Manual or ‘S’ mode

[rs4AAK]

Hi this is my first post for many years.
I had a B5 Rs4 for over 12 years and was gutted when I had to sell it. Anyway I’ve treated myself to a 2015 Fl RS6 as I’ve always wanted one It’s a custom paint order Nogaro blue similar to my Rs4,I’ve had it for one month and I’m absolutely loving it so far , awesome power.
I’ve never really driven an auto and my question is, is it better/quicker in S mode, or can you get more out of it in M mode using paddles especially from standstill?

[MikeFish]

Unless you are taking it to the drag strip does a split second really matter? Use whichever mode gives you the most enjoyment.

[Daveperc]

In my experience you are unlikely to beat S mode from a standing start etc.

Where I find manual is vital is when the gear changes need to anticipate road or traffic conditions etc, so preparing for overtaking, sharp bends, sudden incline changes etc.

I think the real answer is have a play, and find what works for you!

Dave

[rs4AAK]

Thanks for the replies I was reading through other posts online and couldn’t get a clear answer. It’s definitely a lot of fun with the paddle but a lot easier just sticking it in S mode.

[MikeFish]

I struggle to drive an auto in manual mode because I get too lazy and don't concentrate on gear changes like I would have to in a manual car so it pretty much stays in auto all the time.
However, I find the best driving mode for me is to have it in Dynamic and use the gear lever to toggle between D and S as required. Typically, as I approach a junction I pull the lever to select S. This give a lower gear for soke engine braking but also changes the throttle mapping to make it more responsive for a quick pull away should I need it. Once I've pulled off again I will pull the lever back again to change into D and stop it red lining unnecessarily. Unless of course I fancy a bit of red line action and leave it in S. Also, if I am getting ready for an overtaking move etc then I will pull the lever again to change into S mode. The throttle response in D is a little pants. I wish I could have the sharp throttle response permanently but without the red line gear change. Sometimes the gear changes work well in S and it changes up at the right time if you haven't got WOT but other times I want it to change up and it holds the gear so I have to select D and then it changes up. But this works well enough for me and is better than being in M all the time.

[rs4AAK]

Thanks Mike, that makes sense and seems it’s best of both worlds. I will give it a try

[Daveperc]

Agree 100% with Mike on the approach, and the flick between D and S is really easy and becomes second nature.

I do still use M though for engine braking (eg coming off m'way and approaching roundabout, or on long descents) and also for places where the car just doesn't have the info in advance, like the approach to a sharp bend where I know I want max torque/power out - if I'm already in S then that's the quickest way to force the down change and avoid the delay (and slight unpredictability) of kick-down. If I'm in D, then the flicking to S usually takes it down a gear or two anyway - but if I'm really hurrying I won't be in D!!

[bn8959]

I always drive in S mode and just constantly override with the paddles to downshift in advance when I want. Just leave it to drop back to S mode when it wants.

[Iain]

I struggle to drive an auto in manual mode because I get too lazy and don't concentrate on gear changes like I would have to in a manual car so it pretty much stays in auto all the time.
However, I find the best driving mode for me is to have it in Dynamic and use the gear lever to toggle between D and S as required. Typically, as I approach a junction I pull the lever to select S. This give a lower gear for soke engine braking but also changes the throttle mapping to make it more responsive for a quick pull away should I need it. Once I've pulled off again I will pull the lever back again to change into D and stop it red lining unnecessarily. Unless of course I fancy a bit of red line action and leave it in S. Also, if I am getting ready for an overtaking move etc then I will pull the lever again to change into S mode. The throttle response in D is a little pants. I wish I could have the sharp throttle response permanently but without the red line gear change. Sometimes the gear changes work well in S and it changes up at the right time if you haven't got WOT but other times I want it to change up and it holds the gear so I have to select D and then it changes up. But this works well enough for me and is better than being in M all the time.

Exactly what I do, almost an automated reaction when I go from D to S

[zappy-chops]

Stunning looking car. Great choice.

I am only a month or so into RS6 ownership myself and have been playing around with driving modes, auto, paddles, D, S etc a lot and I have found myself pretty much just driving the call the entire time in S auto. I actually like the higher revs and better soundtrack in S and find driving the car in manual pretty uninspiring. In comparison to other performance cars I have owned I find gear changes on the paddles are not that quick but what I really hate are the paddles themselves. For such an awesome and well built car the crappy little pieces of small plastic that are the paddles are truly awful. They just don't inspire me to want to use them at all. Personally, I am very disappointed with the experience of driving the RS6 in manual on the paddles. I expected more.

Hey ho. But I do love the car. A lot.

[rs4AAK]

Thanks, I was driving a 2l diesel A4 for a year after selling my B5 so I’m loving being in something more responsive
I have to agree that the gear change did seem to be a bit slow in manual and I kept finding myself hitting the Rev limited!

[Thundercliffe81]

I struggle to drive an auto in manual mode because I get too lazy and don't concentrate on gear changes like I would have to in a manual car so it pretty much stays in auto all the time.
However, I find the best driving mode for me is to have it in Dynamic and use the gear lever to toggle between D and S as required. Typically, as I approach a junction I pull the lever to select S. This give a lower gear for soke engine braking but also changes the throttle mapping to make it more responsive for a quick pull away should I need it. Once I've pulled off again I will pull the lever back again to change into D and stop it red lining unnecessarily. Unless of course I fancy a bit of red line action and leave it in S. Also, if I am getting ready for an overtaking move etc then I will pull the lever again to change into S mode. The throttle response in D is a little pants. I wish I could have the sharp throttle response permanently but without the red line gear change. Sometimes the gear changes work well in S and it changes up at the right time if you haven't got WOT but other times I want it to change up and it holds the gear so I have to select D and then it changes up. But this works well enough for me and is better than being in M all the time.

I do the exact same mate. Especially coming up to roundabouts and junctions, like you said


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[Sedge5]

I struggle to drive an auto in manual mode because I get too lazy and don't concentrate on gear changes like I would have to in a manual car so it pretty much stays in auto all the time.
However, I find the best driving mode for me is to have it in Dynamic and use the gear lever to toggle between D and S as required. Typically, as I approach a junction I pull the lever to select S. This give a lower gear for soke engine braking but also changes the throttle mapping to make it more responsive for a quick pull away should I need it. Once I've pulled off again I will pull the lever back again to change into D and stop it red lining unnecessarily. Unless of course I fancy a bit of red line action and leave it in S. Also, if I am getting ready for an overtaking move etc then I will pull the lever again to change into S mode. The throttle response in D is a little pants. I wish I could have the sharp throttle response permanently but without the red line gear change. Sometimes the gear changes work well in S and it changes up at the right time if you haven't got WOT but other times I want it to change up and it holds the gear so I have to select D and then it changes up. But this works well enough for me and is better than being in M all the time.

I am with MikeFish on this. In addition, play with the individual mode to set the attributes you find enjoyable. Otherwise, like most contributors on here, engaging the 'S-mode' is kinda the lazy way to get the most out of the beast called 'RS6'.... Whatever option you go with, simply enjoy your motor.

[Yossarian]

I struggle to drive an auto in manual mode because I get too lazy and don't concentrate on gear changes like I would have to in a manual car so it pretty much stays in auto all the time.
However, I find the best driving mode for me is to have it in Dynamic and use the gear lever to toggle between D and S as required. Typically, as I approach a junction I pull the lever to select S. This give a lower gear for soke engine braking but also changes the throttle mapping to make it more responsive for a quick pull away should I need it. Once I've pulled off again I will pull the lever back again to change into D and stop it red lining unnecessarily. Unless of course I fancy a bit of red line action and leave it in S. Also, if I am getting ready for an overtaking move etc then I will pull the lever again to change into S mode. The throttle response in D is a little pants. I wish I could have the sharp throttle response permanently but without the red line gear change. Sometimes the gear changes work well in S and it changes up at the right time if you haven't got WOT but other times I want it to change up and it holds the gear so I have to select D and then it changes up. But this works well enough for me and is better than being in M all the time.

Mike I’ve had one of these fitted from about 1k miles and I’m now on 25k and it’s worked perfectly: DTUK Pedal Box (ignore the diesel word!):

https://www.diesel-performance.co.uk/tu ... 93-ccm/#go

... there are so many settings it’s easy to get the exact throttle response you want. Transforms the response from the car in any mode exactly to your individual liking. Easy to fit and adjust if needed and works faultlessly. No affiliation at all, just a great bit of kit.

Steve

[framerob]

Stunning looking car. Great choice.

I am only a month or so into RS6 ownership myself and have been playing around with driving modes, auto, paddles, D, S etc a lot and I have found myself pretty much just driving the call the entire time in S auto. I actually like the higher revs and better soundtrack in S and find driving the car in manual pretty uninspiring. In comparison to other performance cars I have owned I find gear changes on the paddles are not that quick but what I really hate are the paddles themselves. For such an awesome and well built car the crappy little pieces of small plastic that are the paddles are truly awful. They just don't inspire me to want to use them at all. Personally, I am very disappointed with the experience of driving the RS6 in manual on the paddles. I expected more.

Hey ho. But I do love the car. A lot.

I find driving in D mode around 70mph on the motorway
then flooring it, it will fly off and drop from 8th to 4th gear.

But when driving between 30-50mph its best to pop into sport mode and take over the paddles
And drop to 3rd or 2nd gear.

As Manual sport mode is more aggressive and responsive than manual D mode..