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

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 -> Suspension for Your Audi Q8 SUV First Generation (2018-2026)

Related Topics

Popular Owner Manuals

Latest Owner Manuals