There's an interesting thread in the Q5-Q7 section that caught my eye and made me think of this thread. Maybe worth looking at guys!

 

I have a 2011 A4 with the 8-speed automatic transmission, and I know exactly what you're talking about. I have noticed this from day one, and have done plenty of research to see if this is normal or not before bringing it to my dealer (nearest dealer is approx 90 kms away). From what I understand, this operation is completely normal, and actually aids in braking down hills, etc. If it's not ruining my transmission, then I like it. Took some getting use to (though not much, as I have been driving a manual transmission vehicle since 2006), but seeing the benefits makes me enjoy what it is doing (saving my brakes).

 

Both the ZF 6 speed and 8 speed automatics are different from older automatics in that the torque converter is able to lock up in all gears (rather than just in top gear). This is one reason that they get better fuel economy - the link between the engine and the wheels is direct for more of the time. This lock up effect will work when slowing down as well to deliver more engine braking - almost like a manual transmission.

 

I've not been happy with the low gear shifting of my 8 spd 2011 A4 and complained to the dealer. They confirmed with a road test, found TSB#2025347/1 and performed a TCM update SVM 37F8A001. Things seem to be noticeably better.