2020 AUDI A8 Owners Manual

4N0012721BD
Driving information

Driving information
Speed warning system
Applies to: vehicles with speed warning system
The speed warning system helps the driver to
stay below a specified maximum speed. A warn-
ing threshold can be set in the MMI for this pur-
pose.
Once the speed slightly exceeds the stored
threshold, the speed warning system will alert
the driver with an indicator in the instrument
cluster and a warning tone. Once the speed drops
below the stored maximum speed, the indicator
will turn off.
Setting a threshold is recommended if you would
like to be reminded when you reach a certain
maximum speed. Situations where you may want
to do so include driving in a country with a gener-
al speed limit or if there is a specified maximum
speed for winter tires.
@) Tips
Regardless of the speed warning system, you
should always monitor your speed using the
speedometer and make sure you are following
the legal speed limit.
Setting the warning threshold
Applies to: vehicles with speed warning system
> Applies to: MMI: Select on the home screen:
VEHICLE > Driver assistance > (<3) > Speed
warning.
@ Tips
Certain settings are stored automatically in
the active personal profile.
Applies to: vehicles with speed warning system
ey Manually set XX speed limit warning
threshold exceeded
The stored speed was exceeded.
Camera-based traffic
sign recognition
Applies to: vehicles with camera-based traffic sign recognition

Fig. 120 Instrument cluster: traffic sign recognition
The traffic sign recognition shows the traffic
signs detected by the front camera in the instru-
ment cluster display and in the head-up display”.
Data from the navigation system is also included
in the display. Up to three traffic signs can be dis-
played in the instrument cluster at once. The
speed limit that is currently applicable is dis-
played in the status line. If necessary, it will be
hidden if the system detects that turning right is
prohibited at a red light. The display in the head-
up display* can be switched off > page 37.
Within the limits of the system and depending
on the market, speed limit restrictions @ in
school zones, highways, construction zones, or at
night may be displayed.
Limitations
The traffic sign recognition is subject to certain
system limitations and may be unavailable or on-
ly partially available in the following situations:
— When visibility is poor, such as in snow, rain,
fog, or heavy spray
—When there is glare, for example from oncom-
ing traffic or the sun
— At high speeds
— If the camera's visual field > page 155 is cov-
ered, for example by dirt or stickers. Cleaning
information > page 309
— If the traffic signs are completely or partially
covered, for example by trees, snow, dirt, or
other vehicles
159

Driving information

— If traffic signs do not conform to the standard
format
— If traffic signs are damaged or bent
— If traffic signs are displayed on sign holders
with electronic signs
— If the traffic signs or the roadways have
changed, and the navigation data is no longer
up-to-date

Z\ WARNING
— Follow the safety precautions and respect
the limits of the assist systems, sensors,
and cameras > page 154.
— Under some circumstances, traffic sign rec-
ognition may not detect traffic signs correct-
ly or detect them at all. As a result, the sys-
tem may not display the correct speed limit
or any speed limit.
@) Tips
— Traffic sign recognition does not adapt your
vehicle's speed to match the speed Limit.

— The display in the instrument cluster is
based on the units of measurement used for
speed in the country where the vehicle is be-
ing operated. As a result, a display of 50 in
the instrument cluster can mean either mph
or km/h, depending on the country.
Applies to: vehicles with camera-based traffic sign recognition
Accessing traffic sign recognition
> Select in the instrument cluster: vehicle func-
tions tab > Traffic signs.
Setting a traffic sign based speed warning
> Applies to: MMI: Select on the home screen:
VEHICLE > Driver assistance > (3) > Speed
warning.
You can select a warning threshold. If it is ex-
ceeded, then the current detected speed limit
will be shown in the display with an exclamation
point for the duration that it is exceeded and it
will blink for a short time.
160
G) Tips
Certain settings are stored automatically in
the active personal profile.
Messages
Applies to: vehicles with camera-based traffic sign recognition
Traffic sign recognition: currently unavaila-
ble. Camera view limited due to surroundings
The camera’s visual field is covered. Clean the
windshield.
Traffic sign recognition: currently limited.
See owner's manual
This message appears if navigation system data
is not available, for example on newly-construct-
ed roads. The speed limit display will be tempo-
rarily limited, which increases the risk of an incor-
rect display. If this message continues to appear,
drive immediately to an authorized Audi dealer or
authorized Audi Service Facility to have the mal-
function repaired.
No traffic sign information available
Depending on the area, there is no valid naviga-
tion data and no speed limits were detected. This
may also appear if there is a recommended
speed, but no speed limit (for example when
driving on and off the expressway).
Malfunction! See owner's manual
The system may not function correctly so it has
been switched off. See an authorized Audi dealer
or authorized Audi Service Facility for assistance.
Function currently unavailable. See owner's
manual
If this message appears on vehicles without cam-
era-based traffic sign recognition, then the traffic
light information function is currently unavaila-
ble. See > page 162.

4N0012721BD
Driving information

Traffic light information
Applies to: vehicles with traffic light information

Fig. 121 Instrument cluster: traffic light information dis-
play
The traffic light information gives you a speed
recommendation in order to reach the next traffic
light when it is green @, or it informs you of the
wait time at the next red light 2). Once traffic
light
data is received, the traffic light information
will be displayed in the instrument cluster and in
the head-up display*. If the vehicle is in an area
with traffic light information but cannot receive a
traffic light signal, then a gray traffic light sym-
bol will be displayed @).
General information
The traffic light information is subject to system
limitations and may be unavailable or only parti-
ally available in the following situations:
—If the permitted speed limit is exceeded
— If driving below a certain speed limit
— If the next traffic light is less than approxi-
mately 100 feet (30 m) away
— If the estimated wait time at a red light is less
than four seconds
— If there is no traffic light data available
— If emergency response vehicles or public transit
systems are active
— If traffic lights are in construction zones or be-
ing serviced
— If there are warnings from the camera-based
traffic sign recognition*
— If the camera-based traffic sign recognition* is
malfunctioning or not available
—If the data connection has been interrupted
— If data transmission is deactivated in the priva-
cy settings
— If the subscription has expired
If this is the case, the menu item will be grayed-
out or it will not be possible to select it.

ZA\ WARNING
— When traffic light information is shown, al-
so always pay attention to the traffic situa-
tion, the distance to other vehicles and the
area around the vehicle. The driver is always
responsible for assessing the traffic situa-
tion.
— Always adapt your speed to the current
weather, road and traffic conditions. The dis-
played information must never cause you to
ignore legal traffic regulations and pose a
safety risk.
— Regardless of the traffic light information,
you should always monitor your speed using
the speedometer and make sure you are ad-
hering to the legal speed limit.
— The traffic light information does not adjust
your vehicle's speed to the speed recom-
mendation shown in the display.
— Follow the safety precautions and note the
limits of the assist systems, sensors, and
cameras > page 154.
(i) Tips
— Traffic light information was only available
in select cities at the time this manual was
printed.
— Traffic light information is not available na-
tionwide.
— The functions depend on the navigation da-
ta* being up-to-date and correct identifica-
tion by the traffic sign recognition*.
— Incorrect values from the camera-based
traffic sign recognition* or outdated naviga-
tion system* map data can result in missing
or incorrect display images.
— Certain traffic lights can automatically ad-
just to the current traffic situation. If this
occurs, the display of traffic light informa-
tion can change suddenly.


161

Driving information

— The traffic signs on the road always take pri-
ority over the display. The driver is always
responsible for adhering to the regulations
applicable in the country where the vehicle
is being operated.
— Units of measurement and language set-
tings are displayed based on how they were
set in the MMI system settings > page 266.
Applies to: vehicles with traffic light information
Switching traffic light information on and
off
The system can be switched on and off in the
MMI > page 157.
Accessing traffic light information
> Select in the instrument cluster: Vehicle func-
tions tab > Traffic signs.
@) Tips
If another tab or another function is selected
in the instrument cluster, the traffic light in-
formation will appear in the status bar on the
instrument cluster.
Messages
Applies to: vehicles with traffic light information
Malfunction! See owner's manual
The system could not be configured, for example
due to a network malfunction. Switch the igni-
tion off and shut down the vehicle to restart the
system. Wait several minutes until the vehicle
has shut down completely and then switch the
ignition back on.
Function currently unavailable. See owner's
manual
There is a temporary system malfunction. Check
if one or more of the following situations applies
and correct the issue if necessary:
— Traffic light information is switched off
— Data transmission is deactivated
— The vehicle is not equipped with traffic sign rec-
ognition.
162
— There is no valid license
— Traffic light information is not available in that
area
Lap timer
Introduction
Applies to: vehicles with lap timer
You can measure and analyze lap times with the
lap timer in the display. You can operate the lap
timer using the multifunction steering wheel
=> page 13.
Opening the lap timer
> Select in the instrument cluster: Vehicle func-
tions tab > [| button > Lap times.

ZA WARNING
Your focus should always be on driving your
vehicle safely. As the driver, you have com-
plete responsibility for safety in traffic. To re-
duce the risk of an accident, only use the lap
timer functions in such a way that you always
maintain complete control over your vehicle in
all traffic situations.
@ Tips
You can retrieve information from the trip
computer while the lap timer stopwatch is
running.
ya |
Applies to: vehicles with lap timer

Requirement: the lap timer must be open
=> page 162.
Timing laps
> To start timing manually, select Start lap 1 in
the menu.
> To start timing automatically as soon as you be-
gin to drive, select Start lap 1 by driving off or
Start by driving off in the menu.
> To start timing a new lap after driving a lap, se-
lect New lap in the menu. This starts timing
the next lap at the same time.

4N0012721BD
Driving information

After completing a lap, the difference between
the last lap and the previous best lap time will be
indicated with a “~” or “+”.
Pausing timing and displaying a split time
> To insert a pause @ select Pause in the menu.
> To resume timing, select Resume in the menu.
> To display a split time, select Split time in the
menu. The split time appears for approxi-
mately ten seconds in the instrument cluster.
The current lap timing will continue running.
Canceling lap timing
The timing of the current lap will stop. The lap
time will be erased and will not be included in the
statistics.
> Select Cancel lap using the multifunction steer-
ing wheel.
Resetting timing
> Using the multifunction steering wheel, select
Reset lap times in the menu.
@ Tips
—A maximum of 99 lap times can be meas-
ured.
— If timing is paused, you can continue it later
even if you switch the ignition off.
— Saved lap times cannot be individually de-
leted from the total results.
— The saved lap timer values will remain after
switching the ignition off.
Lap statistics
Applies to: vehicles with lap timer
Displaying lap statistics
You can display the number of laps driven Eg,
the fastest lap “+”, the slowest lap “~”, and the
average time “®” in the instrument cluster.
> Select in the instrument cluster: Vehicle func-
tions tab > E] button > Lap statistics.
> Turn the thumbwheel down or up to display the
individual lap times.
> To return to the lap timing that was started,
press the [=] button > Lap times.
Resetting lap statistics
Requirement: the lap statistics menu must be
displayed.
> To reset the lap statistics, press and hold the
left thumbwheel until the message No lap
times have been recorded yet. appears.
@) Tips
The lap statistics list the lap times for the last
30 laps. The fastest and slowest lap time out
of up to 99 measured laps are also displayed.
Night vision assist
Applies to: vehicles with night vision assist
Night vision assist helps you when it is dark by
using an infrared camera to monitor the area in
front of your vehicle, within the limits of the sys-
tem. It can display objects up to a distance of ap-
proximately 1000 feet (300 m).
Pedestrian and wild animals are detected by
measuring the temperature difference between
the object and the background. Pedestrians and
wild animals will not be detected if the tempera-
ture difference is too small. The pedestrian and
wild animal marking feature is deactivated at
temperatures above approximately 77 °F (25 °C)
and when it is light outside.
The thermal image detected by the camera is dis-
played in the instrument cluster. Warm areas
generally appear lighter and cold areas appear
darker.
The camera for the night vision assist @)
= page 156 is located in the vehicle's radiator
grille. Make sure the night vision camera is not
covered by stickers, deposits, or any other ob-
structions because this can impair the night vi-
sion assist function. Follow the information
about cleaning > page 309.

ZX WARNING
— Follow the safety precautions and note the
limits of the assist systems, sensors, and
cameras > page 154. >

163

Driving information


— Night vision assist can only detect pedes-
trians and wild animals located within the
range of the infrared camera.
— Night vision assist cannot detect pedes-
trians or wild animals and mark them if:
— They are not in an upright position, for ex-
ample if they are sitting or lying down
and/or
—The silhouette in the display appears in-
complete or interrupted, for example be-
cause the pedestrian is partially behind a
vehicle or an animal is partially covered by
tall grass.
— Never attempt to swerve around animals if
doing so would endanger you or other road
users.
G@) Tips
— Even though the system evaluates the
shape and heat given off by all detected ob-
jects, there are limits to the system. There
may be false warnings.
— For technical reasons, the image pauses in
split second intervals.
Switching on and off
Applies to: vehicles with night vision assist


The system can be switched on and off in the
MMI > page 157.
> The AUTO light function must be selected for
the night vision assist to automatically activate
when it is dark.
> Switch on the low beams manually to activate
night
vision assist immediately. To do so,
press (2) on the light switch module > page 60,
fig. 47 and select 20.
When activated, the %1 tab appears in the instru-
ment cluster.
> Select in the instrument cluster: tab %
@) Tips
When the night vision assist tab is selected in
the instrument cluster and the low beams are
switched off, the thermal image display dis-
appears only after you have exited the tab.
164
Marking and warning
Applies to: vehicles with night vision assist

Fig. 122 Instrument cluster: pedestrian marking and
warning
Highlighting detected pedestrians and wild
animals
Within the limits of the system, the night vision
assist can detect pedestrians and wild animals
that are between approximately 32 feet (10 m)
and 295 feet (90 m) in front of the vehicle and
within the detection zone. Animal recognition is
not active within highly developed areas. The sys-
tem only detects large wild animals such as deer.
When it is dark outside and the low beams are
switched on, detected objects are marked in yel-
low @), within the limits of the system.
Pedestrian and wild animal warning
This system limits are based on the vehicle speed
and steering angle. Pedestrian and wild animal
warning encourages you to pay more attention.
If there are pedestrians or wild animals in front
of your vehicle that could pose a danger, the sys-
tem will direct your attention to this.
— Pedestrians or wild animals are highlighted in
red in the instrument cluster (2) and the J or
BA symbol turns on @.
— When the head-up display* is switched on, the
additional indicator [AM or EM appears.
—Achime will sound if something is detected.
—If the night vision assist thermal image is re-
placed by another display (such as the on-board
computer), the red A or A indicator light will
appear if there is a pedestrian or wild animal
warning.

4N0012721BD
Driving information

The Sl symbol will appear when pedestrian and
wild animal detection is not available.
Marking light*
To direct the driver's attention to a pedestrian,
the headlights can flash on the pedestrian when
there is a pedestrian warning.
This occurs at speeds above approximately
35 mph (60 km/h) if you are outside of illuminat-
ed areas and no detected vehicles are shown. The
marking light is not used for wild animals. The
high beam assistant* controls the marking
light*> page 61.
Adjusting the contrast
Applies to: vehicles with night vision assist
Requirement: the night vision assist must be
switched on and the 1 tab must be displayed.
> Applies to: MMI: Select on the home screen:
VEHICLE > Driver assistance > (23) > Night vi-
sion assist.
> To set the desired contrast, move the slider.
G) Tips
Certain settings are stored automatically in
the active personal profile.
Applies to: vehicles with night vision assist
Night vision assist: currently unavailable.
See owner's manual
The system is not functioning correctly so it has
been switched off. If this malfunction persists,
drive immediately to an authorized Audi dealer or
authorized Audi Service Facility to have the mal-
function repaired.
165

Driver assistance

Driver assistance
Cruise control system
Applies to: vehicles with cruise control system
The cruise control system assists the driver in
maintaining a constant speed above approxi-
mately 15 mph (20 km/h). The system maintains
the desired speed by braking and accelerating.

ZA WARNING
— Always pay attention to the traffic around
your vehicle when the cruise control system
is in operation. As the driver, you are always
responsible for controlling your vehicle
speed and the distance between your vehicle
and
other vehicles.
— For safety reasons, cruise control should not
be used in the city, in stop-and-go traffic, on
winding roads, and when road conditions are
poor (such as ice, fog, gravel, heavy rain,
and conditions that could lead to hydroplan-
ing), because this increases the risk of an ac-
cident.
— Switch the cruise control off temporarily
when driving in turning lanes, highway exits,
or in construction zones.
—To reduce the risk of an accident, you should
only resume the stored speed if it is suitable
for the current traffic conditions.


C) Note
— Conventional drive system: Before driving
downhill a long distance on a steep hill, de-
crease your speed and select a lower gear.
This makes use of the engine braking effect
and reduces the load placed on the brakes.
— Plug-in hybrid drive: Before driving downhill
a long distance on a steep hill, decrease
your speed and use the braking effect of re-
cuperation > page 118. This reduces the
load on the brakes.
@ Tips
The brake lights turn on when the brakes are
applied automatically.
166
Switching the system on
Applies to: vehicles with cruise control system

BFV-0220



Fig. 123 Lever: switching on the cruise control system
Requirement: The ignition must be switched on.
> To switch the system on, pull the lever toward
you to position @.
The Ga or 8) indicator light and the corre-
sponding message will appear in the instrument
cluster.

A WARNING
If the brakes are malfunctioning (for example,
overheating) while the cruise control system
is switched on, it may shut off automatically.
Preselecting or activating a cruise control
speed
Applies to: vehicles with cruise control system

When the vehicle is stationary, you can preselect
the cruise control speed or activate the speed
while driving.
Requirement: the system must be switched on.
> To preselect a cruise control speed when the ve-
hicle is stationary, tap the lever toward @)/C)
=> page 166, fig. 123.
> To activate the cruise control speed, pull the
lever
toward position @ while driving, or
> To set the current driving speed as the cruise
control speed, press the button @) on the lever.
The active cruise control speed is indicated with
the Gs or kl indicator light in the instrument
cluster.
An additional indicator appears in the head-up
display*.