Get Driving dynamics Guide for Audi A5 4 Door Third Generation (2025-2026)

Driving dynamics

Audi drive select

Tips

– When the ignition is turned on, individual

systems, such as the drive system, will be

reset to a balanced setting. Select the cur-

rent mode again to attain its full configura-

tion.

Introduction

Applies to: vehicles with Audi drive select

Drive select makes it possible to experience dif-

ferent types of vehicle characteristics in one vehi-

cle. With different driving modes, the driver can

change the setting, for example from sporty to

comfortable. This allows you to adjust the set-

tings to your personal preferences. This makes it

possible to combine settings such as a sporty

drivetrain setting with comfortable steering.

– Audi recommends the auto mode for every-

day driving.

Selecting RS mode

Applies to: RS models

In RS models, there are two individual adjustable

RS modes instead of the Individual mode. The

vehicle will exit this mode after the ignition is

turned off.

Selecting an Audi drive select mode

Applies to: vehicles with Audi drive select

Selecting the mode

The  button is located in front of the transmis-

sion selector in the center console.

►

To switch between the RS modes and the last

Audi drive select mode that was selected, press

the  button on the multi-function steering

wheel. Or:

Applies to MMI: Select on the home screen: VE-

HICLE > Audi drive select.

►

Press the left or right arrow key until the de-

sired mode appears in the MMI. Or:

Applies to MMI: Select on the home screen: VE-

HICLE > Audi drive select.

►

You can change the driving mode when the vehi-

cle is stationary or while driving. If traffic per-

mits, briefly remove your foot from the accelera-

tor pedal after changing modes so that the mode

you have selected will be activated for the drive

system.

Adjusting the mode

►

Applies to MMI: Select on the home screen: VE-

HICLE > Audi drive select.

►

To configure the respective RS mode, press 

ðpage 112, Individual settings.

The following modes may be available depending

on vehicle equipment:

Individual settings

Applies to: vehicles with Audi drive select

comfort – Provides a comfort-oriented vehicle

setup and is suited for long drives on highways.

The equipment in your vehicle will determine

which settings you can adjust.

auto – Provides an overall comfortable yet dy-

namic driving feel.

Drive

The drive system will react to accelerator pedal

movement more quickly or in a more balanced

manner. The shift points are located in higher or

lower engine speed ranges on vehicles with auto-

matic transmissions.

dynamic – Provides a sporty driving feel and is

suited to a sporty driving style. The “S” driving

program is selected.

Individual – Provides the option for personalized

vehicle settings. Press  to configure the mode

ðpage 112, Individual settings.

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

ðpage 121.



112

Driving dynamics

In RS models, the sport differential is adjusted

using a separate menu item.

Note

Always make sure there is enough clearance

above and below the vehicle. This is especially

important for entrances with height restric-

tions, for example, before driving into under-

ground garages. You could also scrape the

ground when driving over the edges of curbs

or on steep ramps, which could damage your

vehicle.

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.

Messages

Engine sound

The following messages may appear, depending

on the vehicle equipment:

The engine sound adapts and can be subtle to

sporty. In the automatic setting, the engine

sound depends on the selected driving program.



Suspension: malfunction! You can continue

driving

There is a malfunction. See an authorized Audi

dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility for as-

sistance.

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

ðpage 121.

RS sport suspension pro

(adjustable coilover

suspension)

Suspension

Safety precautions

Applies to: vehicles with RS sport suspension pro

Adaptive dampers

Applies to: vehicles with suspension control

Audi recommends having all work on the RS

sport suspension pro performed by an authorized

Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility.

These facilities have the proper knowledge and

are equipped with the required tools and replace-

ment parts.

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.

WARNING

Ground clearance

Some of the procedures described require

work to be performed in the engine compart-

ment. Always use extreme caution when do-

ing any work in the engine compartment.

There is a risk of injury, scalding, accidents,

and fire when performing work in the engine

compartment. Therefore, observe the warn-

ings and general safety precautions

The vehicle height and clearance can be influ-

enced by the following factors:

– Change in temperature

– Change in load

WARNING

To reduce the risk of injury, make sure no one

gets pinched when the vehicle level is chang-

ing, for example when cleaning the under-

body or the wheel housings.

ðpage 237.



113

Driving dynamics

Read and follow the important safety pre-

cautions ðpage 122.

WARNING

– Observe the important safety precautions

about removing and installing wheels

ðpage 288. Please note that, contrary to

the information in the “Replacing wheels”

chapter, a vehicle jack must never be used.

– Use a hoist when necessary to make the de-

sired adjustments.

Tips

Audi recommends keeping the damping set to

the basic setting (factory setting) when driv-

ing on public roads ðtable on page 117. The

ensures both balanced and sporty vehicle

handling while maintaining a good level of

ride comfort.

– For safety reasons, never use a vehicle jack

when adjusting the damping and suspen-

sion, because this increases the risk of an ac-

cident or death.

General information

Applies to: vehicles with RS sport suspension pro

– Use extreme caution when performing work

on the vehicle while it has been lifted:

Vehicles with RS sport suspension pro are equip-

ped with adjustable coilover suspension. The

damping and ground clearance can be adjusted

manually to a limited extent.

– You could strike parts of the body, which

increases the risk of injury.

– Be careful of hot components, because

they increase the risk of burns.

– Also observe the manufacturer's instruc-

tions for the hoist.

Adjust the adjustable coilover suspension and the

shock absorbers only if you have the skills re-

quired to perform the work correctly. Observe the

applicable safety precautions ðpage 113.

WARNING

Shock absorbers

– To reduce the risk of accidents and damage,

do not attempt to perform adjustments on

the damping and suspension unless you are

in possession of the necessary equipment

and have the skills required to perform the

work correctly.

The damping on the front and rear axles can be

set so that it is stiffer or softer. This is done by

adjusting the rebound and compression stages.

– Rebound stage – damping when piston rod is

raised (coil spring extends)

– To reduce the risk of accidents and damage,

always follow the adjustment instructions.

This is particularly important if the vehicle

has been driven on a driving track for a high

proportion of its total mileage.

– Compression stage – damping when piston rod

is lowered (coil spring compresses)

Adjustable coilover suspension

The suspension can be lowered or raised at the

front and rear axles via a coil spring on the sus-

pension strut.

– Observe the important safety precautions

about driving on a driving track ðpage 110.

– Observe the important safety precautions

about ground clearance ðpage 113.

– You must always adjust the ground clear-

ance and damping according to the driving

situation. Key driving characteristics, such

as grip, steering behavior, and steering pre-

cision, change depending on the settings,

which can increase the risk of accident or

death.

Basic setting (factory setting)

When the vehicle is delivered, the suspension

and shock absorbers are in the basic setting (fac-

tory setting) ðtable on page 117. This basic set-

ting has been defined specifically for the front

and rear axles of your vehicle. It provides a bal-

anced compromise between sporty performance

and ride comfort.

– The ESC stabilizes your vehicle when the set-

tings are within the recommended range.

The settings can be adjusted for driving on a driv-

ing track.

114

Driving dynamics

attention to the stages that can be felt when

turning the adjusting screw (referred to below as

“clicks”).

Special tools

Applies to: vehicles with RS sport suspension pro

The adjustment range for the rebound stage is 0

to 16 clicks. For the recommended settings,

please refer to ðpage 117.

Preparation

►

Set the parking brake.

►

Select the “P” position.

►

Turn off the ignition.

►

Allow the engine to cool.

Make sure the adjusting screw 1 ðpage 115,

Fig. 94 Box with special tools

►

fig. 94 from the set of special tools is available.

Open the hood ðpage 239. Observe the warn-

A box with special tools for the RS sport suspen-

sion pro is provided with the vehicle.

►

ings and general safety precautions

ðpage 237.

1

2

3

Adjusting screw: rebound stage on the front

axle

Large hook wrench: adjustable coilover sus-

pension on the front axle

Adjusting the rebound stage

►

Insert the adjusting screw 1 from the set of

special tools in the hole in the upper end of the

piston rod.

Small hook wrench: adjustable coilover sus-

pension on the rear axle

►

Requirement for all adjustment procedures:

Adjusting the shock absorbers: rebound

stage on the front axle

the adjusting screw must be fully closed, mean-

ing it must be turned as far as it will go in the

Applies to: vehicles with RS sport suspension pro

+

(stiff) direction.

►

To make the rebound stage softer, turn the ad-

justing screw as many clicks as necessary in the

-

direction until the desired setting is

reached.

To make the rebound stage stiffer, turn the ad-

justing screw as many clicks as necessary in the

+

direction until the desired setting is

reached.

Perform the adjustment on the other side of

the front axle in the same way.

Fig. 95 Engine compartment: hole for the adjusting screw

for setting the rebound stage on the front axle

Effect of settings on driving characteristics

General information

High rebound forces increase driving precision on

the front axle, but may result in reduced grip.

Ride comfort may be severely limited. Low re-

bound forces improve ride comfort when driving

slowly, but reduce stability and steering precision

when driving at high speeds.

The rebound stage on the front axle can be ad-

justed using the adjusting screw from the set of

special tools. The upper end of the piston rod

with the hole for the special tool can be accessed

from the engine compartment.

The numbers on the adjusting screw are for ori-

entation purposes only. They are not relevant for

the adjustment procedure. Instead, please pay

Note

The adjusting screw operates a precision me-

chanical valve. To reduce the risk of damage



115

Driving dynamics

Adjusting the rebound stage

to the adjustment mechanism, never attempt

to turn the screw past the end point of the ad-

justment range.

►

Requirement for all adjustment procedures:

the adjusting wheel must be fully closed,

meaning it must be turned as far as it will go in

Adjusting the shock absorbers: rebound

stage on the rear axle

the

+

(stiff) direction ðfig. 96.

►

To make the rebound stage softer, turn the ad-

justing wheel as many clicks as necessary in the

Applies to: vehicles with RS sport suspension pro

-

direction ðfig. 96 until the desired setting

is reached.

To make the rebound stage stiffer, turn the ad-

justing wheel as many clicks as necessary in the

+

direction ðfig. 96 until the desired setting

is reached.

Perform the adjustment on the other side of

the rear axle in the same way.

Completing

Fig. 96 Shock absorber piston rod: adjusting wheel for the

rebound stage

►

Reinstall the wheel ðpage 288. Contrary to the

information in the “Replacing wheels” chapter,

a vehicle jack must never be used.

General information

►

Lower the vehicle again using a hoist.

The rebound stage on the rear axle can be adjust-

ed via an adjusting wheel on the upper end of

each piston rod. The numbers on the adjusting

wheel are for orientation purposes only. They are

not relevant for the adjustment procedure. In-

stead, please pay attention to the stages that can

be felt when turning the adjusting wheel (refer-

red to below as “clicks”).

Effect of settings on driving characteristics

Low rebound forces improve ride comfort when

driving slowly, but reduce stability and steering

precision when driving at high speeds.

Note

The adjusting wheel operates a precision me-

chanical valve. To reduce the risk of damage

to the adjustment mechanism, never attempt

to turn the screw past the end point of the ad-

justment range.

The adjustment range for the rebound stage is 0

to 16 clicks. For the recommended settings,

please refer to ðpage 117.

Preparation

►

Set the parking brake.

Adjusting the shock absorbers:

compression stage

►

Select the “P” position.

Turn off the ignition.

Lift the vehicle using a hoist. Follow the manu-

►

Applies to: vehicles with RS sport suspension pro

►

facturer's instructions for doing this. Never use

a jack to lift the vehicle.

►

Remove the wheel. Observe the instructions

and the important safety precautions

ðpage 288. Contrary to the information in the

“Replacing wheels” chapter, a vehicle jack must

never be used.

Fig. 97 Rear axle: lower area of shock absorber with ad-

justing wheels for the compression stage



116

Driving dynamics

The damping force can be adjusted according to

the road surface:

when turning and helps counteract oversteer. A

soft compression stage setting on the front axle

makes the steering less direct and makes the ve-

hicle handling more comfortable. A soft com-

pression stage setting on the rear axle causes the

rear of the vehicle to swing out more when turn-

ing.

1

Low-speed compression stage - for long

bumps, for example

2

High-speed compression stage - for fast load

changes, for example

General information

Note

The compression stage on the front and rear

axles can be adjusted using an adjusting wheel in

the lower area of the shock absorber. The num-

bers on the adjusting wheel are for orientation

purposes only. They are not relevant for the ad-

justment procedure. Instead, please pay atten-

tion to the stages that can be felt when turning

the adjusting wheel (referred to below as

“clicks”).

– If the compression stage is too stiff, ride

comfort can be impaired when the vehicle is

rolling and grip will be reduced.

– The adjusting wheel operates a precision

mechanical valve. To reduce the risk of dam-

age to the adjustment mechanism, never at-

tempt to turn the screw past the end point

of the adjustment range.

The adjustment range for the compression stage

is 0 to 13 clicks. For the recommended settings,

please refer to ðpage 117.

Recommended settings for the rebound

stage and the compression stage

Applies to: vehicles with RS sport suspension pro

Preparation

The following table shows the recommended set-

tings for the rebound stage and compression

stage in different driving situations.

►

Set the parking brake.

►

Select the “P” position.

►

Turn off the ignition.

Basic settings (factory settings) for use on pub-

lic roads

►

Lift the vehicle using a hoist. Follow the manu-

facturer's instructions for doing this. Never use

a jack to lift the vehicle.

Front axle

(clicks)

Rear axle

(clicks)

Adjusting the compression stage

Rebound stage

7

9

12

7

►

Requirement for all adjustment procedures:

Low-speed

compression

stage

the adjusting wheel must be fully closed,

meaning it must be turned as far as it will go in

the

+

(stiff) direction ðfig. 97.

High-speed

compression

stage

9

10

►

To make the compression stage softer, turn the

adjusting wheel as many clicks as necessary in

the

-

direction ðfig. 97 until the desired set-

ting is reached.

To make the compression stage stiffer, turn the

adjusting wheel as many clicks as necessary in

Driving track

Front axle

(clicks)

Rear axle

(clicks)

the

+

direction ðfig. 97 until the desired set-

Rebound stage

6

3

9

3

ting is reached.

Low-speed

compression

stage

Effect of settings on driving characteristics

A stiff compression stage setting on the front

axle makes the vehicle’s steering more precise

and direct. A stiff compression stage setting on

the rear axle increases the vehicle’s stability

High-speed

compression

stage

1

5



117

Driving dynamics

►

Remove the wheel. Observe the instructions

and the important safety precautions

ðpage 288. Contrary to the information in the

“Replacing wheels” chapter, a vehicle jack must

never be used.

WARNING

Never set the damping to “very stiff” on one

axle and “very soft” on the other. To reduce

the risk of understeer and oversteer, the dif-

ference between the values on the two axles

must not be greater than 9 clicks. A difference

greater than 9 clicks increases the risk of an

accident.

►

Clean the coil spring.

Adjusting the suspension on the front axle

►

Make sure the large hook wrench

2

ðpage 115, fig. 94 from the set of special

tools is available.

To loosen the adjusting nut, turn the threaded

pin 1 ðfig. 98 using a suitable hex socket

wrench.

To lower the suspension, turn the lower adjust-

ing nut 2 downward by the desired amount us-

ing the hook wrench. For settings, refer to the

table ðtable on page 119.

Adjusting the adjustable coilover

suspension

►

Applies to: vehicles with RS sport suspension pro

►

To raise the suspension, turn the adjusting nut

upward.

Then tighten the threaded pin as far as it will

go to secure it.

Perform the adjustment on the other side of

the front axle in the same way.

Fig. 98 Suspension strut on the front axle: coil spring with

adjusting nut

Adjusting the suspension on the rear axle

►

Make sure the small hook wrench

3

ðpage 115, fig. 94 from the set of special

tools is available.

►

Remove the stone deflector. To do this, remove

the expanding rivets, for example using pliers.

Insert a very long hex socket wrench through

the coil spring from below and into the hex

socket head bolt 3 ðfig. 99.

►

Fig. 99 Suspension strut on the rear axle: coil spring with

adjusting nut

At the same time, position the hook wrench on

the adjusting nut 4 .

To lower the suspension, turn the adjusting nut

upward while counterholding with the hex

socket wrench at the same time.

To raise the suspension, turn the adjusting nut

downward while counterholding with the hex

socket wrench at the same time.

Perform the adjustment on the other side of

the rear axle in the same way.

Preparation

►

Before adjusting the adjustable coilover sus-

►

pension, determine the current curb weight po-

sition with the vehicle resting on its wheels

ðpage 119.

►

Set the parking brake.

►

Select the “P” position.

►

Turn off the ignition.

Completing

►

Lift the vehicle using a hoist. Follow the manu-

►

Reinstall the stone deflector.



facturer's instructions for doing this. Never use

a jack to lift the vehicle.

118

Driving dynamics

►

Reinstall the wheel ðpage 288. Contrary to the

information in the “Replacing wheels” chapter,

a vehicle jack must never be used.

Tips

The setting on the suspension strut does not

correspond to the actual value by which the

vehicle is lowered. One turn of the adjusting

nut corresponds to 2/16 in (2.8 mm) on the

front axle and 5/32 in (3.8 mm) on the rear

axle).

►

Lower the vehicle again using a hoist.

Drive forward and backward a few feet so that

the suspension is no longer under tension.

To check the setting, determine the new curb

weight position ðpage 119.

►

Note

Lowering the vehicle can cause increased wear

on the axles and other components.

Determining the curb weight position

Applies to: vehicles with RS sport suspension pro

(fuel tank and washer fluid reservoir for head-

light washer system full; spare tire*, vehicle tool

kit, and vehicle jack* in vehicle) without the driv-

er.

The setting for the curb weight position, which is

relevant when raising and lowering the height of

the vehicle, is calculated as the distance between

the center of the wheel and the lower edge of the

fender.

Fig. 100 Curb weight position

The term “curb weight position” 1 refers to the

weight of the vehicle when it is ready to operate

Settings for the curb weight position

Adjustable coilover sus- Amount lowered

pension

Absolute value for

the front axle

Absolute value for

the rear axle

Basic setting

0 in (0 mm)

14 1/16 in (357 mm)

14 7/32 in (361 mm)

(factory setting)

Maximum values for

lowering

13/32 in (10 mm)

13 21/32 in (347 mm) 13 13/16 in (351 mm)

vehicle must not be driven on public roads in

this condition.

WARNING

The curb weight position of the vehicle when

it is delivered (factory setting) may vary de-

pending on the vehicle equipment. The sus-

pension must never be lowered below the ab-

solute values specified in the table.

– Below these values, the assist systems must

be adjusted or recalibrated by an authorized

Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facili-

ty to reduce the risk of an accident.

– The vehicle’s certification for use on public

roads becomes void below these values. The

Note

– The adjustable coilover suspension must not

be subjected to any load while it is being



119

Driving dynamics

adjusted. The vehicle must always be lifted

correctly.

 Steering: malfunction! Please stop vehicle

There is a malfunction in the electronic steering

lock. You cannot turn on the ignition. Secure the

vehicle against rolling before exiting the vehicle

ðpage 98. Do not tow your vehicle because it

cannot be steered. See an authorized Audi dealer

or authorized Audi Service Facility for assistance.

– Always adjust the suspension in accordance

with the specified settings. The settings

must always be symmetrical on each axle;

otherwise there is a risk of excessive tire

wear.

Tips



Steering: malfunction! You can continue

driving

It is not necessary to perform a wheel align-

ment if the vehicle is lowered within the lim-

its of the permitted absolute values.

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.

Steering

Description

Electromechanical steering supports steering

movements by electronically adapting the power

steering depending on the vehicle speed. The set-

tings depend on the selected Audi drive select*

mode.

 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 corrected.

Dynamic steering

Applies to: vehicles with dynamic steering

The driving dynamic and driving stability are in-

creased by the steering ratio based on the speed.

At reduced speeds, steering is direct in order to

provide agile steering behavior and keep the

steering effort as minimal as possible when ma-

neuvering the vehicle. This sets the steering to be

less sensitive at higher speeds in order to provide

improved vehicle control.

 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 off. The display

turns off if the initialization was successful.

Messages

WARNING

The following messages may appear, depending

on the vehicle equipment:

Do not tow your vehicle if there is a malfunc-

tion in the electronic steering lock because

this increases the risk of an accident.

 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. Secure the vehicle

against rolling before exiting the vehicle

ðpage 98. Do not continue driving. See an au-

thorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service

Facility for assistance.

Tips

– If there is a malfunction, the steering wheel

may be crooked when driving straight.

– If the  or  indicator light only stays on

for a short time, you may continue driving.

120

Driving dynamics

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.

All wheel drive (quattro)

Description

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

Messages

The following messages may appear, depending

on the vehicle equipment:

ðpage 122.

 All-wheel drive: malfunction! You can con-

tinue driving. Please contact Service

Applies to: vehicles with quattro ultra: If the driv-

ing situation does not require all wheel drive,

then the rear section of the drivetrain will decou-

ple to save fuel. The system constantly deter-

mines and anticipates if all wheel drive is needed.

This allows the rear drivetrain to recouple shortly

before it is needed.

Drive immediately to an authorized Audi dealer

or authorized Audi Service Facility to have the

malfunction corrected.

 Sport differential: malfunction! Please con-

tact Service

Drive immediately to an authorized Audi dealer

or authorized Audi Service Facility to have the

malfunction corrected.

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-

 All-wheel drive: too hot. Please adapt driv-

ing style. See owner's manual

cautions ð

.

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

turns off.

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.

 Sport differential: temperature too high.

Please adapt driving style

– The braking ability of your vehicle is limited

by the grip of the tires. In this way, it is not

different from a two wheel drive vehicle. Do

not drive too fast because this increases the

risk of an accident.

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

turns off.

– 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.

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.

Sport differential

Applies to: vehicles with sport differential

The sport differential distributes the drive power

to the rear axle based on the situation. The goal

121

Driving dynamics

Power steering

Electronic Stabilization

Control (ESC)

The ESC can also support vehicle stability

through steering.

Description

WARNING

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 ESC and its integrated systems cannot

overcome the limitations imposed by natu-

ral physical laws. This is especially impor-

tant 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 increased safety provided cause

you to take risks. This could increase your

risk of a collision.

The brakes are applied or the engine torque is re-

duced in order to stabilize the vehicle.

The following stabilization functions are inte-

grated into the ESC, among others:

Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)

– 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.

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.

– 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.

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)

Tips

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.

The ABS and ASR only function correctly when

all four wheels have a similar wear condition.

Different tire sizes can result in a reduction in

engine power.

In extreme cases, EDL automatically turns off to

keep the brake on the braked wheel from over-

heating. The vehicle is still functioning correctly.

EDL will turn on again automatically when condi-

tions have returned to normal.

Operation

The  button (or , depending on the model)

for controlling the ESC is located in the center

console in front of the transmission selector. ESC

turns on automatically when the ignition is

turned on.

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.

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 the vehicle

to free it when it is stuck or to drive with snow



122

Driving dynamics

chains. The ESC can also be limited to provide

more sporty driving characteristics with fewer

stabilizing corrective actions.

  /   Stabilization control (ESC/

ABS): malfunction! See owner's manual

There is a malfunction in the ABS or EDL. This al-

so causes the ESC to malfunction. The brakes still

function with their normal power, but ABS is not

active.

– To limit the ESC, press the  button briefly.

The  indicator light will turn on.

– To completely reactivate the ESC stabilization

function, press the button again. The indicator

light turns off.

Drive to an authorized Audi dealer or authorized

Audi Service Facility immediately to have the

malfunction corrected.

Turning off ESC

Other indicator lights

For a more active control of the vehicle where the

stabilizing functions of the ESC cannot intervene,

the ESC can be turned off.

If  blinks while driving, the ESC is actively reg-

ulating. Operating noises may occur. If the indica-

tor light stays on, the ESC has been turned off

due to system needs. The indicator light turns off

when the system is fully functional.

– To turn off the ESC, press and hold the  but-

ton for more than three seconds. The  and

  indicator lights turn on.

– To completely reactivate the ESC stabilization

function, press the button again. The indicator

lights turn off.

WARNING

– When the ESC is turned off or limited, there

will be no vehicle stabilization or it will be

limited. The driving wheels could spin and

the vehicle could swerve, especially on slick

or slippery road surfaces, which increases

the risk of an accident.

– Because of the increased risk of an accident,

only drive with the ESC turned off or limited

when it is necessary. Reactivate the ESC as

soon as possible.

Tips

– If the ESC is limited, turned off, or malfunc-

tioning, systems with an automatic braking

intervention function may not be fully avail-

able.

– If malfunctions occur in other systems or

certain driver assistance systems are active,

the ESC must be turned on by the system.

The ESC may turn on automatically and can-

not be operated with the button.

Messages

The following messages may appear, depending

on the vehicle equipment:

123

Driving dynamics for Your Audi A5 4 Door Third Generation (2025-2026)

Related Topics

Popular Owner Manuals

Latest Owner Manuals