engine AUDI A7 2021 Owner´s Manual

Driving dynamic

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.
The vehicle ground clearance is adjusted by the
air suspension” based on the setting.
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
PCED aN eer ute)
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.
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
112
adapt gradually to the vehicle speed in order to
reduce the wind resistance at high speeds and in-
crease the ground clearance at low speeds. The
settings depend on the selected Audi drive se-
lect* mode.
Displaying the vehicle level
» Applies to MMI: Select on the home screen: VE-
HICLE > Audi drive select.
The filled-in boxes represent the current vehicle
level. The more boxes that are filled in, the high-
er the ground clearance. The box that corre-
sponds with the current vehicle level will flash
while the vehicle is lifting or lowering. The target
level is highlighted in color.
Raising the vehicle
> Applies to MMI: Select on the home screen: VE-
HICLE > Audi drive select.
> Press Raise to reach the highest vehicle level
and thus the maximum ground clearance.
» Press Lower to lower the vehicle down again.
The vehicle will lower at speeds of approximately
22 mph (35 km/h) and below. This function may
only be used temporarily when increased ground
clearance is necessary. It is not intended for long
drives.
@) Note
— Also refer to the information about ground
clearance > page 112.
— When transporting the vehicle on a road
carrier,
rail carrier, ship carrier, or other car-
rier, it may only be secured at the running
surfaces of the tires (circumference). Secur-
ing the vehicle at the axle components, sus-
pension struts, or towing eyes is not permit-
ted because the pressure in the air suspen-
sion struts can change during transport. The
vehicle might not be secured sufficiently if
this happens.
Ground clearance
The vehicle height and clearance can be influ-
enced by the following factors:
— Change in temperature

Driving dynamic

wheels to reduce the steering effort needed by
the driver and to reduce the turning radius. Vehi-
cle handling improves. At high speeds, steering
the rear wheels in the same direction as the front
wheels improves the vehicle response and driving
stability. The vehicle reacts quickly and precisely
to the driver's steering movements.
Messages
& 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.
& 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.
io] 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 94. Do not tow your vehicle because it
cannot be steered. See an authorized Audi dealer
or authorized Audi Service Facility for assistance.
& 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.
114
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 compa-
rable to a vehicle without rear axle steering. Drive
carefully to an authorized Audi dealer or author-
ized Audi Service Facility to have the malfunction
corrected.
& 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.
Dynamic steering: correcting steering wheel
position
The steering is reinitializing. The steering wheel
will move easily after starting the vehicle. Reiniti-
alization might be necessary if the steering wheel
was moved while the engine was switched off.
The display turns off if the initialization was suc-
cessful.

Z\ 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.

4K8012721BF
Driving dynamic

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\.
Quattro ultra
Applies to: vehicles with quattro ultra
If the driving situation does not require all wheel
drive, then the rear section of the drivetrain will
decouple and thus save fuel. The system con-
stantly determines and anticipates if all wheel
drive is needed. This allows the rear drivetrain to
recouple shortly before it is needed.

ZA 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.

Syed)
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.
t3] All-wheel drive: malfunction! You can con-
tinue driving. Please contact Service
Drive immediately to an authorized Audi dealer
or authorized Audi Service Facility to have the
malfunction repaired.
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} All-wheel drive: too hot. Please adapt driv-
ing style. See owner's manual
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.
73} 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.


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: >
115

Driving dynamic

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

116

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.
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
console, in front of the selector lever. The ESC is
automatically switched on when the ignition is
switched on.

Limiting ESC
In some situations, it may make sense to limit
the stabilizing function of the ESC so that the
wheels can spin, for example to rock a vehicle to
free it when it is stuck or to drive with snow
chains. The ESC can also be limited to provide
more sporty driving characteristics with fewer
stabilizing corrective actions.
—To limit the ESC, press the oF button briefly.
The B indicator light will turn on.
— To completely reactivate the ESC stabilization
function, press the button again. The indicator
light turns off.
Switching off ESC
For a more active control of the vehicle where the
stabilizing functions of the ESC cannot intervene,
the ESC can be switched off.

4K8012721BF
Trailer towing

Trailer towing
Driving with a trailer
eT e e eeu)
Your vehicle is primarily intended for transport-
ing people and luggage. However, if you drive
with a trailer, follow the technical requirements,
the operation and driving tips, and the legal reg-
ulations.
Driving with a trailer affects the vehicle's energy
usage, performance, and wear. It also requires
higher concentration from the driver.

Z\ WARNING
Do not transport any people in a trailer due to
the risk of fatal injury.
Technical requirements
Trailer hitch

Only use a trailer hitch with a removable ball
hitch mount and ball hitch. The trailer hitch must
be permitted for the vehicle, the trailer and the
permitted total weight of the trailer being
pulled. Above all, it must be securely and safely
attached to the vehicle trailer.
Never mount a trailer hitch on the bumper. The
trailer hitch must be mounted in a way that does
not impair the function of the bumper. Do not
make any changes to the exhaust system and the
brake system.
Check regularly if the trailer hitch is securely
mounted. Always follow the instructions given by
the trailer hitch manufacturer.
Trailer brakes
If the trailer has its own brake system, then fol-
low the manufacturer specifications. However,
the brake system on the trailer must never be
connected to the vehicle brake system.
Engine cooling system
Driving with a trailer means a higher load on the
engine and the cooling system. The cooling sys-
tem must be designed for additional load and
contain enough coolant > @®.
CG) Note
Longer inclines cannot be driven without a
suitable cooling system, especially if the out-
side temperatures are high. Otherwise, this
increases the risk of engine damage.
Operating instructions
Towing capacity
Your vehicle can only be operated with class 1 or
class 2 trailers.
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 284. 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
135
>

4K8012721BF
Trailer towing

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.
Conventional drive system: Downshift before
driving on hills to utilize the engine braking ef-
fect SA.
Plug-in hybrid drive system: Reduce the speed
and use the recuperation braking effect
=> page 101 to relieve the brakes > 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.

137

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Driver assistance

Driver assistance
Cruise control system
Applies to: vehicles with cruise control system
The cruise control system assists the driver in
maintaining a constant speed above approxi-
mately 15 mph (20 km/h). The system maintains
the desired speed by braking and accelerating.

ZA WARNING
— Always pay attention to the traffic around
your vehicle when the cruise control system
is in operation. As the driver, you are always
responsible for controlling your vehicle
speed and the distance between your vehicle
and
other vehicles.
— For safety reasons, cruise control should not
be used in the city, in stop-and-go traffic, on
winding roads, and when road conditions are
poor (such as ice, fog, gravel, heavy rain,
and conditions that could lead to hydroplan-
ing), because this increases the risk of an ac-
cident.
— Switch the cruise control off temporarily
when driving in turning lanes, highway exits,
or in construction zones.
—To reduce the risk of an accident, you should
only resume the stored speed if it is suitable
for the current traffic conditions.


() Note
— Conventional drive system:Before driving
downhill a long distance on a steep hill, de-
crease your speed and select a lower gear.
This makes use of the engine braking effect
and reduces the load placed on the brakes.
— Plug-in hybrid drive: Before driving downhill
a long distance on a steep hill, decrease
your speed and use the recuperation braking
effect > page 101. This reduces the load on
the brakes.
@ Tips
The brake lights turn on when the brakes are
applied automatically.
Switching the system on
Applies to: vehicles with cruise control system

BFV-0220



Fig. 99 Operating lever: switching the system on
Requirement: the ignition must be switched on.
> To switch the system on, pull the lever toward
you to position @.
The Gia or i$) indicator light and the corre-
sponding message will appear in the instrument
cluster.


ZA\ WARNING
If the brakes are malfunctioning (for example,
overheating) while the cruise control system
is switched on, the regulating functions may


shut off automatically.


Preselecting or activating a cruise con
speed
Applies to: vehicles with cruise control system
When the vehicle is stationary, you can preselect
the cruise control speed or activate the speed
while driving.
Requirement: the system must be switched on.
> To preselect a cruise control speed when the ve-
hicle is stationary, tap the lever toward @)/G)
=> page 151, fig. 99.
> To activate the cruise control speed, pull the
lever
toward position @ while driving.
> To set the current driving speed as the cruise
control speed, press the button @) on the lever.
The active cruise control speed is indicated with
the Gg or kl indicator light in the instrument
cluster.
151
>

4K8012721BF
Parking and maneuvering

General information
The parking aid assists when parking and maneu-
vering by providing warnings about obstacles. If
the ultrasonic sensors on the vehicle > page 139,
fig. 91 detect an obstacle, the system will pro-
vide audio and visual warnings.
Activating and deactivating
Requirement: the vehicle speed must be under
approximately 6 mph (10 km/h).
> Press the Pvt or { button @ in the center con-
sole. When activating, a brief tone will sound
and the LED in the button will turn on.
Automatic activation
> The system activates automatically when re-
verse gear is engaged while the engine is run-
ning. A brief tone will sound.
> If Automatic activation is switched on in the
MMI and if the vehicle approaches an obstacle
at speeds below approximately 6 mph (10
km/h), the parking aid will switch on automati-
cally. Audible signals will sound once the obsta-
cle is within the sensor detection area.
> Applies to: MMI: To switch Automatic activa-
tion on or off, select on the home screen: VEHI-
CLE > Parking aid > Automatic activation.
Automatic deactivation
The distance indicator for the parking aid plus
will deactivate automatically when driving for-
ward faster than 6 mph (10 km/h).

Z\ WARNING
Observe the safety precautions and note the
limits of the assist systems, sensors, and
cameras > page 138.

@) Note
Keep enough distance from the curb to avoid
damage to the rims.
@) Tips
— If the parking aid is deactivated, it can only
be reactivated automatically when one of
the following conditions is met:
— The vehicle speed exceeds 6 mph
(10 km/h)
— The ignition is switched off and back on
again
— The parking brake is set and then released
— The “P” gear is engaged and released
again
Applies to: vehicles with parking aid plus

Fig. 121 Upper display: distance indicator
If the sensors detect an obstacle, audible and vis-
ual signals will warn you.
Visual warnings
The visual warnings in the upper display help you
to detect the critical vehicle area and to estimate
the distance to an obstacle.
Red segments (2) show detected obstacles that
are in your vehicle's path. The red lines @) mark
the expected direction of travel based on the
steering angle. A white segment @) indicates a
detected obstacle that is outside of the vehicle's
path. The closer your vehicle comes to the obsta-
cle, the closer the segments will move to the ve-
hicle. The collision area has been reached when
the next to last segment is displayed. Obstacles
in the collision area, including those outside of
the vehicle's path, are shown in red. Do not con-
tinue driving farther.
Audio signals
The closer your vehicle gets to a detected obsta-
cle, the shorter the time between the audible sig-
nals. A continuous tone sounds when an obstacle
is less than approximately 1 foot (0.30 m) away
from the front or rear of the vehicle. A continu-
ous tone sounds when an obstacle is less than
approximately 0.7 feet (0.20 m) away from the
177
>

4K8012721BF

Parking and maneuvering

Rearview camera and
peripheral cameras
Introduction

Applies to: vehicles with rearview camera/peripheral cameras

B8V-0629

Fig. 122 Orientation line display when parking
Depending on the vehicle equipment, a rearview
camera or multiple peripheral cameras may be
available.
The rearview camera helps you to park or maneu-
ver using the orientation lines.
The peripheral cameras expand the vehicle over-
view to include various views around the vehicle
that can be selected.

ZA WARNING
Observe the safety precautions and note the
limits of the assist systems, sensors, and
cameras > page 138.
Activating and deactivating
Applies to: vehicles with rearview camera/peripheral cameras



[RAZ-1042|


Fig. 123 Center console: parking aid button
Activating and deactivating
> Press the 4 button (@ in the center console.
When activating, a brief tone will sound and
the LED in the button will turn on. Or
> Press bin the upper display if the visual dis-
tance indicator is shown > page 177, fig. 121.
The system can be activated at low speeds, such
when maneuvering.
Automatic activation
The system activates automatically when reverse
gear is engaged while the engine is running. A
brief tone will sound.
Automatic deactivation
The system will deactivate automatically once
the vehicle exceeds a certain speed while driving
forward.

A WARNING
Observe the safety precautions and note the
limits of the assist systems, sensors, and
cameras > page 138.
Clean rearview camera
Applies to: vehicles with rearview camera/peripheral cameras


You can manually start the cleaning of the rear-
view camera. The settings depend on the vehicle
equipment.

> Select |--| > Clean rearview camera in the upper
display when the parking aid is active.
Z\ WARNING
Observe the safety precautions and note the
limits of the assist systems, sensors, and
cameras > page 138.




179

4K8012721BF
Parking and maneuvering

Exiting a parking space with park assist
plus!)2)
Applies to: vehicles with park assist plus
If you parked the vehicle in a parallel parking
space, park assist plus can help you drive out of
it.
>» Start the engine.
> Press P@ in the lower display.
> Wait until a message appears on the upper dis-
play that requests you to select the direction to
travel in when exiting the parking space.
> Activate the turn signal on the desired side or
press that side next to the vehicle in the upper
display.
> Remove your hands from the steering wheel.
> Pay attention to the path of the vehicle. If the
traffic situation permits it, press and hold the
>>P] button @ > page 187, fig. 132 and re-
lease the brakes > A\.
> Pay attention to the path of the vehicle. If an
obstacle appears, interrupt the parking process
by releasing the [>>P] button. The vehicle re-
mains stopped.
> To resume the parking process, press and hold
the |>>P] button again.
> The process of exiting the parking space has
ended if additional corrective movements are
no longer necessary and the specified steering
wheel angle is sufficient to drive out of the
parking space. Resume control of the steering
wheel >@).






Pause park assist plus > page 189.

ZA WARNING
— Observe the safety precautions and note the
limits of the assist systems, sensors, and
cameras > page 138.
— Press and hold the |>>P] button only if you
are sure that there are no obstacles in the
vehicle's path or under the vehicle, and that
no obstacles will move into the vehicle's
path.




)_ System availability may be limited depending on the mar-
ket.
2) In preparation at the time of printing.

— Park assist plus is an assist system. The driv-
er is still responsible for monitoring the ve-
hicle's surroundings and preventing colli-
sions when using the system.
— When using park assist plus to drive into or
out of a parking space, the steering wheel
turns quickly on its own. Reaching into the
steering wheel spokes while this is happen-
ing can result in injury.
CG) Note
Resume steering immediately after the last
corrective movement and the takeover
prompt, so that the specified steering wheel
angle is not recentered.
(i) Tips
You can reduce the speed selected by the ve-
hicle or stop the vehicle at any time by press-
ing the brake pedal.
PPTs tle aceite) rere
Applies to: vehicles with park assist plus

You can pause park assist plus at any time by re-
leasing the [>>P] button @ > page 187, fig. 132.
To resume the parking process, press and hold
the [>>P] button again.




Canceling automatically
Park assist plus is canceled automatically among
other things, if:
— If you switch off the system
— You take over steering or press the brake pedal,
— If the time limit is exceeded
— If an obstacle is detected
— The ESC intervenes
Resume control of the vehicle, end the parking
process manually, or:
You can resume the parking process in some sit-
uations. Press and hold the brake pedal and press
Pe.
189