Driver assistance systems

In many of its models, Audi offers a broad portfolio of cutting-edge driver assistance and safety systems. They are closely integrated both with each other and with other systems, which elevates these models to a new level of intelligence.

The Audi pre sense safety system is available in a variety of versions. In many situations it is capable of taking the sting out of accidents and their consequences or even preventing them altogether by warning the driver and braking the vehicle with escalating intensity in an emergency. Meanwhile the system closes the windows and sunroof, tautens the belts, activates the hazard warning flashers and selects firmer shock absorber settings for the optional adaptive air suspension.

Audi pre sense front operates closely with adaptive cruise control and the stop & go function. The radar-based distance control system accelerates the car and slows it down within certain limitations. It uses the signals from two radar sensors, a video camera and the ultrasonic sensors, as well as incorporating navigation data and analyzing a multitude of additional information. The operating range of ACC stop & go, the response of which can be finely tuned by the driver, ranges from rolling along in urban traffic right up to top speed.

At speeds of 30 km/h (18.64 mph) and above, Audi side assist employs radar to monitor traffic behind the vehicle in order to help the driver change lanes. The speed limit display recognizes maximum permissible speeds and depicts them on the driver information system’s screen or the optional head-up display.

The night vision assistant uses a thermal imaging camera. Its black-and-white images are presented on the DIS display, highlighting pedestrians identified in front of the vehicle. If the night vision assistant detects a potentially dangerous situation, it will highlight the pedestrian in question red – which is also visible on the optional head-up display.

There are two additional systems available for the A7 Sportback, the new A6, the new A6 Avant and the Q3. Audi active lane assist helps the driver to stay in lane at speeds above 60 km/h (37.28 mph). A camera identifies the lane markings on the road surface; if the car starts to approach one of them, the system gently corrects the steering.

The parking system, also new, reduces the driver’s workload when parallel parking or parking at right angles to the road. It identifies suitable spaces either parallel to or at right angles to the road. The system guides the car automatically into and out of parking spaces – in several maneuvers if necessary.

Audi’s assistance and safety systems mesh very closely with MMI navigation plus. The route data from the latter is a useful resource for the control units of the headlights, automatic transmission and ACC stop & go. These systems can thus identify complicated situations and proactively aid the driver. The tiptronic, for instance, knows not to shift up unnecessarily just before a bend, the highway light is activated as soon as a car enters the ramp to a highway, and adaptive cruise control performs smarter still.

The equipment and data specified in this document refer to the model range offered in Germany. Subject to change without notice; errors excepted.