The possible vehicle set-up in each mode depends on which equipment is installed on your vehicle. The engine, an automatic gearbox*, power steering and the automatic air conditioner are basic parts of your vehicle which are always included in the set-up.
Engine and automatic gearbox*
The response of the engine and automatic gearbox to accelerator pedal movements will be more spontaneous or balanced, depending on which mode you select. In the performance-oriented dynamic mode, the automatic gearbox changes gear at higher engine speeds. By contrast, the gearbox selects the next gear at lower engine speeds in efficiency* mode. This helps to reduce fuel consumption.
Steering
The degree of power assistance can be varied. The light, indirect steering response in comfort mode is particularly suitable on long motorway trips, for instance. The steering has a tighter, more direct feel in dynamic mode.
On vehicles with dynamic steering* the steering ratio is altered depending on the road speed to optimise the amount of steering effort required by the driver at any given time. This enables the sensitivity of the steering to be reduced at higher speeds in order to improve the handling of the vehicle. The steering is more direct at lower speeds to minimise the amount of steering effort required by the driver, e.g. when manoeuvring in tight spaces. The dynamic steering* also provides a more agile steering response at low and medium speeds.
Suspension control*
The suspension control* uses sensors to collect information on steering movements, braking and acceleration input by the driver, road surface quality, road speed and vehicle loading. Using this information, the suspension can be adapted almost instantaneously to changing driving conditions. With drive select you can choose between dynamic and comfort-oriented suspension set-ups (dynamic and comfort modes), or opt for a more balanced set-up (auto mode).
Engine sound*
The sound of the engine is matched to the selected mode and ranges from subdued to dynamic.
Sport differential*
As part of the four-wheel drive system (quattro) Link, the sport differential* varies the distribution of power between the driven wheels on the rear axle according to the prevailing conditions. The power distribution mode varies from balanced (comfort) to sport (dynamic). The system achieves a high level of agility and acceleration during cornering, while the vehicle responds well to steering input.
Air conditioner
The automatic air conditioner runs in a particularly economical mode when the efficiency* setting is selected.
Cruise control system*
The acceleration response is particularly economical in efficiency* mode.
Adaptive cruise control*
The acceleration mode can be varied from comfort to sport by changing the setting in drive select. The setting also determines whether the response of the adaptive cruise control to the driving style of the driver in front is more balanced or spontaneous. The efficiency* mode chooses a set-up for maximum economy.
Note
- On some models the vehicle's maximum speed can only be obtained in the auto and dynamic modes.
- Selector lever position S is automatically selected when dynamic mode is activated. E is selected in efficiency* mode.
- You may hear a noise on vehicles with dynamic steering* when you start or stop the engine. This is no cause for concern.
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When towing a trailer, please note:
- The efficiency* mode is not available.
- The sport differential* setting in dynamic mode is not dynamic but agile.