2020 AUDI Q7 towing

4M1012721BA
Stowing and using


— The vehicle will not lower when the ignition
is switched off if the compressed air reser-
voir is empty. The button LED blinks three
times.
— If the compressed air reservoir is empty, it is
refilled while driving at speeds above
25 mph (40 km/h).

Applies to: vehicles with folding backrests

Fig. 81 Second row seats: release strap on the center back-
rest


Fig. 82 Luggage compartment: release straps
The backrests can be folded down individually* or
together. Follow
the safety precautions > page 82.
Folding the backrest down
> Pull the lever upward > page 62, fig. 54. The
backrest will fold forward, or
> Pull the release strap at the rear side of the
seat > fig. 82.
> Let the backrest latch into the lowest position.
Folding the backrest upright
> Pull the lever up > page 62, fig. 54 and fold the
backrest upright until it locks into place.
Folding the center backrest down*
> To release the backrest, pull the release strap
at the front or rear side of the seat > fig. 81 or
> fig. 82.
> Fold the backrest forward.
Folding the center backrest upright*
> Fold the backrest upward until it locks into
place.
The center backrest may be folded down sepa-
rately*. This allows you to transport long objects
(such as skis) inside the vehicle.
Applies to: vehicles with third row seats: The
backrests can be folded down to make the lug-
gage compartment area larger > page 63.





Fig. 84 Luggage compartment: partition net
The partition net prevents objects from sliding
into the passenger compartment. You can attach >
8s

Stowing and using

the partition net behind the front or rear seats.
Use the mounting eyelets @ or @) for this.
Follow the safety precautions > page 82.
> Fold the backrest forward, if necessary
=> page 85.
> To attach the partition net, secure it in the up-
per mounting eyelets first, and then in the low-
er mounting eyelets.
> Tighten and secure the straps ().
> Slide the lower section of the partition net to
the desired level @).
> To release the partition net, loosen the straps.

— The straps must face toward the rear when
attaching the partition net.
— The partition net can also be attached to the
adjustable tie-downs* > page 86.
— You must disengage the partition net before
folding the backrest back into the upright
position.
downs and ¢

Fig. 85 Luggage compartment: movable tie-downs*


: seen \
Fig. 86 Luggage compartment: luggage compartment net*
stretched out
Follow the safety precautions > page 82.
86

Tie-downs
There are tie-downs in the luggage compartment
to secure pieces of luggage and objects.
>» Use the tie-downs to secure the cargo.
Movable tie-downs
Applies to: vehicles with movable tie-downs
> To install the tie-downs, press both buttons at
the sides (@, insert the tie-down in the rail, and
lock it in place.
> To slide the tie-downs, press both of the side
buttons and slide the tie-downs to the desired
position. The tie-downs must lock in place.
> To remove the tie-downs, press both buttons at
the sides and remove the tie-down from the
rail.
> Insert the rail covers. This reduces the risk of of
damage and dirt entering the rails.
Cargo net
Applies to: vehicles with luggage compartment net
Use the cargo net (2) to secure lighter objects in
the luggage compartment
» Fold the clip for the tie-downs upward.
» Attach the hooks for the cargo net to the tie-
downs.
ture set
Applies to: vehicles with a fixture set



Fig. 87 Luggage compartment: securing attachments
The telescoping rod @) and the securing strap (2)
help to prevent objects from sliding around in the
luggage compartment.
Follow the safety precautions > page 82.
The fixture set is located in the openings under
the cargo floor.

4M1012721BA
Stowing and using

> Insert the movable tie-downs > page 86.
> Press the button @) on the retainers and place
them on the tie-downs. Make sure the brackets
are locked into place.
> Slide the tie-downs into the desired position.
> Press the button to tighten the securing strap.
@) Tips
Store the movable tie-downs and the fixture
set in the openings under the cargo floor, if
necessary.
Applies to: vehicles with cargo mat
9 ©
+
a = ao


Fig. 88 Luggage compartment: reversible mat with back-
rest folded down
The cargo mat protects the luggage compart-
ment and bumper from dirt and scratches. You
can use it with the dirt-resistant side or the deco-
rative side.
Follow the safety precautions > page 82.
> Extend the cargo mat lengthwise or crosswise.
>» After loading or unloading, fold up the cargo
mat and close the luggage compartment lid.
> Only store the cargo mat if it is dry.

uble cargo floor
Applies to: vehicles with double cargo floor

Fig. 89 Luggage compartment: installing the cargo floor
You can store dirty or wet objects under the cargo
floor.
Removing and installing the cargo floor
> To remove the cargo floor, pull the entire cargo
floor toward the back of the vehicle.
> To install the cargo floor, insert the tabs at
both sides into the openings and slide the car-
go floor all the way in toward the backrest
> fig. 89.
Roof rack
General information
Applies to: vehicles with roof rack mount

B4M-0170

Fig. 90 Roof rail: mounting points
> To open the flap above the attachment points,
press the flap downward in the front area.
If luggage or cargo is to be carried on the roof,
you must observe the following:
— These roof racks are the basis for a complete
roof rack system. Only roof racks that are suita-
ble for your vehicle may be used. Roof racks and >
87

Stowing and using

attachments from the Audi Genuine Accesso-
ries program are recommended.
— Make sure the roof rack is mounted on the vehi-
cle only at the specified locations > fig. 90.
— Note the permitted axle load, permitted total
weight, and permitted roof load of your vehicle
=> page 298. The roof load is the total of the
weight of the roof rack, the attachments and
the cargo you are carrying. However, you must
also note the permitted load of the carrier sys-
tem being used.

ZA\ WARNING
— Follow the installation instructions provided
with the roof rack system. If you do not se-
cure the roof rack system and objects on the
roof correctly, they could come loose from
the vehicle and cause an accident.
— The risk of an accident increases when using
a roof rack system, because it changes the
driving characteristics by shifting the center
of gravity and/or the increasing the surface
area exposed to wind. You may need to
adapt your driving style and speed to the
current conditions. We recommend that you
do not drive faster than 80 mph (130
km/h).
— Distribute the cargo evenly on the roof rack
and do not exceed the maximum width or
the maximum total roof load weight.
— Before every trip, all bolts and connections
on the roof rack must be checked. Tighten
them if necessary and recheck them regular-
ly. If you do not do this, there is a higher risk
of
the roof rack or the attachments loosen-
ing or falling off.

@) Note
— If you use other roof luggage rack systems
or do not install the roof racks as specified,
then any damage to the vehicle is not cov-
ered by the warranty. Carefully follow the
assembly and installation instructions in-
cluded with the roof rack carrier system.
—To reduce the risk of damage, you must re-
move the roof rack and attachment before
taking your vehicle through an automatic
car wash.
838
— Make sure that the luggage compartment
lid and the panoramic glass roof* do not
come into contact with objects on the roof
when they are open.
@) For the sake of the environment
Energy usage will increase because of the in-
creased wind resistance. Remove the roof rack
when you are no Longer using it.

4M1012721BA
Driving

The emergency release is located under the floor
mat on the driver's side. Read and follow the im-
portant instructions about towing > page 280.
Releasing the parking lock using the
emergency release
> To prevent your vehicle from rolling away, set
the parking brake ©) > page 104.
> Pry the cover off at one of the openings using
the screwdriver from the vehicle tool kit
=> page 273.
> Insert the socket wrench from the vehicle tool
kit into the opening.
> Turn the socket wrench clockwise (4) until it
stops and press it downward (2) until it locks in-
to place.
>» Leave the socket wrench inserted.
Resetting the parking lock
> Grasp the socket wrench with both hands and
carefully pull it upward to remove.
> Install the cover.

ZA WARNING
— The parking lock must be released using the
emergency release before towing the vehi-
cle.
— The parking lock may only be released using
the emergency release if the parking brake
is set. If it is not working, secure the vehicle
from rolling using the brake pedal or other
suitable means, such as blocking a front and
a rear wheel. An unsecured vehicle may roll
away, which increases the risk of an acci-
dent.
— Only activate the emergency release while
ona level surface or a slight slope.
—To reduce the risk of an accident, you must
not drive when the emergency release is ac-
tivated.
Messages
@] transmission: malfunction! Safely stop vehi-
cle

Do not continue driving. Stop the vehicle as soon
as possible in a safe location and secure it so it
does not roll. See an authorized Audi dealer or
authorized Audi Service Facility for assistance.
eo Transmission: too hot. Please stop vehicle
Do not continue driving. Select "P" and contact an
authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service
Facility for assistance.
fs Transmission: too hot. Please adapt driving
style
The transmission temperature has increased sig-
nificantly. Drive very cautiously or take a break
from driving until the temperature returns to the
normal range and the indicator light turns off.
[8] Transmission: malfunction! You can contin-
ue driving. See owner's manual
There is a system malfunction in the transmis-
sion. You may continue driving. Drive to an au-
thorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service
Facility soon to have the malfunction corrected.
[8] Transmission: malfunction! You can contin-
ue driving with limited function. Please contact
Service
There is a system malfunction in the transmis-
sion. The transmission is switching to emergency
mode. This mode only shifts into certain gears or
may no longer shift at all. The engine may stall.
Drive to an authorized Audi dealer or authorized
Audi Service Facility immediately to have the
malfunction corrected.
[8] Transmission: malfunction! You can contin-
ue driving with limited function. No reverse
gear
There is a system malfunction in the transmis-
sion. The transmission is switching to emergency
mode. This mode only shifts into certain gears or
may no longer shift at all. The engine may stall.
You cannot engage the reverse gear. Drive to an
authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service
Facility immediately to have the malfunction cor-
rected.
[&] Transmission: malfunction! You can contin-
ue driving in D until engine is off
There is a system malfunction in the transmis-
sion. The transmission is switching to emergency >
99

4M1012721BA
Driving

a short period of time when driving at high
speeds when the windshield wipers are switched
on.
If the brake system becomes damp, for example
after driving in heavy rain, the braking effect may
be delayed. Other factors that could temporarily
increase the response time of the brakes include:
— Wet conditions
— Low temperatures, ice, and snow
— Roads covered in salt
— Dirty brake pads
Corrosion
Corrosion may form on the brake rotors if there is
no heavy braking, if the vehicle is not driven for
long periods of time, or if the vehicle is not driv-
en
frequently or for long distances. In this case,
braking heavily several times while driving at
high speeds can clean the brake rotors > A\.
Brake pads
New brake pads do not achieve their full braking
effect during the first 250 miles (400 km). They
must be “broken in” first. However, you can com-
pensate for the slightly reduced braking force by
pressing firmly on the brake pedal. Avoid heavy
braking during the break-in period.
Brake pad wear depends largely on the way the
vehicle is driven and on operating conditions.
Brake pad wear increases when driving frequently
in the city or short distances or when using a very
sporty driving style.
Ceramic brakes
Applies to: vehicles with ceramic brakes
Ceramic brakes provide excellent deceleration
rates.
The break-in period for new ceramic brakes may
be significantly longer than for standard brake
rotors. Due to the properties of the material,
they may cause noises at lower speeds. Ceramic
brakes also absorb more moisture in wet condi-
tions. Therefore, there will temporarily be less
braking force than when the brakes are dry. You
can compensate for this by pressing the brake
pedal harder.

ZA WARNING
— Only apply the brakes for the purpose of
cleaning the brake system when road and
traffic conditions permit. You must not en-
danger other road users and increase the
risk of an accident.
— Due to the risk of injury, only have an au-
thorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi
Service Facility work on the brake system.
Incorrect repairs could impair the function.
— Never let the vehicle roll while the engine is
stopped because this increases the risk of an
accident.
— During automatic braking maneuvers, the
brake pedal may move downward automati-
cally. To reduce the risk of injury, do not

place your foot under the brake pedal.

@) Note
— Never let the brakes “rub” by pressing the
pedal lightly when braking is not actually
necessary. This can cause the brakes to over-
heat and increases braking distance and
causes wear.
— Observe the important information for driv-
ing downhill > page 106. This especially ap-
plies when towing a trailer.
(i) Tips
— If you retrofit your vehicle with a front spoil-
er, wheel covers or similar items, make sure
that the air flow to the brakes is not ob-
structed. Otherwise the brake system can
overheat.
— Also refer to the information about brake
fluid > page 241.
EG / oO} Brakes: malfunction! Safely stop ve-
hicle
There is a malfunction in the brake system. If
BS / Gana B also turn on, there is a malfunc-
tion in the ABS, ESC, and braking distribution.
Do not continue driving. See an authorized Audi
dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility for
103
>

Driving

Special driving situations
Driving uphill and downhill
When driving uphill, downhill, or at high alti-
tudes, note the following information:
— 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, you can activate the
hill descent control if you press the brake pedal
while driving in “D” gear. The automatic trans-
mission will select a gear suitable for driving
down the hill and will attempt to maintain the
speed at which the vehicle was traveling at the
time the brake pedal was pressed. Press the
brake pedal if necessary. The hill descent con-
trol will switch off once the hill levels out or
you press the accelerator pedal.
— Utilize the engine braking effect when driving
downhill by selecting the “S” driving program
=> page 97. This especially applies when towing
a trailer. This reduces the load on the brakes.
— Brake in intervals and do not press the brake
pedal continuously.
— Use the hill descent assist if necessary
=> page 107
Inclinometer
Applies to: vehicles with a tilt angle display
You can display the vehicle's sideways angle and
lengthwise angle in relation to the horizon.
— Applies to: MMI: Select on the home screen:
VEHICLE > Vehicle data.
— You may need to scroll down to the Inclinome-
ter display.
The sideways angle of your vehicle should not ex-
ceed the yellow range in the gauge. If it reaches
the red range, there is a risk that the vehicle
might tip.
The steering wheel angle, the elevation, the com-
pass direction, and the geo-coordinates of the
current vehicle position are displayed in addition
to the current vehicle angle. You will also receive
information about the maximum sideways and
lengthwise angle that was reached in the current
106
driving cycle. These values are reset when the ig-
nition is switched off.
Note that the accuracy of the display depends on
the driving situation.

A 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.
— Applies to: vehicles with an inclinometer: Do
not rely only on the inclinometer when as-
sessing the driving situation.
Ole MLAs)
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 and
drive across raised areas of the ground with the
wheels on one side of the vehicle, instead of al-
lowing the center of the vehicle 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 108
— Hill descent assist* > page 107
—Inclinometer* > page 106
— Raising the vehicle > page 109
— Limit ESC > page 113

ZA WARNING
Only drive in terrain that is suitable for the ve-
hicle and your driving ability.

4M1012721BA
Driving dynamic

Based on the selected setting, the air suspen-
sion* will adjust the ground clearance and the ac-
tive roll stabilization* will provide various de-
grees of compensation for vehicle movements.
Engine sound
The engine sound adapts and can be subtle to
sporty.
Suspension
XCEL Melia Ley
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: VE-
HICLE > 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: VE-
HICLE > 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 at speeds of approximately
20 mph (30 km/h) and below. This function may
only be used temporarily when increased ground
clearance is necessary. It is not intended for long
drives.
() Note
—Also refer to the information about ground
clearance > page 109.
— 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*
— Lower the rear* of the vehicle

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.


() 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
109
>