2017 2018 Audi S4 Avant vs S5 Sportsback

[greghm]

First time I am starting a thread about A vs B... But I am pondering at the moment between these two who have the same engine as I need close to 500 liter of boot space...

What are the pros and cons of built in 2017 or 2018 Audi S4 Avant and the Audi S5 Sportsback ?

There is a slight difference in price. They both look very nice and I cannot decide...

[somouk]

Tough one that.

I've had similar thoughts myself and personally I think it really does come down to looks and availability.

Similar chassis, drive trains, running costs etc so go for the one that's the cheapest or easiest to get hold of.

[Fourmotion]

I'd have a think about how you're going to use the boot if that's your biggest deciding factor. Both cars are pretty much equal to drive, arguably the Avant slightly noisier, but have the same level of equipment.

The Sportback might have near enough 500 litres, but it's very shallow at the opening and the closing function won't crush anything in it's way, meaning if you're trying to ram stuff in can often reject closure.

The parcel shelf is split in two, and both parts can be removed, which is pretty handy at times, but no where near the practicality of the estate.

I'm off to pick up a Christmas tree this weekend, so will be taking my Octavia estate for that simply so I have the depth at the boot end.

[greghm]

Thanks guys for the answers. I agree that it is what I am going to do with the boot... Stroller/pram, etc is the deciding factor but also the lease offers on the S4 are more attractive than the S5. Granted that the lead time matters too.

I guess that equipment inside should be the same.

Is it the same regarding the gearbox ?

[tgclowes]

I had an S5 sportback on test but bought an S4 Avant. As far as I was aware they were exactly the same underneath and inside (albeit the S5 is slightly wider?). For me I always said if I wanted a 5 door saloon and an estate was available, I'd go for the estate because why not just maximise the amount of practicality if you're buying a big car anyway?

That's just me mind, had my S4 for about 4 months now so if you have any questions feel free...

[greghm]

Thanks for this and what I had in mind too. What options did you take? It seems that the standard ones are already super good. Even the 19" wheels (that is what my wife cares the most: the wheels )

[Rabond]

greghm said:

Thanks for this and what I had in mind too. What options did you take? It seems that the standard ones are already super good. Even the 19" wheels (that is what my wife cares the most: the wheels )

Hi, I had an S5 Sportback on test too but went for the S4 Avant - same practicality reasons really with buggies etc...

Had it for about 6 weeks now and it’s great, really pleased with the choice. Options I went for were Manhattan Grey paint, Audi Sport Titanium Alloys, Privacy Glass, Virtual Cockpit, Electric Folding Mirrors.

[Fourmotion]

I've only got Daytona grey. Having come out of other VAG cars in the past, the S5 is significantly better specced as standard.

Only thing I wish I'd added was the flat bottomed steering wheel. I didn't like the VC to be honest, but it looks good value for what you get if you do like it.

Edited by Fourmotion on Thursday 14th December 10:02

[Rabond]

Fourmotion said:

I've only got Gaytona grey. Having come out of other VAG cars in the past, the S5 is significantly better specced as standard.

Only thing I wish I'd added was the flat bottomed steering wheel. I didn't like the VC to be honest, but it looks good value for what you get if you do like it.

Not sure if it’s the same with the S5 but with the last model year update the S4 now has the flat bottomed steering wheel as standard.

I must admit to be honest I’m not overly wowed by the VC - I could definitely have managed fine without it.

Only other thing I considered was the matrix lights but really pleased with the standard LED lights so glad I stuck with them in the end.

[greghm]

Great answers. I second that on the VC, I don't think it is something I need as I don't feel confident myself as a race driver.

Interesting about the flat bottomed wheel. To be honest, I don't really see what options in extra I really need perhaps the All around cameras for parking as living in London and hate scratching wheels.

Anyone knows the lead time between the S5 and S4 ?

[Rabond]

greghm said:

Great answers. I second that on the VC, I don't think it is something I need as I don't feel confident myself as a race driver.

Interesting about the flat bottomed wheel. To be honest, I don't really see what options in extra I really need perhaps the All around cameras for parking as living in London and hate scratching wheels.

Anyone knows the lead time between the S5 and S4 ?

I think the electric folding mirrors are a good choice, especially if in London (can’t actually believe a car like this doesn’t have them as standard!!)

You get front and rear sensors as standard which are actually pretty good, I looked at the cameras and the side assist safety system too but I had to draw the line somewhere as they’re not cheap and things were starting to add up