Safety Technology Features

Ever since we started making cars more than 100 years ago, safety has been a primary preoccupation and concern. Beginning with the first European crash test, through our introduction of road-gripping quattro^® permanent all-wheel drive, and on to the latest innovations in current vehicle safety, we have remained continuously focused on building safer, superbly stable, highly protective luxury automobiles.

Audi Side Assist is an optional feature on the Audi Q7. Radar sensors monitor the areas on both sides of the vehicle and behind it. When a vehicle is in a blind spot or rapidly approaching from behind, a warning light flashes in the exterior mirror. Should the driver activate the turn signal in this situation, LED lights will also flash. Under 60 mph, Audi Side Assist is activated by a button on the driver's door. At greater speeds, it will automatically activate.

The adaptive light system allows the driver to see ahead in the dark by lighting up corners and bends more effectively. The term "adaptive light" describes various technologies: the turning light, which is switched on when the indicator is activated or the steering wheel turned by any significant degree, thus illuminating the bend or corner, and the dynamic cornering light with which the headlights follow the movements of the steering wheel.

The electronic stabilization program (ESP) makes the vehicle easier to control in handling situations close to the limit. It reduces the danger of swerving and thus improves directional stability. ESP identifies the car's intended direction and response.

Adaptive cruise control builds on the functionalities of the cruise control system and, within certain system limits, maintains the correct distance from the vehicle in front automatically. The system uses a special radar sensor to measure the distance from the vehicle ahead. If the distance is too small, the system reduces speed moderately by easing the throttle or it automatically activates the brakes, up to approximately 25% of maximum vehicle deceleration. Once the road ahead is clear again, adaptive cruise control accelerates the car back up to the speed previously set. If the braking process activated by the adaptive cruise control does not decelerate the vehicle sufficiently, an acoustic signal is triggered immediately to warn the driver to intervene manually. An outstanding feature of adaptive cruise control is its driving dynamics. On all available vehicles, the driver can choose between three driving programs – dynamic, standard and comfort – and set the adaptive cruise control system to suit driving preferences.