2020 AUDI A8 air suspension

Table of contents

About this Owner's Manual......
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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
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Odometer wack «sce o sesvens we oon wo ereeees
Outside temperature display...........
Engine oil temperature indicator.......
Boost indicator’. wis as caren se owen oo ocers
Vehicle functions ..............000 00
TOUCHHAISPLAYS). w:suis 6 6 sere sx eee oo
General touch display operation........
Multi Media Interface................
Rear Seat Remote « wiws s essa ss nena ss
Rear Seat Entertainment (Audi tablet) . . .
Head-up display..................
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Voice recognition system........
General information.................
Operating...............0..0..0000-
External voice operation..............
Global functions.................
Additional function buttons...........
Starting and driving.............
Personalization..................
Opening and closing.............
Cenittal locking #acx <= zene es ese s eran:
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18
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20
25
29 37 37 38 38 38 39
40 40
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Power windOwS sevice vs seca ¥ & aenios 6 v aware 54
Panoramic glass roof.............0005 55
Valet parking’: s ¢ sewn s 2 seus « eee gc oe 56
Garage door opener...........--.00-- 5H
Lights and Vision................. 60
Exterior lighting « ssscs< <2 coos 2 eeeme + aes 60
Tmterior UQhting)ecoo 6. secre» «scones 6 + euniece 64
VISION... ke eee eee 66
Windshield wipers................... 68
Digital compass............... 000 eee 70
Sitting correctly and safely...... 72
Correct passenger seating position...... 72
Front seatS 1.2... . 0. e eee eee ee eee 72
REAP SEAUS sass = = seeps © ¢ syns F = sees 7 oe 76
Steering wheel wie. <6 ese oy eee ee eee 80
Head restraints ..........0.-..0000005 81
Safety belts’: « sees + ¢ weve ss wae oe eee 82
Memory function's 5 sce << seas sv evan sx 85
Airbag system... 22... ee eee eee eee 86
Child safety seats.............2..000. 91
Stowing and using............... 97.
Power SOUrCeS ... 2... ee eee eee eee 97
Cup holders’: « ssa s ¢ sews s 5 eeies & 2 wees 98
Storage and compartments............ 98
Luggage compartment............... 100
ROOTTSCK:
« = cwwea « ¢ mee 4 2 awa ts ewe ea 102
Warm and cold................... 104
Climate control system.........-.0005 104
Steering wheel heating............... 108
Auxiliary climate control.............. 108
Fluids in the A/C system.............. 109
Driving................. 0.00.00. 00. Ltt
Starting the vehicle................0- 11
When drivingjen <2 neve se eree ve sen eos 112
Drive system... 0... eee ee eee ee 118
Start/Stop system...........--00000- 121
Brakes, « s wees + pase ss pose ss meee ss TET 123
Electromechanical parking brake....... 124
Special driving situations.............. 126
Driving dynamic.................. 128
Audi drive select...............00000. 128
SUSPENSION e « « sues g « omen 3 e eee a ¥ es 129

Quick access

Drive system
=> page 121,
Electrical system
=> page 284,
Charging system
=> page 142
Electromechanical parking brake
=> page 124
Electromechanical parking brake
=>page 124
Electromechanical parking brake
=>page 125
Brake system ¥
=>page 124,>page 125,
=> page 283
Brake system ¥
=>page 124,>page 125,
=> page 283
Steering ¥
= page 131
Steering lock
=> page 131
Air suspension
=> page 130
Electrical system
=> page 284
Engine oil level (MIN)
=> page 278
Engine oil pressure
=> page 278
Cooling system
=> page 281
Hood
=> page 276
Charging system
=>page 142
Loose wheel warning
=> page 304
Night vision assist
=> page 164
Night vision assist
=> page 164







Distance warning
=> page 179

Steering intervention request
=>page 175
Safe start monitor
=> page 177,
Driver intervention request
=>page 177

Lane departure warning
=> page 180

Lane departure warning
=> page 180
Audi pre sense
=> page 183,
Intersection assist
=> page 189




















Yellow indicator lights
Central indicator light
=> page 7
Safety systems ¥
=> page 87
Transmission
=>page 117
Drive system
=> page 121
Cooling system
=> page 281
Vehicle sound
>page 121
Engine start system
=>page 112
Keys
=> page 112
Electromechanical parking brake
>page 125
Brake system
=> page 124
Electronic Stabilization Control
(ESC) ¥
=> page 133
Electronic Stabilization Control
(ESC) ¥
=> page 133

4N0012721BD
Quick access






















Electronic Stabilization Control
(ESC)
=> page 134
Anti-lock braking system (ABS) ¥
>page 135
Anti-lock braking system (ABS) ¥
=>page 135
Steering
=> page 131
Steering lock
=> page 131
All wheel drive
=> page 133
Suspension control
=> page 130
Air suspension
=> page 130
Engine speed limitation
=> page 14
Tank system
> page 272
Electrical system
=> page 284
Engine oil level (MIN)
> page 278
Engine oil level (MAX)
=> page 278
Engine oil sensor
> page 278
Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL)
v
=> page 274
Engine warm-up request
=> page 278
Washer fluid level
=> page 287
Windshield wipers
=> page 69
High-voltage battery range
=>page 142
Parking system plus
=> page 193




























Tire pressure
=> page 307
Tire pressure ¥
=> page 307
Loose wheel warning
=> page 304
Bulb failure indicator
=> page 64
Adaptive light
=> page 64
Light/rain sensor
=> page 64, > page 69
Door lock
=>page 45
Battery in vehicle key
=>page 49
Night vision assist
=>page 165
Intersection assistant
=> page 189
Side assist
=> page 187;
Exit warning
=> page 188
Rear cross-traffic assist
=> page 198
Adaptive cruise assist
=> page 178
Steering intervention request
=>page 175,>page 181
Lane departure warning
=>page 181
Distance warning
= page 179
Audi pre sense
=>page 185
Emergency assist
= page 190
Emergency call function
=> page 224
Climate control system
=> page 108

Quick access


Other indicator lights




















Rear safety belt Y
=> page 84
Start/Stop system
>page 121
Electric drive ready mode
>page 119
Low beam headlight
=> page 60
Parking light
=> page 60
Turn signals
=> page 61
Cruise control system
=> page 166
Cruise control system
=> page 166
Efficiency assist
=> page 167
Efficiency assist
=> page 167
Efficiency assist
=> page 167
Efficiency assist
=> page 167
Efficiency assist
> page 167
Efficiency assist
=> page 167
Efficiency assist
=> page 167
|
Adaptive cruise assist
=> page 172
Adaptive cruise assist
=>page 172
Adaptive cruise assist
=> page 172
Adaptive cruise assist
=>page 172
|
Lane guidance for adaptive cruise
assist
=> page 172
10

Lane departure warning
=> page 180
High beams
=> page 61
High beam assistant
=> page 61
Laser lights
=> page 62
Rear safety belt ¥
=> page 84
Transmission
=> page 117
Start/Stop system
=> page 121
Convenience key
=> page 112
Electromechanical parking brake
=>page 125
Electromechanical parking brake
=>page 125
Hill hold assist
=>page 125
Electric drive ready mode
=>page 119
Electric drive ready mode
>page 119
Combustion engine
=>page 119
Plug-in-hybrid modes
>page 119
Plug-in-hybrid modes
=>page 119
Plug-in-hybrid modes
=>page 119
Steering
=> page 131
Air suspension
=> page 130
High-voltage battery range
=> page 142
High beam assistant
=> page 61

4N0012721BD
Driving dynamic

Based on the selected setting, the air suspen-
sion* will adjust the ground clearance and the ac-
tive suspension* will provide various degrees of
compensation for vehicle movements.
Engine sound
The engine sound adapts and can be subtle to
sporty.
Suspension
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.
» Applies to: Audi tablet: Select on the home
screen: VEHICLE > Driving data.
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 130.
— 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.
Active suspension
Applies to: vehicles with active suspension
The active suspension enhances the air suspen-
sion with an electromechanically-controlled sus-
pension system. It selectively influences rolling
movements when driving around curves and
pitching movements, for example when braking
and accelerating. It also reduces lifting move-
ments when driving over bumps. The settings de-
pend on the selected Audi drive select* mode.
The curve tilting function is also switched on in
the comfort+ Audi drive select* mode. This func-
tion reduces the force on the vehicle passengers
when driving around curves by tilting the vehicle
toward the inside of the curve.
Display
You can display the principal functions of the ac-
tive suspension.
> Applies to: MMI: Select on the home screen:
VEHICLE > Vehicle data.
> You may need to scroll down to the Active sus-
pension display.
It will display how the vehicle body movements
are compensated at each wheel. The more the
cylinder is filled in, the more the system is inter-
vening. Please note that the display here is not to
scale.
Settings
> Open the active suspension display and select
. >
129

Driving dynamic

With Road ahead: level correction, you can ad-
just how much the vehicle will compensate for
bumps in the road. For this purpose, there is a
camera behind the windshield that detects the
road conditions and activates the active suspen-
sion when bumps are predicted. A colored cone in
the display indicates when this function is acti-
vated. This function may only have limited availa-
bility under certain conditions, for example,
when it is dark > page 155.
Applies to: vehicles with elevated entry
With the Elevated entry function, you can select
if the vehicle should be raised when a door is
opened in order to enter and exit the vehicle
more comfortably. The vehicle will lower again
slowly in the following situations:
— When starting from a stop
— When locking the vehicle
— When changing the Audi drive select* mode
— Approximately 10 seconds after all doors have
been closed
— After a certain period of time when the engine
is stopped and a door is open, in order to main-
tain the battery charge level.
This function may not be available under certain
conditions, for example if the ground is not level
or when the battery charge level is low. The func-
tion may also be deactivated temporarily after
the
vehicle is serviced using diagnostic equip-
ment, and it will only be available again once the
vehicle is driven a certain distance.
©) Note
When the elevated entry function is activated,
make sure there is sufficient space above and
below the vehicle. This particularly applies to
space under open doors and above roof struc-
tures. If you are unsure about the amount of
space, deactivate the elevated entry function
before exiting the vehicle to reduce the risk of
damage.
@ Tips
— If an open door touches the ground or be-
comes stuck, use the Raise > page 129
130
function in the MMI to raise the vehicle us-
ing the air suspension.
— When the curve tilting function is switched
on, the vehicle passengers will experience
less turning force when driving around
curves. This may influence the perception of
speed. Always adjust the speed to the driv-
ing situation.
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*
— Automatic lifting and lowering using the Ele-
vated entry* function

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.
C) 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.
Messages
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! Safely stop ve-
hicle. Steering and ground clearance limited >

4N0012721BD
Driving dynamic

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.
EB Active suspension: unavailable. Limited sta-
bility. Can continue driving with caution. See
owner's manual
There is a heavy load on the vehicle electrical sys-
tem or the active suspension. Therefore, the ac-
tive suspension functions will be temporarily
switched off. Driving stability is reduced. Contin-
ue driving with caution.
EB Active suspension: malfunction! Limited sta-
bility. You can continue driving with caution
There is a malfunction. Driving stability is re-
duced. See an authorized Audi dealer or author-
ized Audi Service Facility for assistance.
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.
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.
Active suspension: currently limited. See
owner's manual
There is a heavy load on the vehicle electrical sys-
tem or the active suspension. Therefore, the ac-
tive suspension functions are temporarily limit-
ed.
Active suspension: predictive scanning un-
available. See owner's manual
There is a malfunction. The camera’s visual field
may be blocked. Clean the windshield. If the mal-
function continues, drive to an authorized Audi
dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility immedi-
ately.
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 41.
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 41.
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.
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.
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.
131

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 128
must be selected before you adjust the tongue
weight on the trailer and hitch the trailer >@,
=> page 130.
Likewise, the vehicle cannot be raised manually
using the Raise function > page 130.
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 130.
Vehicle levels below the values set in the comfort
level will no longer be available, even if you are
lowering the vehicle manually.
152

Z\ 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.
G) 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.