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.

The air suspension is an electronically controlled shock absorber and vehicle level regulating system. The firmness of the shock absorbers is adapted to the road conditions and the driving situation. The system compensates for differences in vehicle load. In addition, the level of the vehicle is adjusted in steps depending on the vehicle’s speed in order to reduce air resistance at high speeds and to increase ground clearance at low speeds. The settings depend on the Audi drive select^* mode selected.

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).

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.

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 moderate (comfort) to sport (dynamic). The system achieves a high level of agility and acceleration during cornering, while the vehicle responds well to steering input.

The air conditioner runs in a particularly economical mode when the efficiency^* setting is selected.

The acceleration response is particularly economical in efficiency^* mode.

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.

The sound of the engine is matched to the selected mode and ranges from subdued to dynamic.