
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 
  
  
brakes at all times when using the hold as- 
sist. 
—To reduce the risk of an accident, always 
make sure the vehicle is situated safely 
    
while  stationary. 
  
@) Note 
Switch hold assist off and select the “N” gear 
before driving your vehicle into a car wash 
with a conveyor belt. Otherwise, the parking 
brake could engage automatically. 
Emergency braking function 
Emergency braking should only be used in an 
emergency, if the standard brake pedal is mal- 
functioning or obstructed. When the emergency 
braking function is activated, the braking effect is 
similar to a heavy braking maneuver. 
> Pull and hold the © switch while driving. 
> An audio warning signal will sound and emer- 
gency braking will begin. 
> If you press the accelerator pedal, emergency 
braking will be canceled. 
  
ZA WARNING 
Heavy braking while driving through curves or 
in poor road or weather conditions can cause 
the vehicle to slide or the rear of the vehicle to 
swerve, which increases the risk of an  acci- 
dent. 
GG i @ Parking brake: malfunction! Safely 
stop vehicle. See owner's manual 
       
There is a malfunction in the parking brake. If the 
message appears while  stationary, check if the 
parking brake is released and can be reset. If this 
is the case, switch the ignition off and back on. 
If the message continues to appear, if the park- 
ing brake cannot be released, or if the message 
appears while driving, then stop the vehicle on 
level 
ground and shift to “P”. Do not continue 
driving. See an authorized Audi dealer or author- 
ized Audi Service Facility for assistance. 
EG / @® Parking brake: malfunction! Please 
release parking brake 
There 
is a malfunction in the parking brake. If the 
message appears while  stationary, check if the 
parking brake is released and can be reset. If this 
is the  case, switch the ignition off and back on. 
If the message continues to appear, if the park- 
ing brake cannot be released, or if the message 
appears while driving, then stop the vehicle on 
level 
ground and shift to “P”. Do not continue 
driving. See an authorized Audi dealer or author- 
ized Audi Service Facility for assistance. 
gw Parking brake: malfunction! Please contact 
Service 
There is a malfunction in the parking brake. Drive 
to an authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi 
Service Facility immediately to have the malfunc- 
tion corrected. Do not park the vehicle on inclines 
and shift to “P”. 
| / {Q) Parking brake: warning! Vehicle parked 
too steep 
The braking force may not be enough to secure 
the vehicle from rolling away. Park the vehicle in 
a place with less of an incline. 
/ Parking brake: applied 
The parking brake is set. Press and hold the brake 
pedal to release the parking brake. 
Hill hold assist 
Hill hold assist makes it more comfortable to 
stop and go  on hills. 
Requirement: the driver's door must be closed, 
the  drive system must be active, and the vehicle 
must be traveling uphill. 
> To activate hill hold assist, press and hold the 
brake pedal for several seconds while the vehi- 
cle is stationary. 
> The braking effect is maintained briefly so that 
you can transition comfortably into driving. 
> Start driving immediately after releasing the 
brake pedal. 
95  

Driving 
  
  
ZA WARNING 
— If you do not begin driving immediately af- 
ter releasing the brake pedal, your vehicle 
may begin to roll backward. Press the brake 
pedal or set the parking brake immediately. 
— The hill hold assist cannot hold the vehicle 
on inclines in every scenario (for example, 
on slippery or icy ground). 
Messages 
Take over! 
      
If this message appears, press the brake pedal. 
Special driving situations 
Driving uphill and downhill 
Please note the following when driving on in- 
clines and hills: 
— Drive slowly and carefully. 
— Do not try to turn around if you cannot safely 
drive on an incline or hill. Instead, drive in re- 
verse. 
— When driving down hills, use  the recuperation 
braking effect > page 90. This reduces the load 
on the brakes. 
— Use the hold assist if necessary > page 94 
— Use the hill descent assist if necessary 
=> page 97 
  
ZA WARNING 
— Only drive on inclines that your vehicle is de- 
signed to handle. Do not exceed the hill 
climbing ability of your vehicle. Your vehicle 
could tip or slide. 
— Do not drive at an angle on steep inclines 
and hills. If your vehicle is about to tip, you 
must immediately start steering in the di- 
rection of the downward slope to reduce the 
risk of an accident. 
— Always be ready to brake when using the hill 
descent control function. 
       
96 
Offroad driving 
Your vehicle is not an offroad vehicle. Note the 
following points when driving offroad: 
— Drive slowly and carefully. 
—To reduce the risk  of underbody damage, pay 
attention to the vehicle's ground clearance 
= page 99 and drive across raised areas of the 
ground with the wheels on one side of the  vehi- 
cle, instead of allowing the center of the  vehi- 
cle  to pass over the raised areas. 
—To reduce the risk  of becoming stuck, drive 
through sandy or swampy areas at a steady 
speed and without stopping, if possible. 
If necessary, use  the following functions: 
— Audi drive select* offroad mode > page 98 
— Hill descent assist* > page 97 
— Raising the vehicle > page 99 
— Limit ESC > page 102 
  
ZA\ WARNING 
Only drive in terrain that is suitable for the ve- 
    
hicle and your driving ability. 
  
@) For the sake of the environment 
Avoid actions that are damaging to the envi- 
ronment. Show respect for the natural envi- 
ronment and remain on marked routes. 
(Gi) Tips 
Clean your vehicle after driving offroad. Dirt 
and stones falling off your vehicle can affect 
other road users. 
PUN Mele mules 
If you must drive through water, follow these in- 
structions: 
— Check the stability of the ground, the current, 
and the water depth. If the ground is unstable, 
there is a strong current, or there are waves, 
the water must only reach up to the lower edge 
of the body at the most. 
— Drive carefully and no faster than at walking 
speeds to prevent the front of the vehicle from 
creating waves, because they could splash >  

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 
  
Suspension* 
The suspension > page 99 adjusts to be tighter 
or more comfort-oriented when it comes to 
damping of uneven spots on the road. 
The vehicle ground clearance is adjusted by the 
air suspension* based on the setting. 
Suspension 
Adaptive dampers 
Applies to: vehicles with suspension control 
The adaptive dampers are an electronically-con- 
trolled damping system. The firmness of the sus- 
pension will adapt to the driving conditions and 
the driving situation. The settings depend on the 
selected Audi drive select* mode. 
Air suspension 
Applies to: vehicles with air suspension 
The air suspension is an electronically-controlled 
suspension and leveling system. The firmness of 
the suspension will adapt to the driving condi- 
tions and the driving situation. The system balan- 
ces out changes in load. The vehicle level will also 
adapt gradually to the vehicle speed in order to 
reduce the wind resistance at high speeds and in- 
crease the ground clearance at low speeds. The 
settings depend on the selected Audi drive se- 
lect* mode. 
Displaying the vehicle level 
> Applies to: MMI: Select on the home screen: 
VEHICLE > Audi drive select. 
The filled-in boxes represent the current vehicle 
level. The more boxes that are filled in, the high- 
er the ground clearance. The box that corre- 
sponds with the current vehicle level will flash 
while the vehicle is lifting or lowering. The target 
level is indicated by a red outline. 
Raising the vehicle 
> Applies to: MMI: Select on the home screen: 
VEHICLE > Audi drive select. 
> Press Raise to reach the highest vehicle level 
and thus the maximum ground clearance. 
>» Press Lower to lower the vehicle down again. 
The Audi drive select* mode will be changed if 
necessary when the vehicle is raised. 
The vehicle will lower when at speeds of approxi- 
mately 22 mph (35 km/h) and lower. This func- 
tion may only be used temporarily when in- 
creased ground clearance is necessary. It is not 
intended for long drives. 
C) Note 
When transporting the vehicle on a road carri- 
er, rail carrier, ship carrier, or other carrier, it 
may only be secured at the running surfaces 
of the tires (circumference). Securing the ve- 
hicle at the axle components, suspension 
struts, or towing eyes is not permitted be- 
cause the pressure in the air suspension 
struts can change during transport. The vehi- 
cle might not be secured sufficiently if this 
happens. 
Ground clearance 
The vehicle height and clearance can be influ- 
enced by the following factors: 
— Change in temperature 
— Change in load 
— Change to the Audi drive select* mode 
— Lifting and lowering via the air suspension* 
  
Z\ WARNING 
To reduce the risk of injury, make sure no one 
gets pinched when the vehicle level is chang- 
ing, for example when cleaning the under- 
body or the wheel housings. 
@) Note 
Always make sure there is enough clearance 
above and below the vehicle. This is especially 
important for entrances with height restric- 
tions, for example, before driving into under- 
ground garages. You could also scrape the 
ground when driving over the edges of curbs 
or on steep ramps, which could damage your 
vehicle. 
      
99  

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 
>  

Driving dynamic 
  
Noises will indicate when the system is working. 
Brake assist 
The  brake assist system can decrease braking dis- 
tance. It increases braking power when the driver 
presses the brake pedal quickly in emergency sit- 
uations. You must press and hold the brake pedal 
until the dangerous situation is over. Depending 
on the activated driver assistance systems, the 
brake assist system may react with increased sen- 
sitivity. 
Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR) 
ASR reduces drive power when the  drive wheels 
begin spinning and adapts the power to the road 
conditions. This makes it easier to start, acceler- 
ate and drive  up hills. 
Electronic Differential Lock (EDL) 
The EDL applies the brakes to wheels that are 
slipping and transfers the drive power to the oth- 
er wheels. This function is not available at higher 
speeds. 
In extreme cases, EDL automatically switches off 
to keep the brake on the braked wheel from over- 
heating. The vehicle is still functioning correctly. 
EDL will switch on again automatically when con- 
ditions have returned to normal. 
Power steering 
The  ESC can also support vehicle stability 
through steering. 
Selective wheel torque control 
Selective wheel torque control is used when driv- 
ing on curves. Braking is targeted toward the 
wheels on the inside of the curve as needed. This 
allows more precise driving in curves. 
Automatic post-collision braking system 
The automatic post-collision braking system can 
help to reduce the risk  of sliding and of addition- 
al collisions after an accident. If the airbag con- 
trol module detects a collision, the vehicle is 
braked by the ESC. 
The vehicle does not brake automatically if one of 
the following occurs: 
102 
— The driver presses the accelerator pedal, or 
— The braking force generated by the pressed 
brake pedal is greater than the braking force 
that would be initiated by the system 
— The ESC, the brake system, or the vehicle elec- 
trical system is not functioning 
  
ZA\ WARNING 
— The  ESC  and its integrated systems cannot 
overcome the limits imposed by natural 
physical laws. This is especially important on 
slippery or wet roads. If the systems begin 
acting to stabilize your vehicle, you should 
immediately alter your speed to match the 
road 
and traffic conditions. Do not let the in- 
creased safety provided tempt you into  tak- 
ing risks. This could increase your risk of a 
collision. 
— Please note the risk of a collision increases 
when driving fast, especially through curves 
and on slippery or wet roads, and when driv- 
ing too close to objects ahead.  There is still 
a risk of accidents because the ESC  and its 
integrated systems cannot always prevent 
collisions. 
— Accelerate carefully when driving on 
smooth, slippery surfaces such as ice and 
snow. The drive wheels can spin even when 
these control systems are installed and this 
can affect driving stability and increase the 
risk of a collision. 
(i) Tips 
— The ABS and ASR only function correctly 
when all four wheels have a similar wear 
condition. Different tire sizes can lead toa 
reduction in motor power. 
— You may hear noises when the systems de- 
scribed are working. 
The 0 button is located above the selector lev- 
er in the center console. 
       
The  ESC is automatically switched on when the 
ignition is switched on. It may make sense in >  

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