Foot activated lift gate?

[NYAUDIS4]

Do all B9 sportbacks have this function? The manual says "convenience key" equipped models - which I assume are all US models with keyless function. I haven't been able to get the function to work on my 2019 RS5 - wrong motion or not near enough the sensor (to the right of the license plate it looks like)?

lift gate.jpg

[angrycatmeow]

It can be tricky. I use a kick straight in and out near the center, and then take a step back. It won't open if the sensors see you're too close to the car as the lift gate would bonk you in the chin.

Sent from my Samsung smart air fryer

[JohnEnglish]

Do you have carbon optics? If so, the "kick to open" function isn't installed as the rear carbon diffuser blocks the antenna. Otherwise, yeah, a kick in the middle of the rear bumper (under the license plate) will do it. I had to have the antenna and control module replaced under warranty when I had a 2018 S5 Sportback as the connections got corroded and it no longer worked.

[Audibot]

It can be tricky. I use a kick straight in and out near the center, and then take a step back. It won't open if the sensors see you're too close to the car as the lift gate would bonk you in the chin.

Sent from my Samsung smart air fryer

I'll have to try this on my A6. I got to open a couple times via foot but most times failure

[a4audi4fun]

The kick movement should be slower than you initially think it should be as well - once you've tried it a couple of times you'll remember the best speed for it to always work

[SHCKR]

You must step back

Sent from my Pixel 6 Pro using Tapatalk

[Mad Cow]

Mine doesn't seem to work if I park with the bumper over a curb, so might be that as well.

[NYAUDIS4]

Do you have carbon optics? If so, the "kick to open" function isn't installed as the rear carbon diffuser blocks the antenna. Otherwise, yeah, a kick in the middle of the rear bumper (under the license plate) will do it. I had to have the antenna and control module replaced under warranty when I had a 2018 S5 Sportback as the connections got corroded and it no longer worked.

Interesting...I do have the carbon optic package. No mention of that in the manual that I can find. Was that something they told you at the dealership?

[JohnEnglish]

It said on the Audi website and build sheet that the kick to open function was deleted if you have carbon optics. However, US cars no longer come with kick to open so you won’t see that mentioned anywhere anymore.

[NYAUDIS4]

It said on the Audi website and build sheet that the kick to open function was deleted if you have carbon optics. However, US cars no longer come with kick to open so you won’t see that mentioned anywhere anymore.

Consistent with my experience. Thanks.

[angrycatmeow]

It said on the Audi website and build sheet that the kick to open function was deleted if you have carbon optics. However, US cars no longer come with kick to open so you won’t see that mentioned anywhere anymore.

Is it just be or has the B9 been heavily decontented since introduction? We never got the rear fogs other territories got, they ditched customizable footwell lighting and kick to open... I'm sure there's more. I mean stuff like kick to open is a basic feature on almost everything with a hatch.

Sent from my Samsung smart air fryer

[LYKUNO]

Is it just be or has the B9 been heavily decontented since introduction? We never got the rear fogs other territories got, they ditched customizable footwell lighting and kick to open... I'm sure there's more. I mean stuff like kick to open is a basic feature on almost everything with a hatch.

Sent from my Samsung smart air fryer

I too was disappointed that our '23 S5 Sportback was missing the kick-to-open hatch, and that the footwell lighting was plain white instead of color-selectable. The integrated toll module deletion was not as lamentable. Overall though, the car is still pretty well equipped, especially since I've seen '22 models that were missing things like side assist and top view cameras. Almost forgot, the deletion of the Owners Warranty and Maintenance booklet. -- it can be purchased at the Audi Literature website ($20!), but it's been on backorder for months. I like having it for proof of maintenance completed for future owners and a reminder of when service is due. The regular Owners Manual is a but disappointing as well, as it covers the entire range of the A5/S5/RS5 family instead of being model specific. The print and illustrations are so small LOL! Oh well, I've adjusted!

[JohnEnglish]

Is it just be or has the B9 been heavily decontented since introduction? We never got the rear fogs other territories got, they ditched customizable footwell lighting and kick to open... I'm sure there's more. I mean stuff like kick to open is a basic feature on almost everything with a hatch.

Sent from my Samsung smart air fryer

A bit of cost savings and a little bit of supply chain issues. Only the 2017 A4 got rear fog lights, they were removed on North American cars after that since there is no legal requirement for them. Same thing with changing the red lights on the doors to reflectors from B8 to B9. The footwell lights being plain white and removal of the rear door welcome lights are also cost savings from B9 to B9.5 cars.

The kick to open and ITM are mainly due to supply chain issues as they're both still equipped on Canadian cars. The face lifted BMW X5 and X6 no longer have the buttons in the rear cargo area to flip down the rear seats. You have to flip the down from the passenger compartment. BMW says it was due to supply chain issues but I think that's an excuse for cost cutting.