Audi cars offer a range of driving modes to tailor the car to your driving. Here’s what Audi’s Drive Select modes mean.
Many modern cars have different driving modes, and Audi is no different. These various drive modes change some of the characteristics of the car, such as how it responds and even how strong the air conditioning is. Some carmakers include just a couple of modes, while others have a big selection to pick from.
Audi has a few different modes to choose from, which can be chosen by pressing the Drive Select button. These are generally the same whether you’re in a fuel-powered Audi or an electric one.
What Audi driving modes are there?
- Efficiency
- Comfort
- Auto/ Balanced
- Dynamic
- Individual
What is Audi efficiency mode?
Audi's efficiency mode is designed to help you use less fuel. It’s the Audi version of an ‘eco mode’ you might find in other brands.
The main difference you’ll find by selecting efficiency mode is that the throttle response becomes a bit more relaxed – meaning it takes a bit longer for the power to arrive after you put your foot on the pedal. This is to make you drive in a more sedate way that would use less fuel. Similarly, the pedal might not go down as far as it would in other driving modes, with a fake ‘limiter’, although you can still access full power if you push the pedal all the way down.
Some Audis may also tweak their gearbox settings in efficiency mode, where the automatic gearbox shifts up earlier to keep the revs lower.
The air con power might be reduced, too, because this system draws power from the engine and makes it use more fuel.
If your Audi has adaptive dampers, efficiency mode is likely to put the suspension in its most comfortable setting.
What is Audi comfort mode?
Comfort mode aims for a more relaxed, laidback driving experience. It softens the throttle response a little compared to dynamic mode, and the steering is a bit lighter. Like in efficiency mode, the gearbox typically shifts up early – but here it's mainly to keep the engine noise low.
On cars with adaptive suspension, the dampers will soften off to give you a smoother ride over potholes and bumps.
What is Audi auto mode?
This is basically the normal or balanced mode, a halfway house between efficiency and dynamic.
It takes into account how you’re driving, and aims to offer the setup that it thinks you want. For example, if you’re driving more economically, it’ll shift up sooner and work as a sort of eco mode. If you’re driving in a sportier manner, it’ll match that with a sharper throttle response and will hold onto gears longer so you get more power.
If you're not sure what driving mode is best, auto is a good all-round option.
What is Audi dynamic mode?
Audi dynamic mode is the brand’s sport mode, giving you a sharper throttle response. It also makes the gearbox more responsive and will hold onto gears longer so the engine revs higher – so you’re ready for faster driving.
Dynamic mode adds extra weight to the steering, to make you feel like you’re more in control of the car.
On models with adaptive dampers, dynamic mode will firm up the suspension to improve handling.
What is Audi individual mode?
Individual mode gives you the option to pick and mix your ideal settings. This is particularly useful on cars with adaptive suspension – you might decide to put everything in a sporty setting except for the suspension, and leave that in a comfort setting to soak up the UK's cratered roads, for example.
Find the right driving mode in your new Audi
Shop used Audi cars for sale at Motorpoint if you’re looking for an upgrade, or read our Audi model range guide to find the right Audi for you.
