2021 AUDI A8 suspension

Table of contents

About this Owner's Manual......
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Cockpit. ...... 0... eee eee eee eee
Indicator lights overview...........4..
Display and operation...........
Instrument cluster...............
Instrument cluster overview...........
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Adjusting the display.................
Coolant temperature display...........
Tachometer’ series i ewe so snes ¥ & ome
Power meter...............0 00000005
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Outside temperature display...........
Engine oil temperature indicator.......
Boost indicator’: 2 2c« «= sesa ¢ x sews «x 2x8
Vehicle functions « seis ss emis ee mes ee
Touch displays....................
General touch display operation........
Multi Media Interface................
Rear Seat Remote...............2...
Screens (NPCs « s wees s eae se wee as ee
Head-up display..................
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Voice recognition system........
General information.................
DeSeriptionis = ssssas « « wens s + eres « + aes
External voice operation..............
Global functions.................
Additional function buttons...........
Starting and driving.............
Personalization..................
Luggage compartment lid.............
Child safety lock.............0...000.
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12 12 12
13
13
14 14
15
15
15
15
16
16
18 18
20
26
29
33 33
34 34
34
35
3F 37 38 38 38
Al 41 45
48
51
52
Panoramic glass roof................. 53
Valet parking............... 0c eee eee 55
Garage door opener.........60..e sees 55
Lights and Vision................. 58
Exterior lighting « sce ss ees se eea se ees 58
Interior lighting wiv «= ssw 2 6 ese = 3 ese 62
ViSION. 0. ee eee eee 64
Windshield wipers............-..00-- 66
Digitalcomipass’s ss gos « s wasn x & were 8 3 68
Sitting correctly and safely...... 70
Correct passenger seating position...... 70
FROMUSOAES!, «areas ao axoniva 5 & aumeane wa savers 70
Rear seats... 2... eee 74
SECeriig WHEEL su: s x wou 4 x naaee ee ee 77
Head restraintsisn: «+ cscs vo asceine vo wen ws 78
Safety belts........ 0.0... cee eee eee 80
Memory function..............-.000+ 83
Aitbag System sms: «+ suscens oe sowie «5 voeusic 84
Child safety seats................000- 88
Storage and convenience........ 94
POWEPrSOUICES wece ae ete ee ore ne 94
Cup holders..............00--0 eee ee 95
Storage and compartments............ 95
Luggage compartment............... 97
Roof rack... eee eee 99
WWarmitanGicolediics «6 scien «6 eve 6 6 on 100
Climate control system............... 100
Steering
wheel heating.............-. 104
Auxiliary climate control.............- 104
Fluids in the A/C system.............. 105
BXRIMIIG)). 5 sccces 6 ase wo moms 3 o OOM 8 Ho 107
Starting the vehicle.................. 107
When driving.......-..e0ceeeee sees 108
Drive SYStC Mises oo scene +o em oo omen oo 114
Start/Stop system............00 0 eee 117
Brakes... 2.0.0... eee eee ee eee eee 119
Electromechanical parking brake....... 121
Special driving situations.............. 122
Driving dynamic.................. 124
Audi driverselectis « was «+ cine 2 6 navies a 0 124
Suspension..............0 0.02.0 000. 125
StCGKitig + scm ss caus a e seen se Sees 4 eee 127

Quick access

Brake system
=> page 120, > page 122,
=> page 283
Lane departure warning
=> page 177,
Emergency assist
Brake system => page 186
=> page 120, > page 122,
=> page 283
Audi pre sense
=> page 179,
Intersection assist
=>page 185
Steering
=>page 127


Steering lock Yellow indicator lights
= page 127 Central indicator light
Air suspension > page 7
= page 126 Safety systems
Electrical system => page 85
=> page 284
Engine oil level (MIN)
=> page 278
Transmission
=>page 112
Drive system
=>page 117
Cooling system
> page 281
Engine oil pressure
=> page 278
Cooling system
=> page 281
Hood
=> page 276
Drive system
=>page 117
Vehicle sound
Charging system => page 117
= page 137 Engine start system
Loose wheel warning => page 108
=> page 304 Keys
Night vision assist => page 108
=> page 160 Electromechanical parking brake
Night vision assist => page 122
=> page 160 Brake system
Distance warning => page 120
=>page 175 Electronic Stabilization Control
(ESC)
=> page 129
Steering intervention request
=>page 170
Electronic Stabilization Control
(ESC)
=>page 129
Safe start monitor
=> page 173,
Driver intervention request
=> page 174 Electronic Stabilization Control
(ESC)
=> page 130
Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
=> page 130 >

Adaptive cruise assist
=> page 167

4N0012721BF

Quick access

Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
=> page 130
Steering
=>page 127
Steering lock
=>page 127
All wheel drive
=>page 129
Suspension control
=>page 126
Air suspension
=> page 126
Engine speed limitation
>page 14
Tank system
=> page 270
Tank system/high-voltage system
=> page 270
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)
=> page 274,
Engine warm-up request
> page 278
Washer fluid level
=> page 287
Windshield wipers
=> page 68
High-voltage battery range
=> page 137
Parking systems
=> page 190
Park assist plus
=> page 202
Maneuver assist
=> page 208

Tire pressure
=> page 307
Tire pressure
=> page 307
Loose wheel warning
=> page 304
Bulb failure indicator
=> page 62
Adaptive light
=> page 62
Light/rain sensor
=> page 62, > page 68
Door lock
=> page 43
Battery in vehicle key
=> page 47
Night vision assist
=> page 161
Intersection assist
=> page 185
Side assist
=> page 183;
Exit warning
=> page 184
Rear cross-traffic assist
=>page 195
Adaptive cruise assist
=>page 175
Steering intervention request
=>page 170, > page 177
Lane departure warning
=> page 178
Distance warning
=>page 175
Audi pre sense
=> page 182
Emergency assist
=> page 186
Emergency call function
=> page 228

Quick access


Other indicator lights
Rear safety belt
=> page 82















Start/Stop system
>page 117
>page 114
Low beam headlights
=> page 58
Parking lights
=> page 58
Turn signals
=> page 59, > page 61
Cruise control system
=> page 163
Cruise control system
=> page 163
Efficiency assist
> page 164
Efficiency assist
=> page 164
Efficiency assist
=> page 164
Efficiency assist
=> page 164
Efficiency assist
=> page 164
Adaptive cruise assist
=> page 167
Adaptive cruise assist
=> page 167
Adaptive cruise assist
=> page 167
Adaptive cruise assist
=> page 167
Adaptive cruise assist
=> page 167
10
Electric drive ready mode
Park assist plus
=> page 199
Lane departure warning
=>page 177

High beam headlights
=> page 59
High beam assistant
=>page 59
Laser
lights
=> page 60
Rear safety belt
=> page 82
Transmission
=> page 112
Start/Stop system
=> page 117
Convenience key
=> page 108
Electromechanical parking brake
=> page 122
Electromechanical parking brake
=> page 122
Electric drive ready mode
= page 114
Electric drive ready mode
=>page 114
Combustion engine
>page 115
Plug-in hybrid modes
=>page 114
Plug-in hybrid modes
=> page 114
Plug-in hybrid modes
>page 114
Steering
>page 127
Air suspension
=>page 126
High-voltage battery range
=> page 137
Parking systems
=> page 190
Park assist plus
=> page 202
Park assist plus
=> page 202

4N0012721BF
Driving

the water must only reach up to the lower edge
of the body at the most.
— Deactivate the Start/Stop system.
— Drive carefully and no faster than at walking
speeds to prevent the front of the vehicle from
creating waves, because they could splash
above the lower edge of the body. Oncoming
vehicles could also create waves.
— Do not stop the vehicle while in the water.
— Drive in reverse.
— Do not turn the engine off.

After driving through water, press the brake
pedal carefully to dry the brakes so that the
full braking effect will be restored.

Vehicle components such as the engine, drive
system, suspension, or electrical system can
be severely damaged by driving through wa-
dele,
If possible, avoid driving through salt water
because it increases the risk of corrosion. Use
fresh water to clean any vehicle components
that come into contact with salt water.
123

Driving dynamic

Driving dynamic
Audi drive select
Introduction
Applies to: vehicles with Audi drive select
Drive select makes it possible to experience dif-
ferent types of vehicle characteristics in one vehi-
cle. With different driving modes, the driver can
switch the setting, for example from sporty to
comfortable. This allows you to adjust the set-
tings to your personal preferences. This makes it
possible to combine settings such as a sporty
drivetrain setting with comfortable steering.
Selecting an Audi drive select mode
Applies to: vehicles with Audi drive select
The sie button is located above the selector lever
in the center console.
> Press the left or right arrow key until the de-
sired mode appears in the MMI. Or:
» Applies to MMI: Select on the home screen: VE-
HICLE > Audi drive select.
You can change the driving mode when the vehi-
cle is stationary or while driving. If traffic per-
mits, briefly remove your foot from the accelera-
tor pedal after changing modes so that the mode
you have selected will be activated for the drive
system.
The following modes may be available depending
on the equipment:
comfort - Provides a comfort-oriented vehicle
setup and is suited for long drives on highways.
comfort+ - Provides a comfort-oriented vehicle
setup and switches on the curve tilting function
in the active suspension system. This mode is
suitable for long trips on highways and smooth
driving around curves, for example.
auto - Provides an overall comfortable yet dy-
namic driving feel and is suited for everyday use.
dynamic - Gives the driver a sporty driving feel
and is suited to a sporty driving style. The “S”
driving program is selected.
124
Individual - Provides the option for personalized
vehicle settings. Press &% to configure the mode
= page 124, Individual settings.
G) Tips
When the ignition is being switched on, indi-
vidual systems, such as the drive system, will
be reset to a balanced setting. Select the cur-
rent mode again to attain its full configura-
tion.
Individual settings
Applies to: vehicles with Audi drive select
The equipment in your vehicle will determine
which settings you can adjust.
Drive
The drive system will react to accelerator pedal
moves more quickly or in a more balanced man-
ner. The shift points are placed in higher or lower
speed ranges.
Depending on the setting, the drive power at the
rear axle will be distributed with the sport differ-
ential* to be more sporty or moderate
=> page 128.
Steering
The power steering will adapt. Light steering is
suitable for long trips on highways or smooth
driving around curves, for example.
Suspension
The suspension adjusts to be tighter or more
comfort-oriented when it comes to compensat-
ing for uneven spots on the road.
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. In the automatic setting, the engine
sound depends on the selected driving program.

4N0012721BF
Driving dynamic

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: 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 highlighted in color.
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 vehicle will lower at speeds of approximately
22 mph (35 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 126.
— 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
@.
With Predictive scanning: unevenness detec-
tion, you can adjust how much the vehicle will
compensate for bumps in the road. For this pur-
pose, there is a camera behind the windshield
that detects the road conditions and activates
the active suspension when bumps are predicted.
A colored cone in the display indicates when this
function is activated. This function may only have
limited availability under certain conditions, for
example, when it is dark > page 151. >
125

Driving dynamic

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 125
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.
126
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.
@) 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.
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
There is a malfunction. Do not continue driving.
Secure the vehicle against rolling before exiting
the vehicle > page 108. 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.
B Active suspension: unavailable. Limited sta-
bility. You can continue driving with caution >