2020 AUDI A7 suspension

Table of contents

About this Owner's Manual......
SUMIMALY: ; « ss6% : osen ss sean cs poe s
QC CCeS Skis: si esis a 6 ores os ewe
Cockpit... 2... ee eee eee eee
Indicator lights overview...........0.
Display and operation............
Instrument cluster...............
Instrument cluster overview...........
Loading a personal profile.............
Operating. ........ 20.00. cece eee eee
Adjusting the display.................
Coolant temperature display...........
Tachometer............. eee eee eee
OdOMELEF as + 2 ams < gay & = pemE se ROR «
Outside temperature display...........
Engine oil temperature indicator.......
Boost indicator’: vos + 2 xeeg es meme a 2 oes
Vehicle functions « sisi ss em ee omen ees
Touch displays....................
General touch display operation........
Multi Media Interface................
Head-up display..................
DeSGriPtionis << seorve so mses w + axocune & ovorene
Voice recognition system........
General information.................
Operating... 0... cece eee eee eee
External voice operation..............
Global functions.................
Additional function buttons...........
Starting and driving.............
Personalization..................
Luggage compartment lid.............
Child safety lock sae < « see8 cs vena ee oes
Power windowSiin: ss sew. 4 sve eo scares a
Panoramic glass roof.................
Garage door opener..........--...0-5
NOD
OO
16
18 18
20
26
26
27 27 27 28 29 29 30 30 30
32
32
36 39
42 42
44
45
Lights and Vision................. 48
Exterior lighting. ...............000ee 48
Interior lightinGisws « 2 wove + ¢ wees os ewe §2
ViSIOM iss +o sea « 5 wore oo semen W armen © oi 53
Windshield wipers................45- 55
Digital compass: s : sees s sees sz wees se 57
Sitting correctly and safely...... 59
Correct passenger seating position...... 59
Frontse@ats's « sews ¢ ¢ asia & 3 saws @ o wars = 59
Steering wheel. ........... 00. - ee eee 62
Head restraints...................00. 63
Safety belts:: ¢ excess meas os eee ae ee 64
Memory function..............-.000- 67
Airbag system ..... 2... eee eee ee 68
Child
safety seats................004. 73
Stowing and using............... 79
POWEF SOURCES sans « 3 some ao meas sf eo 79
Gup holdersis «sass. +s snes sv somwaee + = omar 79
Storage and compartments............ 80
Luggage compartment............... 80
ROOF TACK: « + sonnss ao amvsans @ w cma ¥ & aue mee @ 8 83
Warm and cold................... 85
Climate control system............... 85
Steering wheel heating............... 88
Fluids in the A/C system.............. 89
BS GIMINIEE). «sess o arcese oe cone ov arene ww 90
Starting the vehicle.................. 90
When driving: = s sews + o eens ge cewe go: 91
Drive syste Misc: + « sons 6 amen +o emir ¥ te 97
Start/Stop system...........--00000- 98
Brakes: « » aog = eae & = eum ¢ ¥ cewE 4 ene 99
Electromechanical parking brake....... 101
Special driving situations.............. 102
Driving dynamic.................. 104
Audi driverselecty, . svceis so aauane oo seenem « vv 104
Suspension..............0 2.00.0 e eee 105
SEGELING « weg w 5 saree 3 & wae § 2 eee 4 Ee 106
All wheel drive (quattro) .............. 107
Electronic Stabilization Control......... 108
Rear spoiler’, : eesca . » saws sy pews ee eee 110
Trailer towing.................... 112
Driving with atrailer................. 112

Quick access



Brake system ¥
=> page 100, > page 102,
=> page 236
Steering ¥
=> page 106
Steering lock
=> page 106
Air suspension
=> page 105
Rear spoiler
=>page 110
Electrical system
=> page 236
Engine oil level (MIN)
=> page 231
Engine oil pressure
=> page 231
Cooling system
=> page 234
Hood
=> page 229
Loose wheel warning
=> page 256
Night vision assist
=>page 125
Night vision assist
=>page 125
Distance warning
=> page 140
Steering intervention request
=> page 136
Safe start monitor
=> page 138,
Driver intervention request
=> page 138
Lane departure warning
> page 141
Lane departure warning
=> page 141
Audi pre sense
=> page 144,
Intersection assist
=> page 150
Yellow indicator lights
Central indicator light
=> page 7
Safety systems ¥
=> page 69
Transmission
=> page 96
Drive system
= page 98
Cooling system
=> page 234
Engine start system
=> page 91
Keys
=> page 91
Electromechanical parking brake
=> page 102
Brake system
= page 100
Electronic Stabilization Control
(ESC) ¥
=> page 108
Electronic Stabilization Control
(ESC) ¥
=> page 108
Electronic Stabilization Control
(ESC)
=> page 109
Anti-lock braking system (ABS) ¥
=>page 110
Anti-lock braking system (ABS) ¥
=>page 110
Steering
=> page 106
Steering lock
=> page 106
All wheel drive
=> page 108
Suspension control
=>page 105
Air suspension
=>page 105

Quick access























Efficiency assist
=>page 128
Efficiency assist
> page 128
Efficiency assist
=>page 128
Efficiency assist
> page 128
Efficiency assist
> page 128
Efficiency assist
>page 128
Adaptive cruise assist
=> page 133
Adaptive cruise assist
> page 133
Adaptive cruise assist
=> page 133
Adaptive cruise assist
=> page 133
Lane guidance for adaptive cruise
assist
=> page 133
Lane departure warning
=> page 141
High beams
> page 49
High beam assistant
=> page 49
Laser lights
=> page 50
Rear safety belt
=> page 66
Rear safety belt ¥
=> page 66
10
Efficiency assist
> page 128
Adaptive cruise assist
> page 133






















Convenience key
=> page 91
Electromechanical parking brake
=> page 102
Electromechanical parking brake
=> page 102
Hill hold assist
=> page 102
Steering
=> page 106
Air suspension
=>page 105
High beam assistant
=> page 49
Door lock
=> page 34
Child safety lock
=> page 42
Speed warning system
=> page 120
Speed warning system
=> page 120
Camera-based traffic sign recog-
nition
=> page 121
Night vision assist
=> page 126
Cruise control system
CS age 127
Cruise control system
=>page 127
Intersection assistant
=> page 150
Side assist
> page 148
Distance warning
=> page 140
A) Rear cross-traffic assist
rsd => page 159

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
Trailer towing

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
Applies to: vehicles with air suspension
The Audi drive select* comfort mode > page 104
must be selected before you adjust the tongue
weight on the trailer and hitch the trailer >@,
=> page 105.
Likewise, the vehicle cannot be raised manually
using the Raise function > page 105.
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 105.
Vehicle levels below the values set in the Com-
fort 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.
— Note that the vehicle will lower automatical-
ly at certain speeds if you have lifted the ve-
hicle manually.
() Note
— Applies to: vehicles with air suspension: Se-
lect the Audi drive select* comfort mode.
Otherwise, the tongue load specified for
your vehicle will no longer be applicable.
— Attachments retrofitted on the vehicle may
cause damage, especially on the trailer
hitch ball head. In cases of damage, have
the function checked by an authorized Audi
dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility.
@) Tips
— Block the wheels with chocks when parking
on inclines if the trailer is loaded.
— Having the vehicle inspected between the
inspection intervals is recommended if you
tow a trailer frequently.

— Avoid driving with a trailer during the vehi-
cle break-in period.
Driving with a trailer
Driving with a trailer requires extra caution.
Speed
Adhere to the legal speed limits. Follow the legal
regulations that are applicable in the country
where you are operating the vehicle.
As the speed increases, the driving stability of
the trailer decreases. Therefore you should not
exceed the maximum legal speed limit when
there are unfavorable road, weather, and/or wind
conditions. This especially applies when driving
downhill.
113