Updated Audi S4, S5 checks in

AUDI Australia has continued its 2020 new-model onslaught, announcing pricing and specification for its updated S4 and S5 performance car range, with the five-model line-up starting from $99,900 plus on-roads for the S4 sedan.

The S4 Avant wagon asks a $2500 premium over the sedan, while the S5 range kicks off at $106,900 for the Coupe and Sportback, while the Cabriolet is the most expensive of the performance lot at $120,400.

Pricing has increased incrementally by between $518 and $1500 across the range, with buyers compensated by a lift in standard equipment.

From the outside, Audi has applied some design changes particularly to the S4, which drops the angular LED headlights of its predecessor for a more streamlined design that more closely resemble the S5’s look.

Features such as the rear lip spoiler on all models bar the Cabriolet and signature quad-exit exhaust pipes give away the pair’s performance intentions, as do the 19-inch Audi sport alloy wheels in matte titanium finish on the S4, up to 20-inch black hoops on the S5.

Inside, the largest change comes from the addition of the new-generation, 10.1-inch touchscreen MMI system that eschews the outgoing model’s 8.3-inch screen and button-dial controller.

Audi claims the new system sports 10 times the computing power of the system it replaces, and is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as Audi connect plus functionality.

Audi’s 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit digital instrument cluster comes as standard, as do wireless smartphone charging and a 755W, 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system.

The interior is upholstered in Nappa leather with heated S sports front seats with electric lumbar adjustment and passage function, while the extended upholstery package and stainless steel pedals add a sporty touch.

Cabriolet versions come with an acoustic folding soft-top that can open or close in 15 seconds at speeds of up to 50km/h.

No changes have been made to the powerplant underpinning all versions, namely a 3.0-litre turbocharged petrol V6 engine which continues to output 260kW at 6400rpm and 500Nm from 1370-4500rpm.

Acceleration from standstill to 100km/h takes as little as 4.7 seconds depending on the variant, while fuel consumption gets as low as 8.6 litres per 100km.

Mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, the S4 and S5 employ Audi’s signature quattro all-wheel-drive system which has been tuned to allow up to 85 per cent of torque to be fed to the rear wheels for maximum sporty feel.

Sports suspension with adaptive damping ensures a blend of ride comfort and sporty handling when needed.

A full suite of active safety equipment is included with adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist, autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian detection, rear cross-traffic assist, lane change warning, side assist, turn assist, park assist and a surround-view monitor.

Customers will also have a range of options including Carbon or black styling packages, or the quattro sport differential for enhanced handling and roadholding.

The S4 and S5 ranges arrive in Australian showrooms in October.

2020 Audi S4/S5 pricing*

*Excludes on-road costs