2021 AUDI A7 ESP

High-voltage system


Charging method Charging cable

Charge with household and industrial alternat-
ing current (AC) sockets
Audi e-tron compact charging system > page 128

Charge at public alternating current (AC) charg-
ing stations

Charging station cable

Audi recommends using alternating current (AC)
to charge the high-voltage battery at industrial
sockets, charging stations, or a wallbox. This will
allow you to achieve higher efficiency and a con-
siderably shorter charging time when compared
to charging with a household socket.
Only charge at household sockets with the
Audi e-tron compact charging system under spe-
cial circumstances when it is not possible to
charge at an industrial alternating current (AC)
socket or at a public alternating current (AC)
charging station.
High-voltage batteries age over time, which re-
duces the available range. High-voltage batteries
can also age because of how they are used: fre-
quently charging the high-voltage battery com-
pletely accelerates the aging of the battery and
reduces the available range.
Charging time
The duration of the charging process may vary
based on the following factors:
— Sockets being used (household or industrial
sockets)
— Country-specific system voltage, current
strength and number of available phases
— Household connection
— The value set for the charging power level on
the Audi charging system control unit
— Fluctuations in the system voltage
— The temperature outside the vehicle
— The temperature of the high-voltage battery
and the Audi charging system control unit.
— Settings for the climate control inside the vehi-
cle
— Current capacity of the charging connector
— Whether the ignition is on or off
120
Tae ela)
Applies to: vehicles with plug-in hybrid drive

ZA WARNING
Short circuiting, electric shock, explosions,
fire, and severe burns can result from charg-
ing the battery incorrectly (for example by
disregarding general safety precautions, using
unsuitable or damaged sockets and charging
cables, or charging with unsuitable electrical
equipment) and can lead to serious and fatal
injuries.
— Do not charge using sockets/electrical
equipment that is clearly damaged or instal-
led incorrectly.
— Never use charging equipment that is clearly
damaged and/or dirty. Check the charging
equipment for damage before every use.
— Never modify or repair any electrical compo-
nents, especially the high-voltage system.
— Never charge in areas at risk for explosions.
The components in the charging equipment
can trigger sparks, which can cause flamma-
ble or explosive fumes to ignite. To reduce
the risk of explosions, especially in garages,
make sure the Audi e-tron charging system
control unit is at least 19 inches (50 cm)
above the floor when charging.
— Never use the charging equipment with an
extension cord, a cable reel, a power strip,
or an adapter, for example, a travel adapter
or timer.
— Do not touch the contacts on the vehicle
charging port or charging equipment.
— Do not insert any objects in the vehicle
charging port or in the charging equipment.
— Always protect the sockets and connections
from water, moisture and other fluids.
— Only use the charging equipment provided
by the factory or the charging station cable.

4K8012721BF
High-voltage system



ZA WARNING
Applies to: Audi charging systems
Sockets that are installed incorrectly can
cause electric shock or fire when charging the
high-voltage battery using the vehicle charg-
ing connection.
— Read all information and safety precautions
for Audi charging systems before using
them.
— Monitor the Audi charging system if it is be-
ing used near children.
— Installation and setup of the household con-
nection for Audi charging systems may only
be performed by a qualified electrician. The
qualified electrician is thereby responsible
for adhering to applicable standards and
regulations.
— Make sure that the household socket is
grounded and shielded from water.
— If Audi charging systems do not function ac-
cording to the specifications in the operat-
ing manual, they must not be used. Contact
an authorized Audi dealer or authorized
Audi Service Facility.
— Audi charging systems are intended for use
in private and semi-private areas (for exam-
ple, private property and company parking
lots). Depending on the country where the
vehicle is operated, charging with a mode 2
charging cable (meaning charging with the
Audi charging system) may be prohibited in
public areas. Contact an authorized Audi
dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility for
more information.
— Operate the Audi charging systems in power
networks that are properly grounded. It can-
not be used with non-grounded power net-
works (such as IT networks).
— When charging the high-voltage battery us-
ing household/industrial sockets, the elec-
trical installation can be used at full capaci-
ty. Having a qualified electrician regularly in-
spect the electrical installations that are
used for charging is recommended.
— If possible, disconnect Audi charging sys-
tems from the power network during a
thunderstorm.

— Never submerge the Audi charging systems
or the connectors in water.
— Audi charging systems must only be cleaned
when the control unit is completely discon-
nected from the power supply and from the
vehicle. Use a dry towel to clean.
— Audi charging systems are only intended for
use on Audi vehicles and vehicles within the
Volkswagen Group. Using the devices on
vehicles made by another manufacturer is
not authorized.


CG) Note
— Severely draining the high-voltage battery
can damage it. Once a O mi (0 km) electric
range is displayed, charge the high-voltage
battery within two months. If the stationary
time is unknown with the electric range at 0
mi (0 km), charge the high-voltage battery
immediately. Even if the vehicle is not used,
the high-voltage battery charge level will
naturally reduce over time. To avoid a total
battery drain during long periods without
use (more than one year), charge the high-
voltage battery to the highest level possible
before discontinuing driving it.
— Make sure that you always use the correct
charging equipment for the country in
which it is being used. Contact an author-
ized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service
Facility for more information.
G) Tips
— Your vehicle can only be charged at charging
stations that meet the requirements in the
respective country and meet the following
standards, at a minimum:
— GB/T 18487.1 and GB/T 20234 (China)
— IEC 61851 and IEC 62196 (Europe)
— SAE J1772 (North America, Japan)
— You can use your Audi charging system if
there is a household or industrial connec-
tion available at the charging station.
121

4K8012721BF
High-voltage system

If the driver's door is opened while the ignition is
switched off, the current battery charge level and
the high-voltage battery range will be displayed
in the instrument cluster. If charging is in prog-
ress, the remaining charging time will also be
displayed.
Immediate charging and timer charging
You can switch between the immediate charging
@ and charging timer @) options during the
charging process if a charging timer is set
=> page 124. Press the corresponding button to
do this.
Ending the charging process
You can interrupt the charging process at any
time.
— Unlock the vehicle or press the @/@) button
when the vehicle is unlocked, and the LED will
turn on.
— Remove the charging connector. If the charging
connector is not removed within 30 seconds, it
will automatically relock and the charging proc-
ess may continue.
— Put the cap back on the charging port.
— Close the charging port door.
— Disconnect the charging cable from the power
supply if necessary or return it securely to the
charging station.
— Install the protective caps on the charging ca-
ble again.
— If you are transporting the charging cable in
the vehicle, store it securely > page 127.
If the charging connector cannot be removed,
you must unlock it manually > page 125.
If you cannot disconnect the charging connector
from the charging station, authenticate yourself
again at the charging station and then try again
to disconnect the charging connector. If you still
cannot disconnect the charging connector from
the charging station, contact the charging sta-
tion operator.

A WARNING
— Do not disconnect the charging cable from
the socket or the vehicle charging port while
the vehicle is charging. End the charging
process before removing the charging cable
from the socket in order to reduce the risk of
damaging the connector contacts from
sparks.
—If the charging unit is damaged, do not
charge using the charging port to reduce the
risk of injury.
— If the charging unit is damaged or the
charging port door cannot close or is miss-
ing, drive immediately to an authorized Audi
dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility
and have the malfunction corrected to re-
duce the risk of injury.
() Note
If you drive with the charging unit open, both
the charging port door and the electronics in-
stalled behind it could be damaged. Check
each time after charging if the port door is
locked before you start driving the vehicle.
@) Tips
— If the parking brake is set, it could create
noises when the charging connector is con-
nected.
— Remove ice and snow in the charging unit
using a hand brush and solvent-free deicing
spray.
— The vehicle radio and TV systems may have
limited reception when charging the vehicle.


Charging display
Applies to: vehicles with plug-in hybrid drive
The charging display is an LED light on the charg-
ing unit @) > page 122, fig. 83 that indicates the
charging status. The key for the LED light is ex-
plained in the following table.
123

4K8012721BF
Trailer towing

Trailer towing
Driving with a trailer
eT e e eeu)
Your vehicle is primarily intended for transport-
ing people and luggage. However, if you drive
with a trailer, follow the technical requirements,
the operation and driving tips, and the legal reg-
ulations.
Driving with a trailer affects the vehicle's energy
usage, performance, and wear. It also requires
higher concentration from the driver.

Z\ WARNING
Do not transport any people in a trailer due to
the risk of fatal injury.
Technical requirements
Trailer hitch

Only use a trailer hitch with a removable ball
hitch mount and ball hitch. The trailer hitch must
be permitted for the vehicle, the trailer and the
permitted total weight of the trailer being
pulled. Above all, it must be securely and safely
attached to the vehicle trailer.
Never mount a trailer hitch on the bumper. The
trailer hitch must be mounted in a way that does
not impair the function of the bumper. Do not
make any changes to the exhaust system and the
brake system.
Check regularly if the trailer hitch is securely
mounted. Always follow the instructions given by
the trailer hitch manufacturer.
Trailer brakes
If the trailer has its own brake system, then fol-
low the manufacturer specifications. However,
the brake system on the trailer must never be
connected to the vehicle brake system.
Engine cooling system
Driving with a trailer means a higher load on the
engine and the cooling system. The cooling sys-
tem must be designed for additional load and
contain enough coolant > @®.
CG) Note
Longer inclines cannot be driven without a
suitable cooling system, especially if the out-
side temperatures are high. Otherwise, this
increases the risk of engine damage.
Operating instructions
Towing capacity
Your vehicle can only be operated with class 1 or
class 2 trailers.
Load distribution
Poor cargo load and distribution can negatively
impact vehicle handling. Load the trailer based
on the following criteria as much as possible:
— Store objects in the vehicle luggage compart-
ment, if possible. The vehicle should always
carry the heaviest possible load and the trailer
should have the lightest possible load.
— Distribute the load in the trailer so that the
heavy objects are as close to the axle as possi-
ble.
— Secure objects so that they do not slide.
— Utilize the maximum permitted tongue weight
if possible.
Tires
Set the tire pressure on your vehicle for a “full
load”; see the tire pressure sticker > page 284. If
necessary, also adjust the tire pressure on the
trailer according to the manufacturer's specifica-
tions.
The trailer and the vehicle should be equipped
with winter tires when driving in winter tempera-
tures.
Outside mirrors
If you cannot see the traffic behind the trailer
with the standard exterior mirrors, then you
must attach additional exterior mirrors. Adjust
them so you have a sufficient visibility behind
you.
Exterior lighting
Follow the legal regulations for lighting on your
trailer that are applicable in the country where
135
>

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 111
must be selected before you adjust the tongue
weight on the trailer and hitch the trailer >@,
=> page 112.
Likewise, the vehicle cannot be raised manually
using the Raise function > page 112.
The air suspension trailer mode must be switched
on.
Applies to MMI: select on the home screen: VE-
HICLE > Settings & Service > Air suspension:
trailer.
Switch trailer mode off again when you are no
longer towing a trailer.
When using rear carrier systems that are mount-
ed directly 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 112.
Vehicle levels below the values set in the Com-
fort level will no longer be available, even if you
are lowering the vehicle manually.
136

ZA WARNING
Applies to: vehicles with air suspension
— 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.
C) 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.
— Audi recommends having the vehicle in-
spected between the inspection intervals if
you tow a trailer frequently.
— Avoid driving with a trailer during the vehi-
cle break-in period.
Pie Rie Relig
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.

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.

4K8012721BF
Driving information

Traffic light information
Applies to: vehicles with traffic light information

Fig. 97 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.

ZX 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.
— Observe the safety precautions and note the
limits of the assist systems, sensors, and
cameras > page 138.
(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.
145

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.