Track control link
Forged aluminum component
Basic part adopted from Audi Q7
Bonded rubber bushing
(new component)

Wheel bearing/wheel hub
Second generation wheel
bearing
MLBevo system component

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33

Rear axle
The trapezium link rear axle used in the previous model has
been replaced by a new five-link axle. This is based on the
MLBevo platform, which has already been used on the A4,
Q5, Q7 and A8 models.
The geometric layout of the suspension links provides a
separation in the absorption of longitudinal and lateral
forces. Elastomer bushings with a mixture of high-damping
materials and integrated spacer sleeves allow for a high
degree of radial stiffness with a low roll rate.
The use of subframe bushings with hydraulic damping
ensures the axle is well-isolated from the vehicle body.
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The wheel bearings have been optimized to reduce friction,
which helps to decrease rolling resistance.
Upper transverse link (rear)
Sheet-steel part
Adopted from the Audi Q7
Bearings (hub carrier end) adopted from Audi A8

Shock absorber
Single-tube on 1BA and 1BE
Twin-tube on 1BL and 1BK

Subframe
Welded steel construction
Geometry adopted from Audi A8
Newly developed subframe mountings

Aero-deflectors for spring links
New component, similar in geometry
to Audi Q5

Track rod
Vehicles with steel coil springs:
Sheet-steel part
Adopted from the Audi Q7
Vehicles with adaptive air suspension:
Forged aluminum component
Adopted from the Audi Q7

Upper transverse link
(front)
Forged aluminum
­component adopted from
Audi Q5

Lower transverse link
(front)
Forged aluminum
­component
Adopted from Audi Q5 with
high axle load (Q5 Security)

Coupling rod
2 versions:
Aluminum/plastic
Aluminum: adopted
from Audi Q5
Plastic: new component

34

Lower control arm
Forged aluminum component
Adopted from the Audi Q5

Anti-roll bar
Tubular anti-roll bar
Geometry same as Audi Q5
Modified spring rate

Hub carrier
Die-cast aluminum
Adopted from the Audi Q5

Wheel bearing/wheel hub
Adopted from the Audi Q5

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Wheel alignment
The wheel alignment and adjustment procedures are the
same as for the other MLBevo models. The adjustment
points are also identical, for both the steel suspension and
the adaptive air suspension.

Toe setting at attachment point:
track rod/subframe
(not shown in illustration)

Camber setting at attachment point:
lower control arm/subframe
(hidden by aero-deflectors)

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Cam

ber

bal

anc

ing

Toe setting

669_139

Note
Before beginning wheel alignment, it is necessary to check whether the steering adapter (on vehicles without dynamic
four-wheel steering) or the rear axle steering unit is installed in the correct position on the subframe. If not, it may cause
different variations in toe angle on each of the wheels when the suspension compresses and rebounds.
35

Adaptive air suspension (S7)
Design and function
The adaptive air suspension is optional for the Audi S7.
The system has the same general layout as the adaptive air
suspension system in the Audi Q5. Drivetrain Control
Module J775 is also installed. In addition to the regulating
software for the air suspension and damping, the control
module has the sensor for registering vertical acceleration
(upwards acceleration of the vehicle) as well as pitching
and rolling moments (rotation about the vehicle’s lateral
and longitudinal axes). This eliminates the need for the
body acceleration sensors installed in previous systems.

Air spring strut with damper
Right Front Damping Adjustment
Valve
N337

Drivetrain Control Module
J775
incorporating the control software
for the air suspension and damping
systems as well as sensors for
­measuring vehicle dynamics

The measured values for the yaw rate (rotation about the
vehicle’s vertical axis) and the lateral acceleration are
transmitted via FlexRay from the airbag control module to
the regulating software.
The compressor for the air supply unit is the same as on the
Audi Q5 (2-stage without boost function). The solenoid
valve block is also the same. The vehicle level sensors have
also been adopted from the Audi Q5. Air intake is via the
left wheel housing. Two aluminum accumulators with a
total volume of approximately 1.1 gal (4.4 l) are used.
These are installed in the rear area of the side sills. The
maximum system pressure is approximately 261.0 psi
(18 bar).

Accumulator
Right Rear Damping
Adjustment Valve
N339

Air supply unit
with Level Control System
Compressor Motor V66

Right Front Level Control
System Sensor
G289

Left Rear Damping
Adjustment Valve
N338

Air spring strut with
Left Front Damping
Adjustment Valve
N336

Left Front Level Control
System Sensor
G78

Right Rear Level Control
System Sensor
G77

Accumulator

Left Rear Level Control System
Sensor
G76

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36

For the first time on an Audi model, the accumulators on
the Audi S7 are located in the side sills. The accumulators,
which are secured to retaining plates, are installed by
pushing them into the sills from the rear wheel housings.
The retaining plates are bolted to the end face of the sills
in the wheel housings.
This design solution utilizes the otherwise empty space
inside the sills efficiently and frees up space elsewhere on
the vehicle.

Accumulator

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The air springs on the rear axle are also new. The inside of
the U-bellow pistons, whose geometrical form defines the
spring characteristics, consists of activated charcoal. After
shrinkage, the activated charcoal monoliths are adsorptive,
that is, they bind air molecules on their surface. This
increases the geometric volume in the air springs by about
one third and increases the suspension comfort.

U-bellows piston

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A further new feature is the design of the suspension
turrets on the front axle. Where steel material has been
used previously, plastic/aluminum hybrid components are
now in use. The inner housing, which takes up the major
proportion of the load, consists of aluminum, and is surrounded by plastic on the outside. This lightweight construction enables a weight reduction of approximately 3.0
lb (1.4 kg) per vehicle.
Residual pressure valves on the air connections of the
suspension struts ensure a minimum pressure of 2 - 3 bar.

Plastic/aluminum suspension turret

Residual pressure valve

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37

Control strategy

Mode

lift

comfort

Level

Δ [mm]

Bars shown

HL1

+20

5 bars

NL

0

3 bars

LL1

-10

1 bar

auto
dynamic

22 (35)

43 (70) 50 (80)

62 (100)

75 (120)
Speed mph (km/h)

Key:

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Hysteresis 3 mph (5 km/h)

HL1 = High level
NL

Selection lock 3 mph (5 km/h)

Drivers can adjust the suspension and damping characteristics on the Audi S7 to suit their personal preferences in the
usual way using Audi drive select. Three different maps are
available for this in the running gear control module.
Service operations
The service operations are the same as for the systems which
are already used on other Audi models (Q5, Q7 and A8).
When transport mode is activated, high damping forces are
applied in order to counteract movements of the vehicle
initiated by the transporting vehicle.
The high level is selected in addition when shipping mode is
activated, and controlled to ensure maximum ground
clearance. These modes are automatically deactivated after
the vehicle has been driven approximately 62 mi (100 km)
or faster than 62 mph (100 km/h) if not previously done
using the VAS Scan Tool.

38

= Normal level
LL1 = Low level 1

Steering system
The A7 uses the same electromechanical power steering
used in the 2018 Audi Q5. Progressive steering is standard.
Dynamic four-wheel steering is optional.

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The standard electromechanical version of the A7 steering
system has a mechanically adjustable steering column. It
has lengthwise movement of approximately 2.4 in (60 mm)
and approximately 2.0 in (50 mm) of height movement.
An electrically adjustable steering column is optional. It
has been adapted from the 2019 A8.
The steering column on vehicles with dynamic four-wheel
steering are shorter to provide room for the dynamic steering actuator.

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Two steering wheels are available for the Audi A7 .
The double-spoke leather steering wheel with
12 multi-function buttons is the standard version. For all
steering wheels, the leather on the steering wheel and
selector lever handle are matched to the preferred color of
the dash panel top.
Steering wheels with paddle levers and/or steering wheel
heating are optional.
The sportiest version, the sport contour leather steering
wheel, has a more contoured rim and is flattened at the
bottom. A heated steering wheel is optional.

Sport contour leather
steering wheel S7

Sport leather steering
wheel with paddle levers
A7
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39

Dynamic four-wheel steering (S7)
The dynamic steering system of the S7 is optional. In terms
of design, function, serviceability and operation, it is identical to the system of the 2019 A8.

Dynamic steering actuator

Active Steering Control Module
J792

Rear Axle Steering Control Module
J1019

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Power Steering Control Module
J500

Drivetrain Control Module
J775

Reference
For further information, please refer to eSelf-Study Program 960293, The 2019 A8 Running Gear and Suspension Systems.
40

Brake system
As with the current MLBevo models A8, Q7, Q5 and A4, the brakes on the front and rear axles of the Audi A7 have separate
brake circuits ("black and white" system).
Front axle

Rear axle

Engine

3.0l V6 TFSI (335 hp [250 kW])

3.0l V6 TFSI (335 hp [250 kW])

Minimum wheel size

18"

17"

Type of brakes

AKE fixed caliper brakes
(30-36-38)

TRW EPBi 43

Number of pistons

6

1

Brake disc diameter

14.7 in (375 mm)

12.9 in (330 mm)

Brake disc thickness

1.4 in (36 mm)

0.8 in (22 mm)

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AKE fixed caliper brakes
on front axle

The A7 uses an 8/9” brake servo. Because the A7 is equipped
with a 48 volt electrical systems, a movement sensor is
installed instead of a brake light switch. The PWM signal
from this sensor is used to initiate recuperation.

TRW EPBi 43 brakes
on rear axle with electro­
mechanical parking brake

The 2019 A7 uses the 9th generation ESC. Vehicles with ACC
use a hydraulic pump with six pistons and have two additional sensors. Vehicles without AAC use a four piston pump.
The function, data communication, operation, driver information and service operations are the same as the ESC
system of the 2019 A8. The new loose wheel detection/
warning system introduced on the Audi A8 is also used on
the A7.

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Reference
For further information, please refer to eSelf-Study Program 960293, The 2019 Audi A8 Running Gear and Suspension
Systems.

41

Tire pressure monitoring
The A7 comes equipped with the standard tire pressure
monitoring system.
The system has the same design and function as the
system in the Audi Q7 and Audi A8.

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The Tire Pressure Loss Indicator is an indirect measurement system. The values measured by the wheel speed sensors are
used to calculate the tire circumferences and vibrations. The software is integrated in the ABS Control Module J104.

Reference
For further information, please refer to eSelf-Study program 960293 The 2019 A8 Running Gear and Suspension Systems.
42

43

Electrical system and electronics
Introduction
The electrical system and electronics of the 2019 are very
similar to those of the 2019 A8.
Various CAN bus systems are used in the vehicle electrical
system and network. The FlexRay bus system allows realtime data transfer between the running gear control
modules and the driver assist system control modules.
FlexRay allows all regulating systems to access the sensors.
In comparison to the previous bus architecture the bandwidth has grown by a factor of 20.
The electrical system of a typical sedan may consist of
1500 individual wires and weighs about 110 lb (50 kg).
The weight of the electrical system in the A7 has been
reduced despite the numerous new functions. This was
done by using wire cross sections as small as possible.
Further reduction was made by using an aluminum main
battery cable.
The available HD matrix LED headlights are a statement of
the new light design language of the Audi A7. Separated by
narrow gaps, 12 light segments are next to each other and
operate together digitally.

Audi offers two lighting interior packages for the Audi A7 :
>> The contour lighting package.
>> The contour ambient lighting package.
The ambient lighting in the instrument panel and the
center console allows the architecture to "float". In the
door, this increases the effect of space. Precise contour
lighting runs along the center console and the door trim;
the quattro badge is also illuminated.
The narrow and precise placement of the light bands traces
the entire interior architecture, thereby underlining the
entire interior concept.
The contour lighting can be set to 30 different colors and
follows the color profiles in the Audi drive select driving
dynamics system.
White light accents also shine from the bass speakers in
the doors if the Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System
with 3D sound is installed. Illuminated sill panel trim
(standard with the design selection and S line sports
package) round off the interior lighting program.

Overview of electrical system and vehicle electrics
Main battery wire

Jump start terminal

669_116

LED headlight
44

Control module rack
The installation of many control modules is now on a
control module rack installed in the underbody of the
luggage compartment. Depending on the options installed
in the vehicle, the following modules may be located there:

>>
>>
>>
>>
>>

Relay and Fuse Panel 4 SR4.
Rear Spoiler Control Module J223.
Comfort System Central Control Module J393.
A 12 Volt power distributor.
Control Module for Emergency Call Module and
Communication Unit J949.
>> Cellular Telephone Amplifier R86.
>> Differential Lock Control Module J187.

Installation location

Relay and Fuse Panel 4
SR4
12 Volt power distributor
Rear Spoiler
Control Module
J223

Comfort System
Central Control
Module
J393

Towing Recognition
Control Module
J345 (Not used in
North America)

Differential Lock Control
Module
J187