Dive a little deeper into the trims offered by Audi and find out what they mean to you as the customer. Find out why an S-Line is desirable and why the S models cost you more.
Navigating through all the various makes and models when trying to select your next used car can be a confusing exercise. Not all of us are petrolheads or enthusiasts but we do all share the same desire: value for money. No one willingly wants to overspend on a carso when you’re not quite up to speed with the different terminology, specifications and features, it makes it hard to tell whether you’re getting a good deal or not.
If a stylish Audi has captured your imagination, you may be asking yourself what the difference is between the Audi S models and the S-Line models. You would probably have spotted that the S-Lines cost more than the regular Audis and that the S models command even more of a premium. Let’s help you differentiate between the two and find out what the two different derivatives mean for you.
Audi lineup
In order to better understand the naming conventions, it’s helpful to know how Audi presents their model ranges. Each model range is split into several different derivatives, each one offering something a little different to the next and covering a variety of customer demands. Not all models in the Audi portfolio will receive all of these options, but for most this is how they are arranged.
| Standard | Advanced | S-Line | S | RS |
| As the name suggests, this line is where things start. You’re still able to add options when buying new but used models will have the basic features and functions. | The Advanced line dresses the model up with some cosmetic changes. These are usually grille colours, grille surround colours or trims, window frame colours, different bumpers and larger alloy wheels. There is no change to the engine, drivetrain, or suspension. |
The S-Line emulates the sporty presence and looks of the higher-performance S models with different bumpers, side-skirts, alloy wheels (larger and wider), interior trim pieces and a lowered suspension. There is no modification to the engine. | S models are performance models with high output engines, performance suspension, brakes and controls. These models are highly specced as standard and feature a lot of the S-Line trimmings, modified slightly for improved performance. | RS models are Audi’s most powerful and sporty creations, they build on the S models further by producing even more power with better handling and stopping power. Ther feature unique body designs and often have slightly different sheetmetal as well (wider arches etc.) |
The difference between S and S-Line
As outlined above, the S-Line models feature a styling package that give off the appearance of one of Audi’s sportier models. S-Line models receive a different body kit consisting of front and rear bumpers, exhaust tips, side skirts, and alloy wheels in a larger, wider design. This helps improve the handling somewhat as larger, wider tyres are fitted as opposed to the Standard or Advanced lines. The S-Line versions also have a slightly lowered suspension with most S-Line models being lowered by 15mm over their other counterparts.
S-Line models also get a few additional interior trimmings to help elevate the cabin. Illuminated step sills, stainless pedal caps and sports seats are often part of the S-Line package although not all S-Line models will feature all of these.
Audi S models are a different kettle of fish though and these are only based on the standard models they’re named after. These models will have bigger, more powerful engines and braking capabilities to match. You may find that they have a mode advanced suspension to deal with the higher performance and generally these will sit lower to the ground with much larger wheels and tyres. The wider tyres provide better grip while the larger wheels allow for bigger brakes to be fitted.
S models are also equipped with supportive seats and enhanced interior trims to complement the performance aspect of the vehicle.
Keyword: What is the difference between Audi S and S-Line?