Charging process is interrupted. >
109

High-voltage system
> Open the cover in the motor compartment on
the side of the applicable charging port.
> Loosen the yellow loop (2) from the retainer
and then pull on the loop carefully >@).
> Remove the charging connector.
> Drive to an authorized Audi dealer or author-
ized Audi Service Facility immediately to have
the malfunction corrected.
If the charging connector still cannot be removed
after using the emergency release, see an author-
ized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facili-
ty for assistance.
After releasing manually, secure the loop(s) on
the retainer and close the cover in the motor
compartment.
() Note
Only pull on the loop until you feel resistance.
You
will not hear it release. If you continue to
pull, you could damage the emergency re-
lease mechanism.
Messages
If the or =] indicator light turns on, then the
range is low or very low. Charge the high-voltage
battery.
Esq Warning! Please check the charging unit
cover. See owner's manual
This message appears if the charging unit cover is
opened while driving. Stop the vehicle as soon as.
possible and try to close the cover using the but-
ton @ © page 108, fig. 89 or by hand. If the cov-
er cannot close and/or the message continues to
appear, drive to an authorized Audi dealer or au-
thorized Audi Service Facility immediately and
have the malfunction corrected > A\ in Charging
on page 109; >@ in Charging on page 109.
B AC charging system: malfunction! Please
contact Service
B DC charging system: malfunction! Please
contact Service
This message appears if there is a malfunction in
the charging system. Drive to an authorized Audi
112
dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility immedi-
ately.
Incompatible charging system. Please check
charging system
This message appears when the charging system
is incompatible. Only charge using the Audi
charging system that is designed for your vehicle.
EB charging system: malfunction
This message appears if there is a malfunction in
the vehicle charging infrastructure or the charg-
ing station. Use a different charging station. If
this message does not turn off, contact an au-
thorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service
Facility.
Charging equipment
Introduction
Depending on the vehicle equipment, the Audi e-
tron compact charging system may be available.
Using the charging equipment
Pay attention to the following information for
safe handling of the charging equipment:
— Secure the charging equipment against any
strain, such as being run over, falling, pulling,
bending, and crushing.
— Do not submerge the charging equipment in
water and do not cover it with snow or ice.
— Only pull at the plugs when removing the
charging cable from the vehicle and from the
power supply.
— Put the cap on after using the charging cable.
— Only operate the Audi charging system ina
power supply system with a frequency of
50 Hz/60 Hz.
— Only operate or store the Audi charging system
at a humidity level between 5% and 95% (no
condensation).
— The Audi charging system is protected against
dust and splashing water (IP55 (USA: Enclosure
3).
Depending on the country, different warnings
may be on the charging equipment.

4KE012721BB
High-voltage system
Symbol Meaning Meaning
Operate or store the Audi charging
system at temperatures between
-22 °F (-30 °C) and +122 °F
(+50 °C).
Operate or store the Audi charging
system at a maximum elevation of
4000m_
13,000 ft (4,000 m) above sea lev-
el.
The Audi charging system is equip-
ped with a ground conductor that is
not connected.
©
The Audi charging system is equip-
ped with a connected ground con-
ductor.
&
Do not operate the Audi charging
system in power networks that are
not grounded (for example, IT net-
works). Only operate the Audi
charging system in grounded power
networks.
Surfaces can become very hot when
in direct sunlight.
Incorrect use increases the risk of
electric shock.
Pay attention to the applicable own-
er's manual, particularly the safety
precautions.
Pay attention to all applicable dis-
posal regulations when disposing.
Do not use any extensions cords or
cable reels.
Do not use any travel adapters.
y Do not use any charging cables with
oo, damage to the electronics or the
connecting wires.
Operate the Audi charging system
in single-phase power supplies.
Grounding instructions
Audi charging systems must be grounded. If it
should malfunction or break down, grounding
provides a path of least resistance for electric
current to reduce the risk of electric shock. Audi
charging systems are equipped with a cord hav-
ing an equipment grounding conductor and a
grounding plug. The plug must be plugged into
an appropriate outlet that is properly installed
and grounded in accordance with all local codes
and ordinances.
Z\ WARNING
Improper connection of the equipment-
grounding conductor is able to result in a risk
of electric shock. Check with a qualified elec-
trician or serviceman if you are in doubt as to
whether the product is properly grounded. Do
not modify the plug provided with the product
- if it will not fit the outlet, have a proper out-
let installed by a qualified electrician.
Always store the charging equipment securely
before transporting.
> Open the hood > page 236.
> Open the front storage compartment
=> page 76.
>» Stow the charging equipment in the front stor-
age compartment.
> Close the front storage compartment and the
hood.
Do not use any power strips.
Z\ WARNING
If the charging equipment is not secured or
positioned correctly, it can slide out of place
and endanger vehicle occupants when brak-
ing, when changing directions, or in a colli-
sion. >
113

4KE012721BB
Trailer towing
The permitted tongue weight of your vehicle can
be found in the vehicle documentation or in
=> page 292.
Load distribution
Poor cargo load and distribution can negatively
impact vehicle handling. Load the trailer based
on the following criteria as much as possible:
— Store objects in the vehicle luggage compart-
ment, if possible. The vehicle should always
carry the heaviest possible load and the trailer
should have the lightest possible load.
— Distribute the load in the trailer so that the
heavy objects are as close to the axle as possi-
ble.
— Secure objects so that they do not slide.
— Utilize the maximum permitted tongue weight
if possible.
Tires
Set the tire pressure on your vehicle for a “full
load”; see the tire pressure sticker > page 253. If
necessary, also adjust the tire pressure on the
trailer according to the manufacturer's specifica-
tions.
The trailer and the vehicle should be equipped
with winter tires when driving in winter tempera-
tures.
Outside mirrors
If you cannot see the traffic behind the trailer
with the standard exterior mirrors, then you
must attach additional exterior mirrors. Adjust
them so you have a sufficient visibility behind
you.
Exterior lighting
Follow the legal regulations for lighting on your
trailer that are applicable in the country where
you are operating the vehicle. Contact an author-
ized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facili-
ty for more information.
Before you start driving, check all lighting equip-
ment on the trailer while it is hitched to the vehi-
cle.
The headlight range control automatically ad-
justs the light range of the headlights.
Safety chains
Make sure the safety chains are correctly applied
when pulling a trailer. The chains should hang
enough so that the trailer can drive around
curves. However, they must not touch the
ground.
Air suspension
The Audi drive select* comfort mode > page 98
must be selected before you adjust the tongue
weight on the trailer and hitch the trailer >@,
=> page 99.
For vehicles with a retrofitted trailer hitch, you
must switch on the air suspension trailer mode
manually.
Applies to: MMI: Select on the home screen: VE-
HICLE > Settings & Service > Air suspension:
trailer.
Switch it off again when you are no longer towing
a trailer.
When using carrier systems that are mounted di-
rectly on the trailer hitch ball head, you can also
switch trailer mode off manually.
If you must drive on roads that are in poor condi-
tion, you can raise the vehicle again after hitching
the trailer or after adjusting the tongue weight
> page 99.
You can also increase ground clearance by select-
ing the Audi drive select* offroad or allroad
modes > page 98.
Vehicle levels below the values set in the comfort
level will no Longer be available, even if you are
lowering the vehicle manually.
ZA WARNING
— Never turn off trailer mode while driving
when a trailer is hitched, because then the
restrictions for controlling the vehicle level
will be turned off.
— Driving with a trailer on unpaved roads when
the vehicle is raised may change the vehicle
handling. Adapt your speed.
121