The possible vehicle set-up in each mode depends on which equipment
is installed on your vehicle. The engine, gearbox, steering, reversible
belt tensioners, automatic air conditioner and adaptive air suspension*
are part of the basic configuration.
Engine and gearbox
The response of the engine and 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.
Air suspension*
The adaptive air suspension/sport* 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. On vehicles with adaptive
air suspension sport*, the ride characteristics
are generally firmer.
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.
Steering
The steering ratio and the amount of force required to turn the
steering wheel can be varied. The light, indirect steering response
in comfort mode is particularly suitable on long motorway trips,
for instance. By contrast, dynamic mode gives the steering a tight,
direct feel.
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 varies from balanced (comfort mode) to agile
(dynamic mode). 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 adapts itself to the contour of the corner at
speeds from approximately 10 km/h to 110 km/h. The swivel action
and light distribution are also adjusted according to the operating
mode.
Caution!
- 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.
-
When towing a trailer, please note:
- The efficiency* mode is not available.
- The response of the sport differential is agile in dynamic mode (and in auto mode).