The fact that it goes when you press the Econ button points towards the fan. However, you say it changes with speed in 1st / 2nd.
The Econ button does 2 things. Switches off the AC fan when it is running and de-clutches the AC compressor. The AC fab will only run when the temp of the LP circuit is high. Slow speed/stopped in traffic at high speed the air through the radiator is enough.
The AC compressor will run when you have the engine running unless there is low gas pressure or you press Econ. My suggestion is that the AC clutch may be to blame.
Open the bonnet get a mate to start the engine and rev it while switching Econ on and off. see if you can tell which it is. 
__________________
Conan (the Librarian)
Watch it if you dare
Currently,
2000 S8, Merlin Purple, Leather Pack 1, Winter Pack 1, SPAX adjustable suspension, AP Racing 6 pot front caliper, 385mm fully floating disks, EBC Yellow Stuff Pads, Black Diamond grooved rear disks and predetor pads, D2 Doctors Brake Block.
1997 4.2 A8SQ - the Projekt. 12 years and ongoing!
1997 4.2 A8SQ - Ming Blue. Restoration sat waiting; saved from the Scrapyard
2003 C5 Allroad 4.2Q - Cobolt Blue. Towing car. Laid up awaiting manual conversion.
2005 C5 Allroad 2.5TDi FE - Grey - Workhorse.
2015 Q3QS SLine - Daytona Grey. Lots of extras! Long Haired Admirals cutter.
Previously
2003 C5 A6 1.9TDI FWD - Loaner from D2 Doctor Lifex
1997 S8 - Ming Blue. Loaned out and written off. I loved that car. My first engine swap after cambelt failure.
1996 4.2 A8SQ - Ming Blue. 178k on a cambelt! Trader's 8. Delivered to A8Parts at Lifex.
2003 2.8 A8SQ - powder blueish. Fill in for a while. Sold on.
1998 1.8T A4 Avant FWD. Ming Blue (there's a theme here), PEX for the 97 S8.
And a list of non VAG going back 40 years before I saw the light.
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