Australia is practically made for road trips. From the sweeping coastal drives of the Great Ocean Road to the vast, red stretches of the Outback, long distances and changing conditions are part of the adventure.
Choosing the right car matters - so is an Audi a good option for road tripping in Australia? The short answer is yes, but it depends on where you’re going and how you like to travel.
Before we begin, it's worth noting that an Audi novated lease can make driving an Audi more affordable and convenient, especially for road trippers in Australia. With a novated lease, your car payments are made from your pre-tax income, which can reduce your taxable income and save you money. It often includes running costs such as fuel, servicing, insurance, and registration bundled into a single, manageable payment. This means less hassle managing multiple bills and unexpected expenses.
For those who love the performance of an Audi during road trips, a novated lease allows you to drive a premium vehicle while enjoying potential tax benefits and predictable costs, making it a practical choice for long-term budgeting!
And now, without any further ado, here are our reasons why an Audi is perfect for Australian road trips:
One of Audi’s strongest points is comfort, and this really shines on long Australian drives. Most Audi models offer supportive seats, refined suspension and excellent noise insulation. When you’re spending hours behind the wheel (whether crossing state borders or cruising along the coast) reduced road noise and a smooth ride can make a big difference.
Higher-end models also come with features such as adaptive cruise control, lane assist and multi-zone climate control, all of which help reduce fatigue on long journeys.
Audi engines are well known for delivering a balance of power and efficiency. This is useful in Australia, where you may encounter everything from winding mountain roads to long, straight highways. Overtaking road trains or climbing steep coastal roads feels confident rather than strained.
Audi’s quattro all-wheel-drive system, available on many models, is particularly valuable for road trips. It offers added grip in wet conditions, on gravel roads or when driving through less predictable terrain - something you’re more likely to encounter outside major cities!
Fuel range is an important consideration in Australia, especially in remote areas where petrol stations can be hundreds of kilometres apart. Many Audi models are reasonably fuel-efficient for their class, particularly the TDI diesel variants, which are popular with long-distance drivers.
Why an Audi Novated Lease Is Worth It
Before we begin, it's worth noting that an Audi novated lease can make driving an Audi more affordable and convenient, especially for road trippers in Australia. With a novated lease, your car payments are made from your pre-tax income, which can reduce your taxable income and save you money. It often includes running costs such as fuel, servicing, insurance, and registration bundled into a single, manageable payment. This means less hassle managing multiple bills and unexpected expenses.
For those who love the performance of an Audi during road trips, a novated lease allows you to drive a premium vehicle while enjoying potential tax benefits and predictable costs, making it a practical choice for long-term budgeting!
And now, without any further ado, here are our reasons why an Audi is perfect for Australian road trips:
Comfort for Long Distances
One of Audi’s strongest points is comfort, and this really shines on long Australian drives. Most Audi models offer supportive seats, refined suspension and excellent noise insulation. When you’re spending hours behind the wheel (whether crossing state borders or cruising along the coast) reduced road noise and a smooth ride can make a big difference.
Higher-end models also come with features such as adaptive cruise control, lane assist and multi-zone climate control, all of which help reduce fatigue on long journeys.
Performance and Handling
Audi engines are well known for delivering a balance of power and efficiency. This is useful in Australia, where you may encounter everything from winding mountain roads to long, straight highways. Overtaking road trains or climbing steep coastal roads feels confident rather than strained.
Audi’s quattro all-wheel-drive system, available on many models, is particularly valuable for road trips. It offers added grip in wet conditions, on gravel roads or when driving through less predictable terrain - something you’re more likely to encounter outside major cities!
Fuel Efficiency and Range
Fuel range is an important consideration in Australia, especially in remote areas where petrol stations can be hundreds of kilometres apart. Many Audi models are reasonably fuel-efficient for their class, particularly the TDI diesel variants, which are popular with long-distance drivers.
That said, some performance-focused Audi models may not be ideal if fuel economy is your top priority. Planning your route and fuel stops is still essential, regardless of how efficient your car is.
Audi offers a wide range of body styles that suit road trips well. Models like the A4 Avant, A6 Avant, Q5 and Q7 provide generous boot space for luggage, camping gear or surfboards. Fold-flat rear seats make it easy to adapt the space depending on your travel needs.
For couples or solo travellers, even smaller models can be perfectly adequate. Families or those heading off-grid for extended periods may prefer Audi’s SUVs, which offer more space and a higher driving position.
Modern Audi infotainment systems are well suited to long journeys. Features such as satellite navigation, smartphone integration and premium sound systems help keep drivers oriented and entertained, even when mobile reception drops out in rural areas.
Navigation systems that don’t rely solely on mobile data are particularly useful when travelling through regional Australia.
Audi vehicles are generally reliable when well maintained, but servicing costs in Australia can be higher than for some Japanese or Korean brands. This is worth considering if you’re planning an extended trip far from major cities, where specialist service centres may be limited. Ensuring your Audi is properly serviced before a long road trip is essential, especially if you plan to venture into remote regions.
An Audi can be an excellent road trip car in Australia if comfort, performance and refinement are high on your priority list. It’s particularly well suited to sealed roads, coastal routes and long highway drives. With the right model (especially one with quattro and good fuel range) it can also handle light gravel and regional travel confidently.
However, if your plans include extreme off-road conditions or very remote travel, a more rugged, purpose-built 4WD may be a better option.
Space and Practicality
Audi offers a wide range of body styles that suit road trips well. Models like the A4 Avant, A6 Avant, Q5 and Q7 provide generous boot space for luggage, camping gear or surfboards. Fold-flat rear seats make it easy to adapt the space depending on your travel needs.
For couples or solo travellers, even smaller models can be perfectly adequate. Families or those heading off-grid for extended periods may prefer Audi’s SUVs, which offer more space and a higher driving position.
Technology and Entertainment
Modern Audi infotainment systems are well suited to long journeys. Features such as satellite navigation, smartphone integration and premium sound systems help keep drivers oriented and entertained, even when mobile reception drops out in rural areas.
Navigation systems that don’t rely solely on mobile data are particularly useful when travelling through regional Australia.
Reliability and Servicing Considerations
Audi vehicles are generally reliable when well maintained, but servicing costs in Australia can be higher than for some Japanese or Korean brands. This is worth considering if you’re planning an extended trip far from major cities, where specialist service centres may be limited. Ensuring your Audi is properly serviced before a long road trip is essential, especially if you plan to venture into remote regions.
So, Is an Audi Right for Your Australian Road Trip?
An Audi can be an excellent road trip car in Australia if comfort, performance and refinement are high on your priority list. It’s particularly well suited to sealed roads, coastal routes and long highway drives. With the right model (especially one with quattro and good fuel range) it can also handle light gravel and regional travel confidently.
However, if your plans include extreme off-road conditions or very remote travel, a more rugged, purpose-built 4WD may be a better option.
Ultimately, for travellers who value a premium driving experience and plan their routes carefully, an Audi can be a stylish, comfortable and capable companion for exploring Australia by road! (Image source: Freepik)
