In pictures: inside the Audi Museum in Ingolstadt

Enter the world of Vorsprung durch Technik

Love Audi? Don't live in Ingolstadt? Shame: the marque's official museum resides there – and it's a must-visit.

Whether you're a fan of the house of the four rings or simply interested in the history of one of the world's oldest and most accomplished manufacturers, it offers visitors an intriguing and varied look at Audi – from its Auto Union roots to its numerous racing successes over the last several decades.

Not convinced? We've been – and we reckon it's well worth a flight to Germany. Here's why.

Like motto, like museum

Imagine applying Audi’s mantra of Vorsprung durch Technik – progress through technology – to a building and you’d probably end up with something pretty close to the strikingly modern Audi Museum Mobile.

No place like home

Opened in 2000 as part of the Audi Forum in Ingolstadt, the marque’s Bavarian hometown, the museum sits alongside a production facility where buyers can arrange to have a tour or collect their new car.

Badge in a building

The museum’s four glass-wrapped storeys symbolise key areas for the German car-maker, combining to make up the four rings of the Audi logo.

Elevated exhibits

Enter the lower level and the first thing that strikes you is the awesome engineering of a giant paternoster lift, on which more than a dozen cars are circulated – rising and descending the full four floors in silent, effortless motion.

Powerful combo

The marque’s story is told from the top down, as displays on the various levels demonstrate how Audi, Wanderer, DKW and Horch came together in 1932 to create Auto Union, before being joined by NSU in 1969.

Introducing August

Level Three focuses on the period from 1899 to 1945 and introduces visitors to company founder August Horch with a fantastic array of early vehicles.

Fishy finish

These include a stunning 1937 Horch 853 with elegant Sport Cabriolet body and ‘Fish Silver Coating’ paintjob.

Rival marque recognised

Porsche founder Ferdinand Porsche also gets a look-in, as designer of the supercharged six-cylinder engine for the not-so-well-known 1938 Wanderer W25K with its flamboyant transatlantic styling.

Very rare racers

In addition, the top floor houses the Silver Arrows gallery, with the V16 Auto Union C-type streamliner that hit 250mph in 1937 sitting alongside the only surviving six-wheeled C/D-type hillclimb car.

Frugal creations

Moving down a level, you enter the 1949-2001 period, with a number of cars reflecting the austerity of the early post-war years – such as DKWs and the tiny, Ford Thunderbird-inspired Auto Union 1000SP Roadster.

Crimson speed machine

There’s also a stunning red example of the DKW Monza – the model used to break an incredible five world records at the Italian track in 1956.

Four-wheel-drive winners

The motorsport gallery, meanwhile, plays host to a plethora of Audi quattros, from Group B rally cars to DTM racers, alongside the 2000 Le Mans-winning R8 tucked away in a corner. 

Celebrating the century

The pivotal Audi 100 – first launched in 1968 and produced all the way up to 1994, across four generations – is also celebrated with a large permanent display.

Rotating space

The ground floor is reserved for temporary exhibitions, which in the past have included Legends of Le Mans, 30 years of the quattro and Auto Union Silver Arrows. 

Lots to see, read and experience

A nice touch on this level is a timeline that uses models to illustrate the evolution of the firm, while situated throughout the museum are excellent ‘technical stations’ that describe different aspects of design, from drivetrains to aerodynamics. 

Don't speak German?

There are descriptions in both German and English, illustrated by cutaway chassis, engines and digital display boards.

Something for everyone

With more than 120 permanent exhibits and a fine shop where you can buy original brochures and posters, this is a must for all Audi fans, car enthusiasts and those with a penchant for automotive elevators.

Audi Museum Mobile is open Monday to Saturday, 9am to 6pm – and entry costs just €4 for adults.