2021 AUDI A8 Rear Wing

Sitting correctly and safely


be thrown through the vehicle interior dur-
ing sudden braking maneuvers or an acci-
dent.
Correct positioning for children
Always secure children in a child safety seat de-
signed for the body size, weight, and age of the
child.

You can secure child safety seats in your vehicle
using the lower LATCH anchors or the safety
belts. You can also secure child safety seats to
the top tether anchor. Depending on the child
safety seat, it may also be necessary to secure it
to the top tether anchor. In Canada, securing for-
ward-facing child safety seats to the top tether
anchors is required by law.
Always transport children in the rear seats
Accident statistics show that children that are se-
cured correctly in the rear seats are safer than in
front seats. Always transport children in suitable
child safety seats secured on the rear seats.
In exceptional circumstances: transporting
children in the front passenger's seat
If exceptional circumstances require the child
safety seat to be placed on the front passenger's
seat, then the front passenger's airbag must be
deactivated. Please note the important informa-
tion for this > page 86, Advanced airbag system.
If you must secure a forward-facing child safety
seat, move the front passenger's seat as far back
as possible so that it is as far as possible from the
front passenger's airbag. While doing this, make
sure the seat can be adjusted all the way.
Only switch to a larger child safety seat when
absolutely necessary
Switch to a larger child safety seat only when ab-
solutely necessary. Secure your child using a safe-
ty belt without a child safety seat only if all of the
following statements are true:
—The child is large enough to sit upright in the
seat
—The child is able to sit with his or her back rest-
ing completely on the seat backrest
90
— The child is able to sit with his or her knees
bent over the edge of the seat surface
—The child is able to sit with both of his or her
feet completely touching the floor in the foot-
well
—The lap portion of the safety belt lies flat and
securely over the hip area and never over the
stomach
—The shoulder portion of the safety belt lies flat
and securely over the center of the shoulder
and the chest, and never under the arm, behind
the back, or over the neck or face.
—The child is able to maintain this seating posi-
tion throughout the entire trip
Read and follow the important information and
warnings regarding the correct use of safety belts
=> page 80.
Gi) Tips
— Child safety seats can also be secured to
seats with side airbags. In the event of an
accident, children can also be protected by
the side airbags if the child is correctly se-
cured in a suitable child safety seat that is
attached correctly.
— The lower LATCH anchors as well as the
safety belt may be required to correctly in-
stall some child safety seats. Using both at
the same time is permitted, provided that
the fastening systems or safety belts do not
impair those in an adjacent seating position.
— All child safety seats are constructed so that
they can be secured using the lap safety belt
in the vehicle.
— Child safety seats with a load leg can only
be secured to the outer rear seats and to the
front passenger's seat.

4N0012721BF
Storage and convenience

Additional storage
Depending on vehicle equipment, there are a va-
riety of storage areas, compartments, and retain-
ers, such as the glove compartment, for safely
storing and securing objects.

Z\ WARNING
—To reduce the risk of injury, make sure all
storage compartments are always closed
while driving.
— 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.
— Only use the storage compartments in the
door trim panels to store small objects that
will not stick out of the compartment and
impair the function of the side airbags.
— Only lightweight clothing should be hung
from the garment hooks in the vehicle. Do
not use clothes hangers to hang clothing.
The pockets of the clothing must not con-
tain any heavy, breakable, or sharp-edged
objects. This could impair the effectiveness
of the side curtain airbags.
— Make sure your view toward the rear is not
blocked, for example by hanging clothing or
objects in the vehicle.

Luggage compartment
General information
All pieces of luggage or objects must be securely
fastened in the luggage compartment. Note the
following to maintain good vehicle handling:
> Distribute the load evenly in the luggage com-
partment.
> Stow heavy luggage as far forward in the lug-
gage compartment as possible.
> Use non-elastic cords attached to the tie-downs
to secure objects.

ZA WARNING
— Loose objects can be thrown around the ve-
hicle interior during sudden driving or brak-



ing maneuvers, which increases the risk of
an accident. Always stow objects securely in
the luggage compartment and secure them
at the tie-downs. Use straps suitable for
heavy objects.
— If pieces of luggage or objects are secured
to the tie-downs with unsuitable or dam-
aged straps, this can increase the risk of in-
jury during braking maneuvers or accidents.
— When transporting heavy objects, the vehi-
cle characteristics will change due to the
shift in the center of gravity, which increases
the risk of an accident. You may need to
adapt your driving style and speed to the
current conditions.
— The cargo net* is only strong enough to se-
cure light objects. Heavy objects are not ade-
quately secured. Attempting to secure heavy
objects increases the risk of injury.
— Never exceed the permitted axle and load
and vehicle weight > page 344.
— Never secure a child safety seat to the tie-
downs.
— Never leave your vehicle unattended, espe-
cially if the luggage compartment lid is
open. Children could enter the luggage com-
partment and close the luggage compart-
ment lid from the inside. This creates the
risk of fatal injury, since the children would
be locked in and may not be able to escape
by themselves.
— Do not allow children to play in or on the ve-
hicle. Close and lock the luggage compart-
ment lid as well as all other doors when you
leave the vehicle.
— Never transport passengers in the luggage
compartment. Every passenger must be cor-
rectly secured with the safety belts in the
vehicle > page 80.

® Note
— Make sure that the heating grid strips for
the rear window defogger are not damaged
by abrasive objects.
— Plug-in hybrid drive: Never exceed the maxi-
mum cargo weight for the cargo floor that is
specified on the sticker. Otherwise, the
high-voltage battery that is located
97

Warm and cold

Warm and cold
Climate control system
One of the following options may be available,
depending on vehicle equipment:
— A deluxe automatic climate control system with
3 zones where the temperature, air distribu-
tion, and air supply can be set separately on the
left front side, the right front side, and in the
rear
— A deluxe automatic climate control system with
4 zones to individually adjust the temperature,
air distribution, and amount of ventilation at all
of the seats
The climate control system warms, cools, dehu-
midifies, and filters the air in the vehicle interior.
It is the most effective when the windows and
panoramic glass roof* are closed. If there is a
build-up of heat inside the vehicle, ventilation
can help to speed up the cooling process.
The deluxe climate control system automatically
maintains a temperature once it has been set. In
all heating mode functions except defrost, the
blower only switches to a higher speed once the
coolant has reached a certain temperature.
Pollutant filter
The pollutant filter removes pollutants such as
dust and pollen from the air.
@ For the sake of the environment
Energy can be saved by switching off the A/C
mode.
@ Tips
— To prevent interference with the heating or
cooling output and to prevent the windows
from fogging over, the air intake in front of
the windshield must be free of ice, snow,
and leaves.
— Condensation from the cooling system can
drip and form a puddle of water under the
vehicle. This is normal and does not mean
there is a leak.
100

— The energy management system may tem-
porarily switch off certain functions, such as
the seat heating” or rear window defogger.
These systems are available again as soon as
the energy supply has been restored.
[RAZ-0638


Fig. 89 Center console: lower display and switch panel
The settings can be adjusted using both displays,
the switch panel in the center console, the con-
trol panel in the rear*, or the Rear Seat Remote*
display. For information on how to operate the
touch displays, see > page 18, Touch displays.
You can adjust all climate control system settings
in the front; only certain functions are available
in the rear.
Lower display
The lower display has two sections with controls:
You can regulate the blower and the air distribu-
tion automatically using AUTO in area @). You can
also apply individual settings here.
In area Q), you can switch individual climate con-
trol system functions on and off.
Switch panel in the center console
Both the & and & buttons to defog windows as
quickly as possible are located in area @).
Upper display
In the upper display, you can switch additional
functions on and off, display them, and adjust
settings.
> Applies to: MMI: Select on the home screen:
VEHICLE > Air conditioning, or
> Press +++ on the lower display.

Driving


ZA\ WARNING
Heavy braking while driving through curves or
in poor road or weather conditions can cause
the vehicle to slide or the rear of the vehicle to
swerve, which increases the risk of an acci-
dent.
Messages
ERNG / B) Parking brake: malfunction! Safely
stop vehicle. See owner's manual
Gg / © Parking brake: malfunction! Please
release parking brake

If one of the two messages appears, there is a
malfunction in the parking brake. If the message
appears while stationary, check if the parking
brake is released and can be reset. If this is the
case, switch the ignition off and back on.
If the message stays on, if the parking brake can-
not be released, or if the message appears while
driving, do not continue driving. Secure the vehi-
cle against rolling before exiting the vehicle
= page 108. See an authorized Audi dealer or au-
thorized Audi Service Facility for assistance.
we Parking brake: malfunction! Please contact
Service
There is a malfunction in the parking brake. Drive
to an authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi
Service Facility immediately to have the malfunc-
tion corrected. Do not park the vehicle on inclines
and shift to “P”.
a / Parking brake: warning! Vehicle parked
too steep
The braking force may not be enough to secure
the vehicle from rolling away. Park the vehicle in
a place with less of an incline.
FS / () Parking brake: applied
The parking brake is set. Press and hold the brake
pedal to release the parking brake.
122
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 110. This especially applies when tow-
ing a trailer. This reduces the load on the
brakes.
— Apply the brakes in intervals and do not press
the brake pedal continuously.

ZA\ 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.
Driving through water
If you must drive through water, follow these in-
structions:

— Check the stability of the ground, the current,
and the water depth. If the ground is unstable,
there is a strong current, or there are waves, >

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.

High-voltage system

G) Tips
Applies to: Audi charging systems
— For an uninterrupted charging process, we
recommend only charging using sockets
that are connected to a separately protected
circuit.
— It is recommended to use Audi charging sys-
tems in the wall mount clip* during opera-
tion. If this is not possible, always position
Audi charging systems ona secure surface
during the charging process > A\.
—To reduce the risk of overheating during op-
eration, do not place Audi charging systems
in direct sunlight for long periods of time. If
the control unit is overheated, the charging
Process is automatically paused until the
temperature has lowered back within the
normal range.
Charging
Applies to: vehicles with plug-in hybrid drive

RAZ-0834


ss

Fig. 99 Left rear side of the vehicle: opening the high-volt-
age charging port door

RAZ-0835



Fig. 100 Charging unit: charging port and buttons/LED
Connecting the charging cable
If you charge your vehicle at a charging station,
the following sequence of steps may vary. Follow
134
the manufacturer guidelines and operating in-
structions for the charging station.
Requirement: the “P” gear must be selected, the
parking brake must be set, and drive ready mode
must have ended.
—If necessary, remove the charging cable from
the vehicle > page 139, Transport.
— Remove the cap from the charging cable if nec-
essary.
— First connect the charging cable to the power
supply, or remove it from the charging station.
— Unwind the charging cable completely.
— Unlock the vehicle.
—To open the charging port door, press on the
right
side of the door > fig. 99.
— Remove the cap from the vehicle charging port
and place it on the holder on the charging port
door.
— Plug the charging connector into the vehicle
charging port.
— Check if the charging option shown @) (immedi-
ate charging/timer charging) is the one you
would like to use for charging.
Starting to charge automatically (immediate
charging)
If charging is not delayed with a timer, the charg-
ing process will begin immediately. If necessary,
the charging station may need to be activated.
Follow the manufacturer guidelines and operat-
ing instructions for the charging station.
Timer charging
With timer charging, the charging process starts
and ends based on a timer that is set beforehand.
— To charge by timer, switch on the timer and
timer charging before exiting the vehicle
=> page 136.
While charging
The charging display on the charging unit @) will
pulse green while charging. It will pulse |} in
the instrument cluster. You can find the meaning
of the possible charging display colors under
> page 135.
The charging connector is locked while charging
and cannot be removed.

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 124
must be selected before you adjust the tongue
weight on the trailer and hitch the trailer >@,
=> page 126.
Likewise, the vehicle cannot be raised manually
using the Raise function > page 126.
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 126.
Vehicle levels below the values set in the comfort
level will no longer be available, even if you are
lowering the vehicle manually.
148

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.

4N0012721BF
Assist systems

Rear area
Depending on the vehicle equipment, the follow-
ing sensors and cameras may be installed:
— Rearview camera in the luggage compartment
lid
— Radar sensors at the rear corners of the vehicle
— Rear and side ultrasonic sensors
Switching the systems
on and off


ZA\ WARNING
Applies to: vehicles with laser scanner
— The surface of the laser scanner can become
hot during operation, which increases the
risk of burns.
— The laser scanner contains a class 1 laser in
accordance with IEC 60825-1:2014. When
used according to regulations, the laser is
not dangerous. Opening the laser module
and removing covers is not permitted. Doing
so could cause permanent injuries to the
eyes.
— Any repair work on the laser module must
be performed by an authorized Audi dealer
or authorized Audi Service Facility; other-
wise the vehicle's operating license may be
voided. Incorrect repairs may cause limited
functionality and eye damage.




@) Tips
Applies to: vehicles with laser scanner
— The possible emissions are below the
threshold for class 1 lasers.
— Complies with 21 CFR 1040.10 and
1040.11 except for deviations pursuant to
Laser Notice No. 50, dated June 24, 2007.
@ Tips
— The locations of the sensors may differ
slightly depending on vehicle equipment.
— Some sensors are installed under vehicle
components and cannot be seen from the
outside.
— The system complies with United States FCC
regulations and ISED regulations
=> page 341.

Fig. 112 Center console: driver assistance systems button
Description
You can switch some assist systems on and off in
the MMI. Depending on the equipment, it may be
in the standard display or the profile selection.
> Press the & button (, or
> Applies to MMI: Select on the home screen: VE-
HICLE > Driver assistance.
Standard display
Applies to: vehicles with standard display
> To switch a system on or off, press CD for the
desired system.
> To show the brief description of a system, press
© for the desired system.
Profile selection
Applies to: vehicles with profile selection
> To select a profile, press the profile name on
the upper display or press the & button (@ re-
peatedly until the profile is active.
> To list systems included in a profile, select E]
on the upper display.
> To show the brief description of a system, se-
lect @ for the desired system.
> To switch individual systems on and off in the
Individual profile, select ¥ and CD for the de-
sired systems.
The following profiles can be selected:
— Maximum - All available systems are switched
on in this profile.
— Individual - You can switch the systems on and
off individually in this profile.
153