Three weeks with the new S4
12-12-2017, 06:24 AM
#11
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Please describe these wheels: Audi option? Aftermarket? Sizes avail -- or, point us to a URL to get more info about them. Your S4 is beautiful x3 (or x10!)
I highly agree with your comments. I would like an MMI setting called "stealth" -- because there are times when I think the S4 does not provide ample isolation from the engine/exhaust sounds. There were four of us in the car yesterday and the sound of the exhaust was just a bit too much for conversation. Mine, like yours, is Prestige and I had set the ADS for "comfort" in an effort to quiet the exhaust sounds. Frankly, I wonder how much quieter REAR dual pane windows would make the thing. I have replaced the tires already (at less than 9K miles) with Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3+ which are quieter than the OEM Pirelli P7's, but I'd love the ability to have dynamic mode be sporty (i.e., louder) and comfort mode to be A8 quiet. This S4 is quiet, but I still find the exhaust note intrusive under situations I call "full house." Perhaps noise canceling tech could be deployed.
I'd also like the heads-up display to be customizable in the MMI to add/subtract/change what is seen in the HUD.
Also, getting the S4 without the virtual cockpit makes no sense -- even if the central tach/speedo is set and forgot. The virtual cockpit is a huge step forward. It sounds, almost, like the OP would have preferred the last B8 S4 (which could have had the stick-shift) over this B9.
This S4 is the best Audi (of 33) I've ever had -- it is also the best car I've ever had. At this price, with this content (Prestige + DAP + upgraded leather), despite some of my minor, minor critical comments, above, nothing I've test driven (and I've driven virtually everything that claims to compete) even comes close.
Again, beautiful S4 -- love your (and my) red seats, too.
I highly agree with your comments. I would like an MMI setting called "stealth" -- because there are times when I think the S4 does not provide ample isolation from the engine/exhaust sounds. There were four of us in the car yesterday and the sound of the exhaust was just a bit too much for conversation. Mine, like yours, is Prestige and I had set the ADS for "comfort" in an effort to quiet the exhaust sounds. Frankly, I wonder how much quieter REAR dual pane windows would make the thing. I have replaced the tires already (at less than 9K miles) with Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3+ which are quieter than the OEM Pirelli P7's, but I'd love the ability to have dynamic mode be sporty (i.e., louder) and comfort mode to be A8 quiet. This S4 is quiet, but I still find the exhaust note intrusive under situations I call "full house." Perhaps noise canceling tech could be deployed.
I'd also like the heads-up display to be customizable in the MMI to add/subtract/change what is seen in the HUD.
Also, getting the S4 without the virtual cockpit makes no sense -- even if the central tach/speedo is set and forgot. The virtual cockpit is a huge step forward. It sounds, almost, like the OP would have preferred the last B8 S4 (which could have had the stick-shift) over this B9.
This S4 is the best Audi (of 33) I've ever had -- it is also the best car I've ever had. At this price, with this content (Prestige + DAP + upgraded leather), despite some of my minor, minor critical comments, above, nothing I've test driven (and I've driven virtually everything that claims to compete) even comes close.
Again, beautiful S4 -- love your (and my) red seats, too.
If some of my experiences with these early attempts on the road to autonomous cars is any indication (Pretense, in particular), I will rue the day when they arrive. To me, driving the right car, under the right circumstances, is still an enjoyable pastime, and I just feel that whatever can be done to enhance that, I am all for. Am I in love with this car, no. Do I like this car, absolutely!
And DBuxton, that is indeed a beautifully set up car.........
12-12-2017, 06:39 AM
#12
Please describe these wheels: Audi option? Aftermarket? Sizes avail -- or, point us to a URL to get more info about them. Your S4 is beautiful x3 (or x10!)
Also, getting the S4 without the virtual cockpit makes no sense -- even if the central tach/speedo is set and forgot. The virtual cockpit is a huge step forward. It sounds, almost, like the OP would have preferred the last B8 S4 (which could have had the stick-shift) over this B9.
Again, beautiful S4 -- love your (and my) red seats, too.
Also, getting the S4 without the virtual cockpit makes no sense -- even if the central tach/speedo is set and forgot. The virtual cockpit is a huge step forward. It sounds, almost, like the OP would have preferred the last B8 S4 (which could have had the stick-shift) over this B9.
Again, beautiful S4 -- love your (and my) red seats, too.
I can have my nav map on the center MMI screen vs between the gauges. All the other features like car data/mpg/radio/Sirius/phone/contacts are on the LCD screen between the analog gauges.
Anything else like the car setup options are on the main center MMI screen. I use Apple CarPlay for my Nav/Music and it works great.
You'll never convince me it's a huge step forward because from my experience and asking a bunch of car reviewers (not owners who might be biased) it's not.
But like anything, to each there own. I'm glad you love it. Enjoy it. It's your S4!
Also those wheels he got look like replicas of the S4 options in Germany. Germany always gets the better stuff.
Last edited by Spartan-S4; 12-12-2017 at 06:49 AM.
12-12-2017, 06:46 AM
#13
AudiWorld Member
A common reply to people INSIST on having stick shift vehicles, is "you're not THAT good".
The joke is that most auto transmissions (and integrated ECU / traction control systems) can shift faster and more efficiently
than the old style stick shifters. This is particularly true for DCT systems; Audi being good, and the Porsche Systems being the defacto
high standard for the auto world.
I too grew up driving sticks, and owning several in my adult life.
With auto rev-matching, and more aggressive programming in these cars, you can (and I did) literally drive these cars in automatic mode on the track
and have more control over the car and how it behaves than trying to override the system, and shifting manually.
personally, i think it's the best of both worlds: i get more control over how I want to drive, but I can always throw it in D/S and not be bothered.
If you live in a city with ANY traffic whatsoever, a manual shifter is MURDER on the left leg - and your patience.
I drove a manual in Atlanta traffic for nearly 10 years. I am qualified to make that statement!
gr
The joke is that most auto transmissions (and integrated ECU / traction control systems) can shift faster and more efficiently
than the old style stick shifters. This is particularly true for DCT systems; Audi being good, and the Porsche Systems being the defacto
high standard for the auto world.
I too grew up driving sticks, and owning several in my adult life.
With auto rev-matching, and more aggressive programming in these cars, you can (and I did) literally drive these cars in automatic mode on the track
and have more control over the car and how it behaves than trying to override the system, and shifting manually.
personally, i think it's the best of both worlds: i get more control over how I want to drive, but I can always throw it in D/S and not be bothered.
If you live in a city with ANY traffic whatsoever, a manual shifter is MURDER on the left leg - and your patience.
I drove a manual in Atlanta traffic for nearly 10 years. I am qualified to make that statement!
gr
12-12-2017, 06:57 AM
#14
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A common reply to people INSIST on having stick shift vehicles, is "you're not THAT good".
The joke is that most auto transmissions (and integrated ECU / traction control systems) can shift faster and more efficiently
than the old style stick shifters. This is particularly true for DCT systems; Audi being good, and the Porsche Systems being the defacto
high standard for the auto world.
I too grew up driving sticks, and owning several in my adult life.
With auto rev-matching, and more aggressive programming in these cars, you can (and I did) literally drive these cars in automatic mode on the track
and have more control over the car and how it behaves than trying to override the system, and shifting manually.
personally, i think it's the best of both worlds: i get more control over how I want to drive, but I can always throw it in D/S and not be bothered.
If you live in a city with ANY traffic whatsoever, a manual shifter is MURDER on the left leg - and your patience.
I drove a manual in Atlanta traffic for nearly 10 years. I am qualified to make that statement!
gr
The joke is that most auto transmissions (and integrated ECU / traction control systems) can shift faster and more efficiently
than the old style stick shifters. This is particularly true for DCT systems; Audi being good, and the Porsche Systems being the defacto
high standard for the auto world.
I too grew up driving sticks, and owning several in my adult life.
With auto rev-matching, and more aggressive programming in these cars, you can (and I did) literally drive these cars in automatic mode on the track
and have more control over the car and how it behaves than trying to override the system, and shifting manually.
personally, i think it's the best of both worlds: i get more control over how I want to drive, but I can always throw it in D/S and not be bothered.
If you live in a city with ANY traffic whatsoever, a manual shifter is MURDER on the left leg - and your patience.
I drove a manual in Atlanta traffic for nearly 10 years. I am qualified to make that statement!
gr
12-12-2017, 06:59 AM
#15
12-12-2017, 07:00 AM
#16
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Why does it make no sense? What do you get in the VC that is a HUGE step forward?
I can have my nav map on the center MMI screen vs between the gauges. All the other features like car data/mpg/radio/Sirius/phone/contacts are on the LCD screen between the analog gauges.
Anything else like the car setup options are on the main center MMI screen. I use Apple CarPlay for my Nav/Music and it works great.
You'll never convince me it's a huge step forward because from my experience and asking a bunch of car reviewers (not owners who might be biased) it's not.
But like anything, to each there own. I'm glad you love it. Enjoy it. It's your S4!
Also those wheels he got look like replicas of the S4 options in Germany. Germany always gets the better stuff.
I can have my nav map on the center MMI screen vs between the gauges. All the other features like car data/mpg/radio/Sirius/phone/contacts are on the LCD screen between the analog gauges.
Anything else like the car setup options are on the main center MMI screen. I use Apple CarPlay for my Nav/Music and it works great.
You'll never convince me it's a huge step forward because from my experience and asking a bunch of car reviewers (not owners who might be biased) it's not.
But like anything, to each there own. I'm glad you love it. Enjoy it. It's your S4!
Also those wheels he got look like replicas of the S4 options in Germany. Germany always gets the better stuff.
12-12-2017, 08:25 AM
#18
AudiWorld Member
Why does it make no sense? What do you get in the VC that is a HUGE step forward?
I can have my nav map on the center MMI screen vs between the gauges. All the other features like car data/mpg/radio/Sirius/phone/contacts are on the LCD screen between the analog gauges.
Anything else like the car setup options are on the main center MMI screen. I use Apple CarPlay for my Nav/Music and it works great.
You'll never convince me it's a huge step forward because from my experience and asking a bunch of car reviewers (not owners who might be biased) it's not.
But like anything, to each there own. I'm glad you love it. Enjoy it. It's your S4!
Also those wheels he got look like replicas of the S4 options in Germany. Germany always gets the better stuff.
I can have my nav map on the center MMI screen vs between the gauges. All the other features like car data/mpg/radio/Sirius/phone/contacts are on the LCD screen between the analog gauges.
Anything else like the car setup options are on the main center MMI screen. I use Apple CarPlay for my Nav/Music and it works great.
You'll never convince me it's a huge step forward because from my experience and asking a bunch of car reviewers (not owners who might be biased) it's not.
But like anything, to each there own. I'm glad you love it. Enjoy it. It's your S4!
Also those wheels he got look like replicas of the S4 options in Germany. Germany always gets the better stuff.
Last edited by daniel1113; 12-12-2017 at 08:29 AM.
12-12-2017, 08:44 AM
#19
AudiWorld Member
Agree with comments on VC and Apple Carplay. I love it, and never gave it a second thought.
I liked google maps too, while I still had my trial offer of connectivity. But the cost of that connection is EXCRUTIATING.
I am truly hoping that Audi lowers the price of this in the future, to say, closer to something thats fair and reasonable.
I personally, LOVE the AUDI MMI app on my phone that gives me access to traffic, parking location, car telemetry, and remote access to lock and roll down windows.
Not to mention the ability to send Map destinations TO the car from your phone or computer.
However -- only when you pay the tollmaster his INSANE fee.
$500 for 18mo?? Screw you. Seriously.
Rumor on the street is that 19+ models will NOT have Google maps, and instead use something called "HERE", with Google maps support in older models being dropped entirely
by 2020.
I liked google maps too, while I still had my trial offer of connectivity. But the cost of that connection is EXCRUTIATING.
I am truly hoping that Audi lowers the price of this in the future, to say, closer to something thats fair and reasonable.
I personally, LOVE the AUDI MMI app on my phone that gives me access to traffic, parking location, car telemetry, and remote access to lock and roll down windows.
Not to mention the ability to send Map destinations TO the car from your phone or computer.
However -- only when you pay the tollmaster his INSANE fee.
$500 for 18mo?? Screw you. Seriously.Rumor on the street is that 19+ models will NOT have Google maps, and instead use something called "HERE", with Google maps support in older models being dropped entirely
by 2020.
12-12-2017, 09:33 AM
#20
Navigation & online services
Online services are subject to change at any time. Google Earth™ features will not be available after December 2020 for Model Year 2018 and previous Model Year vehicles. “Google Earth” is a trademark of Google Inc.
Last edited by aj6; 12-12-2017 at 09:37 AM.