2021 AUDI A8 steering

4N0012721BF
Driving dynamic

on curves. The vehicle is very responsive to steer-
ing. The settings depend on the selected Audi
drive select* mode.
Messages
t-3} Sport differential: malfunction! Please con-
tact Service
Drive immediately to an authorized Audi dealer
or authorized Audi Service Facility to have the
malfunction repaired.
r3] 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.

Z\ 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:
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
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.

129

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 151.

@ 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.
150
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 263.
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 153.
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.
158
— 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 158.
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.

Driving information


— Night vision assist can only detect pedes-
trians and wild animals located within the
range of the infrared camera.
— Night vision assist cannot detect pedes-
trians or wild animals and mark them if:
— They are not in an upright position, for ex-
ample if they are sitting or lying down
and/or
—The silhouette in the display appears in-
complete or interrupted, for example be-
cause the pedestrian is partially behind a
vehicle or an animal is partially covered by
tall grass.
— Never attempt to swerve around animals if
doing so would endanger you or other road
users.
G@) Tips
— Even though the system evaluates the
shape and heat given off by all detected ob-
jects, there are limits to the system. There
may be false warnings.


— For technical reasons, the image pauses in
split second intervals.
Switching on and off
Applies to: vehicles with night vision assist
The system can be switched on and off in the
MMI > page 153.
> The AUTO light function must be selected for
the night vision assist to automatically activate
when it is dark.
> Switch on the low beams manually to activate
night
vision assist immediately. To do so,
press (@) on the light switch module > page 58,
fig. 42 and select 20.
When activated, the i tab appears in the instru-
ment cluster.
> Select in the instrument cluster: 4% tab
@) Tips
When the night vision assist tab is selected in
the instrument cluster and the low beams are
switched off, the thermal image display dis-
appears only after you have exited the tab.
160
Marking and warning
Applies to: vehicles with night vision assist

Fig. 115 Instrument cluster: pedestrian marking and
warning
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 (2) and the J or
BAN symbol turns on @.
— When the head-up display* is switched on, the
additional indicator [AM 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.

Driver assistance

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
General information
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 169, Switching lane guidance on and off.
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
166

and road conditions > page 170, Predictive con-
trol.

ZA WARNING
Observe the safety precautions and note the
limits of the assist systems, sensors, and
cameras > page 150.
@ Tips
The system complies with United States FCC
regulations and ISED regulations > page 341.


mitations
Applies to: vehicles with adaptive cruise assist
B4m-0093

Fig. 117 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. 117 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 151, fig. 108.
— When driving around tight curves, a vehicle
driving ahead that was previously detected may
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.

Driver assistance

Dp 4 — Lane guidance is switched on but not active.
> 4 - The limits of the system have been reached.
Take over steering.
A / en) - 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 170.

Z\ WARNING
Observe the safety precautions and note the
limits of the assist systems, sensors, and
cameras > page 150.
Using adaptive cruise assist
Applies to: vehicles with adaptive cruise assist


RAZ-0096


Fig. 120 Lever: using adaptive cruise assist

B4M-0232


2
zt
5
©
Fig. 121 Operating lever: changing the speed
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:
168

> Press the [SET] button @). The set speed is indi-
cated with a marking in the speedometer (@)
= page 167, fig. 118 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 167, fig. 118.
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 mark-
ing in the speedometer @) > page 167, fig. 118
has reached the desired speed.
Preselecting a speed
You can also preselect the speed when adaptive
cruise assist is not active by moving the lever in
the desired direction @)/©). Activate the previ-
ously selected speed by pulling the lever toward
you in the direction of the arrow.

4N0012721BF
Driver assistance

Switching off
If you do not want to use the adaptive cruise as-
sist for a longer period of time, you can switch it
off.
> Push the lever away from you into position @)
until it clicks into place.
The indicator light and the set speed will turn off.

Z\ WARNING
— Observe the safety precautions and note the
limits of the assist systems, sensors, and
cameras > page 150.
— The adaptive cruise assist is only an assist
system, and the driver is still responsible for
controlling the vehicle. The driver is espe-
cially responsible for braking, steering,
starting to drive, and controlling the speed
and the distance from other vehicles.
— Turn on the adaptive cruise assist only if the
surrounding conditions permit it. Always
adapt your driving style to the current visu-
al, weather, road, and traffic conditions.
— Switch the adaptive cruise assist off tempo-
rarily when driving in turning lanes or high-
way exits. This prevents the vehicle from ac-
celerating to the stored speed when in these
situations.
— If you press the [SET] button @) when driv-
ing at speeds below 15 mph (20 km/h), the
minimum possible speed that the system
can maintain will be set. If no vehicle is de-
tected ahead of you, the vehicle will acceler-



ate up to that speed.

@) Tips
— Always keep your hands on the steering
wheel so you can be ready to steer at any
time. The driver is always responsible for
adhering to the regulations applicable in
the country where the vehicle is being oper-
ated.
— If you switch the ignition or the adaptive
cruise assist off, the stored speed is erased
for safety reasons.

D In certain countries.
— When the adaptive cruise assist is switched
on, the ESC and the ASR are switched on au-
tomatically.
— The system cannot be switched off or it may
be interrupted if the road exceeds the maxi-
mum possible grade for safe operation.
Switching lane guidance on and off
Applies to: vehicles with adaptive cruise assist and lane guid-
ance

B8V-0692


Fig. 122 Turn signal lever: button for lane guidance and
lane departure warning
Within the limits of the system, lane guidance
provides corrective steering to assist the driver
with keeping the vehicle in the center of the lane
as much as possible. This feature can be deacti-
vated.
Ina traffic jam, lane guidance also helps with
leaving a space for emergency vehicles ) by
steering your vehicle as close to the edge of your
lane as possible.
Switching lane guidance on and off
Requirement: lane guidance must be preselected
in the MMI > page 174.
> To activate or deactivate the availability of the
lane guidance, press the button on the turn sig-
nal lever > fig. 122.
The system will assist the driver by providing cor-
rective steering only when adaptive cruise assist
is actively regulating and availability is switched
on.
169

Driver assistance

Overview of displays and lane guidance
limitations
The availability of lane guidance is shown with in-
dicator lights and with arrows @) > page 167,
fig. 119 in the Driver assistance display.
> 4] - Lane guidance is active.
Bl - this indicator light turns on if the limits of
the system have been reached (for example, the
system’s steering force is not sufficient to handle
tight curves). Take over steering.
ri turns white, lane guidance is switched on
but is not active. This may occur due to the fol-
lowing system limits or situations:
— The necessary lane marker lines have not been
detected (for example, in a construction zone
or because the lines are obstructed by snow,
dirt, water, or lighting)
— The lane is too narrow or too wide
— The curve is too narrow
— Visibility is obstructed by a rise or dip.
— The driver's hands are not on the steering
wheel
— The turn signal was activated.
Steering intervention request
If no steering activity is detected or the limits of
the system are reached, the driver steering inter-
vention request will alert the driver using audio
and visual signals, such as B or B. Take over
the steering and keep your hands on the steering
wheel so that you will be ready to steer at any
time. The system will become inactive after a
short time and will only be active again later.
If the driver does not take over steering, adaptive
cruise assist will be canceled. If the vehicle is
equipped with emergency assist and it is ready to
function, it will be activated if possible
=> page 186.

Z\ WARNING
Observe the safety precautions and note the
limits of the assist systems, sensors, and
cameras > page 150.

170
G) Tips
— Always keep your hands on the steering
wheel so you can be ready to steer at any
time. The driver is always responsible for
adhering to the regulations applicable in
the country where the vehicle is being oper-
ated.
— Audi recommends only switching on lane
guidance on well-constructed roads.
—The > fig. 122 button switches lane guid-
ance availability and the lane departure
warning on or off simultaneously, if lane
guidance is preset in the adaptive cruise as-
sist settings.
Predictive control
Applies to: vehicles with adaptive cruise assist and efficiency
assist

Fig. 123 Instrument cluster: speedometer: predictive con-
trol display
With predictive control, efficiency assist adapts
the set speed in adaptive cruise control @) based
on detected speed limits and the upcoming
route. Once the system no longer detects any in-
cidents, adaptive cruise control will accelerate
back up to the last speed that the driver set. Af-
ter switching on the ignition, the availability of
predictive control is indicated by a message when
the adaptive cruise assist is first activated.
Incident symbols indicate the situation to which
predictive control is reacting > page 165, Situa-
tion symbols.
Requirements
— Predictive control is switched on in the MMI
> page 174.
— The adaptive cruise assist must be actively reg-
ulating > page 168.