2021 AUDI Q8 power steering

Driving dynamic

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 115.
In RS models, the sport differential is adjusted
using a separate menu item.
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 roll stabilization* will provide various de-
grees 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.
quattro with sport differential
Applies to: RS models
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 115.
ESC
Applies to: RS models
The ESC sport mode can be activated. Also refer
to the important information regarding driving
with ESC limited > page 116.
Suspension
CET aN mer) t cd
Applies to: vehicles with suspension control
The adaptive dampers are an electronically-con-
trolled damping system. The firmness of the sus-
pension will adapt to the driving conditions and
the driving situation. The settings depend on the
selected Audi drive select* mode.
112
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 Audi drive select* mode will be changed if
necessary when the vehicle is raised.
The vehicle will lower at speeds of approximately
20 mph (30 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 113.
— 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

Driving dynamic

or authorized Audi Service Facility repair the mal-
function immediately if the indicator light does
not turn off after a significant period of time.
|<] Air suspension: malfunction! Please contact
Service
There is a malfunction. The driving stability may
be limited and the ground clearance may be low.
See an authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi
Service Facility for assistance.
Audi drive select: automatic suspension low-
ering. See owner's manual
The vehicle level is adjusted to the setting stored
for the active personal profile > page 32.
Audi drive select: automatic suspension lift.
See owner's manual
The vehicle level is adjusted to the setting stored
for the active personal profile > page 32.
Steering
Electromechanical steering supports the driver's
steering movements by electronically adapting
the power steering depending on the vehicle
speed. The settings depend on the selected Audi
drive select* mode.
Progressive steering
Applies to: vehicles with progressive steering
The driving dynamic and driving stability are in-
creased by the steering ratio based on the steer-
ing wheel angle. The steering is very direct when
the steering wheel angle is sharp, and indirect
when the angle is low. This enables comfortable
maneuvering and a precise steering response at
higher driving speeds.
All-wheel steering
Applies to: vehicles with all-wheel steering
Additional steering ability at the rear axle im-
proves the driving dynamic and stability. At low
speeds, the rear wheels are steered in the oppo-
site direction from the front wheels to reduce the
turning radius. At high speeds, steering the rear
wheels in the same direction as the front wheels
114
improves the vehicle response and driving stabili-
ty.
a Steering: malfunction! Please stop vehicle
The power steering may have failed. Adapt your
driving style immediately to compensate for the
fact that it may be more difficult to turn the
steering wheel, and stop your vehicle in a safe lo-
cation as soon as possible. Do not continue driv-
ing. See an authorized Audi dealer or authorized
Audi Service Facility for assistance.
a Steering: malfunction! Please stop vehicle.
Pay attention to distance at side
The rear axle steering may have failed. More
space on the road may be needed at the side of
the vehicle, and the turning radius may be much
larger. Slow down immediately, and stop your ve-
hicle as soon as possible in a safe location with
enough space at the sides of the vehicle. Do not
continue driving. See an authorized Audi dealer
or authorized Audi Service Facility for assistance.
BS Steering: malfunction! Please stop vehicle
There is a malfunction in the electronic steering
lock. You cannot turn the ignition on. Secure the
vehicle against rolling before exiting the vehicle
= page 96. Do not tow your vehicle because it
cannot be steered. See an authorized Audi dealer
or authorized Audi Service Facility for assistance.
a Steering: malfunction! You can continue
driving
There is a malfunction in the steering system.
Steering may be more difficult or more sensitive.
Adapt your driving style. Have the steering sys-
tem checked immediately by an authorized Audi
dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility. Please
note that the red indicator light may turn on af-
ter restarting the engine. Do not continue driving
if it does.
a Steering: malfunction! Adapt driving style.
Larger turning radius
The rear axle steering may have failed. The vehi-
cle will have a larger turning radius, and the sta-
bility when driving around curves will be

4M8012721BF
Driving dynamic

comparable to a vehicle without rear axle steer-
ing. Drive carefully to an authorized Audi dealer
or authorized Audi Service Facility to have the
malfunction corrected.
BS Steering lock: malfunction! Please contact
Service
There is a malfunction in the electronic steering
lock. Drive immediately to an authorized Audi
dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility to have
the malfunction repaired.

IX WARNING
Do not tow your vehicle if there is a malfunc-
tion in the electronic steering lock because
this increases the risk of an accident.
@ Tips
—If there is a malfunction, the steering wheel
may be crooked when driving straight.
—Ifthe A or indicator light only stays on
for a short time, you may continue driving.

All wheel drive (quattro)
Applies to: vehicles with all wheel drive
The all-wheel drive system distributes the driving
power variably to the front and rear axle to im-
prove the driving characteristics. It works togeth-
er with selective wheel torque control, which can
activate when driving through curves
=> page 116.
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\.

Z\ 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.
By Tamer!
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.
Messages
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} 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.

115

Driving dynamic

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 oversteering and understeering of
the vehicle, the drive wheels spinning, or the risk
of the vehicle tipping.
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.
116
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.
— 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.
— As the vehicle load increases, especially the
roof load, the vehicle's center of gravity also
increases along with the risk of the vehicle
tipping. To reduce the risk of an accident, al-
ways adapt your driving style to the current
conditions and avoid sudden driving maneu-
vers.
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


>

4M8012721BF
Parking and maneuvering

> Move the window wiper lever S7 into the posi-
tion for cleaning the rear window & & page 57.

ZA WARNING
Observe the safety precautions and note the
limits of the assist systems, sensors, and
cameras > page 121.



Warnings
Applies to: vehicles with rearview camera/peripheral cameras

Applies to: vehicles with trailer view
Fig. 122 Upper display: trailer view
When parking with the rearview camera or pe-
ripheral camera, the parking system plus audio
and visual warnings* will also assist you
=> page 160.
Visual orientation lines
@ The orange orientation lines show the vehi-
cle's direction of travel >@. Turn the steer-
ing wheel until the orange orientation lines
align with the parking space.
@ Use the blue markings to help you estimate
the distance to an obstacle. Each marking
represents approximately 3 feet (1 meter).
The blue area represents an extension of the
vehicle's outline by approximately 16 feet (5
meters) to the rear.
@® You can recognize the rear bumper in the
lower display.
@ You should stop driving in reverse when the
red orientation line touches the edge of an
object, at the latest.
Trailer view
Applies to: vehicles with trailer view
The trailer view > fig. 122 assists you in position-
ing the vehicle in front of a trailer.
— Applies to: vehicles with peripheral cameras:
Switch to the Rear view > page 164, fig. 123.
— Select |---| > Trailer view in the upper display
when the parking aid is active.


Now you can position your vehicle in front of the
trailer. The orange orientation line ©) > fig. 122
indicates the expected path toward the trailer
hitch. Use the blue markings © to help you esti-
mate the distance to the trailer hitch. Each mark-
ing represents approximately 1 foot (0.30 me-
ters). The width of the blue surface represents
the maximum steering wheel angle.
Symbols
If $2/&9/< is displayed and the display area
represented by that symbol is not available, then
the camera on the that side is not available. The
power exterior mirrors may have been folded in
or a door or the luggage compartment lid may
have been opened.
If # is displayed, there is a system malfunction
and the display area represented by that symbol
is not available. The camera is not working in this
area.
If Avis displayed, the respective ultrasonic sensor
is icy or dirty. Clean the area in front of the sen-
sors > page 123.
If one of the symbols continues to be displayed,
drive immediately to an authorized Audi dealer or
authorized Audi Service Facility to have the mal-
function repaired.

A WARNING
— Observe the safety precautions and note the
limits of the assist systems, sensors, and
cameras > page 121.
— Sensors and cameras have spots in which
the surrounding area cannot be detected. >

163

4M8012721BF
Media

Never leave mobile devices in the vehicle in
extremely high or low temperatures.
@ Tips
— Always follow the information found in
=> page 82.
— When you switch the ignition off, the USB
ports are still supplied with power until the
energy management intervenes.
— Do not use an additional adapter cable or
USB extension cable to connect mobile devi-
ces to the Audi music interface that already
have a cable or that must be connected with
a USB adapter cable (> page 222, fig. 151).
Using an additional adapter or US extension
cable may impair functionality.
— Functionality is not guaranteed for mobile
devices that do not conform to the USB 2.0
specification.
— USB hubs are not supported.
— Video playback through the Audi music in-
terface is not supported on Apple devices
and MTP devices (such as smartphones).
— iPod touch or iPhone malfunctions also af-
fect the operation of the MMI. Reset your
mobile device in these situations.
— Audi recommends updating the iPod touch
or iPhone software to the latest version. Re-
fer to your mobile device owner's manual
for more information.
— The USB adapter on the Audi music inter-
face will support iPod touch or iPhone devi-
ces from the 5th generation or newer with
the lightning connector.
—Aselection of supported devices can be
found in the database for tested mobile de-
vices at www.audi.com/mp3.
Playing media
The following sources can be selected depending
on the vehicle equipment:
— Amazon Alexa > page 221.
— USB device > page 222.
— DVD & page 221.
— External device: you can connect external devi-
ces via Bluetooth and use the Bluetooth audio
player > page 221, or you can connect an exter-
nal device directly to the Audi music interface
=> page 222.
Accessing media
Playing media files using the MMI
> Applies to: MMI: Select on the home screen:
MEDIA > Source > a source. Depending on the
connected device, the symbol for a source may
change. The device name may be displayed (for
example: myPhone).
> Select a track from the categories in the media
center > page 224.
Playing media files using the multifunction
steering wheel
Requirement: a media source must contain me-
dia files > page 223.
> Select the radio/media tab in the instrument
cluster.
> Turn the left thumbwheel to display the play-
list.
> To switch to a different source, press the
button.
> To select a media file or a source, turn and
press the left thumbwheel.
> To switch between radio and media, select in
the instrument cluster: the LE] button > Switch
to radio/Switch to media.
G) Tips
— For safety reasons, the video image is only
displayed when the vehicle is stationary. On-
ly the sound from the video plays while driv-
ing.
— Applies to: multifunction steering wheel:
Depending on the selected function, opera-
tion through the MMI may be required.
223

Emergency assistance

Preparations
> Only secure the towing cable or tow bar at the
designated towing loops > page 296,
=> page 297.
> Make sure the towing cable is not twisted. Oth-
erwise it could disconnect from the towing loop
while towing.
> Switch the emergency flashers on in both
vehicles > page 53. However, do not do this if it
prohibited by law.
Towing vehicle (front)
> Only start to drive when the towing cable is
taut.
> Press the brake pedal very carefully.
> Avoid sudden braking or driving maneuvers.
Vehicle being towed (rear)
> Make sure the ignition is switched on so that
the steering wheel is not locked and so that you
can use the turn signals, the horn, and the
windshield wipers if needed > /\.
> Switching it off before the vehicle has stopped
may impair the function of the brake booster
and power steering. You would then need to
use more force to steer and brake the vehicle.
> Release the parking brake > page 106.
> Select the “N” selector lever position.
> Make sure the towing cable is always taut.


Z\ WARNING
— Never tow a vehicle using a tow bar or tow-
ing cable if the vehicle does not have electri-
cal power.
— If the vehicle runs out of power while it is
being towed, stop towing the vehicle imme-
diately and consult an authorized Audi deal-
er or qualified repair facility.

296
Front towing loop

Fig. 182 Front bumper: installing the towing loop (version
1)


Fig. 183 Front bumper: installing the towing loop (version
2)
The threaded opening for the towing loop is lo-
cated on the right side of the front bumper.
» Remove the towing loop from the vehicle tool
kit > page 286.
>» Press the cap inward with brief, strong pressure
> fig. 182 or > fig. 183. The cap will loosen
from the bumper.
> Tighten the towing eye as far as it will go into
the mount. Use a suitable object to tighten the
towing eye completely and securely in the
mount.
> After using, place the towing loop back in the
vehicle tool kit.

ZA\ WARNING
If the towing loop is not tightened until it
stops when installing, the threads may be
pulled out when towing the vehicle and result
in an accident. >

4M8012721BF
Index

Software:licensesi. « seins ss asros v0 ania © a 236
Version information.............-.00- 236
License plate bracket................0.. 310
Lifting points (vehicle jack).............. 290
Light/rain sensor
Headlights ............. 0.0 e eee eee ee 51
Intermittent mode (windshield wipers).... 57
Lighting
EXteriO?'s sees oo neem oo een 2 2 eon 2 ee 51
TAGE HOR so scans o 6 siaenve © wn sunctne ew axenene 6 0 « 54
LIQWES sscssia es seem ao waver 2 2 aeesiue @ ¥ arenie © ore 51
Listening to music
referto Media..................- 220, 223
LOAM) scssaree 1 « senor sc « saute st m seviwen mo stenoses 314
Localiusensss + + sean 2 0 ncawaws a o sesvew s avanawe ov ite 32
Locking and unlocking
By remote control..............-.00005 40
Using the lock cylinder; sass s saan a 2 nea 38
With the convenience key............... 40
Low beam headlights.................... 51
Lowering the rear of the vehicle........... 85
LTE
refer to Exterior antenna.............. 184
Luggage compartment.................. 83
Came Flea ensians x « escacn a «cnc we remo 6 ro 87
Cover (manual) ............-----.-5005 84
GOVEr (POWER) « sews « x meus x ¢ eae 5 eS Fe 85
Increasing the size.......... eee eee eee 86
Power SOUrCES ... 1. ee eee eee eee 82
also refer to Luggage compartment...... 83
Luggage compartment lid
Closing buttom:s « «csc eo secwsns = aeauans vo see 43
General information................00. 42
Mechanically unlocking...............-. 45
Openingiand Closings ss mais a & wea s & oe 43
Opening and closing with foot motion..... 44
Power opening and closing.............. 43
Lumbar support.............-.0002-000 63
M
Maintenance ........ 6c eee eee 308
Maintenance intervals.................5 254
Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL)........ 241
Maneuverassist sissies <3 cuces 2 3 somes 2 3 savers a 178
Manual shitting: «wees 2s ceos a ¢ eww so een 99
Map
Changing the scale.............0-0005 203
Display’: wasn x 2 warn s ¢ mews se BewE s 2 OS 205
Operating’. « & ssw ¥ sncasan ¥ wawens av memes a x 2 204
Setting the destination................ 203
MAP
refer to Message Access Profile......... 189
Map preview............0..0..0 eee eee 203
Map update............ cece ee eee eee 208
MYAUGLAPD = newer = : saws s 2 eam 2g gee x = 208
ONLINE & arises 2s sewre8e swans ao eRe ow imaUNm 208
USB connection............-..000005- 208
Massage function...............-000000) 63
Front... 2... ec ee 64
Mechanical key..... 0.00.00. 0c eee eee ee 39
Media... .... 0... cece eee eee ee eee 220, 223
DrivVGSiss ¢ = ness ¢ # Beas ¢ 8 HHS + AER at Bee 220
Supported formats.................-- 228
Media-center’. « = sew » ¢ swas x seme 2 x sete 224
Memory functiones: « s sees = ees ve een ce 71
Menu language
refer to Setting the language........... 233
Menu Pathisies « » sows x 2 wees © y eae 2 e emi es 19
Message Access Profile...........-..... 189
MessageS....... 22.00. ce eee eee eee eee 189
Mild hybrid drive system..........-...0- 102
Mirror compass... ... 02.0... e eee eee eee 60
Mirrors
Adjusting exterior mirrors............... 55
DIMMING « = ews & 2 cows xo cen + ees + Bere 56
NAINTEYEIMITNOR®. uss 2 < csename on asete # 9 anes © 57
MMI
refer to Multi Media Interface........... 20
Mobile device
referto Telephone ...........--eeeeee: 181
Mobile device reminder signal............ 185
Mountain passes......... 0. c ee eee aes 108
Mountain roads..............0 0000000 108
Multifunction steering wheel
Buttons ....... 2... eee eee 13,31
Operating’: = « sees = ssw so pee ae deem oe we 13
Programming buttons.................. 31
Voice recognition system............... 28
321