Drive select modifies the following systems and characteristics depending on the mode selected:
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.
Adaptive air suspension*
The adaptive air suspension* is an electronically controlled pneumatic spring/shock absorber system. The set-up is adjusted according to the selected mode, steering movements, braking and acceleration input by the driver, road surface quality, road speed and vehicle loading.
The vehicle's ground clearance depends on which mode is selected and how fast you are travelling. If you drive in auto or efficiency* mode for longer than 30 seconds at over approx. 120 km/h, the motorway ride setting is selected. If the speed drops below 70 km/h for over 120 seconds, the ground clearance is automatically raised.
A6 allroad: The ground clearance is much higher when the vehicle is in allroad mode. The ground clearance is reduced in stages between approx. 80 km/h and 120 km/h and is automatically increased again at lower speeds.
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.
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.
Cornering light*
The cornering light adjusts the main beams in corners according to the vehicle's speed. The swivel action and light distribution are also adjusted according to the operating mode.
Air conditioner
The 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.
Engine sound*
The sound of the engine is matched to the selected mode and ranges from subdued to dynamic.
Caution!
Vehicles with adaptive air suspension*:
- When you park, make sure there is sufficient clearance both under the car and above the roof, because the height of the parked vehicle can change due to variations in temperature and loading or changes to the ride settings.
- When transporting the vehicle by lorry, train, boat, plane, etc., it must only be strapped down on the tyres. It is not permissible to secure the vehicle by its axles, struts or towline anchorages, since the pressure in the air suspension can change during transport. Under certain circumstances there is a risk that the vehicle may not be properly secured.
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 an operating 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.