What's the difference?
It's the end of the line for that Audi A4 as we know it. In saying goodbye to the ‘B9’ generation A4 that launched in 2015, we welcome the Audi RS4 Competition Plus.
It is the most hardcore example of the breed yet, sitting lower to the floor with hard-edged gear changes, lightweight wheels and snuggly bucket seats. You can also get it in swoopy RS5 Sportback guise.
Audi is only bringing 75 units of each down under as a swan song for the B9 generation RS4 and RS5 before the even-numbered model moves into its all-electric future.
As we’ll go on to discover, these two special models see the A4 and A5 bow out in style.
The Audi A5 has done something naughty. It’s replaced the Audi A4.
Or at least that’s the case for now after the Ingolstadt brand made a bit of a mess of its naming strategy.
Essentially, the Audi A5 is now available as a sedan or a wagon, and the next A4 coming soon will be electric. The previous A5 was a swoopier two-door coupe or four-door gran coupe style model. So the A5 is now effectively Audi’s main BMW 3 Series or Mercedes C-Class and CLA rival.
Plus, the Audi S5 is also here to cater to performance car fans.
Can a new platform, a sleek, fresh look and a techy interior do the job?
We’ve been pedalling around the Victorian countryside in the hopes of finding out.
Stick with me, and I reckon we’ll get to the bottom of it. The question about the car, that is, not the bottom of Victoria.
What a way to send off this generation of Audi RS4 and RS5. The extra focus courtesy of those trick coil overs and drama from the exhaust plus the sharper gear changes deliver the best Audi has done with these RS products.
There are some compromises, with the suspension favouring outright control over low-speed comfort. It’s also true that the current BMW’s M3 and M4 are more impressive, but when the products are nearly seven years fresher than Audi’s, what do you expect?
Plus, those looking for a more restrained and polite fast executive sedan (or wagon) will gel with the Audi’s sophistication. There aren’t many of these Competition Plus RS4 and RS5s coming to Australia and they are impressive visually and from behind the wheel. It’s a fitting way to send off the current generations.
Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with accommodation and meals provided.
The Audi A5 remains a convincing option in the premium mid-size sedan category, even with the near-$10K price increase over its equivalent grade A4 predecessor.
Even in its base spec, it’s a lovely thing to drive and adds enough new kit to be a reasonable option when it comes to value. In terms of tech usability, it stands out from rivals. Practicality is still king for Audi.
But for the heart-over-head types, the S5 is fast and fun while remaining a comfortable cruiser and the price is decent. On a personal note, a six-cylinder wagon? That's a big yes from me.
For the time it’s available, it’s hard to go past the value on offer in the S5 Edition One. Getting an AWD V6 with that kind of capability for under $100K is something that's sure to tempt buyers. If it doesn’t, we need to take a good look at ourselves.
Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with meals provided.