New MY2020 Facelift...

[Zippytoo]

Can't see matrix headlamps to add in a similar configuration to my car so wondering if they will be added later. Looks also like Matador Red has been dropped..

Matrix headlights will only be available (as standard) on the Vorsprung edition, being released in Q4 since also standard on that high spec (but very expensive) model will be the B&O system, which is not available until then. That also means that you can't yet order the comfort and sound pack on the standard S4 or Black Edition (as B&O is part of that pack).

 

[Zippytoo]

So when are likely to see the facelift in the “flesh” as it were ? i.e. on forecourts, etc.

I'm told that I will be getting more or less the first new S4 TDI in the country - having been waiting nearly 18 months for it (well, it started as a petrol one of course)! B/W currently shown as w/c 9th September, so around 3/4 weeks from then with any luck.

 

[burnleynotbarcelona]

To answer my own question: Late Oct into Nov according to a local dealer. What am I missing out on, aside from standard VC, if I opt for MY2019 ? Found one with sound/comfort pack & electric adjustable seats which looks a decent deal Just concerned about even more depreciation.

 

[burnleynotbarcelona]

I'm told that I will be getting more or less the first new S4 TDI in the country - having been waiting nearly 18 months for it (well, it started as a petrol one of course)! B/W currently shown as w/c 9th September, so around 3/4 weeks from then with any luck.

Apologies Zippytoo, hadn’t seen your reply !

 

[cuke2u]

Matrix headlights will only be available (as standard) on the Vorsprung edition, being released in Q4 since also standard on that high spec (but very expensive) model will be the B&O system, which is not available until then. That also means that you can't yet order the comfort and sound pack on the standard S4 or Black Edition (as B&O is part of that pack).

This comes as no surprise as they've already commenced this with other models but glad I am moving on, just another poor marketing decision from Audi. Seems they are pricing everyone out of buying a model that has decent options and making it far too expensive...

 

[tickedon]

This comes as no surprise as they've already commenced this with other models but glad I am moving on, just another poor marketing decision from Audi. Seems they are pricing everyone out of buying a model that has decent options and making it far too expensive...

It’s actually the new WLTP tests and EU rules which insist every possible variation, including extras, are tested individually. This means choice is reducing significantly and so more and more features bundled up into big packs or new trim Levels.

I believe Seat basically has no extras now except colour - all down to your trim which is included or not.

 

[cuke2u]

Not quite correct, this is nothing to do with the new tests themselves but how Audi, and VAG, have decided to deal with them. Other manufacturers have not all done this..
Audi are just limiting our choice to high cost cars...

 

[psychopomp1]

Matrix headlights will only be available (as standard) on the Vorsprung edition, being released in Q4 since also standard on that high spec (but very expensive) model will be the B&O system, which is not available until then. That also means that you can't yet order the comfort and sound pack on the standard S4 or Black Edition (as B&O is part of that pack).

Are you saying it Matrix headlights won't even be a cost option on the the non Vorsprung versions (eg Black Edition or S Line) My20 models? If so, that really sucks

 

[Zippytoo]

Yes. If you want them you'll have to spend megabucks to upgrade to Vorsprung.

 

[cuke2u]

They certainly aren't at the moment forcing us to spend more on included options we wouldn't otherwise have purchased...

 

[cuke2u]

Having said that it is still possible with the A3...

 

[Zippytoo]

Are you saying it Matrix headlights won't even be a cost option on the the non Vorsprung versions (eg Black Edition or S Line) My20 models? If so, that really sucks

They certainly aren't at the moment forcing us to spend more on included options we wouldn't otherwise have purchased...

Agreed but that is what WLTP had forced upon Audi - far fewer potential configurations leading to either expensive 'editions' or a very small handful of optional packs.

 

[psychopomp1]

Yes. If you want them you'll have to spend megabucks to upgrade to Vorsprung.

Thanks, is there likely to be a huge difference in cost between the Black Edition and the Vorsprung? And what major upgrades do you get other than Matrix headlights over the Black Edition?

Edit: B&O sound system is one reading your earlier post.

 

[Zippytoo]

Yes. Price not confirmed but it will be many £1000's:

• 19”alloywheels [different style]
  
  
• AdaptiveSsuspensionwithdamping
  
  control
  
  
• AudiMatrixLEDheadlightswithLEDrear
  
  lights and dynamic front and rear
  
  indicators
  
  
• Panoramic sunroof (Avant)
  
  
• Electrictiltandslidesunroof(saloon)
  
  
• Memorymirrors
  
  
• Driversmemoryseats
  
  
• Oaknaturalgreyinlays
  
  
• Heatedrearseats
  
  
• Multicolourinteriorambientlighting
  
  
• B&O3Dsoundsystem
  
  
• Advancedkeywithelectrichands-free
  
  tailgate
  
  
• Audiphoneboxwithwirelesscharging [actually this is standard on the S4]
  
  
• Driverassistancetourpack
  
  
• Parkingassistpack
  
  
• 360camera
  
  
• Head-updisplay
  
  
• AudiSportdifferential

 

[Zippytoo]

Oh, and this is on top of the Black Edition upgrades i.e. black trim...
• 19”alloywheels5-armrotorwheels [Vorsprung has different wheels]
• Titaniumblackradiatorgrillandframe
• Titaniumblackfrontandrearairintakes• Titaniumblackwindowtrims
• Highglossblackdoormirrorhousing
• Blackroofrails(Avant)
• Inlaysinpianoblackfinish

 

[Zippytoo]

Vorsprung has these wheels.

 

[psychopomp1]

Thanks, I can see the Vorpsrung costing an extra £5k-10k over the Black Edition. But would the Vorsprung have grey inlays or black inlays? (you mention both!)

 

[Zippytoo]

Sorry, BE has Piano Black inlays and Vorsprung will have grey oak. It doesn't look like there will be any detailed options i.e. it'll be all or nothing for wheels / inlays etc.

 

[cuke2u]

Agreed but that is what WLTP had forced upon Audi - far fewer potential configurations leading to either expensive 'editions' or a very small handful of optional packs.

The complaint has always been that Audi have always had expensive options that other manufacturers supply as standard but this is way too far in the opposite direction and is only down to their marketing decision because, after dieselgate they are probably having to tighten their belts.
WLTP is only a excuse really and I doubt if it is true, even Audi have many different options you can still choose with other models so they are also appearing to be hypocritical. We have no proof really but I would be interested in any.

 

[Zippytoo]

The complaint has always been that Audi have always had expensive options that other manufacturers supply as standard but this is way too far in the opposite direction and is only down to their marketing decision because, after dieselgate they are probably having to tighten their belts.
WLTP is only a excuse really and I doubt if it is true, even Audi have many different options you can still choose with other models so they are also appearing to be hypocritical. We have no proof really but I would be interested in any.

I think WLTP is the reason. To get the A4 to market, not too long after the new 3 series, they have had to force through WLTP as quickly as they could (though it took too long anyway). But in forcing it through they had to accept that early cars, at least, would have to have very limited options. If they’d tried to offer more variations from the outset, with the associated WLTP testing, its likely that the A4 would have been delayed until next year. And that’s something Audi could not countenance. I think it’s quite possible that further WLTP testing will, in due course, free up the range of options available.

 

[Keef]

Not so sure these Vorsprung editions are great value, on the new Tdi SQ5 there’s £13k! Difference between standard (non BE) and Vorsprung. £13k!?

 

[Zippytoo]

Yep. I think Vorsprung editions will not sell well: the standard car now has a very decent spec and I can see the S4 Vorsprung being around £9-10k more. If you’re going to spend that it’s quite likely you’ll consider other cars first.

 

[cuke2u]

Firstly the A4 isn't a new 'type' of car, or model, it is only a B9.5, thus it's type approval occured when the B9 was first introduced. So therefore, as far as I understand, there was a transition period as these rules apply https://wltpfacts.eu/when-will-wltp-changes-take-place/
If it was the case that the deadline was September 2018, when all new car registrations had to be WLTP tested, then why are Audi are making a decision very late in the day and one year later and why aren't all manufacturers doing the same?

 

[cuke2u]

Yep. I think Vorsprung editions will not sell well: the standard car now has a very decent spec and I can see the S4 Vorsprung being around £9-10k more. If you’re going to spend that it’s quite likely you’ll consider other cars first.

Plus we have the £40k threshold to consider...

 

[cuke2u]

Just had a look at the Volvo xc40 configurator and you can specify wheels from 18" to 21".
I feel Audi are getting it all wrong if they are introducing more models but reducing the options on only some of them...

 

[psychopomp1]

Why would Audi now include Virtual Cockpit as standard on the A4 Black Edition (previously a cost option as part of the Tech pack) yet not include the Matrix lights as standard on the BE? What would be the reasoning behind that? Virtual Cockpit is great but its only an aesthetic improvement over the stock cockpit whereas Matrix headlights offer a REAL benefit over non-Matrix lights, ie better light output = improved safety.

 

[Keef]

Must admit volvos are looking good the mo!

 

[Zippytoo]

Firstly the A4 isn't a new 'type' of car, or model, it is only a B9.5, thus it's type approval occured when the B9 was first introduced. So therefore, as far as I understand, there was a transition period as these rules apply https://wltpfacts.eu/when-will-wltp-changes-take-place/
If it was the case that the deadline was September 2018, when all new car registrations had to be WLTP tested, then why are Audi are making a decision very late in the day and one year later and why aren't all manufacturers doing the same?

My clear understanding was that the entire 2020 A4 range has been re-tested under WLTP - the CO2 figures are marginally different from the 2019 very mild facelift A4.

 

[tickedon]

Firstly the A4 isn't a new 'type' of car, or model, it is only a B9.5, thus it's type approval occured when the B9 was first introduced. So therefore, as far as I understand, there was a transition period as these rules apply https://wltpfacts.eu/when-will-wltp-changes-take-place/
If it was the case that the deadline was September 2018, when all new car registrations had to be WLTP tested, then why are Audi are making a decision very late in the day and one year later and why aren't all manufacturers doing the same?

Any change to a car that changes its weight, aerodynamics etc. has to be tested now separately. The facelift, and this newer facelift, would all have had to have been individually tested. The original B9 approval doesn’t carry over at all I’m afraid.

 

[cuke2u]

Yes you are correct that each option has to be tested, but not every as different seats will have no effect, however it is up to each individual manufacturer as too how they deal with this. Other manufacturers do not have a problem having each option tested only VAG and Audi seem to. So the decision, although influenced by the new tests, is not dictated by and has been purely made for financial and marketing reasons only...

 

[S19 MYD]

I'm told that I will be getting more or less the first new S4 TDI in the country - having been waiting nearly 18 months for it (well, it started as a petrol one of course)! B/W currently shown as w/c 9th September, so around 3/4 weeks from then with any luck.

Sounds exciting.

Keep us posted. I look forward to seeing it, what spec have you gone for?

 

[Zippytoo]

Sounds exciting.

Keep us posted. I look forward to seeing it, what spec have you gone for?

It's a lease, so I only specced Nav Blue, folding mirrors and VCP originally. But, of course, the mirrors and VCP have since become standard. It's with my dealer and VWFS to work out how they're going to account for this. TBH, since April 2018 I've learned to not become excited (too many false dawns) but I dare say that come mid-September I won't be able to help myself!

 

[Pork]

I was Also told October before they’re expected, pretty poor if there are cars in Europe to show prospective buyers.
It does seem like there are a lot of options missing - matrix headlights, adaptive suspension, black styling pack etc.
Also, no mention as to which versions are mild hybrid. I did wonder if the reason all 190 diesels are Quattro is somehow related to this, you know, as if the electric assist is driving the rear wheels only? Anyone know the deal with the 48v system?

 

[tickedon]

I was Also told October before they’re expected, pretty poor if there are cars in Europe to show prospective buyers.
It does seem like there are a lot of options missing - matrix headlights, adaptive suspension, black styling pack etc.
Also, no mention as to which versions are mild hybrid. I did wonder if the reason all 190 diesels are Quattro is somehow related to this, you know, as if the electric assist is driving the rear wheels only? Anyone know the deal with the 48v system?

My understanding is the new S4 has a 48v mild hybrid system, but any lesser engines (where they have a mild hybrid system) are only 12v. So I don’t think that explains the Quattro issue - I think that’s just a choice Audi made. And annoying, as I’d rather like a TDI 40 but without Quattro!

 

[cuke2u]

Mild hybrid's tend not to drive anything and just have an advanced start stop system...
https://www.audi-mediacenter.com/en/audimediatv/video/animation-audi-a6-48v-mild-hybrid-system-4125

 

[Nick_B]

Somewhat pleased I have avoided this B9.5 version as the important options for me don't appear to be available (i.e. 40 TDI without quattro, matrix lights, adaptive suspension...)

I would hope the spec will allow more tweaking going forward as more spec combinations are WLTP tested.....

 

[Pork]

Somewhat pleased I have avoided this B9.5 version as the important options for me don't appear to be available (i.e. 40 TDI without quattro, matrix lights, adaptive suspension...)

I would hope the spec will allow more tweaking going forward as more spec combinations are WLTP tested.....

Exactly my feeling, wishing I had jumped on the B9.25 earlier this spring

 

[burnleynotbarcelona]

CarWow seem to be quoting on the facelift, however a local dealer (pls see my post at #203) with a MY2019 I’m interested in says CarWow only quote on cars in stock ? Is this right ? I imagine most people’s advice would be to wait for the 2020 facelift but I am tempted with the MY2019.

 

[rum4mo]

When my older daughter started looking for a new SEAT Leon, I was confused about some/most stocked new Leons, at least, had the "(EZ)" tag on adverts, it turned out, thanks to Google etc, that this was just SEAT's way of tagging one their currently rationalised model variants, ie one of the few build standards that had been put through the new testing program.

 

[Daggerit]

CarWow seem to be quoting on the facelift, however a local dealer (pls see my post at #203) with a MY2019 I’m interested in says CarWow only quote on cars in stock ? Is this right ? I imagine most people’s advice would be to wait for the 2020 facelift but I am tempted with the MY2019.

Carwow definitely do not only quote on stock. I've had one Audi factory order through them and currently waiting on a build slot for the wife's new Skoda Kodiaq via Carwow as well.