The button my passengers wish they could push...
10-09-2008, 10:32 AM
#13
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I am in US--DC Region/VA. I had ordered '08 model, but...
...ended up getting a 2009. When I learned my order was being converted to 2009 during my wait, I got my dealer to add Drive Select on my 2009, and followed up to ensure it was done.
I caught the order in time, and it worked out for me. Others have not been so lucky; not many have Drive Select yet, though some on this forum do have it.
I caught the order in time, and it worked out for me. Others have not been so lucky; not many have Drive Select yet, though some on this forum do have it.
10-09-2008, 07:10 PM
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I am ecstatic. Drive Select exceeds expectations, when I had doubts...
...initially. I was cynical. I had driven a 2008 S5 manual many times and was happy--after all, I ordered one. The 2008 is still a good car, but it doesn't have the feel of the 2009 with Drive Select in "Dynamic."
I have written some of this before here... Audi has finally addressed and put to rest the "disconnected-from-the-road-steering-feel" and the softer suspension that many critics--and many in this Forum had--compared to the likes of the BMW 3-series and M3.
First, the Drive Select--Dynamic setting changes the steering feel, the steering ratio and the suspension in an integrated fashion and such a dramatic way, it gives the entire feel of the road that Audi drivers complain is missing.
Second, the body roll, although the 2008 doesn't have much, is far more noticeable in the 2008 suspension than in the 2009 with it in "Dynamic Setting" mode.
The car is still heavy of course, and it doesn't feel as nimble as, say, the Porsche Cayman, which I came very close to buying instead, but it does have a balanced feel, and it feels taut and tighter on turn-in than the 2008 S5.
I couldn't believe the difference in feel. If I truly felt the difference was minor, I would say so; however, it makes a significant difference.
As a comparison, the feel of the 2008 S5 is sort of between "Comfort" and "Dynamic," but only 'sort of.' IMHO it is really closer to "Comfort," than "Dynamic." "Comfort" in the 2009 is softer than the base 2008 suspension, but not "Cushy" like a cruisin' Lexus or Cadillac or something.
I have written some of this before here... Audi has finally addressed and put to rest the "disconnected-from-the-road-steering-feel" and the softer suspension that many critics--and many in this Forum had--compared to the likes of the BMW 3-series and M3.
First, the Drive Select--Dynamic setting changes the steering feel, the steering ratio and the suspension in an integrated fashion and such a dramatic way, it gives the entire feel of the road that Audi drivers complain is missing.
Second, the body roll, although the 2008 doesn't have much, is far more noticeable in the 2008 suspension than in the 2009 with it in "Dynamic Setting" mode.
The car is still heavy of course, and it doesn't feel as nimble as, say, the Porsche Cayman, which I came very close to buying instead, but it does have a balanced feel, and it feels taut and tighter on turn-in than the 2008 S5.
I couldn't believe the difference in feel. If I truly felt the difference was minor, I would say so; however, it makes a significant difference.
As a comparison, the feel of the 2008 S5 is sort of between "Comfort" and "Dynamic," but only 'sort of.' IMHO it is really closer to "Comfort," than "Dynamic." "Comfort" in the 2009 is softer than the base 2008 suspension, but not "Cushy" like a cruisin' Lexus or Cadillac or something.