The inside line

Challenging, exhilarating and tremendously fulfilling – the Audi driving experience never fails to excite both hardened driving enthusiasts and those experiencing this level of driver training for the first time. This year, with the inclusion of the eagerly-awaited new Audi RS 5 models, the program again promises the very cutting-edge of high-performance motoring, delivered with that special Audi flair.

Audi Sport’s first plug-in hybrid RS model, the new RS 5 will join the likes of the RS 3, RS 6 Avant performance and RS Q8 performance, as well as the RS e-tron GT on some of the country’s great racetracks as part of the 2026 Audi driving experience line-up. With Audi Australia’s Chief Driving Instructor and Motorsport ambassador, Steve Pizzati and his team of extraordinary instructors, customers will be able to test not only their own limits but those of the brand’s most celebrated performance models in the safety and surrounds of these great motorsport venues. In addition, Audi Australia will again host customers internationally on the tremendously popular Audi European Alps tour, a luxury drive and stay event that sees participants driving some of the brand’s performance greats on roads unlike anything available in Australia as well as enjoying outstanding local hospitality for a truly memorable experience.

In Australia, Sydney Motorsport Park and the Phillip Island Grand Prix circuit will provide the unforgettable backdrop for programs including the Audi Dynamic driving experience and Audi Performance driving experience. Combining advanced driver training with the chance to put extraordinary automotive machinery to the test, these programs both excite and allow drivers to build on their own skill set, aided by the experience and expertise of Pizzati and his team which is made up of accomplished motor racing professionals.

Courses are designed to accommodate and benefit participants of all skill levels, from experienced motorsport enthusiasts to those making their first foray into high-performance driver training.

From the solid foundation of the Audi Dynamic driving experience, customers can progress to the Audi Performance driving experience, taking their car control and skills to new heights as speeds increase and the training becomes even more specialised.

Given the well-earned reputation of the Audi driving experience, it is no surprise that each year sees the return of multiple former participants, looking to further their driver training experience and of course take advantage of driving the most exciting models the brand has to offer.

The arrival this year of the all-new Audi RS 5 represents a particularly exciting time for the ADE program, introducing plug-in hybrid drive to the RS ranks for the very first time. The combination of instantaneous acceleration thanks to the electric drive, coupled with the 3.0-litre twin-turbo combustion engine, making for an irresistible combination that can best be experienced on the track.

The ADE also affords participants the chance to experience the full range of the brand’s performance drivetrains back-to-back, from the multi-award winning 2.5-litre five cylinder of the RS 3 to the ground-shaking 4.0-litre V8 twin turbo RS Q8 performance and extraordinary all-electric performance of the RS e-tron GT.

Those who have taken part in ADE events before know what an exhilarating experience to expect, while those looking to take part for the first time have a real automotive treat in store.

While keeping the ratio of instructor to participant at the optimal level, positions are strictly limited across all of the Audi driving experience programs and the popularity of the international Audi Alps Tour always sees it sell out quickly.

Visit the Audi driving experience website to explore the possibilities that best suit you and take your motoring to the next level.