Get Driver assistance -> Audi adaptive cruise control Guide for Audi S Q5 SUV Third Generation (2025-2026)

Driver assistance

►

To preselect a cruise control speed when the ve-

WARNING

hicle is stationary, tap the lever toward + / -

ðpage 151, fig. 114.

To activate the cruise control speed, pull the

lever toward position 2 while driving.

To set the current driving speed as the cruise

Resting your foot on the accelerator pedal

could override the cruise control. Braking in-

terventions and corrective actions by the sys-

tem may not occur.

►

control speed, press the button 1 on the lever.

Turning off the system

Applies to: vehicles with cruise control system

Changing the cruise control speed

Applies to: vehicles with cruise control system

If you do not want to use the cruise control sys-

tem for a longer period of time, you can turn it

off.

Requirement: the system must be turned on.

►

To increase or decrease the cruise control speed

►

To turn off the system, press the lever toward

in small increments, tap the lever up to the

3 (locked into place) ðpage 151, fig. 114.

first level toward + / - ðpage 151, fig. 114.

►

To increase or decrease the cruise control speed

in larger increments, tap the lever up to the

second level toward + / - .

The indicator light will turn off and the set speed

will be cleared.

►

To increase or decrease the cruise control speed

Messages

Applies to: vehicles with cruise control system

continuously, tap and hold the lever at the first

or second level toward + / - .

If  or  is displayed when there is a mal-

function, the cruise control system functions may

be unavailable or limited.

Overriding or deactivating the cruise

control speed

Applies to: vehicles with cruise control system

A message that indicates the cause and possible

solution may appear with some displays. The

weather conditions may be too poor or a sensor

may be obstructed. Clean the area in front of the

sensors ðpage 141 and try to turn the system on

again later.

You can override or deactivate the cruise control

system. When you deactivate the system, your

cruise control speed will be stored and you can

resume that speed.

Requirement: the system must be turned on and

the set cruise control speed must be activated.

If the malfunction remains, drive to an author-

ized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facili-

ty immediately to have the malfunction correct-

ed.

Overriding

►

To temporarily override the set cruise control

speed, press the accelerator pedal.

►

To resume the stored regulated speed, remove

your foot from the accelerator pedal.

Efficiency assist

Description

Applies to: vehicles with efficiency assist

If you override the cruise control system for a

long period of time, the cruise control system

will be deactivated.

Efficiency assist can assist with predictive infor-

mation in order to reduce fuel consumption. De-

pending on vehicle equipment, the system may

access data from the navigation system, the cam-

era behind the windshield, and the radar sensors. 

Deactivating

►

To deactivate the cruise control speed, press

the lever to position 3 (not locked into place)

ðpage 151, fig. 114, or

►

Press the brake pedal.

152

Driver assistance

Adjusting the efficiency assist

WARNING

You can adjust efficiency assist functions individ-

ually. The settings depend on the vehicle equip-

ment.

– Observe the safety precautions and note the

limitations of the assist systems, sensors,

and cameras ðpage 139 to ðpage 142.

– In certain situations, recuperation may

brake proactively. However, the recuperation

braking effect is limited. Always be ready to

brake to reduce the risk of an accident.

– Predictive messages ðpage 153.

– Accelerator pedal feedback ðpage 101.

– Interactive accelerator ðpage 101.

– Predictive control ðpage 158.

Situation symbols

Tips

Depending on the equipment version, efficiency

assist can use the following symbols to indicate

the situation to which the system is responding.

– The functions depend on the navigation da-

ta* being up-to-date and correct identifica-

tion by the traffic sign recognition*.

– The system only detects traffic signs that

specify a speed limit.

Depending on the equipment version, some of

the symbols can only be displayed in the Driver

assistance display to clarify to which situation

the system is responding.

– The display in the instrument cluster is

based on the units of measurement used for

speed in the country where the vehicle is be-

ing operated. As a result, a display of 50 in

the instrument cluster can mean either mph

or km/h, depending on the country.

– Aside from the road network, which is re-

corded in the navigation system’s map infor-

mation, certain functions may not be availa-

ble.

Some symbols only appear if Predictive messag-

es are turned on, and some symbols only appear

if Predictive control is turned on and Audi adap-

tive cruise control* is actively regulating the vehi-

cle.

Symbol Description

Slow down

– Certain settings are automatically stored

and assigned to the remote control key be-

ing used.



(predictive messages only)

Adjustment to curves along route

(predictive control only) Additional



symbols are shown in the Driver as-

sistance display.

Predictive messages

Applies to: vehicles with efficiency assist

Speed limit

The  symbol appears in the instrument cluster

display when the efficiency assist recommends

removing your foot from the accelerator pedal.

Symbols indicate the situation to which the sys-

tem is responding ðpage 153, Situation sym-

bols.



Speed limit



Exit ahead



Applies to: vehicles with plug-in hybrid drive: This

function can also be supplemented with haptic

feedback for the accelerator pedal ðpage 102.

Intersection ahead



Traffic circle ahead



Requirements

(Predictive control only) If the indica-

tor light turns on in green and red, it

is indicating that there is a difference

between the speed limit and the set

speed.

– The cruise control system* or Audi adaptive

cruise control* must not be actively regulating.

– The vehicle speed must be at least 20 mph

(30 km/h).





153

Driver assistance

– The remaining distance until the situation is

reached must be large enough to allow the sys-

tem to respond to the situation.

Within the limitations of the system, the adap-

tive speed and distance control assists while

driving in controlling the speed and keeping the

set distance to the vehicle traveling ahead. If the

system detects a vehicle traveling ahead, the

adaptive cruise control can brake and accelerate

your vehicle within the limitations of the system.

On open roads with no traffic, it functions like a

cruise control system. The stored speed is main-

tained. When approaching a vehicle traveling

ahead, the adaptive cruise control system auto-

matically brakes to match that vehicle's speed

and then maintains the set distance as much as

possible. As soon as the system does not detect a

vehicle traveling ahead, adaptive cruise control

accelerates up to the stored speed.

– The automatic transmission is not in the “S”

driving program.

Turning predictive messages on or off

You can turn predictive messages on or off. The

possible settings depend on the vehicle equip-

ment.

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

HICLE > Charging & Efficiency > Efficiency assist

> Predictive messages.

WARNING

– Observe the safety precautions and note the

limitations of the assist systems, sensors,

and cameras ðpage 139 to ðpage 142.

– Pay attention to traffic and the area around

your vehicle when efficiency assist is turned

on. The driver is always responsible for as-

sessing the traffic situation.

In stop-and-go traffic, the vehicle may brake to a

full stop and then may also start driving again

automatically under certain conditions

ðpage 161.

Applies to: vehicles with traffic jam assist: In traf-

fic jams or in stop-and-go traffic, the traffic jam

assist can assist in staying within the lane detect-

ed by the system ðpage 163.

Tips

– The traffic signs on the road always take pri-

ority over the display. The driver is always

responsible for adhering to the regulations

applicable in the country where the vehicle

is being operated.

Applies to: vehicles with predictive control: Pre-

dictive control can adjust the set speed based on

traffic and road conditions ðpage 158.

WARNING

– When a route is planned using the naviga-

tion system*, then system displays messag-

es based on an assumed route. Without

route guidance, the system displays mes-

sages based on an assumed route.

Observe the safety precautions and note the

limitations of the assist systems, sensors, and

cameras ðpage 139 to ðpage 142.

Tips

– The wording of the message may vary de-

pending on the Audi drive select* mode and

the selector position that are selected.

The system complies with United States FCC

regulations and ISED regulations ðpage 322.

Audi adaptive cruise

control

General information

Applies to: vehicles with Audi adaptive cruise control

Depending on vehicle equipment, Audi adaptive

cruise control may consist of the following func-

tions:

154

Driver assistance

– The system does not respond to people, ani-

mals, or objects that are crossing or approach-

ing from the opposite direction.

Limitations

Applies to: vehicles with Audi adaptive cruise control

WARNING

Observe the safety precautions and note the

limitations of the assist systems, sensors, and

cameras ðpage 139 to ðpage 142.

Display overview

Applies to: vehicles with Audi adaptive cruise control

Fig. 115 Example: driving into a curve

In some situations, the adaptive cruise control

function is limited and you must assume control

of the vehicle when necessary, for example by ap-

plying the brakes.

– When driving into a curve ðfig. 115 and out of

a curve, the system may respond to a vehicle in

the neighboring lane and apply the brakes. You

can override the system by pressing the acceler-

ator pedal briefly.

Fig. 116 Instrument cluster: display in speedometer

– The system works with the various sensors and

cameras in the vehicle. Vehicles can only be de-

tected once they are within the area and range

covered by the sensors ðpage 140, fig. 107.

– When driving around tight curves, a vehicle

traveling ahead that was previously detected

may no longer be detected, and the system

may accelerate unexpectedly.

Fig. 117 Instrument cluster: driver assistance display

The driving situation and the settings are dis-

played in the instrument cluster ðfig. 116. In

the Driver assistance ðfig. 117 display, you can

find more detailed information about the sys-

tem. The displays depend on the country and

equipment.

– The system does not respond to a stationary ve-

hicle in the same lane if it expects that you can

easily drive around the stationary vehicle by

turning the steering wheel.

– The system cannot respond to stationary obsta-

cles, such as vehicles at the end of a traffic jam,

especially when traveling at high speeds.

– The system has a limited ability to detect

vehicles that are traveling a short distance

ahead, off to the side of your vehicle, or moving

into your lane.

Display in the speedometer

1

2

3

Marking for the set speed

Current vehicle speed

Available speed range for the adaptive cruise

control (example)

– Objects that are difficult to detect, such as mo-

torcycles traveling ahead, vehicles with high

ground clearance, or vehicles with an overhang-

ing load, may be detected late or not detected

at all.

Image in the Driver assistance display

The image in the Driver assistance display only

appears if it was opened in the trip computer

ðpage 19.

4

Messages and settings



155

Driver assistance

5

6

7

Detected vehicle traveling ahead

Set target distance

Operating Audi adaptive cruise control

Applies to: vehicles with Audi adaptive cruise control

If you fall below the set distance, the dis-

tance bars turn red from the bottom upward.

8

9

Your vehicle

Availability of Audi active lane assist

Availability of traffic jam assist

10

Indicator lights

 – The speed/distance control is active. No

vehicles traveling ahead were detected. The stor-

ed speed is maintained.

Fig. 118 Lever: operating adaptive cruise control

 – The speed/distance control is active. A vehi-

cle traveling ahead was detected. The system

controls the speed and distance from the vehicle

traveling ahead, and accelerates and brakes auto-

matically.

 – The speed/distance control is active but the

vehicle is not ready to drive. A vehicle traveling

ahead was detected. Your vehicle is stationary

and will not start driving automatically.

Fig. 119 Lever: changing the speed

 – The speed/distance control is active but the

vehicle is not ready to drive. No vehicles traveling

ahead were detected. Your vehicle is stationary

and will not start driving automatically.

Turning on

►

To turn on the adaptive cruise control, pull the

lever up to position 1 until it engages.

 – Take over. The braking power is not suffi-

cient ðpage 158, Brake intervention request or

the safe start monitor is providing a warning

ðpage 161.

Storing the speed and activating regulation

If you have turned on the system, you can set the

current speed as the “regulated speed” and acti-

vate regulation:

WARNING

SET

►

Press the

button 2 . The set speed is indi-

Observe the safety precautions and note the

limitations of the assist systems, sensors, and

cameras ðpage 139 to ðpage 142.

cated with a marking in the speedometer

ðpage 155, fig. 116 and shown in the instru-

ment cluster ð

1

.

►

To store the speed while the vehicle is station-

ary, also hold the brake pedal down.

You can set any speed between 15 mph

1)

(20 km/h) and the maximum possible speed

2)

range 3 ðpage 155, fig. 116.

Pausing cruise control

The control can be stopped at any time:



1)

Analog instrument cluster: 20 mph (30 km/h)

2)

Depends on the country and engine

156

Driver assistance

►

While driving or when the vehicle is stationary:

Press the lever away from you in the direction

of the arrow, or

WARNING

– Observe the safety precautions and note the

limitations of the assist systems, sensors,

and cameras ðpage 139 to ðpage 142.

– The activated adaptive cruise control is only

an assist system, and the driver is still re-

sponsible for controlling the vehicle. The

driver is especially responsible for braking,

steering, starting to drive, and controlling

the speed and the distance from other

vehicles.

While driving: Press the brake pedal.

The  indicator light turns off.

Resuming regulation

The previously set speed can be resumed at any

time after a pause.

►

To resume cruise control while driving, pull the

lever toward you in the direction of the arrow.

►

– Turn on the adaptive cruise control only if

the surrounding conditions permit it. Always

adapt your driving style to the current visu-

al, weather, road, and traffic conditions.

To resume cruise control when stationary, pull

the lever toward you in the direction of the ar-

row while pressing the brake pedal.

Changing the speed

– Turn off adaptive cruise control temporarily

when driving in turning lanes, on express-

way exits, or in construction zones. This pre-

vents the vehicle from accelerating to the

stored speed when in these situations.

SET

►

To increase or decrease the set speed in smaller

increments, briefly tap the lever toward

to the first level.

To increase or decrease the set speed in larger

increments, briefly tap the lever toward or

to the second level.

To increase or decrease the set speed continu-

ously, hold the lever toward or until the

+

or

-

►

+

– If you press the

button 2 when driving

1)

-

at speeds below 15 mph (20 km/h) , the

minimum possible speed that the system

can maintain will be set. If no vehicle is de-

tected ahead of you, the vehicle will acceler-

ate up to that speed.

+

-

marking in the speedometer 1 ðpage 155,

fig. 116 has reached the desired speed.

Applies to: vehicles with predictive control: Pre-

dictive control can automatically adjust the set

speed based on traffic and road condi-

tions ðpage 158.

Tips

– Always keep your hands on the steering

wheel so you can be ready to steer at any

time. The driver is always responsible for

adhering to the regulations applicable in

the country where the vehicle is being oper-

ated.

Preselecting a speed

You can also preselect the speed when adaptive

cruise control is not active by moving the lever in

the desired direction + / - . Activate the previ-

ously selected speed by pulling the lever toward

you in the direction of the arrow.

– If you turn off the ignition or the adaptive

cruise control system, the set speed is

erased for safety reasons.

– When adaptive cruise control is turned on,

the ESC and ASR automatically turn on.

– The system cannot be turned off or it may

be interrupted if the road exceeds the maxi-

mum possible grade for safe operation.

Turning off

If you do not want to use the adaptive cruise con-

trol for a long period of time, you can turn it off.

►

Push the lever away from you into position

until it clicks into place.

0

The indicator light and the set speed will turn off.

1)

Analog instrument cluster: 20 mph (30 km/h)

157

Driver assistance

Driver intervention requests

Predictive control

Applies to: vehicles with Audi adaptive cruise control

Applies to: vehicles with Audi adaptive cruise control and pre-

dictive control

General information

With predictive control, efficiency assist adapts

the set speed in adaptive cruise control

1

ðpage 155, fig. 116 based on detected speed

limits and the upcoming route. Once the system

no longer detects any relevant conditions ahead,

adaptive cruise control will accelerate back up to

the last speed that you set. After turning on the

ignition, the availability of predictive control is

indicated by a message when the adaptive cruise

control is first activated.

Fig. 120 Instrument cluster: brake intervention request

Brake intervention request

If the  indicator light turns on and the mes-

sage Distance! appears, press the brake pedal to

Incident symbols indicate the situation to which

predictive control is responding ðpage 153, Sit-

uation symbols.

apply the brakes ð

.

The braking effect by the adaptive cruise control

is not strong enough to maintain a sufficient dis-

tance to the vehicle traveling ahead in this situa-

tion.

Requirements

– At least one predictive control is turned on in

the Driver assistance menu under Audi adap-

tive cruise control ðpage 142.

The display 1 also appears if you have opened

the Driver assistance display in the trip computer

ðpage 19.

– Adaptive cruise control is actively regulating

ðpage 156.

– The system can only respond to speed limits

that are 15 mph (20 km/h) or higher

WARNING

1)

– Observe the safety precautions and note the

limitations of the assist systems, sensors,

and cameras ðpage 139 to ðpage 142.

– The adaptive cruise control is only an assist

system, and the driver is still responsible for

controlling the vehicle. The driver is espe-

cially responsible for braking, steering, and

maintaining the distance to other vehicles.

– The map content of the navigation system*

must be updated regularly in order for the sys-

tem to work without restrictions ðpage 218.

Overriding control

You can override the predictive control based on

the route ahead at any time by pressing the ac-

celerator pedal. If the system changes the vehicle

speed to adapt to speed limits, you can change

the speed using the lever ðpage 156, fig. 119.

Tips

– Always keep your hands on the steering

wheel so you can be ready to steer at any

time. The driver is always responsible for

adhering to the regulations applicable in

the country where the vehicle is being oper-

ated.

Setting predictive control

You can turn the predictive control on or off and

adjust its settings in the Driver assistance menu

under Audi adaptive cruise control ðpage 142.

The settings depend on the vehicle equipment.

– The intervention requests may be accompa-

nied by additional audio or visual signals,

depending on the situation.

Set speed limit – adaptation to speed limits can

be turned On or Off. Regulation With tolerance

can also be selected, if desired. In this scenario,



1)

Analog instrument cluster: 20 mph (30 km/h)

158

Driver assistance

you may fall below or exceed the set speed in fa-

vor of increased efficiency.

Tips

– Predictive control can exceed or drop below

the maximum permitted speed. The driver

is always responsible for adhering to the

permitted speed limits.

Adjustment to curves along route – Adjustment

based on the curves along the route can be ad-

justed. The setting influences vehicle handling

with predictive control, for example the speed for

driving through curves.

– The traffic signs on the road always take pri-

ority over the display. The driver is always

responsible for adhering to the regulations

applicable in the country where the vehicle

is being operated.

Messages



If

and a message with Predictive control is

displayed when there is a malfunction, the effi-

ciency assist functions are unavailable or limited.

– If a speed limit is detected, the marking

1

ðpage 155 of the set speed limit will be ad-

justed even if Audi adaptive cruise control is

not actively regulating.

A message that indicates the cause and possible

solution may appear with some displays. The

weather conditions may be too poor or a sensor

may be obstructed. Clean the area in front of the

sensors ðpage 141 and try to turn the system on

again later.

– Control by the system depends on which

adaptive cruise control driving program is

set or on the selected Audi drive select*

mode.

– After turning on the ignition and first driv-

ing onto a freeway or similar road without a

speed limit, the system will regulate the

speed to 80 mph (130 km/h) . Then the

system adjusts to the last speed set by the

driver.

If the malfunction remains, drive to an author-

ized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facili-

ty immediately to have the malfunction correct-

ed.

1)

WARNING

– There is no adaptation to speed limits when

driving through highway interchanges and

when driving on or off the expressway.

– The system can fail to provide control or the

control may be faulty if the values from the

camera-based traffic sign recognition* are

incorrect or the navigation system* map da-

ta is outdated.

– Observe the safety precautions and note the

limitations of the assist systems, sensors,

and cameras ðpage 139 to ðpage 142.

– Pay attention to traffic and the area around

your vehicle when predictive control is

turned on. The driver is always responsible

for assessing the traffic situation.

– The system does not consider “right of way”

rules and does not respond to traffic lights,

so lack of driver attention in these situations

can increase the risk of an accident.

– When route guidance is turned on, the sys-

tem adapts to the route provided by the

navigation system. Driving without route

guidance or leaving a route can result in

faulty control.

– The speed when driving through curves may

be different from what you as a driver would

do or may not be suitable for the weather

and road conditions. If necessary, apply the

brakes and reduce the selected speed to be

maintained in the Adjustment to curves

along route setting to reduce the risk of an

accident.

1)

In certain countries.

159

Driver assistance

Setting the distance

Applies to: vehicles with Audi adaptive cruise control

Sym- Time distance

bol

Distance at 62

mph (100 km/h)

Approximately 2.4

seconds

219 feet (67 m)

328 feet (100 m)



Approximately 3.6

seconds



WARNING

Observe the safety precautions and note the

limitations of the assist systems, sensors, and

cameras ðpage 139 to ðpage 142.

Fig. 121 Lever: setting the distance

Tips

When approaching a vehicle traveling ahead, the

adaptive cruise control system brakes to match

that vehicle's speed and then adjusts to the set

distance. If the vehicle traveling ahead acceler-

ates, then the adaptive cruise control will acceler-

ate up to the speed that you have set.

– When setting the distance, the driver is re-

sponsible for adhering to any applicable le-

gal regulations.

– In the Driver assistance display, a graphic

display is shown instead of the indicator

lights 6 ðpage 155, fig. 117. The display

matches the functions of the indicator

lights.

►

Tap the rocker switch to display the distance

that is currently set.

►

To increase or decrease the distance in incre-

– Depending on the selected driving program

and distance, driving behavior when acceler-

ating may vary from moderate to sporty

ðpage 162, Adjusting adaptive cruise con-

trol.

ments, tap the switch again toward

+

or - .

The newly-set distance will be shown briefly, for

example with the  indicator light.

If you adjust the speed, you must also change the

time gap to the vehicle traveling ahead. The high-

er the speed, the greater the distance that is

needed. The following distances can be set:

– The distances provided are specified values.

Depending on the driving situation and the

driving style of the vehicle traveling ahead,

the actual distance may be more or less

than these target distances.

Sym- Time distance

bol

Distance at 62

mph (100 km/h)

Additional functions

Applies to: vehicles with Audi adaptive cruise control

Approximately 1

second

92 feet (28 m)

118 feet (36 m)



Approximately 1.3

seconds



Approximately 1.8

seconds (the set-

ting corresponds to

164 feet (50 m)



a distance that is

“half of the vehicle

speed”)

Fig. 122 Lever: operating the Audi adaptive cruise control



160

Driver assistance

Requirement: all additional functions require

adaptive cruise control to be active.

vehicle when using these functions. The

driver is especially responsible for changing

lanes, applying the brakes, controlling the

speed, and maintaining the distance to oth-

er vehicles.

Overriding control

You can override control by the system complete-

ly, for example if you would like to pass another

vehicle or if you would like to accelerate faster.

Driving in stop-and-go traffic

Applies to: vehicles with Audi adaptive cruise control

►

To accelerate manually, pull the lever toward

you in the direction of the arrow and hold it

there, or press the accelerator pedal.

►

To resume the usual cruise control, release the

lever or remove your foot from the accelerator

pedal.

When you are in the Driver assistance display,

the message Overridden will appear.

Decreasing the distance

Applies to: vehicles with safe start monitor

Fig. 123 Instrument cluster: safe start monitor

You can temporarily decrease the distance even

more, for example if you would like to merge into

another lane because of lane closures. In this sit-

uation, the adaptive cruise control will accelerate

above the set speed if necessary.

Stopping with adaptive cruise control

The adaptive cruise control system also assists

1)

you in stop-and-go traffic . Within the limita-

tions of the system, your vehicle may brake and

remain at a stop if a vehicle traveling ahead

stops.

►

To further reduce the distance temporarily to

the vehicle traveling ahead, pull the lever to-

ward you in the direction of the arrow and hold

it in that position.

Starting to drive with adaptive cruise control

►

To resume the system control, release the lev-

er.



As long as the message

is displayed, your vehicle will begin driving when

the vehicle ahead starts to move ð

ready to drive and 

.

The adaptive cruise control reduces the distance

and, if necessary, accelerates the vehicle above

the set speed. When you are in the Driver assis-

tance display, the message Overridden will ap-

pear.

If your vehicle is stopped for too long, it will not

begin driving again automatically for safety rea-

sons and the message will turn off.

►



To extend

ready to drive mode for several

seconds or to reactivate it, pull the lever briefly

toward you in the direction of the arrow

ðpage 160, fig. 122.

To resume manual control of the vehicle, tap

the accelerator pedal.

WARNING

– Observe the safety precautions and note the

limitations of the assist systems, sensors,

and cameras ðpage 139 to ðpage 142.

– Resting your foot on the accelerator pedal

could override the cruise control. Braking in-

terventions and corrective actions by the

system may not occur.

►

Safe start monitor

Applies to: vehicles with safe start monitor

The vehicle can still start to drive even if certain

obstacles are detected when starting to drive

– The functions only provide assistance. The

driver is still responsible for controlling the

ð

. If the surrounding area detection detects



1)

Depending on the engine

161

Driver assistance -> Audi adaptive cruise control for Your Audi S Q5 SUV Third Generation (2025-2026)

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