Hands-Off Parking: How to Activate Audi Park Assist
Parallel parking on busy Christchurch streets or squeezing into a tight spot at Westfield Riccarton can test anyone’s patience. The good news is that modern Audi models are designed to take a lot of that stress away.
Whether you’re driving a sleek Audi Sportback or the latest generation Audi Q5, Audi’s intelligent parking systems can detect suitable spaces, guide steering, and in some cases complete the entire parking manoeuvre for you.
Here’s a simple breakdown of how it works and how to use it.
Is Audi Park Assist the Same in Every Model?
Not quite. Audi parking technology varies depending on model, model year, and optional equipment packages. Generally, it falls into three levels:
Park Assist
The system assists with steering into a parking space while you control the accelerator, brake, and gear selection.
Park Assist Plus
A more advanced system that can take over steering, braking, acceleration, and gear changes during the parking manoeuvre. You simply follow the prompts on the screen.
Park Assist Pro (Remote Parking)
Available on selected latest-generation models, this allows you to park or exit a tight space using your smartphone via the myAudi app while standing outside the vehicle.
Step-by-Step: How to Activate Audi Parking Assist
No matter which version your Audi has, the activation process starts in a similar way.
Step 1: Find a Parking Space
As you approach a row of parked cars:
- Press the Park Assist button (P with steering wheel icon), or select it via the MMI touchscreen
- Drive slowly past parked vehicles (around 20 km/h or less)
- Keep a steady distance of around 1 metre from parked cars
Your Audi uses ultrasonic sensors to scan for suitable spaces on both sides of the road. If you indicate, the system will prioritise that side.
Step 2: Select Your Space
Once a suitable space is detected, it will appear on your:
- Audi Virtual Cockpit
- or MMI touchscreen display
You’ll see a highlighted “P” or boxed outline indicating the parking space.
Bring the vehicle to a stop and follow the prompts.
From here:
Park Assist (standard):
- Select reverse when prompted
- Release the steering wheel
- Follow the on-screen instructions as the vehicle steers itself into the space
- You may need to shift between Drive and Reverse when prompted
Park Assist Plus:
- Press and hold the Park Assist button
- The vehicle controls steering, braking, acceleration, and gear changes automatically
- Release the button at any time to immediately pause the manoeuvre
You remain responsible for monitoring your surroundings at all times.
Step 3: Remote Parking (Park Assist Pro Models)
On selected newer Audi models, parking can be completed from outside the vehicle.
If the space is too tight to comfortably open doors:
- Select the parking space when prompted on the MMI screen
- Exit the vehicle safely and close the doors
- Open the myAudi app
- Select Remote Parking and hold the control button on your phone
- Your Audi will carefully manoeuvre into the space
This feature is especially useful in tight garages or narrow parking bays.
Why Audi Parking Assist is Useful
Audi Parking Assist is designed to:
- Reduce stress in tight parking situations
- Improve accuracy in parallel and perpendicular parking
- Assist in busy urban environments
- Support drivers in low-speed manoeuvring
It is an assistance system, meaning the driver remains in control and must always stay attentive.
Need a Live Demonstration? Visit Archibalds Audi
Audi parking systems are incredibly intuitive once you’ve seen them in action. If you’d like to understand which version your vehicle has, or see how it works step-by-step, the team at Archibalds Audi is here to help. We can walk you through the system in a demonstrator vehicle, help you connect your myAudi app, and make sure you feel confident using Parking Assist in everyday driving.
Visit us at Archibalds Audi or get in touch with our team to book a personalised walkthrough.
Features described may vary depending on model, model year, and optional equipment. Functionality and availability of Audi Parking Assist systems can differ across the range. For full details specific to your vehicle, please refer to your owner’s manual or speak with the team at Archibalds Audi.
