2020 AUDI A7 Owners Manual

4K8012721BC
Driving


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.

Driving through water
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.
— Deactivate the Start/Stop system.
— Drive carefully and no faster than at walking
speeds to prevent the front of the vehicle from
creating waves, because they could splash
above the lower edge of the body. Oncoming
vehicles could also create waves.
— Do not stop the vehicle while in the water.
— Drive in reverse.
— Do not turn the engine off.

ZA\ 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 engine, 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.

103

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. This allows you to adjust the set-
tings to your personal preferences. This makes it
possible to combine settings such as a sporty
drivetrain setting with comfortable steering.
Selecting an Audi drive select mode
Applies to: vehicles with Audi drive select

Fig. 80 Center console: Audi drive select button
> Press the left or right arrow key > fig. 80 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.
The following modes are available depending on
the equipment:
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.
104
dynamic - Gives the driver a sporty driving feel
and is suited to a sporty driving style. The “S”
driving program is selected.
individual - Provides the option for personalized
vehicle settings. Press ¥ to configure the mode
=> page 104, Individual settings.
G) Tips
When the ignition is being switched on, indi-
vidual systems, such as the drive system, will
be reset to a balanced setting. Select the cur-
rent mode again to attain its full configura-
tion.
Individual settings
Applies to: vehicles with Audi drive select
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. The shift points are placed in higher or lower
speed ranges.
Depending on the setting, the drive power at the
rear axle will be distributed with the sport differ-
ential* to be more sporty or moderate
=> page 108.
Steering
The power steering will adapt. Light steering is
suitable for long trips on highways or smooth
driving around curves, for example.
Suspension
The suspension adjusts to be tighter or more
comfort-oriented when it comes to compensat-
ing for uneven spots on the road.
The vehicle ground clearance is adjusted by the
air suspension* based on the setting.
Engine sound
The engine sound adapts and can be subtle to
sporty.

4K8012721BC
Driving dynamic

Suspension
EET desu) tLe
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 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.
CG) Note
— Also refer to the information about ground
clearance > page 105.
— When transporting the vehicle on a road
carrier, rail carrier, ship carrier, or other car-
rier, it may only be secured at the running
surfaces of the tires (circumference). Secur-
ing the vehicle at the axle components, sus-
pension struts, or towing eyes is not permit-
ted because the pressure in the air suspen-
sion struts can change during transport. The
vehicle 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*

ZA 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.
CG) 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.
B Air suspension: malfunction! You may con-
tinue driving slowly at max. XX mph (km/h)

105
>

Driving dynamic

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! 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.
i 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 is too low. Ground
clearance limited
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.
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 30.
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 30.
106
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.
Progressive steering
Applies to: vehicles with progressive steering
The driving dynamic and driving stability are in-
creased by the steering ratio based on the steer-
ing wheel angle. The steering is very direct when
the steering wheel angle is sharp, and indirect
when the angle is low. This enables comfortable
maneuvering and a precise steering response at
higher driving speeds.
Dynamic all-wheel steering
Applies to: vehicles with dynamic all-wheel steering
Active corrective steering at the front and rear
axles increases the driving dynamic and driving
stability. At low speeds, the rear wheels are
steered in the opposite direction from the front
wheels to reduce the steering effort needed by
the driver and to reduce the turning radius. Vehi-
cle handling improves. At high speeds, steering
the rear wheels in the same direction as the front
wheels improves the vehicle response and driving
stability. The vehicle reacts quickly and precisely
to the driver's steering movements.
Messages
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.
a Steering: malfunction! Please stop vehicle.
Pay attention to distance at side
The rear axle steering may have failed. More
space on the road may be needed at the side of >

4K8012721BC
Driving dynamic

the vehicle. Slow down immediately, and stop
your vehicle as soon as possible in a safe location
with enough space at the sides of the vehicle. Do
not continue driving. See an authorized Audi
dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility for as-
sistance.
2 | 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.
El steering: malfunction! You can continue
driving
There is a malfunction. Steering may be more dif-
ficult or more sensitive. Adapt your driving style.
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 engine. Do
not continue driving if it does.
a Steering: malfunction! Adapt driving style.
Larger turning radius
The rear axle steering may have failed. The vehi-
cle will have a larger turning radius, and the sta-
bility when driving around curves will be compa-
rable to a vehicle without rear axle steering. Drive
carefully to an authorized Audi dealer or author-
ized Audi Service Facility to have the malfunction
corrected.
|@—e| 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.
Dynamic steering: correcting steering wheel
position
The steering is reinitializing. The steering wheel
will move easily after starting the vehicle. Reiniti-
alization might be necessary if the steering wheel
was moved while the engine was switched off.
The display turns off if the initialization was suc-
cessful.

ZA 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.
@ Tips
—If there is a malfunction, the steering wheel
may be crooked when driving straight.
—If the a 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 109.
Applies to: vehicles with quattro ultra: If the driv-
ing situation does not require all wheel drive,
then the rear section of the drivetrain will decou-
ple to save fuel. The system constantly deter-
mines and anticipates if all wheel drive is needed.
This allows the rear drivetrain to recouple shortly
before it is needed.
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. >


107

Driving dynamic


— Note that on wet streets, the front wheels
can “hydroplane’” if driving at speeds that
are too high. Unlike front wheel drive
vehicles, the engine RPM does not increase
suddenly when the vehicle begins hydro-
planing. Adapt your speed to the road condi-
tions to reduce the risk of an accident.
Sport differential
Applies to: vehicles with sport differential


The sport differential distributes the drive power
to the rear axle based on the situation. The goal
is a high level of agility and ability to accelerate
on curves. The vehicle is very responsive to steer-
ing. The settings depend on the selected Audi
drive select* mode.
t3] All-wheel drive: malfunction! You can con-
tinue driving. Please contact Service
Drive immediately to an authorized Audi dealer
or authorized Audi Service Facility to have the
malfunction repaired.
iT-3| Sport differential: malfunction! Please con-
tact Service
Drive immediately to an authorized Audi dealer
or authorized Audi Service Facility to have the
malfunction repaired.
2] All-wheel drive: too hot. Please adapt driv-
ing style. See owner's manual
The transmission temperature has increased sig-
nificantly due to the sporty driving manner. Drive
in a less sporty manner until the temperature re-
turns to the normal range and the indicator light
switches of.
3] Sport differential: temperature too high.
Please adapt driving style
The transmission temperature has increased sig-
nificantly due to the sporty driving manner. Drive
in a less sporty manner until the temperature re-
turns to the normal range and the indicator light
switches of.
108
AN WARNING
Contact
an authorized Audi dealer or author-
ized Audi Service Facility if the sport differen-
tial is faulty or malfunctioning. The repair
must be performed by trained personnel us-
ing the correct oil in order to ensure safety.

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 3] 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 109.
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.
A pulsing in the brake pedal indicates that the
system is acting to stabilize the vehicle.
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 >

4K8012721BC
Driving dynamic

brake assist system may react with increased sen-
sitivity.
Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR)
ASR reduces drive power when the wheels begin
spinning and adapts the power to the road condi-
tions. This will increase the driving stability.
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:
— 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.
G) Tips
— The ABS and ASR only function correctly
when all four wheels have a similar wear
condition. Different tire sizes can lead to a
reduction in engine power.
— You may hear noises when the systems de-
scribed are working.
The So button for controlling the ESC is located
in the center console, in front of the selector lev-
er.


The ESC is automatically switched on when the
ignition is switched on. It may make sense in
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
Limiting ESC (sport mode)
—To limit the ESC, press the So button briefly.
The B indicator light turns on.
109
>

Driving dynamic

— To completely reactivate the ESC stabilization
function, press the button again. The indicator
light turns off.
Switching off ESC
—To switch off the ESC, press and hold the or
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.

ZA 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 the ESC is limited, switched off, or mal-
functioning, systems with an automatic
braking intervention function may not be
fully available.
— If malfunctions occur in other systems or
certain driver assist systems are active, the
ESC must be switched on by the system. The
ESC
may switch on automatically and can-
not be operated with the button.
B /ABS} / 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.
110
Rear spoiler
The 3% button is located in the function bar on
the lower display.
The rear spoiler increases driving stability. The
rear spoiler extends automatically at speeds
above approximately 75 mph (120 km/h). It will
retract automatically when the speed drops be-
low approximately 50 mph (80 km/h).
You can also extend and retract the rear spoiler
manually.
> Extending: press > briefly.
> Retracting: press and hold 3% when driving at
speeds up to approximately 10 mph (20 km/h).
At speeds from approximately 10 mph (20
km/h) to 75 mph (120 km/h), press >* briefly.

ZA\ WARNING
— Make sure that the rear spoiler is extended
at speeds above 85 mph (140 km/h). Other-
wise, the reduced driving stability will in-
crease the risk of an accident.
—To reduce the risk of injury, make sure there
are no people or objects within range of the
rear spoiler when extending and retracting
it.
() Note
—To reduce the risk of damage, do not press
on the rear spoiler if pushing the vehicle.
—To reduce the risk of damage, never lean
against the rear spoiler or place heavy pres-
sure on it.

—To reduce the risk of damage when extend-
ing or retracting the rear spoiler, make sure
the luggage compartment lid is closed and
there
is nothing in the way of the rear spoil-
er.
Messages
If the x; or | turns on and a corresponding
message appears, the rear spoiler may not be
able to extend due to a malfunction. This could
change the vehicle's driving characteristics at >