Get Driving dynamics Guide for Audi Q8 SUV First Generation (2018-2026)

Driving dynamics

dynamic – Provides a sporty driving feel and is

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

program is selected.

Driving dynamics

Audi drive select

Individual – Provides the option for personalized

vehicle settings. Press  to configure the mode

ðpage 115, Individual settings.

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 individual

systems collectively as a group to your personal

preferences.

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.

– Audi recommends the auto mode for every-

day driving.

Selecting an Audi drive select mode

Applies to: vehicles with Audi drive select

The  button is located in front of the transmis-

sion selector in the center console.

Selecting RS mode

Applies to: RS models

►

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.

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.

►

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.

Selecting the mode

►

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-

The following modes may be available depending

on vehicle equipment:

HICLE > Audi drive select.

Adjusting the mode

offroad – Provides assistance when driving off-

road. The vehicle will be raised to the second-

highest level using the air suspension*. The ESC

will be restricted and the hill descent assist* will

be activated. The vehicle will exit this mode after

the ignition is turned off.

►

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

HICLE > Audi drive select.

To configure the respective RS mode, press 

ðpage 115, Individual settings.

►

Individual settings

Applies to: vehicles with Audi drive select

allroad – Provides balanced vehicle handling. The

vehicle will be raised to the second-highest level

using the air suspension*.

The equipment in your vehicle will determine

which settings you can adjust.

comfort – Provides a comfort-oriented vehicle

setup and is suited for long drives on highways.

Drive

auto – Provides an overall comfortable yet dy-

namic driving feel.

The drive system will respond to accelerator ped-

al movement more quickly or in a more balanced



115

Driving dynamics

manner. The shift points are placed in higher or

lower speed ranges.

pension will adapt to the driving conditions and

the driving situation. The settings depend on the

selected Audi drive select* mode.

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 119.

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.

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.

Displaying the vehicle level

►

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

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.

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.

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.

Raising the vehicle

quattro with sport differential

Applies to: RS models

►

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.

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 119.

►

The Audi drive select* mode will be changed if

necessary when the vehicle is raised.

ESC

Applies to: RS models

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.

The ESC sport mode can be activated. Also refer

to the important information regarding driving

with ESC limited ðpage 120.

Suspension

Note

Adaptive dampers

– Also refer to the information about ground

clearance ðpage 117.

Applies to: vehicles with suspension control

The adaptive dampers are an electronically-con-

trolled damping system. The firmness of the sus-

– When transporting the vehicle on a road

carrier, rail carrier, ship carrier, or other



116

Driving dynamics

carrier, it may only be secured at the run-

ning surfaces of the tires (circumference).

Securing the vehicle at the axle compo-

nents, suspension struts, or towing eyes is

not permitted because the pressure in the

air suspension struts can change during

transport. The vehicle might not be secured

sufficiently if this happens.

Messages

The following messages may appear, depending

on the vehicle equipment:



Air suspension: malfunction! You may con-

tinue driving slowly at max. XXX mph (km/h)

There is a malfunction. Driving stability may be

limited. Drive to an authorized Audi dealer or au-

thorized Audi Service Facility immediately. Do not

drive faster than the speed stated in the mes-

sage.

Active roll stabilization

Applies to: vehicles with active roll stabilization

The active roll stabilization enhances the air sus-

pension with an electromechanically-controlled

suspension system. It influences targeted rolling

movements when driving on curves and during

fast swerving maneuvers. The settings depend on

the selected Audi drive select* mode.



Air suspension: malfunction! You can contin-

ue driving. Speed limited to max. XXX mph

(km/h)

There is a malfunction. Driving stability may be

limited. Drive to an authorized Audi dealer or au-

thorized Audi Service Facility immediately. The

maximum speed has been limited.

Ground clearance



Air suspension: malfunction! Safely stop ve-

The vehicle height and clearance can be influ-

enced by the following factors:

hicle. Steering and ground clearance limited

There is a malfunction. Do not continue driving.

Secure the vehicle against rolling before exiting

the vehicle ðpage 100. Avoid turning the steer-

ing wheel, because the vehicle ground clearance

may be so low that turning the steering wheel

could result in damage to the wheels and wheel

housings.

– Change in temperature

– Change in load

– Change to the Audi drive select* mode

– Lifting and lowering via the air suspension*

– Lower the rear* of the vehicle

WARNING

 Active roll stabilization: malfunction! Limit-

ed stability. See owner's manual

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.

There is a heavy load on the vehicle electrical sys-

tem or the roll stabilization. The roll stabilization

functions have already been turned off tempora-

rily. Driving stability is reduced. Continue driving

with caution.

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.

If the indicator light does not turn off after a long

period time and after turning the ignition off and

on, drive to an authorized Audi dealer or author-

ized Audi Service Facility immediately to have the

malfunction corrected. Otherwise, conditions

such as an uneven road surface can lead to vehi-

cle damage.



Suspension: malfunction! You can continue

driving



117

Driving dynamics

There is a malfunction. See an authorized Audi

dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility for as-

sistance.

Messages

The following messages may appear, depending

on the vehicle equipment:



Air suspension: vehicle too low. Limited

 Steering: malfunction! Please stop vehicle

ground clearance

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.

The vehicle ground clearance is very low. Wait un-

til the air suspension system has restored normal

ground clearance. Have an authorized Audi dealer

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

 Steering: malfunction! Please stop vehicle.

Pay attention to distance at side

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.

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.

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: 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 100. Do not tow your vehicle because it

cannot be steered. See an authorized Audi dealer

or authorized Audi Service Facility for assistance.

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.

 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.

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

improves the vehicle response and driving stabili-

ty.

 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



118

Driving dynamics

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.

different from a two wheel drive vehicle. Do

not drive too fast because this increases 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.

 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.

Sport differential

Applies to: vehicles with sport differential

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.

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.

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.

Messages

The following messages may appear, depending

on the vehicle equipment:

All wheel drive (quattro)

Description

 Sport differential: malfunction! Please con-

Applies to: vehicles with all wheel drive

tact Service

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

Drive immediately to an authorized Audi dealer

or authorized Audi Service Facility to have the

malfunction corrected.

 Sport differential: temperature too high.

Please adapt driving style

ðpage 120.

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.

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 ð

.

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.

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

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

119

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 oversteering and understeering of

the vehicle, the drive wheels spinning, or the risk

of the vehicle tipping.

– 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:

– 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.

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.

– 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.

– 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.

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 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.

Tips

– 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.

Selective wheel torque control

– You may hear noises when the systems de-

scribed are working.

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.

Operation

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

for controlling the ESC is located in front of the



120

Driving dynamics

transmission selector in the center console. ESC

turns on automatically when the ignition is

turned on.

heavy vehicle load and sudden driving ma-

neuvers, it may not be possible to prevent

the vehicle from tipping under certain cir-

cumstances, which increases the risk of an

accident.

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

chains. The ESC can also be limited to provide

more sporty driving characteristics with fewer

stabilizing corrective actions.

– 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 you select the Audi drive select* offroad

mode, hill descent assist will turn on.

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

tioning, systems with an automatic braking

intervention function may not be fully avail-

able.

– 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.

– 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.

Depending on the Audi drive select mode that is

selected, one of the following ESC modes will be

selected automatically:

– sport – this mode is designed for driving on a

level surface. It is used in all Audi drive select

modes except offroad.

Messages

– offroad – this mode is suited for driving offroad

and is designed for uneven terrain or loose

ground. If you select the offroad Audi drive se-

lect mode, the offroad ESC mode will be auto-

matically used.

The following messages may appear, depending

on the vehicle equipment:

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

ABS): malfunction! See owner's manual

Turning off ESC

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.

For a more active control of the vehicle where the

stabilizing functions of the ESC cannot intervene,

the ESC can be turned off.

Drive to an authorized Audi dealer or authorized

Audi Service Facility immediately to have the

malfunction corrected.

– 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.

Other indicator lights

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.

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. When there is a

121

Driving dynamics for Your Audi Q8 SUV First Generation (2018-2026)

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