Performance to the power of S

The designation ’S’ in the Audi world has always stood for something special. Performance motoring meets superb luxury in a range of vehicles that have always had tremendous appeal for those wanting to take their automotive experience to the next level. 

In true Audi style, subtle S badging and sports design cues have been the only real give-away at a glance – no need to scream from the rooftops after all, but rather let the experience of getting behind the wheel reveal the true nature of the S cars.

For drivers and passengers alike, it has always been the level of finish and appointment, coupled with state-of-the-art equipment and of course, the scintillating performance, that has set these vehicles apart. From the S3 (Sportback, Sedan and Cabriolet), through the two S4 variants and three S5 models, these vehicles represent an elite group and now the appeal of the performance specialists has been further enhanced with the addition of even more standard equipment, further styling refinements and greater value to the customer.

“The Australian affinity for high-performance vehicles is stronger than ever,” says Shawn Ticehurst, Product Planning and Pricing Director at Audi Australia.

“We’ve used insights from our customers to create an even stronger S model line-up that highlights the sleek exterior of these vehicles, while carrying through on that promise with beautiful interiors that are now packed with even more innovative technology. 

Highlights have been added right across the range, with specific offerings within each of the model categories as well. All S models now feature distinctive Audi Sport alloy wheels that further enhance the visual appeal of the range. Inside, the already beautifully appointed interiors of every S car boasts S sports front seats in fine Nappa leather upholstery, Audi phone box light wireless smartphone charging, high-end Bang & Olufsen surround sound systems, as well as driver assistance systems like Audi active lane assist and adaptive cruise control with Stop&Go function.

Individually, each model has also received upgrades and enhancements designed to further refine that specific range and model.

The Audi S3 range offers enthusiasts the choice of three performance models, in the shape of the Sportback, Sedan and Cabriolet. Powered by a 2.0 litre TFSI engine, the S3 models all produce 213kW and 380Nm of torque which is available from as low as 1850rpm right through to 5300rpm. Both the Sportback and the Sedan dispatch the sprint from stop to 100km/h in just 4.8 seconds, while the Cabriolet takes slightly longer at 5.3 seconds. All three race to an electronically-governed top speed of 250km/h and with their pairing of seven-speed S tonic transmission and quattro permanent all-wheel drive, offer a driving experience to thrill the performance enthusiast in any situation.

The enhanced S3 range features nearly $9000 worth of upgraded equipment at no additional cost, with metallic paint now a standard inclusion, along with large 19-inch alloys and the distinctive red brake calipers.

Inside, each of the S3 models gain S sports seats in fine Nappa leather and auto-folding mirrors with kerb view. Additional technology highlights include the Bang & Olufsen surround sound system, Audi phone box light wireless smartphone charging and Audi magnetic ride. Audi active lane assist, high-beam assist and Adaptive cruise control with Stop & Go join the list of standard safety systems.

Available now, the Audi S3 Sportback is priced at $64,200*, while the Sedan and Cabriolet are priced at $65,800* and $73,400* respectively.

The Audi S4 range includes the S4 Sedan and the versatile S4 Avant, building on the enormous success of their respective A models and adding generous amounts of performance and luxury to arrive at the specialised S variants. Both of these performance vehicles are powered by Audi’s 3.0 V6 powerplant, mated to an eight-speed tiptronic transmission, with power down to the road through quattro permanent all-wheel drive. This combination produces 260kW of power with a massive 500Nm of torque on tap from 1370 - 4500rpm for incredible responsiveness. The Sedan sees off the standing run to 100km/h in a mere 4.7 seconds, while the slightly larger Avant takes just 0.2 seconds longer.

Yet despite their performance bent, even in the often frustrating and start/stop of city traffic, the S4 Sedan and Avant deliver impeccable ride and comfort in what are state-of-the-art luxury conveyances.

Both cars are superbly appointed, with the likes of Audi virtual cockpit, MMI navigation plus and a full compliment of safety and driver assistance systems all standard equipment. LED headlights with LED daytime running lights and the distinctive S body styling have always been included, but now metallic painted is added to the standard list, along with S sports seats with fine Nappa leather upholstery (with pneumatic lumbar support and massage function) and the extended upholstery package. Additional technology items include the head-up display, Audi phone box light with wireless smartphone charging, the sublime Bang & Olufsen 3D surround sound system and 2x rear USB charging points.

Pricing for the new Audi S4 Sedan is $99,900* while the S4 Avant sits at $102,900*.

Like the S3 range, the Audi S5 range is made up of three distinctive vehicles, with the original Coupe and the Sportback models, joined by the ultimate expression of lifestyle motoring in the AudiS5 Cabriolet.

Like the S4 models, power in the S5 range comes courtesy of the powerful 3.0 V6 TFSI engine married to the eight-speed tiptronic transmission. Once again, power goes down through all four wheels with the Coupe and Sportback rocketing to 100km/h from stop in 4.7 seconds, while the Cabriolet takes 5.1 seconds.

Styling is of course a major part of the appeal across the the entire S5 range, the beautifully proportioned Coupe building on the award-winning A5 body shape which has captured the imagination since it first appeared. The S5 Coupe gives those flowing lines greater attitude, while the S5 Sportback adds the versatility of a five-door configuration, while maintaining the styling integrity of the Coupe. The S5 Cabriolet likewise lends itself beautifully to the S5 design language, whether the roof is raised or lowered, offering what many consider to be the best of both worlds.

The Audi S5 models now features an even bolder exterior design aesthetic with larger 20-inch Audi Sport wheels and metallic paint. Inside, the S5 models also gain the Head-up display and Bang & Olufsen 3D surround sound system to create an even more compelling package.

Both the S5 Coupe and Sportback are priced at $105,400* while the S5 Cabriolet is now priced at $118,940*.

This new pricing and specification for these key models completes the completely revised ’S’ offering from Audi Australia, following recent upgrades to the Audi SQ5 and TTS models. The announcement will resonate with performance oriented customers who have always been attracted to the S offering.

Also, as is the case with all Audi vehicles, customers will also be able to lock in their servicing costs through the Audi’s three of five year pre-paid service plans. The S3 plan is priced at $1850 for three years, or $2380 for the extended five year plan, while S4 and S5 models attract $1920 or $2930 for the three and five year plans respectively.

The revised range of Audi S models are in Australian showrooms now.

 (*Manufacturer List Pricing [MLP] – excludes dealer delivery and government statutory charges)