
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  

Driving dynamic 
  
Driving dynamic 
Audi drive select 
Introduction 
Applies to: vehicles with Audi drive select 
Drive select makes it possible to experience dif 
ferent types of vehicle characteristics in one vehi- 
cle. With different driving modes, the driver can 
switch the setting, for example from sporty to 
comfortable. In the individual mode, the set- 
tings can be adjusted to your personal preferen- 
ces. This makes it possible to combine settings 
such as a sporty drivetrain setting with light 
steering. 
Selecting the driving mode 
Applies to: vehicles with Audi drive select 
  
Fig. 87 Center console: Audi drive select button 
> Press the left  or right arrow key > fig. 87 until 
the desired mode appears in the MMI. Or: 
> Applies to: MMI: Select on the home screen: 
VEHICLE > Audi drive select. 
You can change the driving mode when the  vehi- 
cle is stationary or while driving. If traffic  per- 
mits, briefly remove your foot from the accelera- 
tor pedal after changing modes so that the mode 
you have selected will be activated for the drive 
system. 
offroad* - Provides assistance when driving off- 
road. The vehicle will be raised to the second- 
highest level using the air suspension®. The  ESC 
will be restricted and the hill descent assist* will 
be activated. The vehicle will exit this mode after 
the ignition is switched off. 
98 
allroad* - Provides balanced vehicle handling. 
The vehicle will be raised to the second-highest 
level using the air suspension*. 
efficiency* - The vehicle switches to a fuel-effi- 
cient vehicle setup and and supports the driver 
with 
fuel economy messages. The “E” driving pro- 
gram is selected. 
comfort - Provides a comfort-oriented vehicle 
setup and is suited for long drives on highways. 
auto - Provides an overall comfortable yet dy- 
namic driving feel and is suited for everyday use. 
dynamic - Gives the driver a sporty driving feel 
and is suited to a sporty driving style. The “S” 
driving program is selected. 
individual > page 98. 
@) Tips 
Specific settings are stored automatically in 
the active personal profile. 
Adjusting the “individual” mode 
Applies to: vehicles with Audi drive select 
You can adjust details about the vehicle settings. 
The settings are stored based on the user and will 
be available  again the next time the vehicle is 
driven. 
> Applies to: MMI: Select on the home screen: 
VEHICLE > Audi drive select. 
> Press individual 7. 
The equipment in your vehicle will determine 
which settings you can adjust. 
Drive 
The drive system will react to accelerator pedal 
moves more quickly or in a more balanced man- 
ner. 
Steering 
The power steering > page 100 adapts. Indirect 
steering that moves easily is especially suited to 
long drives on highways.  

Driving dynamic 
  
Messages 
B Air suspension: service mode! Vehicle can be 
moved but handling may be impaired 
Service mode is activated. Carefully drive to an 
authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service 
Facility immediately to have the service mode de- 
activated. 
B Air suspension: malfunction! You may con- 
tinue driving slowly at max. XX mph (km/h) 
There is a malfunction. Driving stability may be 
limited. Drive to an authorized Audi dealer or au- 
thorized Audi Service Facility immediately. Do not 
drive 
faster than the speed given in the message. 
B Air suspension: malfunction! You can contin- 
ue driving. Speed limited to max. XX mi/h 
(km/h) 
There is a malfunction. Driving stability may be 
limited. Drive to an authorized Audi dealer or au- 
thorized Audi Service Facility immediately. The 
maximum speed has been limited. 
EJ Air suspension: malfunction! Safely stop ve- 
hicle. Steering and ground clearance limited 
There is a malfunction. Do not continue driving. 
Stop the vehicle safely. Avoid turning the steer- 
ing wheel, because the vehicle ground clearance 
may be so low that turning the steering wheel 
could result in damage to the wheels and wheel 
housings. 
fi Suspension: malfunction! You can continue 
driving 
There is a malfunction. See an authorized Audi 
dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility for as- 
sistance. 
B Air suspension: vehicle too low. Limited 
ground clearance 
The vehicle ground clearance is very low. Wait un- 
til  the air suspension system has restored normal 
ground clearance. Have an authorized Audi dealer 
or authorized Audi Service Facility repair the mal- 
function immediately if the indicator light does 
not turn off after a significant period of time. 
100 
  
B Air suspension: malfunction! Please contact 
Service 
There is a malfunction. The driving stability may 
be limited and the ground clearance may be low. 
See an authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi 
Service Facility for assistance. 
Audi drive select: automatic suspension low- 
ering. See owner's manual 
The vehicle level is adjusted to the setting stored 
for the active personal profile > page 27. 
Audi drive select: automatic suspension lift. 
See owner's manual 
The vehicle level is adjusted to the setting stored 
for the active personal profile > page 27. 
Steering 
Electromechanical steering supports the driver's 
steering movements by electronically adapting 
the power steering depending on the vehicle 
speed. The settings depend on the selected Audi 
drive select* mode. 
Wee Te 
a Steering: malfunction! Please stop vehicle 
The power steering may have failed. Adapt your 
driving style immediately to compensate for the 
fact that it may be more difficult to turn the 
steering wheel, and stop your vehicle in a safe lo- 
cation as soon as possible. Do not continue driv- 
ing. See an authorized Audi dealer or authorized 
Audi Service Facility for assistance. 
| —e| Steering: malfunction! Please stop vehicle 
There is a malfunction in the electronic steering 
lock. You cannot turn the ignition on. Do not tow 
your vehicle because it cannot be steered. See an 
authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service 
Facility for assistance. 
a Steering: malfunction! You can continue 
driving 
There is a malfunction. Steering may be more dif- 
ficult or more sensitive. Adapt your driving style. >  

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 
  
  
  
— Installation and setup of the household con- 
nection for Audi charging systems  may only 
be performed by a qualified electrician. The 
qualified electrician is thereby responsible 
for adhering to applicable standards and 
regulations. 
— Make sure that the selected charging port is 
suitable for drawing the current specified on 
the Audi charging system. 
— Make sure that the household socket is 
grounded and shielded from water. 
— If Audi charging systems do not function ac- 
cording to the specifications in the operat- 
ing manual, they must not be used. Contact 
an authorized Audi dealer or authorized Au- 
di Service Facility. 
— Audi charging systems are intended for use 
in private and semi-private areas (for exam- 
ple, private property and company parking 
lots). Depending on the country, charging in 
mode 2 may be forbidden in public areas 
and public spaces. Contact an authorized 
Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facili- 
ty for more information. 
— The Audi charging systems  may only be used 
with a power network that is grounded prop- 
erly. It cannot be used with non-grounded 
power networks (such as IT networks). 
— When charging the high-voltage battery us- 
ing household/industrial sockets, the elec- 
trical installation is used at full capacity. 
Having a qualified electrician regularly in- 
spect the electrical installations that are 
used for charging is recommended. 
— Disconnect Audi charging systems from the 
power network during a thunderstorm. 
— Never submerge the Audi charging systems 
or the connectors in water. 
— Audi charging systems  must only be cleaned 
when the control unit is completely discon- 
nected from the power supply and from the 
vehicle. Use a dry towel to clean. 
— Audi charging systems are only intended for 
use on Audi vehicles and vehicles within the 
Volkswagen Group. Using the devices on ve- 
hicles made by another manufacturer is not 
authorized. 
    
CG) Note 
— If the vehicle is not being used for long peri- 
ods of time, the high-voltage battery must 
be charged after four months at the latest 
or the vehicle must be continuously con- 
nected to a power source (for 50% charging 
target > page 110). Otherwise, the high- 
voltage battery could become damaged. 
— Make sure that you always use the correct 
charging equipment for the country in 
which it is being used. Contact an author- 
ized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service 
Facility for more information. 
G) Tips 
— Your vehicle can only be charged at charging 
stations that meet the requirements in the 
respective country and meet the following 
standards, at a minimum: 
— GB/T 18487.1 and GB/T 20234 (China) 
— IEC 61851 and IEC 62196 (Europe) 
— SAE J1772 (North America, Japan) 
— You can use your  Audi charging system if 
there is a household or industrial connec- 
tion available at the charging station. 
@ Tips 
Applies to: Audi charging systems 
—For an uninterrupted charging process, we 
recommend only charging using sockets 
that are connected to a separately protected 
circuit. 
— It is recommended to use Audi charging sys- 
tems in the wall mount clip* during  opera- 
tion. When this is not possible, always posi- 
tion Audi charging systems on a secure sur- 
face during the charging process. 
—To reduce the risk of overheating during op- 
eration, do not place Audi charging systems 
in direct sunlight for long periods of time. If 
the control unit is overheated, the charging 
process is automatically  paused until the 
temperature has lowered back within the 
normal range. 
107  

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