I think there was another discussion on here that the S doesn't have cross traffic detection
I have an S 4Motion with IQ Drive and mine works pretty well. I think I detects if you are stationary or moving to determine if it actually alerts you to cross traffic. The S does not have a back up warning when you are getting close to something behind you.If you have it, I believe you should see it in the infotainment menu for parking and manuvering. Know Your VW This video may help, the second set of instructions was applicable to my Taos (SE).
edit:
For some reason that doesn't directly link to the video, try this intead:
When I asked the dealership about the reverse alerts as well as the blind spot alerts I was given the reason of waiting for the microchips for those functions or getting the cars to market. I felt this was a lame excuse and VW should update our cars with those basic safety functions~Just picked it up on the 15th. Noticed when backing out of a parking spot when leaving the dealer I had no alerts when a car passed behind me but thought it just was not active. Took it home and went through all the settings and the active park is on and I get nothing when backing up to things. Does my system need an update? Anyone else experience this?
It would be nice to know that it’s not going to work untill the chips come in. I’m ok with that just would be nice to get a heads up. I’m going to call the dealership today and see what they have to say.When I asked the dealership about the reverse alerts as well as the blind spot alerts I was given the reason of waiting for the microchips for those functions or getting the cars to market. I felt this was a lame excuse and VW should update our cars with those basic safety functions~