[mrr210]

Hi all, newbie here and its my first ever forum post!

I have been in the market for a new car and require a balance between performance and economy (i know its a contradiction!) but i think the S5 Sportback 3.0 Diesel option in the UK offers what I need.

I do a lot of long distance driving and make use of Adaptive Cruise alot in my current car and so would want this in the S5. This means finding a car with the Driver Asst. Pack - none of the used cars (2021 onwards) available on the market in the UK have this option which has lead me to go down speccing a new one. The frustrating thing ive found is that I have to sacrifice the flat bottomed steering to have this option which is annoying! Why do Audi do this!?

I'm being offered a good deal from my AD for a new one but one thing playing on my head is the age of the car model. I understand this model range has been out for 5-6 years (please correct me if I'm wrong!) soits really making me question whether i should take the plunge. I dont want to wait 6 months for a new car only to find that it is replaced within the next 12 months!

I'd appreciate some thoughts from others here, should I wait? Consider something else? or take the leap.

Note my plan is to keep the car for 3-4 years so its quite a big decision for me.

Thanks

 

[Darklight]

I don't know it it's just a UK thing to not have a flat bottom steering wheel and ACC, but here in Germany it's not a problem to get both together. Like, really. I have both in my B8.5 S5

 

[paradyne]

They will be replacing the B9.5 model in the next 1-2 years with a completely redesigned B10, for A4 & A5.

I believe the problem with the steering wheel is (or was) that they switched to having a capacitive sensing system to ensure you have a hand on the wheel while the lane keeping assist is on. And they only did that on the round wheel.

On my older model, it needs to sense physical steering input which is occasionally a pain as the lane keeping is often fine on its own and you don't want to move the wheel, you just have to every 15 seconds to stop it complaining!

If flat bottom wheels are now available with the new sensor (even if they don't offer it in the UK), then it would be an option to swap the wheel at a later date.

 

[Dippy]

Audi platform cycles have varied. The B5 cycle was 7 years (1994 to 2001). The B6 production started in 2000 but it wasn't popular and so was heavily facelifted in 2004 and actually became the B7 which lasted until 2009. Then the B8 cycle was 7 years until 2016. So that does indeed predict that the B9 should be replaced 2024 or 2025. But if it is replaced then Audi has to face the issue that governments are bringing in bans on the sale of petrol and diesel engines. I understand that the UK's is scheduled for 2030. There has always been a question on the profitability of the RS and S variants, and they are usually justified as attracting buyers who will then buy other models. If the mainstream models are electric then that may no longer apply.

I make no prediction, but it occurs to me that if Audi already phased out the 3.0 TFSI in the UK for the 3.0 TDI, there is a possibility that the 3.0 TDI might not be available at all for the B10.

On the ACC and FBSW matter - I have both on my S5 and it works so unfortunately the above statement about sensing is possible not entirely true.

 

[paradyne]

On the ACC and FBSW matter - I have both on my S5 and it works so unfortunately the above statement about sensing is possible not entirely true.

Your tag says a 2015 S5 but the capacitive sensing was a change to the B9/B9.5 much more recently. I remember when I first noticed the flat bottom option was removed I wondered why and the new sensor was the answer I found.

To clarify the UK ICE sale ban, it will be in 2035. Hybrids will still be on sale between 2030 and 2035. At least under current plans!

 

[Dippy]

OK, so mine must have a different type of sensor.
I haven't looked into the ban much because I already decided that my next car will be fully electric. Nevertheless I think it is relevant. If Audi develops a B10 3.0 TDI mild hybrid S5 maybe they can keep selling it as the bans begin, but maybe not and that might be a risk they don't want to take.

 

[PeroLok]

It's always hard to decide when you're not sure if a new model will be released anytime soon. Have you considered cross country auto transport if you find the vehicle you want outside your region? It may be worth considering if you're struggling to find a suitable car nearby. Ultimately, the decision is up to you, and it's essential to make the right decision as you plan to keep the car for several years. It may be worth waiting to see if new models come out, or you can take the leap and enjoy your new vehicle now. Good luck with your decision!