You are probably stuck between a rock and a hard place as the 2019 S5’s — all models — have just started hitting dealerships over the last couple of weeks. This means there isn’t the discount on a model that’s been sitting on the dealers lot for 3 to 6 months.

In your self-described situation, I would go the “order what you want” and negotiate your best deal. Many dealers will not even require a “good faith” deposit unless you are ordering a custom color or something outside of the “normal loaded S5.”

Good Luck.

— John

Forgot to mention I’ll be putting $3k down. Could do as much as $5k, but more than that is silly for a lease.

I can build a loaded S3 for $50k. Maybe that’s a better option to get to mid-600’s for monthly payment, but the S5 is so much sweeter.

I’m on the dealer side of things.

no one is going to quote you a lease price per month for a car that’s 3 - 4 months (at least) away. Programs change on a monthly basis. The price of the car itself can be negotiated as a % discount off the price...but even the car price and option pricing is a moving target until it’s in the US, as any manufacturer reserves the right to update pricing when they want. Doesn’t happen often, but it happens.

The deal as far as dealer discount also won’t really be remarkably any better nor worse for an order vs stock tbh. In stock might mean you compromise a little on the total package but you enjoy the car sooner. Special order means you get exactly what you want, but on a delayed basis. What can change are incentives which you qualify for.

You can’t build a loaded S3 for $50k, it would be a modest one. A $50k S3 is most definitely not mid $600’s per month, especially once taxes are factored in. An A4 if similar pricing is barely there and that car has a much higher residual.

The argument could easily be made that money down on any lease is foolish, but that’s a separate conversation.

You won't be able to get 11% off an RS anything unless it's a 2018 model. The most folks have been receiving are anywhere from MSRP to 6% off, and most have had existing relationships with dealers. You would be able to get a better deal on current MY A6/A7 than an RS model.