2021 AUDI A7 steering

4K8012721BF
Driving dynamic

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\.
Quattro ultra
Applies to: vehicles with quattro ultra
If the driving situation does not require all wheel
drive, then the rear section of the drivetrain will
decouple and thus save fuel. The system con-
stantly determines and anticipates if all wheel
drive is needed. This allows the rear drivetrain to
recouple shortly before it is needed.

ZA 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.
— 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.

Syed)
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} Sport differential: malfunction! Please con-
tact Service
Drive immediately to an authorized Audi dealer
or authorized Audi Service Facility to have the
malfunction repaired.
it} 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.
73} 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.

ZA\ 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.
The following stabilization functions are integrat-
ed into the ESC, among others: >
115

Driving dynamic

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.
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.
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.
Power steering
The ESC can also support vehicle stability
through steering.

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

116

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 toa
reduction in engine power.
— You may hear noises when the systems de-
scribed are working.
The So button (or , depending on the model)
for controlling the ESC is located in the center
console, in front of the selector lever. The ESC is
automatically switched on when the ignition is
switched on.

Limiting ESC
In some situations, it may make sense to limit
the stabilizing function of the ESC so that the
wheels can spin, for example to rock a vehicle to
free it when it is stuck or to drive with snow
chains. The ESC can also be limited to provide
more sporty driving characteristics with fewer
stabilizing corrective actions.
—To limit the ESC, press the oF button briefly.
The B indicator light will turn on.
— To completely reactivate the ESC stabilization
function, press the button again. The indicator
light turns off.
Switching off ESC
For a more active control of the vehicle where the
stabilizing functions of the ESC cannot intervene,
the ESC can be switched off.

Assist systems

Assist systems
General information
SP ae eel idol ay

ZA WARNING
— As the driver, you are always completely re-
sponsible for all driving tasks. The assist
systems cannot replace the driver's atten-
tion. Give your full attention to driving the
vehicle, and be ready to intervene in the
traffic situation at all times.
— Activate the assist systems only if the sur-
rounding conditions permit it. Always adapt
your driving style to the current visual,
weather, road, and traffic conditions.
— Loose objects can be thrown around the ve-
hicle interior during sudden driving or brak-
ing maneuvers, which increases the risk of
an accident. Store objects securely while
driving.
— For the assist systems to be able to react
correctly, the function of the sensors and
cameras must not be restricted. Note the in-
formation on sensors and cameras
=> page 139.

@ Tips
— Pay attention to applicable local regulations
relating to driving tasks, leaving space for
emergency vehicles, vehicle distance, speed,
parking location, wheel placement, etc. The
driver is always responsible for following
the laws that are applicable in the location
where the vehicle is being operated.
— You can cancel a steering or braking inter-
vention by the system, by braking or accel-
erating noticeably, steering, or deactivating
the respective assist system.
— Always check the assist systems settings be-
fore driving. The settings could have been
changed, for example by other drivers or by
using another user.
138
System limitations
ZA\ WARNING
—The use of an assist system cannot over-
come the natural laws of physics. A collision
cannot be prevented in certain circumstan-
ces.
— Warnings, messages, or indicator lights may
not be displayed or initiated on time or cor-
rectly, for example, if vehicles are approach-
ing very fast.
— Corrective interventions by the assist sys-
tems, such as steering or braking interven-
tions, may not be sufficient or they may not
occur. Always be ready to intervene.
G) Tips
— Due to the system limitations when detect-
ing the surrounding area, the systems may
warn or intervene unexpectedly or too late
in certain situations. The assist systems may
also interpret a driving maneuver incorrectly
and then warn the driver unexpectedly.
— The systems may not function as expected
in unusual driving situations, such as driving
offroad, on unpaved roads, on loose ground,
on inclines, or on grooves in the road.



— The systems may not function correctly in
unclear traffic situations, such as turning
lanes, exit ramps, construction zones, rises
or dips that obstruct visibility, intersections,
toll stations, or city traffic.
— The detection of the surrounding area can
be limited, for example by vehicles driving
ahead or by rain, snow, heavy spray, or light
shining into the camera.
— The steering wheel touch recognition may
be limited when you wear gloves. Steering
intervention requests from the steering as-
sist systems may occur more frequently.
— If accessories have been mounted on the
steering wheel, the steering assist systems
may
be limited. The frequency of steering
intervention requests from the steering as-
sist systems may vary as well.

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 249.
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 141.
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.
146
— 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 record and evaluate lap times with the
lap timer. 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.
An additional indicator will appear in the head-up
display”.

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.
Gi) Tips
You can retrieve information from the trip
computer while the lap timer stopwatch is
running.
ey Rael)
Applies to: vehicles with lap timer

Requirement: the lap timer must be open
=> page 146.
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.

4K8012721BF
Driving information

Marking and warning
Applies to: vehicles with night vision assist

Fig. 98 Instrument cluster: pedestrian marking and warn-
ing
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 @) and the | A\| or
FA symbol turns on @.
— When the head-up display* is switched on, the
additional indicator JM 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.
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 53.
Adjusting the contrast
Applies to: vehicles with night vision assist
Requirement: the night vision assist must be
switched on and the % tab must be displayed.
> Applies to MMI: Select on the home screen: VE-
HICLE > Driver assistance > (<3) > Night vision
assist.
> To set the desired contrast, move the slider.
Messages
Applies to: vehicles with night vision assist
Night vision assist: currently unavailable.
See owner's manual
The system is not functioning correctly at the
time, so it has been switched off. If the malfunc-
tion persists, drive immediately to an authorized
Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility to
have the malfunction repaired.
Integrated Toll Module
Applies to: vehicles with Integrated Toll Module
Depending on the region, you can pay toll fees in
certain countries using the Integrated Toll Mod-
ule (ITM). It replaces a separate transponder for
detecting toll fees. The system electronics are in-
tegrated in the rearview mirror housing.
To use the ITM in toll zones, you must register
and activate it.
149

Driver assistance


switched on. The driver is always responsible
for assessing the traffic situation.
@ Tips
— 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.
— When a route is planned using the naviga-
tion system*, then system displays messag-
es based on an assumed route. Without
route guidance, the system displays mes-
sages based on an assumed route.
— The wording of the message may vary de-
pending on the selected Audi drive select*
mode and the selected gear. No messages
are displayed when in the "S" driving pro-
gram.

Adaptive cruise assist
(erred ised)
Applies to: vehicles with adaptive cruise assist

Depending on the vehicle equipment, the adap-
tive cruise assist may consist of the following
functions:
Within the limits of the system, the adaptive
speed assist assists the driver in controlling the
speed and the set distance to the vehicle driving
ahead. If the system detects a vehicle driving
ahead, the adaptive speed assist can brake and
accelerate your vehicle within the limits of the
system. On open roads with no traffic, it func-
tions like a cruise control system. The stored
speed is maintained. When approaching a vehicle
driving ahead, the adaptive speed assist auto-
matically brakes to match that vehicle's speed
and then maintains the set distance as much as
possible. Once the system does not detect a vehi-
cle driving ahead, adaptive speed assist will ac-
celerate up to the set speed.
The additional lane guidance assists the driver
with corrective steering in order to stay in the
lane. You can adjust if the adaptive cruise assist
will provide support with lane guidance
=> page 157, Switching lane guidance on and off.
154

In stop-and-go traffic and in traffic jams, the ve-
hicle may brake to a full stop and then may also
start driving again automatically under certain
conditions.
Applies to: vehicles with efficiency assist: Predic-
tive control can adjust the speed based on traffic
and road conditions > page 158, Predictive con-
trol.

ZX WARNING
Observe the safety precautions and note the
limits of the assist systems, sensors, and
cameras > page 138.
@ Tips
The system complies with United States FCC
regulations and ISED regulations > page 329.

Applies to: vehicles with adaptive cruise assist
B4m-0093

Fig. 100 Example: driving into a curve
In some situations, the adaptive cruise assist
function is limited and you must assume control
of the vehicle when necessary, for example by ap-
plying the brakes.
— When driving into a curve > fig. 100 and out of
a curve, the system may react to a vehicle in the
neighboring lane and apply the brakes. You can
override the system by pressing the accelerator
pedal briefly.
— The system works with the various sensors and
cameras in the vehicle. Vehicles can only be de-
tected once they are within the area and range
covered by the sensors > page 139, fig. 91.
— When driving around tight curves, a vehicle
driving ahead that was previously detected may >

4K8012721BF
Driver assistance

no longer be detected, and the adaptive cruise
assist may accelerate unexpectedly.
— The system does not react to a stationary vehi-
cle in the same lane if it expects that you can
easily drive around the stationary vehicle by
turning the steering wheel.
— The system cannot react to stationary objects,
such as vehicles at the end of a traffic jam, es-
pecially when traveling at high speeds.
— The system has a limited ability to detect
vehicles that are a short distance ahead, off to
the side of your vehicle, or moving into your
lane.
— Objects that are difficult to detect, such as mo-
torcycles, vehicles with high ground clearance,
or vehicles with an overhanging load, may be
detected late or not detected at all.
— The system does not respond to people, ani-
mals, or objects that are crossing or approach-
ing from the opposite direction.

ZA WARNING
Observe the safety precautions and note the
limits of the assist systems, sensors, and
cameras > page 138.
Display overview
Applies to: vehicles with adaptive cruise assist

Ss S| 3 | 19) | S| cc|

Fig. 102 Instrument cluster: driver assistance display
Indicator lights and messages in the speedome-
ter @ -@) inform you about the driving situation
and the settings. In the Driver assistance display
@- @, you can find more detailed informati
about the system. The displays depend on th
country and equipment.
Display in the speedometer
on
e
The display in the speedometer is not available in
all layouts*.
@ Marking for the set speed
@ Current vehicle speed
@® Available speed range for adaptive cruise as-
sist (example)
Image in the Driver assistance display
The display only appears when the Driver assis-
tance display is open in the on-board computer
=> page 17.
Messages and settings
Your vehicle
Detected vehicle driving ahead
Messages and settings
Set target distance
©©QOCCO® If you fall below the set distance, the dis
tance bars turn red from the bottom upward.
Lane departure warning availability
©® Availability of lane guidance for adaptive
cruise assist
Indicator lights
BA - The speed/distance control is active. No
vehicles were detected ahead. The stored speed
is maintained.
aA - The speed/distance control is active. A vehi-
cle was detected ahead. The system controls
speed and distance from the vehicle driving the
ahead, and accelerates and brakes automatically.
Ia] - The speed/distance control is active but the
vehicle is not ready to drive. A vehicle was de-
tected ahead. Your vehicle is stationary and will
not start driving automatically.
B - The speed/distance control is active but the
vehicle is not ready to drive. No vehicles were de-
tected ahead. Your vehicle is stationary and will
not start driving automatically.
155
>

Driver assistance

B.- The automatic braking is not enough to
maintain a sufficient distance from a vehicle driv-
ing ahead. You must intervene > page 162, Driv-
er intervention request.
> 4] ~ Lane guidance is active.
- Lane guidance is switched on but not active.
Applies to: vehicles with Audi virtual cockpit
> 4] - The limits of the system have been reached.
Take over steering.
A ff A - The indicator light turns on if the
steering intervention request is providing a warn-
ing. Always keep your hands on the steering
wheel so you can be ready to steer at any time
=> page 158.

ZA\ WARNING
Observe the safety precautions and note the
limits of the assist systems, sensors, and
cameras > page 138.
Using adaptive cruise assist
Applies to: vehicles with adaptive cruise assist



RAZ-0096


B4M-0232




Fig. 104 Operating lever: changing the speed

D_ Analog instrument cluster: 20 mph (30 km/h)
156
Switching on
> To switch on the adaptive cruise assist, pull the
lever up to position @ until it engages.
Storing the speed and activating regulation
If you have switched the system on, you can set
the current speed as the “regulated speed” and
activate regulation:

> Press the [SET] button (2). The set speed is indi-
cated with a marking in the speedometer @)
=> page 155, fig. 101 and shown in the instru-
ment cluster > /\.
> To save the speed while the vehicle is station-
ary, also hold the brake pedal down.

You can set any speed between 15 mph
(20 km/h)» and the maximum possible speed
range @) > page 155, fig. 101.
Pausing cruise control
The control can be stopped at any time:
>» While driving or when the vehicle is stationary:
Press the lever away from you in the direction
of the arrow. Or
» While driving: Press the brake pedal.
The A indicator light turns off.
Resuming regulation
The previously set speed can be resumed at any
time after a pause.
> To resume cruise control while driving, pull the
lever toward you in the direction of the arrow.
> To resume cruise control when stationary, pull
the lever toward you in the direction of the ar-
row while pressing the brake pedal.
Changing the speed
> To increase or decrease the set speed in smaller
increments, briefly tap the lever toward () or
© to the first level.
> To increase or decrease the set speed in larger
increments, briefly tap the lever toward @) or
© to the second level.
> To increase or decrease the set speed quickly,
hold the lever toward G) or () until the