Get Driving dynamics Guide for Audi S Q5 SUV Third Generation (2025-2026)

Driving

WARNING

Tips

Only drive in terrain that is suitable for the ve-

hicle and your driving ability.

If possible, avoid driving through salt water

because it increases the risk of corrosion. Use

fresh water to clean any vehicle components

that come into contact with salt water.

For the sake of the environment

Avoid actions that are damaging to the envi-

ronment. Show respect for the natural envi-

ronment and remain on marked routes.

Hill descent assist

Applies to: vehicles with hill descent assist

The  button is located in the center console in

front of the transmission selector. It lights up

when the system is turned on.

Tips

Clean your vehicle after driving offroad. Dirt

and stones falling off your vehicle can affect

other road users.

Hill descent assist can assist you when driving

down hills by maintaining a constant vehicle

speed by automatically braking all four wheels.

You can adjust the speed using the accelerator

and brake pedals. The regulation depends on the

hill and the vehicle speed.

Driving through water

If you must drive through water, follow these in-

structions:

►

Turning on: press .

Turning off: press  again.

– Check the stability of the ground, the current,

and the water depth. If the ground is unstable,

there is a strong current, or there are waves,

the water must only reach up to the lower edge

of the body at the most.

►

Active regulation

Regulation begins shortly after you start driving

and is possible at speeds up to approximately 19

mph (30 km/h) and on hills that have an approxi-

mately 6-60% grade. If these conditions are met,



– Deactivate the Start/Stop system*.

– Drive carefully and no faster than at a walking

pace to prevent the front of the vehicle from

creating waves, because they could splash

above the lower edge of the body. Oncoming

vehicles could also create waves.

regulation will be activated and the

light will turn on.

indicator

Ready mode

– Do not stop the vehicle while in the water.

– Do not drive in reverse.

If one of the requirements for active regulation is

not met, the system will be in ready mode. The

– Do not turn the engine off.



indicator light will turn on. Once the require-

ments are met again, the system will be able to

provide active regulation again.

WARNING

After driving through water, press the brake

pedal carefully to dry the brakes so that the

full braking effect will be restored.

WARNING

– Be ready to apply the brakes at all times

when using the hill descent assist.

– Always adjust the speed to the visibility,

weather, road, and traffic conditions. The

system cannot replace the driver’s atten-

tion.

Note

Vehicle components such as the engine, drive

system, suspension, or electrical system can

be severely damaged by driving through wa-

ter.

– The system cannot maintain a constant vehi-

cle speed in all situations, for example when

on smooth or slippery ground. This can in-

crease the risk of an accident.



114

Driving

Tips

If you select the Audi drive select* offroad

mode, hill descent assist will turn on.

115

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 116, 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 the set-

tings to your personal preferences. This makes it

possible to combine settings such as a sporty

drivetrain setting with comfortable steering.

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

Individual settings

Applies to: vehicles with Audi drive select

The  button is located in front of the transmis-

sion selector in the center console.

The equipment in your vehicle will determine

which settings you can adjust.

►

Press the left or right arrow key until the de-

sired mode appears in the MMI. Or:

Drive

►

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

HICLE > Audi drive select.

The drive system will respond to accelerator ped-

al movement more quickly or in a more balanced

manner. The shift points are located in higher or

lower engine speed ranges on vehicles with auto-

matic transmissions.

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.

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 following modes may be available depending

on vehicle equipment:

Steering

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.

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.

allroad – Provides balanced vehicle handling. The

vehicle will be raised to the second-highest level

using the air suspension*.

The vehicle ground clearance is adjusted by the

air suspension* based on the setting.

comfort – Provides a comfort-oriented vehicle

setup and is suited for long drives on highways.



auto – Provides an overall comfortable yet dy-

namic driving feel.

116

Driving dynamics

Engine sound

The vehicle will lower at speeds of approximately

22 mph (35 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 engine sound adapts and can be subtle to

sporty. In the automatic setting, the engine

sound depends on the selected driving program.

Suspension

Note

Adaptive dampers

Applies to: vehicles with suspension control

– Also refer to the information about ground

clearance ðpage 117.

– When transporting the vehicle on a road

carrier, rail carrier, ship carrier, or other car-

rier, it may only be secured at the running

surfaces of the tires (circumference). Secur-

ing the vehicle at the axle components, sus-

pension struts, or towing eyes is not permit-

ted because the pressure in the air suspen-

sion struts can change during transport. The

vehicle might not be secured sufficiently if

this happens.

The adaptive dampers are an electronically-con-

trolled damping system. The firmness of the sus-

pension will adapt to the driving conditions and

the driving situation. The settings depend on the

selected Audi drive select* mode.

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.

Ground clearance

The vehicle height and clearance can be influ-

enced by the following factors:

– 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

Displaying the vehicle level

►

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

WARNING

HICLE > Audi drive select.

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.

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.

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.

Raising the vehicle

►

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.

The Audi drive select* mode will be changed if

necessary when the vehicle is raised.

117

Driving dynamics

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.

Messages

The following messages may appear, depending

on the vehicle equipment:



Air suspension: malfunction! You may con-

Steering

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.

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.



Air suspension: malfunction! You can contin-

ue driving. Speed limited to max. XXX mph

(km/h)

Dynamic steering

Applies to: vehicles with dynamic steering

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.

The driving dynamic and driving stability are in-

creased by the steering ratio based on the speed.

At reduced speeds, steering is direct in order to

provide agile steering behavior and keep the

steering effort as minimal as possible when ma-

neuvering the vehicle. This sets the steering to be

less sensitive at higher speeds in order to provide

improved vehicle control.



Air suspension: malfunction! Safely stop ve-

hicle. Steering and ground clearance limited

There is a malfunction. Do not continue driving.

Secure the vehicle against rolling before exiting

the vehicle ðpage 98. Avoid turning the steering

wheel, because the vehicle ground clearance may

be so low that turning the steering wheel could

result in damage to the wheels and wheel hous-

ings.

Messages

The following messages may appear, depending

on the vehicle equipment:

 Steering: malfunction! Please stop vehicle



Suspension: malfunction! You can continue

driving

The power steering may have failed. Adapt your

driving style immediately to compensate for the

fact that it may be more difficult to turn the

steering wheel, and stop your vehicle in a safe lo-

cation as soon as possible. Secure the vehicle

against rolling before exiting the vehicle

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

thorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service

Facility for assistance.

There is a malfunction. See an authorized Audi

dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility for as-

sistance.



Air suspension: vehicle too low. Limited

ground clearance

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.

 Steering: malfunction! Please stop vehicle

There is a malfunction in the electronic steering

lock. You cannot turn on the ignition. Secure the

vehicle against rolling before exiting the vehicle

ðpage 98. Do not tow your vehicle because it

cannot be steered. See an authorized Audi dealer

or authorized Audi Service Facility for assistance. 



Air suspension: malfunction! Please contact

Service

118

Driving dynamics

 Steering: malfunction! You can continue

driving

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

ing situation does not require all wheel drive,

then the rear section of the drivetrain will decou-

ple to save fuel. The system constantly deter-

mines and anticipates if all wheel drive is needed.

This allows the rear drivetrain to recouple shortly

before it is needed.

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.

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-

 Steering lock: malfunction! Please contact

Service

cautions ð

.

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.

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.

 Dynamic steering: correcting steering wheel

position

– The braking ability of your vehicle is limited

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

different from a two wheel drive vehicle. Do

not drive too fast because this increases the

risk of an accident.

The steering is reinitializing. The steering wheel

will move easily after starting the vehicle. Reiniti-

alization might be necessary if the steering wheel

was moved while the engine was off. The display

turns off if the initialization was successful.

– Note that on wet streets, the front wheels

can “hydroplane” if driving at speeds that

are too high. Unlike front wheel drive

vehicles, the engine RPM does not increase

suddenly when the vehicle begins hydro-

planing. Adapt your speed to the road condi-

tions to reduce the risk of an accident.

WARNING

Do not tow your vehicle if there is a malfunc-

tion in the electronic steering lock because

this increases the risk of an accident.

Tips

– If there is a malfunction, the steering wheel

may be crooked when driving straight.

Sport differential

Applies to: vehicles with sport differential

– If the  or  indicator light only stays on

for a short time, you may continue driving.

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.

All wheel drive (quattro)

Description

Applies to: vehicles with all wheel drive

The all-wheel drive system distributes the driving

power variably to the front and rear axle to im-

prove the driving characteristics. It works togeth-

er with selective wheel torque control, which can

activate when driving through curves

Messages

The following messages may appear, depending

on the vehicle equipment:

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

tinue driving. Please contact Service

ðpage 120.



119

Driving dynamics

Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)

Drive immediately to an authorized Audi dealer

or authorized Audi Service Facility to have the

malfunction corrected.

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.

 Sport differential: malfunction! Please con-

tact Service

A pulsing in the brake pedal indicates that the

system is acting to stabilize the vehicle.

Drive immediately to an authorized Audi dealer

or authorized Audi Service Facility to have the

malfunction corrected.

Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR)

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

ing style. See owner's manual

ASR reduces drive power when the wheels begin

spinning and adapts the power to the road condi-

tions. This will increase the driving stability.

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.

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.

 Sport differential: temperature too high.

Please adapt driving style

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.

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.

Selective wheel torque control

WARNING

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.

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.

Power steering

The ESC can also support vehicle stability

through steering.

Electronic Stabilization

Control (ESC)

WARNING

Description

– 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.

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 brakes are applied or the engine torque is re-

duced in order to stabilize the vehicle.

– Please note the risk of a collision increases

when driving fast, especially through curves

The following stabilization functions are inte-

grated into the ESC, among others:



120

Driving dynamics for Your Audi S Q5 SUV Third Generation (2025-2026)

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