Smith837

Just drove a 2013 S4 and S5. The S5 was almost fully loaded with Driver Assist (including dynamic steering), but unfortunately no adaptive damping suspension. I'd rather have the dynamic suspension over the dynamic steering, but wondering what others feel about Audi's dynamic steering? Honestly, I may need to test drive the cars again -- the drives were short and I really didn't get a chance to discern the differences in the steering. On the whole, in both cars, steering felt lighter at low speed than my 2010, but firmed up at speed. Didn't mind the way it felt in both cars. Uncertain how much of what I was feeling was the result of the new electro-mechanical setup vs. the dynamic steering (in the S5).

Anyone out there especially like, or dislike, the dynamic steering? Please indicate whether your experience is with the facelift or pre-facelift, as it's possible that there were changes to the dynamic steering for 2013, no? For $3,250, I'd expect everything to be better than a car without the option...?

Stereodude

I didn't get dynamic steering on my 2013. There was no way it is worth the extra $1,800 for the Prestige package + $3,250 for the driver assist package. I did get the adaptive damping suspension though.

waffles

no

Smith837

Agree completely with your logic. I have a 2013 S4 on order outfitted the same way. But I just decided to go for the S5 instead (for a change, esp. since the performance of the 2 models is comparable if not indistinguishable). The dealer has a car on lot that has everything I'd want, except it's got the Driver Assist package instead of the adaptive damping suspension. Agree that it's a lot of extra $ for features I don't need/want (like the adaptive cruise with stop & go). But the car is sitting there vs. possibly needing to order fresh and wait 3-4 months.

Just for make-believe: If someone offered you 2 cars for the same price, 1 fully loaded with all options including dynamic steering, and 1 loaded with everything except the dynamic steering, which car would you take and why?

Stereodude

Not sure. I guess I'd want to drive both. Also didn't you say the one with dynamic steering doesn't have the adaptive dampers? Unless you plan to change the suspension to coilovers or something else I'd want the adaptive dampers over dynamic steering.

Are you sure it will be 3-4 months to order one? Your dealer doesn't have an order already in the system they can change to get you the car sooner?

Smith837

You and I think alike! My initial S4 order was already in the dealer's system and we modified it. From the sound of it, I think whatever S5 allocations they had are taken (sold) already. They are going to search the system for a car built the way I want (i.e., minimum options) and we'll see what turns up. It's possible that another dealership has one inbound or at the port and they can trade, but otherwise, looks like it'll be a fresh build and 90-day wait + or -. They also might be able to trade a modifiable allocation to cut that time by 4-6 weeks. We'll see.

I too would MUCH prefer the suspension to the steering, but it's one of those things I might be willing to trade, if I wanted to be silly/impulsive -- and in a new car for the summer. Though I'm more than willing and able to wait for the car I really want. (My current car doesn't have the adaptive suspension, and I've always been curious about it -- for $1,250, seems right to me).

I plan to drive the 2 cars again today and will pay more attention to see if there are noticeable differences. KYP.