2021 AUDI Q8 towing

4M8012721BF
Trailer towing

in the trailer correctly will help to achieve this
weight. Having the tongue weight too low affects
the vehicle's handling.
You can determine the tongue weight using a
tongue weight scale, a bathroom scale, or a pub-
lic weigh station, for example.
The permitted tongue weight of your vehicle can
be found in the vehicle documentation or in
=> page 314.
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 266. 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
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 113.
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.
For vehicles with a factory-installed trailer hitch,
the air suspension trailer mode will automatically
switch on if you connect the trailer connector to
the socket.
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 113.
You can also increase ground clearance by select-
ing the Audi drive select* offroad or allroad
modes > page 111.
119

Trailer towing

Vehicle levels below the values set in the comfort
level will no longer be available, even if you are
lowering the vehicle manually.

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.
©) 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.
G) 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.
Driving with a trailer
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
120
exceed the maximum legal speed limit when
there are unfavorable road, weather, and/or wind
conditions. This especially applies when driving
downhill.
Hill
When you start driving uphill or downhill, trailers
may tilt or sway sooner than when driving ona
level surface. If small swaying movements have
already occurred, you can stabilize the trailer by
firmly braking immediately. Never attempt to
“straighten out” the trailer by accelerating.
Downshift before driving on hills to utilize the en-
gine braking effect > A\.
Brakes
When using a trailer with overrun brakes, first
brake gently then quickly. This reduces the risk of
jerking while braking if the trailer wheels lock up.
Engine coolant temperature
Pay attention specifically to the coolant tempera-
ture display when there are high outside temper-
atures, and when driving on long inclines
=> page 14. Shift to a higher gear in a timely man-
ner.

Z\ WARNING
Constant braking causes the brakes to over-
heat and can substantially reduce braking per-
formance, increase braking distance, or cause
complete failure of the brake system.

4M8012721BF
Assist systems

Assist systems
General information
Sra eel delay
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 122.



@ 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.
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.



@) 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.
—In trailer mode, some assist systems may be
limited, may not react as usual, or may be
unavailable. Please refer to the instructions
for towing a trailer located in > page 118.
— 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
121
>

4M8012721BF
Driver assistance

@ Tips
— If the system is switched off, it switches on
again automatically once the ignition is
switched on again.
— Switch Audi pre sense off when you are not
using public streets, when loading the vehi-
cle onto a vehicle carrier, train, ship, or oth-
er type of transportation, or when towing
the vehicle. This can help to prevent an un-
desired intervention from the Audi pre
sense system.
Messages
Applies to: vehicles with Audi pre sense
If BJ is displayed when there is a malfunction,
the Audi pre sense functions may be unavailable
or may be limited.
A message that indicates the cause and possible
solution may appear with some displays. The
weather conditions may be too poor or a sensor
may be covered. Bring the vehicle to a full stop,
switch the ignition off, and clean the area in front
of the sensors > page 123.
If the message still appears after switching the
ignition on again, have an authorized repair facili-
ty correct the malfunction as soon as possible.

D In certain countries.
Side assist
petted aCoy a)
Applies to: vehicles with side assist
al 3 a z
e|


Fig. 112 Driving situations and exterior mirror display
General information
Side assist monitors the blind spot and traffic in
the adjacent lanes behind the vehicle. Within sys-
tem limits, side assist can detect traffic that is
approaching from behind and provide a warning
when you are changing lanes and turning. The
system uses the data from the radar sensors at
the rear corners of the vehicle.
The side assist is active at walking speeds and
higher. If an object that is classified as critical is
approaching, the display in the exterior mirror @)
on the corresponding side of the vehicle will light
up.
Driving situations
The system can provide warnings about the fol-
lowing risks:
@ Approaching vehicles: a vehicle may be clas-
sified as critical in some cases, even if it is
farther away. The faster a vehicle
153

Driver assistance

approaches, the sooner the display will turn
on.
@ Vehicles traveling in the same direction: the
display will turn on if vehicles traveling in the
same direction as your vehicle are classified
as critical. The side assist warns you of all de-
tected vehicles when they are in the “blind
spot” or before they reach that point.
@ Vehicles you are passing: the display only
turns on if you slowly pass a detected vehicle
(difference in speed between the two vehicles
is less than 9 mph (15 km/h)). There is no
display if you pass a vehicle more quickly.
Information stage
At the information level, the side assist informs
you of detected objects that are classified as criti-
cal. This is even possible when your vehicle is sta-
tionary and the turn signal is turned on, so that
the system can also assist you when turning.
From speeds of approximately 6 mph (10 km/h)
and higher, the system will warn you of detected
objects that are classified as critical, even if the
turn signal is not turned on.
The display remains dim in the information stage
so that you are not distracted while looking for-
ward.
Warning stage
If you activate a turn signal and the display flash-
es, side assist is warning about objects that have
been classified as critical.
Depending on the vehicle equipment and other
driver assistance systems, the display may also
flash if you have not activated a turn signal. If
you are approaching a detected lane marker line
and it appears you will be leaving the lane, the
display will warn you about detected vehicles
that are classified as critical. You can also be
warned with corrective steering > page 147,
Lane departure warning.
Detection range
The radar sensors are designed to detect the left
and right adjacent lanes when the road lanes are
the normal width. In some situations, the display
may turn on even though there is no vehicle lo-
154
cated in the area that is critical for a lane change.
For example:
— If the lanes are narrow or if you are driving on
the edge of your lane. If this is the case, the
system may have detected a vehicle in another
lane that is not adjacent to your current lane.
—If you are driving through a curve. Side assist
may react to a vehicle that is in the same lane
or one lane over from the adjacent lane.
— If side assist reacts to other objects (such as
roadside structures like guard rails).

ZA WARNING
— Observe the safety precautions and note the
limits of the assist systems, sensors, and
cameras > page 121.
— The display may not appear on time when
vehicles are approaching or being passed
very quickly.
G) Tips
— If the window glass in the driver's door or
front passenger's door has been tinted, the
display in the exterior mirror may be incor-
rect.

— These systems are not available in trailer
towing mode. There is no guarantee the sys-
tems will switch off when using a retrofitted
trailer hitch. Do not use these functions
when towing a trailer.
— The coverage areas of the sensors > fig. 112
are diagrams and do not represent a true-
to-scale image of the sensor ranges.
— The system complies with United States FCC
regulations and ISED regulations
=> page 311.
Peet
Applies to: vehicles with side assist
The system can be switched on and off in the
MMI & page 124. If the system is activated, the
displays will turn on briefly when the ignition is
switched on.

Driver assistance

Switching the exit warning on and off
— The system can be switched on and off in the
MMI & page 124.

ZA\ WARNING
— Observe the safety precautions and note the
limits of the assist systems, sensors, and
cameras > page 121.
— Always pay attention to traffic and to the
area around your vehicle. The exit warning
system does not replace the attention of the
vehicle occupants. The vehicle occupants are
always responsible for opening the doors
and exiting the vehicle.
— The exit warning system does not respond
to people and cannot warn you about every
type of approaching objects, such as cyclists.
Always monitor the traffic as well as the ve-
hicle's surroundings with direct eye contact.
— The display may not appear in time when
vehicles are approaching very quickly.
— The exit warning system does not react to
stationary objects or pedestrians.
— The exit warning system will not provide
alerts if your vehicle is pulled too far into
the parking space so that it is hidden by ad-
jacent vehicles.



G) Tips
— The exit warning system can be available for
up to approximately three minutes after un-
locking the vehicle and opening the door as
well as after switching off the ignition. Then
the displays flash briefly and the system
switches off.
— The system is not available when towing a
trailer. There is no guarantee the system
will switch off when using a retrofitted trail-
er hitch. Do not use these functions when
towing a trailer.
— The coverage areas of the sensors > fig. 113
are diagrams and do not represent a true-
to-scale image of the sensor ranges.
— The system complies with United States FCC
regulations and ISED regulations
=> page 311.
156
Intersection assistant
Applies to: vehicles with intersection assistant

RAH-9247
Fig. 116 Instrument cluster: directional display from the
intersection assistant
General information
The intersection assistant can warn the driver of
approaching cross traffic in complex intersections
> fig. 115.
The system monitors intersections and exit
ramps using the sensors installed in the vehicle
that detect the front and side areas around the
vehicle. Moving objects that are approaching
from behind, such as cars, are detected within
the limits of the system > A\. The system can al-
so warn the driver of a potential collision with de-
tected approaching cross traffic in intersections
and exit ramps with poor visibility.
Requirements for using the intersection
assistant:
— The speed must not be higher than approxi-
mately 18 mph (30 km/h).
—The “D” gear is selected.

4M8012721BF
Parking and maneuvering

sides* of the vehicle. Do not continue driving for-
ward or in reverse >@.
> To deactivate audio signals while parking, press
(in the upper display. The audio signals will be
automatically activated again the next time the
parking aid is activated.
Adjusting the volume
You can adjust the volume to your preferences.
The settings depend on the vehicle equipment.
» Applies to MMI: Select on the home screen: VE-
HICLE > Parking aid. Or
> Press |---| in the upper display when the parking
system is active.


Possible settings:
Front volume - Volume for the front and side*
area.
Rear volume - Volume for the rear area.
Entertainment fader —- The volume of the audio/
video source is lowered when the parking aid is
activated.
The new level is demonstrated briefly* when the
volume is adjusted.
Error messages
If P4 appears, the sensor in the respective area
or the speaker is faulty. Drive immediately to an
authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service
Facility to have the malfunction repaired.
If Avis displayed in the MMI, the ultrasonic sen-
sor indicated is icy or dirty. Clean the area in front
of the sensors > page 123.
if or is displayed when there is a malfunc-
tion, the parking aid functions may be unavaila-
ble or may be limited.
A message that indicates the cause and possible
solution may appear with some displays. The
weather conditions may be too poor or a sensor
may be covered. Clean the area in front of the
sensors > page 123 and try to turn the system on
again later.
If the malfunction remains, drive to an author-
ized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facili-
ty immediately to have the malfunction correct-
ed.

ZA 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.
Objects, animals, and people may only be
detected with limitations may not be detect-
ed at all. Always monitor the traffic and the
vehicle's surroundings directly and do not
become distracted.

@) Note
— Keep enough distance from the curb to
avoid damage to the rims.
— Applies to: vehicles with assisted parking
systems: If you park in short parking spaces
using assisted parking systems, a continu-
ous tone will sound from the parking aid
when the distance to an object is less than
approximately 0.7 feet (0.20 m). Do not
continue driving farther.
@) Tips
—The side area* > page 122, fig. 88 is detect-
ed and evaluated when passing. There may
have been changes to the surrounding area
after switching the ignition off and on
again, after opening the doors, or if the ve-
hicle is left stationary for a period of time.
In this case, the area will appear black until
the area has been detected and evaluated.
— If the distance to an obstacle remains con-
stant, the volume of the distance warning
gradually lowers after a few seconds until it
is muted (this does not apply to the continu-
ous tone). If the obstacle comes closer than
it was before the sound was muted, the
tone will sound again. If the obstacle be-
comes farther away than it was before the
sound was muted, no tone will sound. Pay
attention to the vehicle's surroundings
when you start to drive.
— There is no distance warning for the rear
and the sides* when trailer towing mode is
161
>

Parking and maneuvering


Objects, animals, and people may only be
detected with limitations may not be detect-
ed at all. Always monitor the traffic and the
vehicle's surroundings directly and do not
become distracted.

@) Note
— The orange orientation lines @) show the di-
rection the rear of the vehicle will be travel-
ing, based on the steering wheel angle. The
front of the vehicle swings out more than
the rear of the vehicle. Maintain plenty of
distance so that an exterior mirror or a cor-
ner of the vehicle does not collide with any
obstacles.
— Keep enough distance from the curb to
avoid damage to the rims.
— Only use the images provided by the camera
on the rear of the vehicle when the luggage
compartment lid is completely closed. Make
sure any objects you may have mounted on
the luggage compartment lid do not block
the rearview camera.
G) Tips
— Applies to vehicles with air suspension: The
accuracy of the orientation lines and blue
surfaces on the camera display decreases
when the vehicle is raised or lowered with
the air suspension.
— There is no distance warning for the rear
and the sides* when trailer towing mode is
detected. The front sensors remain activat-
ed. The visual display switches to trailer
mode. There is no guarantee the functions
will be deactivated when using a retrofitted
trailer hitch.
Operating the peripheral cameras
Applies to: vehicles with peripheral cameras




E
3
Fig. 123 Upper display: left side: surrounding area. Right side: 3D surroundings.
On vehicles with peripheral cameras, you can se- Selecting the views
lect among different views. > To display the entire selection bar, tap the cur-
The camera views can be controlled with the rent view (2) or swipe at the edge of the selec-
touch display. In certain views, you can zoom in tion bar from left to right.
or out on the displayed area, and move, tilt, or > To select a view, press (2)- @) or tap in an area
rotate the 3D surroundings. to show the vehicle in the side view )). >

2 Requirement: The vehicle surroundings (Camera) must be
selected in the View in the side area.
164