The perfect balance

Hot on the heels of the new A4 and A5 models’ arrival Down Under, Audi Australia has announced the pricing and specification for the next generation S4 and S5 models for those looking for an even sportier interpretation of the brand’s mid-sized models.

With two S4 models – the S4 Sedan and Avant – and three S5 variants – S5 Coupé, Sportback and Cabriolet – customers are spoilt for choice in this specialised market segment, where performance and handling have been perfectly balanced with technology and luxurious finish.
“The arrival of the refreshed Audi S4 and S5 models completes the range, highlighting there are brains behind the brawn with an incredible combination of athleticism and digital innovation,” says Paul Sansom, Managing Director of Audi Australia. 

The famed Audi S treatment brings an added dimension to the A4 and A5 ranges, with more aggressive styling, more extensive equipment and of course performance and handling that has received the ’S’ treatment.

In keeping with the Audi S philosophy, designs cues are subtle yet effective in marking these models as something special. The styling has been carefully considered to add to the sophisticated yet purposeful design of each model, without the need for over-the-top add-ons so favoured by some manufacturers to suggest performance.

The two S4 models ride on 19-inch Audi Sport alloy wheels while the S5 models get slightly larger 20-inch alloys also from the Audi Sport stable. All sport the aggressive front grille treatment with honeycomb insert and large air intakes, that are not just part of the design but serve a very real purpose.

Obviously differences are evident across the models depending on their body finish. The subtle rear lip spoilers on the S4 Sedan, S5 Coupé and Sportback or the aluminium roof rails and roof lip spoiler on the S4 Avant. 

Of course the S5 Cabriolet has its own unique personality, the svelte Coupé body style complete with rear seating and fully insulated drop-top. Its acoustic folding roof can be opened or closed in just 15 seconds at speeds of up to 50km/h with just a simple internal control. 

That these are performance-oriented models is obvious, while those more versed in what to look for will note the aluminium-look wing mirrors on each vehicle, the quad exhaust pipes or the red brake callipers embossed with the S and red rhombus, long before they see the very subtle S badging on the front Singleframe grilles or rear flanks.

Customers will also be able to further tailor the look of their chosen S model with the optional Carbon and black styling package as well as a selection of three interior colours.

That subtle, sophisticated approach of the exterior design is continued throughout the interior of each of the vehicles – all outstanding examples of Audi’s renowned interior design and exemplary finish. Heated sports seats in fine Nappa leather, finished in honeycomb stitching and S embossing, electrically controlled and complete with massage function are just the beginning. There’s the flat-bottom multi-function steering wheel that allows the driver to control myriad functions, while the MMI touch display allows easy control of other vehicle systems and infotainment. Voice control also forms part of the vehicle systems for even greater versatility and with features such as Audi virtual cockpit and Audi smartphone interface via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and the Bang & Olufsen 3D premium sound system (19 speakers, 755W), the S4 and S5 models lack nothing in terms of top flight automotive technology.

But while each of these S models has its own personality, they all share the superb 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 engine which produces 260kW and 500Nm of torque from as low as 1370rpm. 

The sprint from standstill to 100km/h takes just 4.7 seconds, while the combination of eight-speed tiptronic transmission and Audi quattro permanent all-wheel drive make for a driving experience worthy of the coveted S badge.

The self-locking centre diff provides a torque split of 40 percent (front) axle and 60 percent to the rear in normal driving conditions, with up to 85 percent directed to the rear wheels if the road and driving conditions call for it. The optional quattro sport differential can provide further refinement, directing almost all of the rear axle’s torque to either wheel during particularly dynamic driving. S-specific sport suspension with adaptive damper control allows these S cars that coveted ability to deliver ride that is supremely comfortable or braced and balanced for performance as and when required.

This ability is further enhanced through the Audi Drive select with its five distinctive drive modes, giving the driver the ability to instantly alter the car’s drive, performance, transmission and suspension to best suit the conditions and driving style. 

In addition to the scintillating sports performance, the S4 and S5 models also deliver an impressive range of safety and driver assistance systems as standard inclusions, with everything from adaptive cruise control with Stop&Go and traffic jam assist, to 360-degree cameras. Standard also are exit warning and rear cross traffic assist as well as adjustable speed limiter and lane change warning, side assist, turn assist and collision avoidance assist. 

When they arrive in Australia in October the new S4 and S5 models will present those looking for a balance of luxury, performance and technology with a significant choice to suit their lifestyles and personal automotive preferences. The new Audi S4 Sedan will arrive priced at $99,900* while its Avant sibling will start at $102,400*. In the ranks of the S5 models, both the S5 Sportback TFSI quattro and the S5 Coupé will be priced at $106,900*, while those customers wishing to add top-down dynamics to their driving experience can secure the S5 Cabriolet TFSI quattro at $1230,400*. Five very distinct vehicles, but all unmistakably Audi S models.

Learn more about the Audi S4 and Audi S5 models at audi.com.au

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