2024-2026 Audi Q5 SUV Driving User Manual
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Driving for Your Audi Q5 SUV Third Generation (2024-2026)

Driving  
drive system may be switched on when driving off  
or manoeuvring.  
Driving  
Starting the vehicle  
Introduction  
Electrical components with a high power con-  
sumption are switched off temporarily while you  
start the engine. If the engine fails to start im-  
mediately, the starter will be switched off auto-  
matically after a few seconds. In this case, you  
should try to start the engine again after about  
30 seconds.  
Diesel engine: The engine may take a few sec-  
onds longer than usual to start on cold days.  
Please keep your foot on the brake pedal until  
the engine starts.  
Fig. 63 Centre console: Switching on the drive system  
Switching off the drive system  
►
Stop the vehicle.  
The vehicle (ignition) and the drive system can be  
switched on separately. Electronic systems such  
as the MMI are available when the vehicle is  
switched on but the drive system is not. The vehi-  
cle can only be driven once the drive system has  
been switched on. Depending on the model, the  
term “drive system” refers to the combustion en-  
gine or the electric drive system.  
START ENGINE STOP  
►
Press the  
button. The  
drive system will be switched off.  
After the engine is stopped, the radiator fan may  
remain on or turn itself back on for up to 10 mi-  
nutes, even if the ignition is switched off.  
Applies to vehicles with steering lock: The steer-  
ing will be locked if you switch off the engine in  
transmission position P and open the driver's  
door. The steering lock acts as a theft deterrent.  
Important: The key must be in the vehicle. When  
using the digital key, the activated digital key  
card must be in the phone compartment  
ðpage 196; the mobile device does not have to  
be in the phone compartment.  
Switching off the drive system in an  
emergency  
If necessary, the engine can be switched off in an  
emergency while the vehicle is still moving. De-  
pending on the vehicle’s equipment, it may only  
be possible to switch the engine back on again af-  
ter the vehicle has come to a standstill.  
Any brief noises which may be heard when the ve-  
hicle is started and stopped are quite normal and  
no cause for concern.  
Switching the drive system on  
►
Press and hold the brake pedal.  
START ENGINE STOP  
►
Press the  
button twice in  
START ENGINE STOP  
►
Press the  
button. The  
quick succession or press and hold it.  
drive system will be switched on.  
Switching the vehicle on/off  
It may not be possible to start the vehicle at ex-  
tremely low outside temperatures.  
If you only wish to switch the vehicle on/off and  
do not want to start the drive system as well,  
proceed as follows:  
The full performance is not available until the en-  
gine is warm. Certain powertrain components  
may need to be warmed up depending on the  
type of engine. During this warming up phase,  
is shown.  
START ENGINE STOP  
►
Press the  
button without  
pressing the brake pedal.  
Mild hybrid drive: The combustion engine will  
start. Depending on the situation, the electric  
97  
Driving  
Situations where the vehicle is switched off  
automatically  
leave the engine idling for about 2 minutes  
before switching it off.  
To prevent the vehicle battery from being dis-  
charged, the vehicle and, in some cases, the exte-  
rior lighting may be switched off automatically.  
Driver messages about the vehicle key  
The following driver messages may appear, de-  
pending on the equipment installed in your vehi-  
cle:  
Important:  
– The start/stop system must have switched off  
the engine.  
Safety system: fault. Please contact work-  
– You must have left the vehicle more than 30  
seconds ago.  
shop  
Do not switch off the ignition; otherwise you may  
not be able to switch it on again. Drive to a quali-  
fied workshop without delay and have the fault  
rectified.  
– The vehicle must be switched on.  
The methods used by the vehicle for detecting  
whether you have left include the following:  
– Driver’s door has been opened.  
– Driver’s seat belt has been unbuckled.  
– Brake pedal is not pressed.  
Vehicle start system: fault. Please contact  
workshop soon  
There is a malfunction in the engine start system.  
Drive to a qualified workshop soon and have the  
fault rectified.  
The vehicle will also be switched off after 30 mi-  
nutes or when you lock the vehicle from the out-  
side.  
Remote control key: key not recognised. Is  
key still in vehicle?  
WARNING  
– Never run the engine in confined spaces. The  
exhaust gases are toxic – risk of poisoning!  
– Never switch off the engine until the vehicle  
is stationary. Otherwise you may not have  
the full benefit of the brake servo and power  
steering. You may need more strength to  
steer and brake the vehicle than you normal-  
ly would. This would mean a greater risk of  
accidents and serious injury, because you  
cannot steer and brake in the normal man-  
ner.  
The vehicle key was removed from the vehicle  
while the drive system was active. If the vehicle  
key is not in the vehicle you will not be able to  
switch on the vehicle or restart the drive system  
after it has been switched off. You will also not be  
able to lock the vehicle from the outside.  
Vehicle key: key not detected. Is there still a  
valid key in the vehicle?  
The vehicle key and the digital key were removed  
from the vehicle while the drive system was ac-  
tive. If the vehicle key and digital key are not in  
the vehicle you will not be able to switch on the  
vehicle or restart the drive system after it has  
been switched off. You will also not be able to  
lock the vehicle from the outside while the drive  
system is active.  
– Before leaving the vehicle, secure it to pre-  
vent it from rolling away ðpage 99.  
CAUTION  
– Avoid high engine speeds, full throttle and  
extreme load conditions until the engine  
has reached its normal operating tempera-  
ture; otherwise this can damage the engine.  
– If the engine has been working hard for a  
long time, there is a risk of heat building up  
in the engine compartment after the engine  
has been switched off; this could cause en-  
gine damage. For this reason, you should  
Remote control key: hold against marked  
area and press start/stop button. See owner’s  
manual  
The vehicle key battery is empty or there is radio  
interference. To start the vehicle, you must also  
hold the vehicle key against the symbol  
ðpage 97, Fig. 63.  
98  
Driving  
Keeping the vehicle free to roll  
If the fault persists, drive to a qualified workshop  
soon and have it rectified.  
Refer to ðpage 109.  
Hold remote control key against marked  
area or place digital key in Audi phone box. See  
owner’s manual  
WARNING  
– Always apply the parking brake before leav-  
ing your vehicle – even if you only intend to  
be gone for a short time. Otherwise the ve-  
hicle can roll away – risk of accident!  
The vehicle key battery is empty or there is radio  
interference. To start the vehicle, you must also  
hold the vehicle key against the symbol  
ðpage 97, Fig. 63 or place the digital key in the  
phone compartment.  
– Never leave your vehicle unattended while  
the drive system is active – risk of accident!  
– If the parking brake is engaged, it may be re-  
leased automatically if the accelerator pedal  
is pressed. Take care when pressing the ac-  
celerator pedal and always make sure that  
position P is selected when you park the ve-  
hicle – risk of accident!  
If the fault persists, drive to a qualified workshop  
soon and have it rectified.  
Driving the vehicle  
Driving away, stopping, parking  
Driving away from a standstill  
– Always switch off the vehicle and take the  
key with you when you leave the vehicle.  
This is particularly important if persons or  
animals are left in the vehicle. They might  
otherwise unintentionally start the vehicle,  
release the parking brake or use power-oper-  
ated equipment – this could cause accidents.  
– Do not leave any persons or animals in the  
vehicle when it is locked. Locked doors could  
delay assistance in an emergency, potential-  
ly putting lives at risk.  
►
Press and hold the brake pedal.  
►
Start the vehicle.  
►
Select transmission position D or R. The park-  
ing brake will be released automatically.  
►
Take your foot off the brake pedal. The vehicle  
may start to creep forwards.  
►
Press the accelerator to increase the speed.  
Please note, especially when driving off and park-  
ing, that the vehicle “creeps” forwards/back. The  
drive system sets the vehicle in motion when you  
take your foot off the brake pedal.  
– If you do not drive away immediately after  
releasing the brake pedal, the vehicle may  
start to roll backwards. You should there-  
fore immediately press the brake pedal or  
apply the parking brake.  
Securing the vehicle to prevent it from  
rolling away  
Before leaving the vehicle, always secure it so  
that it cannot roll away.  
CAUTION  
To avoid rolling back on gradients always hold  
the vehicle with the brake pedal if you have to  
stop. Do not attempt to hold the vehicle by  
keeping your foot on the accelerator. This  
could cause the drive system to overheat –  
risk of damage!  
►
Apply the parking brake.  
►
When parking on a slope, turn the steering  
wheel so that the vehicle would roll into the  
kerb if it did start to move unexpectedly.  
If this is not possible (e.g. if the vehicle has no  
electrical power), you must take additional steps  
to secure the vehicle so that it cannot roll away.  
►
Only park the vehicle on a level surface.  
►
Block the wheels by placing suitable objects un-  
derneath both the front and rear of each wheel.  
99  
Driving  
one second. This allows you to rock the car  
backwards and forwards, e.g. to free it from  
snow or mud, etc.  
Transmission positions and driving  
programs  
– The selected transmission position will light up  
on the selector lever.  
Transmission position N (neutral)  
No power is transmitted to the driven wheels in  
transmission position N. Use transmission posi-  
tion N, for example, in a tunnel car wash  
ðpage 109.  
If you accidentally select transmission position N  
while the vehicle is moving (at more than  
2 km/h), you can switch back to D without press-  
ing the brake.  
Fig. 64 Centre console: Selector lever  
Transmission positions  
The transmission positions are shown on the se-  
lector lever.  
For safety reasons, the vehicle can only be locked  
with the central locking switch when N is selec-  
ted.  
– P (Park)  
– R (Reverse): Drive backwards  
– N (Neutral)  
Transmission position P (parking lock)/  
parking brake  
– D (Drive): Drive forwards  
Important: The ignition must be switched on.  
Driving programs  
In transmission position P, the vehicle is preven-  
ted from rolling away by the parking lock. The  
parking lock is a mechanical locking mechanism  
for the gearbox.  
Various driving programs can be selected in  
transmission position D. These have an effect on  
when the gearbox changes gear and the reaction  
to accelerator pedal inputs, for example.  
– Stop the vehicle and press the brake pedal.  
– Press the button 1 . The parking brake will  
be applied. Transmission position P (parking  
lock) will be selected.  
The selected driving program will be displayed in  
the instrument cluster.  
– D (Drive): Normal driving  
– E (Efficiency*): Economical driving  
– S (Sport): Performance driving  
– The parking brake status is shown on the selec-  
tor lever and in the instrument cluster. The  
parking lock status is shown in the instrument  
cluster.  
Audi recommends driving program D for everyday  
use.  
If you switch off the drive system when transmis-  
sion position D or R is selected, transmission po-  
sition P will be engaged automatically. If you  
switch off the drive system in transmission posi-  
tion N, transmission position P will be selected  
automatically after approx. 30 minutes.  
Selecting a transmission position  
Important: The ignition must be switched on.  
– Stop the vehicle and press the brake pedal.  
– To select the next adjacent transmission posi-  
tion, move the selector lever forwards or back-  
wards to the first point of resistance.  
Transmission position P will be selected automat-  
ically if you release the driver’s seat belt and  
open the driver’s door while the vehicle is sta-  
tionary in transmission position D or R.  
– To skip a transmission position (e.g. to go from  
D to R), move the selector lever past the point  
of resistance in the desired direction.  
– You do not have to press the brake pedal if you  
switch back and forth between D and R within  
100  
Driving  
The drive system must be active in order to  
change from P to D or R. Depending on the vehi-  
cle’s equipment, the drive system may need to be  
active in order to change to N.  
Manual gear selection  
Selecting a driving program  
Press the selector lever downwards to switch be-  
tween the current driving program and S.  
If you select dynamic or efficiency mode in Audi  
drive select, driving program S or E will be activa-  
ted respectively. The driving program may be  
switched back to D when the ignition is switched  
off.  
Fig. 65 Steering wheel: Paddle levers  
You can change gear manually in transmission  
position D. The gearbox must be in tiptronic  
mode. Depending on the active Audi drive select  
mode, it may be possible to switch to manual  
gear selection mode both when the vehicle is sta-  
tionary and when it is moving.  
It may not be possible to select S in Audi drive se-  
lect mode offroad plus.  
WARNING  
– Before driving off, check that the desired  
transmission position is displayed on the se-  
lector lever.  
Gear selection with paddle levers  
►
To change up: Press the paddle lever  
+
– Before leaving the vehicle, secure it to pre-  
vent it from rolling away ðpage 99.  
– In transmission positions D and R, the vehi-  
cle must always be held with the foot brake  
when the drive system is activated. This is  
because the gearbox still transmits power  
and the vehicle will “creep”.  
ðFig. 65.  
►
►
To change down: Press the paddle lever – .  
To shift into the lowest possible gear for maxi-  
mum acceleration, hold the paddle lever – .  
To switch back to automatic mode, press and  
hold the paddle lever + .  
►
Depending on the selected driving program and  
Audi drive select mode, the gearbox may revert  
to automatic mode if you do not operate one of  
the paddle levers again within a short period.  
– If the vehicle drives into an obstacle, e.g. a  
higher curb, the vehicle will no longer creep  
and it may roll back slightly - risk of acci-  
dent. Creeping can be reactivated with the  
accelerator or by changing the transmission  
position/driving program.  
Information on manual gear selection  
– The gearbox only allows manual gear changes if  
the engine speed would remain within the per-  
missible range.  
– Do not press the accelerator before select-  
ing a transmission position with the vehicle  
stationary and the drive system switched on  
– risk of accident!  
– The gearbox automatically shifts up or down in-  
to the next gear before a critical engine speed  
is reached.  
– Never select transmission position R when  
driving at normal speeds – risk of accident!  
– The vehicle can roll away even if it is switch-  
ed off.  
– In the Audi drive select mode offroad plus, the  
letter M is displayed in red in the instrument  
cluster. The gearbox does not automatically  
shift up into the next gear shortly before the  
maximum engine speed is reached. Remember  
to shift to the next gear in good time.  
101  
Driving  
Using the launch control  
Information on the accelerator pedal  
– Press the brake pedal with your left foot and  
hold it down for at least one second.  
– Keeping the brake pedal pressed, quickly press  
the accelerator all the way down with your right  
foot.  
You can use the accelerator pedal to increase the  
vehicle’s speed.  
Maximum acceleration  
A kick-down function is available for maximum  
engine output and acceleration if you press the  
accelerator all the way down.  
– The following driver message will appear:  
Launch control programme: activated. When  
the engine revs are high and steady, take your  
foot off the brake.  
Applies to vehicles with boost function: The  
boost function provides even more power for a  
short time. Whether this function is available de-  
pends on factors such as the temperature of the  
drive components.  
Once the launch control or acceleration process is  
complete, please remember to fully activate the  
ESC again.  
WARNING  
WARNING  
Only use the launch control when road and  
traffic conditions permit, and make sure your  
driving style and acceleration do not incon-  
venience or endanger other road users. The  
driven wheels may start to spin, causing the  
vehicle to lose grip, in particular on slippery or  
wet roads – risk of accident!  
The driven wheels may start to spin when you  
use the kick-down function, causing the vehi-  
cle to lose grip, on slippery or wet roads – risk  
of accident!  
Using the launch control  
The launch control gives you optimum accelera-  
tion when starting from a standstill.  
CAUTION  
Accelerating with the launch control places a  
heavy load on all parts of the vehicle. This can  
result in increased wear and tear.  
Availability  
Whether this function is available depends on  
the availability of the drive components.  
– Do not use the launch control when the ve-  
hicle is in towing mode as this could result  
in damage to the vehicle, trailer and load.  
Some vehicle components may be hot after accel-  
erating with the launch control. In this case, the  
function may not be available for several mi-  
nutes. This is to avoid damage. The launch con-  
trol will be available again after a cool-down peri-  
od.  
Driver messages about the selector lever  
The following driver messages may appear, de-  
pending on the equipment installed in your vehi-  
cle:  
Important  
Gearbox overheating: please adapt driving  
– The engine must be warm.  
style  
– The steering wheel must be pointing straight  
ahead.  
The gearbox temperature has risen significantly.  
Drive more passively or take a break until the  
temperature is back to normal and the indicator  
lamp has gone out.  
– The start/stop system must be deactivated.  
– The hold function must be deactivated.  
– The ESC must be restricted.  
– Driving program S must be selected and Audi  
drive select* must be set to dynamic mode.  
Selector lever: fault. You can continue driv-  
ing in current position until drive system off  
102  
Driving  
A gearbox malfunction has occurred. The gearbox  
will switch to the back-up programme. If you  
switch the drive system off, you will not be able  
to engage any other transmission positions after  
the drive system is switched on again. Drive to a  
qualified workshop without delay and have the  
fault rectified.  
Engine  
Information on running in  
A new vehicle should be run in over the first  
1,500 km so that all moving parts can settle in  
together gently and the service life of the engine  
and other powertrain components can be in-  
creased.  
Selector lever: fault. Transmission mode can  
only be changed using both paddle levers.  
Please contact workshop  
For the first 1,000 km, do not exceed two thirds  
of the engine’s maximum rpm speed and do not  
accelerate at full throttle. You can increase the  
engine speed gradually over the next 500 km.  
A selector lever malfunction has occurred. You  
can continue driving but the selector lever is out  
of operation. The transmission positions can only  
be selected by simultaneously pulling both pad-  
dle levers briefly while the vehicle is stationary.  
Transmission position P will be selected automat-  
ically when you switch the drive system off. Drive  
to a qualified workshop without delay and have  
the fault rectified.  
Information on conventional and mild  
hybrid drive  
Applies to: vehicles with conventional drive systems or mild  
hybrid drive  
Vehicles with conventional drive systems or mild  
hybrid drive are powered by a combustion engine  
which burns fuel to generate energy.  
Selector lever: fault. You can continue driv-  
ing. Please contact workshop soon  
Vehicles with mild hybrid drive are equipped with  
additional battery technology. These vehicles  
switch automatically between electric driving and  
hybrid driving.  
A selector lever malfunction has occurred. Drive  
to a qualified workshop soon and have the fault  
rectified.  
Parking lock: fault. Please contact workshop  
Using recuperation  
A parking lock malfunction has occurred. You can  
continue driving. However, you should drive to a  
qualified workshop soon and have the fault recti-  
fied. Secure the vehicle so that it cannot roll away  
ðpage 99.  
Depending on the vehicle’s equipment, the vehi-  
cle may be able to recover energy via recupera-  
tion. A large amount of the kinetic energy is  
thereby converted into electrical energy and stor-  
ed in the battery of the hybrid drive system. The  
recuperation process causes the vehicle to decel-  
erate in addition to the engine braking effect. The  
recuperation feature may be activated in trans-  
mission position D when you take your foot off  
the accelerator or press the brake pedal.  
P button: fault. Auto P when drive system  
switched off. Please contact workshop  
A malfunction has occurred on the P button on  
the selector lever. Transmission position P will be  
selected automatically when you switch the drive  
system off. Drive to a qualified workshop without  
delay and have the fault rectified.  
Because the recuperation feature is used to slow  
the vehicle down when you press the brake pedal,  
the brakes are only used in addition as necessary.  
This means that, by adopting a moderate driving  
style, it is possible to brake the vehicle almost  
down to a standstill using the recuperation func-  
tion.  
P cannot be selected. Vehicle may roll away!  
Please contact workshop  
It is no longer possible to engage the parking  
lock. Drive to a qualified workshop without delay  
and have the fault rectified. Before leaving the  
vehicle, secure it to prevent it from rolling away  
ðpage 99.  
103  
Driving  
Switching automatic recuperation on/off  
can drive in an efficient and environmentally con-  
scious way by considering the following tips:  
You can switch automatic recuperation on/off in  
the Car menu depending on the active Audi drive  
select mode ðpage 25.  
– Select efficiency mode in Audi drive select.  
– Activate the predictive efficiency messages.  
– Switch off any electrical equipment you do not  
need (e.g. seat heating).  
When this function is switched on, the recupera-  
tion braking effect is based on predictive control,  
e.g. allowing for the road or traffic ahead, de-  
pending on the vehicle's equipment.  
– Anticipate the traffic conditions to avoid unnec-  
essary acceleration and braking.  
– Avoid driving at high speeds.  
When this function is switched off, predictive  
control is not used when the vehicle is coasting  
and the vehicle is controlled based on the selec-  
ted transmission position instead.  
– Remove ballast, such as roof racks or rear carri-  
ers, when not needed.  
– Make sure the tyres are inflated to the correct  
pressure.  
When the ESC is restricted or switched off, the  
automatic recuperation is unavailable and there  
will be no braking effect.  
– Have the vehicle serviced regularly.  
– Do not leave the engine running while the car is  
stopped.  
– Do not use winter tyres in summer.  
– Brake early and evenly in order to use the recu-  
peration function.  
WARNING  
In certain situations, the recuperation func-  
tion can brake the vehicle in anticipation of  
the route or traffic ahead; however the recu-  
peration braking effect is limited. Always be  
ready to apply the brakes – risk of accident!  
– Make use of the start/stop system.  
– Make use of the engine braking effect.  
– Avoid short trips.  
Sporty driving can lead to significantly higher  
noise emissions. Please therefore be aware of  
your social responsibilities and consider the envi-  
ronment and those around you, particularly at  
night.  
Information on the vehicle sound  
Electric motors are much quieter than combus-  
tion engines. To make the vehicle more audible  
when driving under electric power, an artificial  
vehicle sound is produced on models for some  
countries. The vehicle sound is faded out at high-  
er speeds.  
Information on energy management  
Your vehicle is equipped with a smart energy  
management system to control the distribution  
of electrical energy. This significantly improves  
reliability when starting the engine, and also pro-  
longs the life of the vehicle battery.  
WARNING  
Other road users may not hear an electric ve-  
hicle when it is moving. This applies in partic-  
ular in areas with traffic calming measures,  
when manoeuvring or reversing – risk of acci-  
dent!  
If the vehicle is driven frequently on short trips,  
the battery may not be sufficiently charged while  
driving. In this case, certain convenience func-  
tions for electrical equipment may be temporari-  
ly unavailable.  
Driving in an efficient and environmentally  
conscious way  
If the vehicle is left standing for long periods, or  
if electrical equipment is used without running  
the engine, the battery will gradually lose its  
charge. To ensure that the vehicle can be started,  
the electrical equipment is powered back or  
switched off.  
Fuel and energy economy, environmental impact  
and wear on the power unit, brakes and tyres de-  
pend largely on the way you drive the vehicle. You  
104  
Driving  
Drive to a qualified workshop without delay and  
have the fault rectified.  
Driver messages about the drive system  
The following driver messages may appear, de-  
pending on the equipment installed in your vehi-  
cle:  
Start/stop system  
Introduction  
Drive system: fault. Safely stop vehicle  
The start/stop system can help to save fuel and  
A malfunction has occurred in the drive system.  
The vehicle must not be driven any further. Con-  
tinuing to drive can cause damage to the drive  
system. Stop the vehicle in a safe place as soon  
as possible. Before leaving the vehicle, secure it  
to prevent it from rolling away ðpage 99. Seek  
professional assistance.  
reduce CO emissions. In start/stop mode, the  
2
engine is switched off automatically when the ve-  
hicle stops, e.g. at traffic lights.  
If certain conditions are met, the engine may be  
switched off before the vehicle has come to a  
standstill. If the brake pedal is released or the ac-  
celerator pedal is pressed in this case, the engine  
starts and delivers power again.  
Drive system: fault. Please contact work-  
shop  
The ignition and important supporting systems,  
e.g. the brake servo, remain available during the  
stop phase. The engine is automatically started  
on demand.  
A malfunction has occurred in the drive system.  
The vehicle’s performance may be limited. Drive  
slowly to a qualified workshop and have the fault  
rectified.  
The start/stop system is automatically activated  
each time you switch on the ignition.  
Drive system: fault. Limited performance.  
Please contact workshop  
Switching the start/stop system off and on  
A malfunction has occurred in the drive system.  
The power output is limited. Drive slowly to a  
qualified workshop and have the fault rectified.  
The button is located in the centre console  
above the selector lever. The button lights up  
when the function is switched off.  
Drive system: fault. Limited performance.  
No reverse gear. Please contact workshop  
►
Press to switch the function on/off.  
A malfunction has occurred in the drive system.  
The power output is limited. You can no longer  
engage reverse gear. Drive slowly to a qualified  
workshop and have the fault rectified.  
If you switch off the system during a stop phase,  
the engine will start again automatically.  
Basic conditions  
– The driver's door and bonnet must be closed.  
– Transmission position P, N or D must be selec-  
ted.  
Drive system: warning! Performance tempo-  
rarily restricted. Please adapt driving style. See  
owner's manual  
– The steering wheel must be relatively straight.  
– The vehicle must have been moving at over  
3 km/h since the last stop.  
The performance is temporarily restricted due to  
the ambient temperature or the temperature of  
the drive components. Adjust your driving style  
accordingly.  
Information on the start/stop system  
Vehicle sound: fault. Vehicle inaudible to pe-  
– In certain situations, the engine may stop earli-  
er while the vehicle is still coasting.  
destrians. Please contact workshop  
– If you select transmission position D after se-  
lecting reverse gear, the car must have been  
moving at over 10 km/h before the system can  
switch off the engine again. This allows you to  
A vehicle sound fault has occurred. Drive ex-  
tremely carefully, as other road users may not be  
able to hear the vehicle under electric power.  
105  
Driving  
manoeuvre the vehicle without the engine be-  
ing switched off.  
ed off if the power consumption is high. Whether  
or not the engine is started/stopped automatical-  
ly depends on factors such as the following:  
CAUTION  
– Ambient conditions (downhill/uphill gradient,  
altitude and temperature)  
– Battery (charge level, temperature and power  
consumption)  
Always switch off the start/stop system be-  
fore driving through water.  
Switching off/starting the engine  
– Engine temperature  
– Driver assist systems  
►
Apply the brakes and keep your foot on the  
– Driving style  
brake pedal until the vehicle is stationary. The  
indicator lamp will appear in the instrument  
cluster as soon as the engine has been switched  
off automatically.  
Driver messages about the start/stop  
system  
►
The engine will start again automatically when  
you take your foot off the brake pedal. The indi-  
cator lamp will go out.  
The following driver messages may appear, de-  
pending on the equipment installed in your vehi-  
cle:  
If the parking brake is applied or the hold func-  
tion is switched on, the engine will only restart  
when you press the accelerator pedal.  
Drive system: please start vehicle manually  
This message appears if certain conditions have  
not been met during the stop phase and the  
Information on switching off/starting the  
engine  
start/stop system cannot start the engine again  
START ENGINE STOP  
automatically. The  
button  
must be used to start the engine.  
– Keep your foot on the brake pedal during a stop  
phase to prevent the vehicle from moving.  
START ENGINE STOP  
Vehicle start system: fault. Please contact work-  
shop soon  
– If you press the  
button  
during a stop phase, the ignition will be switch-  
ed off.  
A malfunction has occurred in the start/stop sys-  
tem. Drive to a workshop soon and have the fault  
rectified.  
– If you briefly leave the vehicle during a stop  
phase and then get back in, you will need to  
close the driver's door and fasten your seat belt  
for the engine to start again.  
Brakes  
– You can control whether or not the engine is  
switched off by varying the amount of pressure  
on the brake pedal. For instance, if you brake  
gently in stop-and-go traffic or before turning  
off at a junction, the engine will remain on  
while the vehicle is at a standstill. As soon as  
you press the brake pedal harder, the engine  
will be switched off.  
Introduction  
You can use the brake pedal to slow the vehicle  
down. The braking effect of the brake pedal may  
be affected by the automatic recuperation if this  
is switched on.  
Noises  
Brake noise may develop in certain situations, de-  
pending on the speed, braking force and ambient  
conditions (such as temperature and relative hu-  
midity).  
Information on automatic starting/  
stopping of the engine  
Before and during each stop phase, the system  
checks that certain conditions have been met and  
decides whether to switch off the engine and for  
how long. For instance, the engine is not switch-  
The brake system performs system tests at regu-  
lar intervals while the vehicle is stationary and  
shortly after the vehicle starts moving. Noises  
106  
Driving  
– the brake pressure applied by pressing the  
brake pedal is higher than the brake pressure  
initiated by the system, or  
may occur temporarily and haptic feedback may  
be felt on the brake pedal.  
Braking effect  
– the ESC, the brake system or the vehicle's elec-  
trical system are not fully functional.  
To ensure an optimum braking effect, the brake  
pads are applied to the brake discs briefly at high  
speeds when the windscreen wipers are on.  
WARNING  
– When applying the brakes to clean off de-  
posits on the pads and discs, select a clear,  
dry road. Be sure not to endanger other road  
users; do not risk an accident.  
If the brake system is wet, e.g. after driving in  
heavy rain, the braking effect may be delayed.  
Further causes of a temporary increase in brake  
response time include:  
– All brake repairs must be carried out by a  
qualified workshop working to the specifica-  
tions of the Audi factory – risk of injury! Im-  
proper repairs can also impair the function  
of the system.  
– Wet conditions  
– Low temperatures, ice and snow  
– Salted roads  
– Dirty brake pads  
– Never let the vehicle coast with the power  
unit switched off (this can cause accidents).  
– If you wish to equip the vehicle with accesso-  
ries such as a front spoiler or wheel covers,  
it is important that the flow of air to the  
brakes is not obstructed; otherwise the  
brakes can overheat – risk of accident!  
Corrosion  
Corrosion can form on the brake discs if the car is  
used infrequently, or if you only drive low mile-  
ages. In this case, you can clean the brake discs  
by braking firmly a few times from a moderately  
high speed ð  
.
Brake pads  
CAUTION  
New brake pads do not give full braking effect for  
the first 400 km, they must first be “bedded in”.  
However, you can compensate for the slightly re-  
duced braking effect by applying more pressure  
on the brake pedal. Avoid placing a heavy load on  
the brakes during the running-in period.  
– Never let the brakes “drag” by leaving your  
foot on the pedal when you do not really in-  
tend to brake. This can cause the brakes to  
overheat, resulting in longer stopping dis-  
tances and greater wear.  
– Please observe the important safety warn-  
ings on driving on gradients ðpage 110.  
This is especially important when towing a  
trailer or caravan.  
The rate of wear on the brake pads depends a  
great deal on how you drive and the conditions in  
which the vehicle is operated. For example, the  
rate of wear will increase if the vehicle is used  
frequently in city traffic, for short distances, or  
for hard driving with abrupt starts and stops.  
Driver messages about the brake system  
The following driver messages may appear, de-  
pending on the equipment installed in your vehi-  
cle:  
Multicollision brake assist system  
The multicollision brake assist system can help to  
reduce the risk of skidding and further collisions  
during an accident. If the airbag control unit de-  
tects that a collision has taken place, the ESC sys-  
tem applies the brakes.  
Brakes: fault. Safely stop vehicle  
A malfunction has occurred in the brake system.  
If and also light up, this means that the  
ABS, ESC and brake force distribution systems  
have failed. You need to apply much more force  
to operate the brakes if the brake servo fails.  
The vehicle will not be braked automatically if:  
– you apply the accelerator, or  
107  
Driving  
Do not drive on. Seek professional assistance.  
Please refer to the additional safety information  
WARNING  
If the ABS, ESC and brake force distribution  
systems fail, input from the functions that  
stabilise the vehicle is no longer available.  
This could cause the vehicle to skid sideways.  
Do not drive on. Seek professional assistance.  
ð
.
Brakes: function restricted. You can drive on  
carefully. Please contact workshop  
A malfunction has occurred in the brake system.  
There is a risk that the braking effect may be de-  
layed. Drive to a qualified workshop without de-  
lay and have the fault rectified.  
Electromechanical  
parking brake  
Brake pads: wear limit reached. You can con-  
tinue driving. Please contact workshop  
Operating the parking brake  
The button is located in the centre console  
above the selector lever ðpage 100, Fig. 64.  
The brake pads are worn. Drive to a qualified  
workshop soon and have the brake pads checked.  
The electromechanical parking brake is intended  
to prevent the vehicle from rolling away acciden-  
tally.  
Brake servo: restricted. You can continue  
driving. Please contact workshop  
There is a malfunction in the brake servo. The  
brake servo remains available with reduced ca-  
pacity. The brakes may perform differently than  
usual. Drive to a qualified workshop without de-  
lay and have the fault rectified.  
Any noises heard when the parking brake is ap-  
plied or released are quite normal and no cause  
for concern. Noises may also occur when the ve-  
hicle is stationary due to automatic test cycles.  
Applying the parking brake via the button  
Brake servo will be deactivated shortly. See  
owner's manual  
Press the button. The parking brake will be  
applied. Transmission position P (parking lock)  
will be selected.  
The brake servo remains active for a short time  
after the vehicle is switched off. Secure the vehi-  
cle so that it cannot roll away ðpage 99.  
When appears, the parking brake is keeping  
the vehicle stationary. You can now take your foot  
off the brake pedal.  
Brake cleaning function active  
The recuperation function is blocked in certain  
weather conditions or if parts of the brake sys-  
tem have recently been replaced to ensure that  
the full braking effect is provided.  
If the red warning lamp flashes, insufficient brak-  
ing force has been applied. Take additional meas-  
ures to secure the vehicle so that it cannot roll  
away when parked ðpage 99.  
Brakes: hot. Please adapt driving style  
Applying/releasing the parking brake via the  
MMI  
The brakes have been used intensively. You can  
continue driving. Adapt your driving style to re-  
duce the load on the brakes.  
You can apply and release the parking brake man-  
ually, independently of transmission position P  
(parking lock).  
Brakes: risk of overheating. Please select D  
and use recuperation  
►
Select: > Car > More > Electromechanical  
The brakes have been used intensively while driv-  
ing downhill for an extended period. Follow the  
instructions in the driver message to use the re-  
cuperation function and take the load off the  
brakes.  
parking brake.  
To avoid noises when driving off, do not release  
the parking brake manually when the vehicle is  
parked on a hill or is heavily loaded.  
108  
Driving  
Putting the vehicle in neutral (to allow it to  
roll)  
The hold function is generally activated automat-  
ically on gradients when the vehicle is stationary.  
The indicator lamp will light up.  
To prevent the parking brake from being applied  
automatically (e.g. in a tunnel car wash), proceed  
as follows:  
Important: The driver's door must be closed  
and/or the driver's seat belt must be buckled.  
The drive system must be switched on and trans-  
mission position D or R or driving program S  
must be selected.  
Important: The vehicle must be stationary and  
must be switched on. Press the brake pedal and  
select transmission position N.  
Depending on the situation, you may need to ac-  
tivate the hold function yourself.  
►
Confirm the message on the MMI, or  
Select: > Car > More > Ability to roll > Make  
►
vehicle able to roll after exit.  
When you leave the vehicle, it will still be able  
to roll.  
To prevent the vehicle from rolling away again,  
press the button.  
To activate/deactivate the message display  
►
With the vehicle stationary, press and hold the  
brake pedal.  
Now increase the pressure on the brake pedal.  
When appears, the vehicle is being held  
automatically. You can now take your foot off  
the brake pedal.  
►
►
►
►
►
when neutral (N) is selected, select: > Vehi-  
cle > More > Ability to roll > Show pop-up in  
position N.  
►
Press the accelerator pedal to drive off.  
In certain situations, such as when parking on a  
hill, the hold function is deactivated automatical-  
ly to enable manoeuvring. If you want to activate  
the hold function again, press the brake pedal  
again more firmly.  
WARNING  
– Always ensure that the vehicle is stopped  
properly and safely – risk of accident!  
When the hold function is switched on, it stops  
the vehicle from creeping forwards when you  
take your foot off the brake pedal.  
– If the parking brake is engaged, it may be re-  
leased automatically if the accelerator pedal  
is pressed. Take care when pressing the ac-  
celerator pedal and always make sure that  
position P is selected when you park the ve-  
hicle – risk of accident!  
WARNING  
– The hold function cannot keep the vehicle  
stationary in all conditions on a gradient  
(e.g. if the road is slippery or icy). Always be  
ready to apply the brakes when using the  
hold function.  
– If the electrical power supply fails, it is not  
possible to apply the parking brake (if it was  
released) or to release the parking brake (if  
it was applied). Before leaving the vehicle,  
secure it to prevent it from rolling away  
ðpage 99. Seek professional assistance.  
– Always ensure that the vehicle is stopped  
properly and safely – risk of accident!  
CAUTION  
CAUTION  
The parking brake must not be allowed to be  
applied automatically in a tunnel car wash.  
Make sure that the vehicle is free to roll. Do  
not switch the vehicle off – risk of damage!  
If you come to a standstill without pressing  
the brake pedal on a steep road, the vehicle  
may roll back slightly before the hold function  
holds the vehicle. In this case, you should  
press the brake pedal.  
Using the hold function  
Using the emergency braking function  
This function can help you to move off easily, for  
example at traffic lights, on inclines or in stop-  
start traffic.  
You should only use the emergency braking func-  
tion in a real emergency, for example if the brake   
109  
Driving  
system were to fail or if the brake pedal were to  
be obstructed. If you use the emergency braking  
function, this has the same effect as heavy brak-  
ing.  
the vehicle on a slope and secure the vehicle so it  
cannot roll away ðpage 99.  
Parking brake: caution! Vehicle parked too  
steep  
►
Press and hold the button while the vehicle  
Hold system: caution! Incline is too steep  
is moving.  
►
►
If one of these two driver messages appears, the  
braking force may not be sufficient to prevent the  
vehicle from rolling away. Park the vehicle at a lo-  
cation with a gradient that is less steep.  
A warning buzzer will sound and the emergency  
braking procedure will be triggered.  
If you release the button or press the accelera-  
tor pedal, the emergency braking procedure  
will be cancelled.  
Parking brake is applied  
The parking brake is applied. Press and hold the  
brake pedal and release the parking brake.  
WARNING  
Heavy braking in corners or in bad road or  
weather conditions can cause the vehicle to  
skid or lose steering control – risk of accident!  
Please take over.  
The vehicle can no longer be held stationary.  
Press the brake to prevent the vehicle from roll-  
ing away.  
Driver messages about the electrome-  
chanical parking brake  
Special driving situations  
The following driver messages may appear, de-  
pending on the equipment installed in your vehi-  
cle:  
Driving on hills and gradients  
Please follow the tips below when driving on hills  
and gradients or at high altitudes:  
Parking brake: fault. Safely stop vehicle. See  
owner's manual  
– Drive slowly and be ready for possible hazards.  
– Do not try to turn round if you can’t make it up  
a hill or gradient. Instead, drive back down in  
reverse gear.  
Parking brake: fault. Please release parking  
brake  
If one of these two messages appears, there is a  
parking brake fault. If this message appears  
while the vehicle is stationary, check whether the  
parking brake can be released and reapplied. If  
so, switch the vehicle off and on again.  
– When driving down steep gradients, the down-  
hill speed control function may be activated if  
you press the brake pedal while in transmission  
position D. The automatic gearbox will then se-  
lect a suitable gear for the gradient and will at-  
tempt to maintain the speed at which the vehi-  
cle was travelling when the brakes were ap-  
plied. You should still continue to use the  
brakes as necessary. Downhill speed control is  
deactivated as soon as the road levels out again  
or you accelerate.  
If the driver message still appears, if the parking  
brake cannot be released or if the driver message  
appears while the vehicle is moving, do not con-  
tinue driving. Before leaving the vehicle, secure it  
to prevent it from rolling away ðpage 99. Seek  
professional assistance.  
Parking brake: fault. Please contact work-  
shop  
– When driving down steep gradients, use the en-  
gine braking effect by selecting driving pro-  
gram S ðpage 101. This is especially important  
when towing a trailer or caravan. This will re-  
duce the load on the brakes.  
Hold system: currently unavailable. See  
owner's manual  
There is a malfunction in the parking brake or  
hold function. Drive to a qualified workshop with-  
out delay to have the fault rectified. Do not park  
– Use the hold function if appropriate  
ðpage 109.  
110  
Driving  
Tilt angle display  
across the top of the obstacle to prevent dam-  
age to the underbody.  
You can display the transverse and longitudinal  
tilt angle relative to the horizon. Certain contents  
can also be projected onto the head-up display.  
– When driving over sand or soft mud, maintain a  
moderate speed. The vehicle will be less likely  
to get stuck if you avoid stopping.  
– Select: > Car > More > Tilt angle display.  
– Wash your vehicle after driving it off-road. Dirt  
and stones falling from the car can be a hazard  
to other road users.  
The steering angle and (depending on the coun-  
try) altitude, compass direction and coordinates  
of the vehicle’s current position are displayed in  
addition to the current tilt angle. You are also  
provided with information on the maximum  
transverse and longitudinal tilt angles achieved  
during the current trip. The values are reset when  
you switch the vehicle off.  
Use the following functions as required:  
– Audi drive select offroad or offroad plus mode  
– Tilt angle display  
– Raising the vehicle using the lift function  
– Restricting the ESC  
Please note that the accuracy of the display de-  
pends on the driving situation.  
WARNING  
When driving off-road you are advised to  
avoid tracks or terrain which are not suited to  
the design of the car and your own driving  
skills and experience.  
WARNING  
– Drive only on gradients for which your vehi-  
cle is designed. Do not exceed the vehicle’s  
available climbing power. Your vehicle could  
tip over or slide away.  
For the sake of the environment  
Take care not to damage the environment and  
respect natural surroundings. Keep to the  
marked tracks and routes.  
– Keep the vehicle straight when driving on  
steep hills and gradients. If your vehicle is in  
danger of tipping over, you must steer in the  
direction of the gradient immediately – risk  
of accident!  
Information on driving through water  
– Always be ready to apply the brakes when  
using the downhill speed control.  
If you cannot avoid driving on a flooded road, you  
should follow the advice below:  
– Applies to vehicles with tilt angle display:  
Do not rely exclusively on the tilt angle dis-  
play when assessing the driving situation.  
– Applies to vehicles with tilt angle display  
and head-up display: Do not use the tilt an-  
gle display in the head-up display on public  
roads – risk of accident!  
– Check the type of road surface under the water,  
the strength of the current and the depth of  
the water. The water must not be higher than  
the vehicle's underbody, even allowing for  
landslides, strong currents and waves.  
– Deactivate the start/stop system.  
– Drive carefully and not faster than walking pace  
so that any waves created by the movement of  
the car do not splash over the underbody. Bear  
in mind that waves can also be created by on-  
coming traffic.  
Information on driving off-road  
Your car is not an off-road vehicle. Please there-  
fore note the following if you drive the vehicle on  
unsurfaced tracks or off-road:  
– Do not stop the car in water.  
– Do not drive in reverse.  
– Drive slowly and be ready for possible hazards.  
– Take the ground clearance of your vehicle into  
account and do not drive the bottom of your ve-  
hicle directly over raised obstacles. Instead,  
drive the wheels on one side of the car up and  
– Do not switch off the drive system.  
111  
Driving  
WARNING  
After driving through water, carefully apply  
the brakes to dry them and restore the full  
braking power.  
CAUTION  
– Parts of the vehicle (e.g. drive system, gear-  
box, running gear or electrical components)  
can be badly damaged when driving through  
water.  
– Avoid driving through salt water to prevent  
corrosion. If any vehicle parts come into  
contact with salt water, rinse them with  
fresh water – risk of damage!  
112  

Related Topics

Engine (engine oil) Engine (motor oil) Start/stop system (auto start stop disable) Electromechanical parking brake (handbrake) Electromechanical parking brake (parking brake malfunction) Electromechanical parking brake (parking brake malfunction reset)

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