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Audi Drive Select – Where to Use Each Mode

Learn how to use each Audi driving mode to match traffic, highways, and everyday driving.

Audi Drive Select – Where to Use Each Mode
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Choosing the right driving mode can completely change how your Audi feels on the road.

With Audi Drive Select, available across the 2025 lineup, you can tailor the car’s performance to match traffic, weather, or your mood. From relaxing commutes in Comfort mode to spirited runs in Dynamic mode, this system gives you control over throttle response, steering, suspension, and transmission behavior. Whether you drive a Q5, an A5 or another Audi model, knowing when to switch modes can make every trip more enjoyable and efficient.

Colin Joseph – 08/25/2025

What Is Drive Select?

Audi Drive Select is a system that lets you choose between multiple driving modes, changing how the engine, transmission, steering, and suspension behave. With a tap of a button or a selection on the screen, your Audi can shift from a smooth commuter to a sporty performer. In 2025 models, the available modes are Comfort, Dynamic, Auto, Efficiency, and Offroad on SUVs like the Q5 and Q7. These modes are shown on the central screen or in the Audi Virtual Cockpit and can be changed anytime during your drive.

Driving Modes

Comfort Mode: Perfect for Traffic and City Driving

Comfort mode softens the steering, smooths throttle response, and, in models with adaptive suspension, cushions the ride. This is ideal for stop-and-go traffic on the LIE or when driving through tighter areas like Great Neck Plaza. The transmission shifts earlier to keep the ride quiet and relaxed.

Auto Mode: A Smart Everyday Choice

Auto mode balances between Comfort and Dynamic, adapting to how you drive. If you accelerate gently, it behaves like Comfort. If you push harder, it becomes more like Dynamic. This is a great all-around choice when driving from Great Neck into Manhattan, where conditions constantly change. 

Dynamic Mode: For Spirited Drives

Dynamic mode sharpens everything. Throttle response is quicker, the transmission holds gears longer, the steering wheel feels weightier, and suspension firms up for confident handling. On a weekend drive along Ocean Parkway, you’ll feel the car come alive.

Efficiency Mode: Best for Longer Trips

Efficiency mode maximizes fuel economy by dulling throttle response and encouraging earlier gear shifts. On longer drives, like heading out to Montauk or the Hamptons, it helps stretch your mileage while keeping the ride calm.

Offroad Mode: For Rougher Roads (SUVs Only)

Exclusive to Audi SUVs, Offroad mode adjusts traction, throttle, and suspension for sand, gravel, or snow. If you’re visiting a North Fork vineyard with gravel roads or navigating a snowy driveway in the Catskills, Offroad mode keeps the car stable and confident.

When Not to Use Modes

Comfort Mode Limitation

Comfort mode can feel too slow to react if you need quick acceleration, such as merging onto the Northern State Parkway.

Dynamic & Efficiency Tradeoffs

Dynamic mode can feel harsh on pothole-ridden city streets and uses more fuel than other modes, while Efficiency mode can feel too sluggish if you need quick power for merging or passing.

How to Switch Modes

You can change Drive Select modes using the button on your center console, through the touchscreen under “Car” settings, or via the Audi Virtual Cockpit with steering wheel controls. Each change is instant and displayed clearly on your screen. For more flexibility, many 2025 Audi models also include Individual Mode, which allows you to mix settings. For example, you can pair Dynamic engine response with Comfort suspension for a sporty yet smooth ride around Long Island’s varied roads.

Audi Drive Select makes your vehicle adaptable for every drive. Use Comfort for city traffic, Dynamic for fun weekend drives, Auto for daily commutes, Efficiency for road trips, and Offroad when conditions call for extra grip. Once you get comfortable switching between modes, you’ll discover that your 2025 Audi is more than one car, delivering multiple driving experiences in one. Want to explore how Drive Select feels in person? Visit Audi Great Neck to schedule a test drive in the latest Audi models.

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    Audi of America takes efforts to ensure the accuracy of information on the general vehicle information pages. Models are shown for illustration purposes only and may include features that are not available on the US model. As errors may occur or availability may change, please see dealer for complete details and current model specifications.

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