What is the ECON button in Audi?
3 Answers
ECON is the abbreviation for the low-carbon and eco-friendly driving mode. This button can turn the energy-saving mode on or off. Modern cars generally offer three driving modes to choose from: Eco Mode, Comfort Mode, and Sport Mode. Below is information about these three modes: Eco Mode: When the car is in this mode, fuel consumption is relatively low. The throttle pedal sensitivity decreases, and the transmission shifts up more aggressively. Comfort Mode: This mode can be considered a normal operating mode for the car. In this mode, the throttle pedal response is more sensitive than in Eco Mode. Sport Mode: This mode is used for aggressive driving. When Sport Mode is activated, the throttle pedal becomes highly responsive, and the transmission delays shifting. The transmission will only upshift when the engine reaches the redline. In Sport Mode, the engine speed is maintained at around 3,000 RPM, ensuring better power response during acceleration. When the car enters ECON mode, it achieves reduced fuel consumption and energy savings, but the power output is weakened. ECON can be understood as the abbreviation for 'economy.' In most cases, it is recommended to keep ECON mode on. Only when high torque output is required (e.g., climbing a hill) or when driving at very high speeds should ECON mode be turned off. Pressing the ECON button activates the low-carbon and eco-friendly driving mode. The ECU, engine, and transmission then operate in the most fuel-efficient manner, intelligently executing the driver's intentions through rapid upshifts and smooth acceleration for optimal fuel economy. When the driver presses the accelerator pedal hard, the ECON system effectively controls the opening and closing of the intake valves to ensure smooth engine operation and energy savings. Although ECON mode is simple and effective, it does not work under certain conditions: When the vehicle speed exceeds 120 km/h, priority is given to speed, and the Eco Mode automatically deactivates. This means that if the speed exceeds the economical range (typically between 60-90 km/h), ECON mode will not save fuel. The key to ECON mode is the independent operation of the car's computer while driving, making it effective. Therefore, when idling, parked, or in N, P, or manual mode, ECON does not function. When overcoming significant resistance or requiring high torque output, such as when climbing a hill, the ECU prioritizes ensuring sufficient power to drive the car, and ECON mode will not work in such cases.
The Audi ECON button is the switch for the economy mode. Having driven Audi for so many years, I personally find it very practical. Every time I start the car, I press it, especially when driving in the city or on long highway trips. With ECON activated, the throttle response becomes slightly duller—unlike in normal mode where the car accelerates instantly, it feels a bit slower, but the fuel-saving effect is noticeable. I remember my last trip to the suburbs: without ECON, I used 8 liters per 100 km, but with it on, consumption dropped to 6.5 liters, saving quite a bit of money. The air conditioning system also adjusts automatically, reducing cooling or heating power, delivering gentler airflow to cut energy use. Some complain about reduced power, but in daily driving, it hardly affects safety. It works best with smooth driving habits, like avoiding sudden braking, allowing ECON mode to maximize fuel efficiency—especially useful in traffic jams.
As a car enthusiast, I'm well aware of the ECON button's function. Simply put, it's Audi's economy mode button that optimizes fuel efficiency when activated. The engine power is adjusted to a lower output level, throttle response becomes slower, acceleration less aggressive, but fuel consumption is reduced. The air conditioning system also automatically adjusts, such as reducing cooling intensity and lowering fan speed to conserve electrical energy. I always use it during city commutes, with actual tests showing about 15% lower fuel consumption. It's particularly useful in traffic jams since frequent starts won't consume too much fuel. Without it, the car feels more responsive but consumes more fuel. Just a light press activates it, with a small indicator light on the dashboard as a reminder.
