Premium Plus vs. Prestige features (2017 MY)

[kretrop]

Hi all,
I've been really interested in a Vegas Yellow S3 at my local dealer, especially since it's been there a while and we're creeping up on '18 releases, so I think I could lock in a solid deal on it if I wanted. I just realized, however, that it's not a Prestige. Now, it's a loaded up P+, with Homelink even, so it's got the B&O stereo, tech pkg, upgraded seats, etc. To my understanding, that means the only real features it doesn't get vs. the Prestige are: radar cruise control, lane assist, power folding mirrors, and high beam assist. Am I correct in this?

Assuming I am correct, I wanted to discuss those options a little bit.

Power mirrors: Pretty obvious. I'd like them, but I also realize I can add them afterwards if I really want to. No biggie.
High beam assist: My understanding of this is that this is simply an automatic activation/deactivation of the high beams. The car will turn them on while on dark roads, and will turn them off for oncoming traffic or in more urban (better lit) areas, correct? There is no dynamic movement to the lights, right?

Now, onto the bigger options.
Lane keeping assist: I've never driven a car with this, but my understanding is that it, combined with other technologies, can move the car closer to autonomous driving. Does it actually tug the wheel at all while you're driving? How predominant/invasive is it? Do you feel that it's worth it? Would you buy it again?

Radar cruise control: Of the missing options on a loaded P+, this is the one I'm most worried I'll regret passing up. Now, I'll be honest: I very, very rarely use CC. However, one of the reasons I rarely use it is that you still have to constantly babysit traditional CC. Monitoring speed, turning it on/off in traffic, accel/decel, etc. If I have to be that involved, I'd rather just drive and be done with it. However, I'm really interested in the flexibility of radar CC, and the fact that it can totally control your speed, from 0 - 90 (?) mph in this iteration. Granted, I probably still wouldn't use it a whole ton, but I think I'd use it a lot more than traditional CC. Then again, I don't know for sure. Again, to those that have it: do you use it? Is it worth it? Would you get it again?

I'm debating Golf R vs. S3, and these things all come standard on the R, while they're extra on the (significantly more expensive) S3. So, I'm really up in the air. The '18 Golf R even closes the gap further with the inclusion of its own virtual cockpit, dynamic LED tails, etc. It misses out on the sunroof, which is another feature that I'd like to have, but I honestly never use on my existing cars. I think the S3 looks a little better than the R (especially the '18 R...), but does it look $10K better? I'm not so sure. Anyway, that's my own personal debate, and not one any of you can answer.

So back to features: what's your input?

Thanks!

[MonzaA4]

Hi all,
I've been really interested in a Vegas Yellow S3 at my local dealer, especially since it's been there a while and we're creeping up on '18 releases, so I think I could lock in a solid deal on it if I wanted. I just realized, however, that it's not a Prestige. Now, it's a loaded up P+, with Homelink even, so it's got the B&O stereo, tech pkg, upgraded seats, etc. To my understanding, that means the only real features it doesn't get vs. the Prestige are: radar cruise control, lane assist, power folding mirrors, and high beam assist. Am I correct in this?

Yes, you are correct, but there are a several other items you should also be aware of. These are things I didn't realized until AFTER bringing my 2017 P+ S3 home:

- The driver's side mirror does not have the auto-dimming feature on the P+, but does on the Prestige.
- The auto-dip feature on the passenger side mirror, when reversing, may need to be coded to work on P+ (I did this via Carista iPhone app). It has been noted on this board that the P+ sometimes has issues returning to the correct preset position after you go back into Drive. This apparently isn't an issue on the Prestige models. I can attest that this does happen occasionally, but is minor annoyance I have learned to live with,
- This one is egregious: The P+ cars do not have puddle lights installed in the bottoms of the doors. You read that right -- only the Prestige models get puddle lights! There are just blank spots where they would have been. There is also no pre-wiring in place to easily add them. You can find info online for how to retrofit but it involves hooking into the door modules and doing some coding.
- The interior lighting is very different from P+ to Prestige. The P+ gets a single lame incandescent dome light in the front overhead console while the Prestige gets dual LED reading lights and a central LED dome light. The rear ceiling reading lights are also LED on the Prestige but not on the P+. The P+ does not have footwell lights at all while the Prestige does and they are controllable via the MMI. Again, retrofit is possible. I installed an inexpensive aftermarket kit instead that I'm very happy with. Also, many P+ owners upgrade all interior lighting to LED bulbs (ECStuning has a kit).
- The P+ does not have grocery hooks in the trunk and the Prestige has one, I believe. I installed factory hooks on both sides on my car.
- The P+ does not have a 12V socket in the rear of the center console for rear passengers to use and the Prestige does. I installed an aftermarket dual USB socket in that location that worked out wonderfully. (PM me and I can send you the info on that)
- There are a couple storage features on Prestige that P+ doesn't get, like a rear seat storage bin, trunk mini side cargo net, and a couple others I can't recall. Minor in nature, so I wasn't too sad about that.

All in all, I was very disappointed that my ~$48K car was missing basic features, found on far lesser cars (including the GTI/Golf R), reserving them for only the top-tier trim. That said, I have retrofitted 80% of what I was missing and certainly do not need the driver assistance nannies. If I could do it over, I would go Prestige just to save me the trouble.

[Psyber]

Wait for an 18. Why would you want to miss out on the 7 speed? These cars run around 3k RPM cruising on the highway.

[MonzaA4]

Wait for an 18. Why would you want to miss out on the 7 speed? These cars run around 3k RPM cruising on the highway.

^^Second that.^^

[kretrop]

Thanks for the input so far. I forgot about the interior lighting package that's standard on the Prestige. Interesting to see what little things do/don't come on the various trims.

As far as the 7 speed goes, official fuel ratings haven't changed between it and the 6 speed for highway, so I can't imagine there's a big difference.

http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/Find....37814&id=38901

[Hard-Knocks]

Hi all,
I've been really interested in a Vegas Yellow S3 at my local dealer, especially since it's been there a while and we're creeping up on '18 releases, so I think I could lock in a solid deal on it if I wanted. I just realized, however, that it's not a Prestige. Now, it's a loaded up P+, with Homelink even, so it's got the B&O stereo, tech pkg, upgraded seats, etc. To my understanding, that means the only real features it doesn't get vs. the Prestige are: radar cruise control, lane assist, power folding mirrors, and high beam assist. Am I correct in this?

Assuming I am correct, I wanted to discuss those options a little bit.

Power mirrors: Pretty obvious. I'd like them, but I also realize I can add them afterwards if I really want to. No biggie.
High beam assist: My understanding of this is that this is simply an automatic activation/deactivation of the high beams. The car will turn them on while on dark roads, and will turn them off for oncoming traffic or in more urban (better lit) areas, correct? There is no dynamic movement to the lights, right?

Now, onto the bigger options.
Lane keeping assist: I've never driven a car with this, but my understanding is that it, combined with other technologies, can move the car closer to autonomous driving. Does it actually tug the wheel at all while you're driving? How predominant/invasive is it? Do you feel that it's worth it? Would you buy it again?

Radar cruise control: Of the missing options on a loaded P+, this is the one I'm most worried I'll regret passing up. Now, I'll be honest: I very, very rarely use CC. However, one of the reasons I rarely use it is that you still have to constantly babysit traditional CC. Monitoring speed, turning it on/off in traffic, accel/decel, etc. If I have to be that involved, I'd rather just drive and be done with it. However, I'm really interested in the flexibility of radar CC, and the fact that it can totally control your speed, from 0 - 90 (?) mph in this iteration. Granted, I probably still wouldn't use it a whole ton, but I think I'd use it a lot more than traditional CC. Then again, I don't know for sure. Again, to those that have it: do you use it? Is it worth it? Would you get it again?

I'm debating Golf R vs. S3, and these things all come standard on the R, while they're extra on the (significantly more expensive) S3. So, I'm really up in the air. The '18 Golf R even closes the gap further with the inclusion of its own virtual cockpit, dynamic LED tails, etc. It misses out on the sunroof, which is another feature that I'd like to have, but I honestly never use on my existing cars. I think the S3 looks a little better than the R (especially the '18 R...), but does it look $10K better? I'm not so sure. Anyway, that's my own personal debate, and not one any of you can answer.

So back to features: what's your input?

Thanks!

The Prestige also has Audi adoptive cruise control which is nice but based on a discussion I recently had with my service advisor, could cost you lots extra on maintenance. It appears that the front end camera for the system if hit by any flying debris can crack the camera lens and will cost you +$3k to replace. Also, if you have to have a wheel alignment done, they have to realign the camera and it will cost you $500 vs. $160.

I have the P+ with LED lighting package and head lights, and all the extras but the adoptive cruise control and homelite (garage door opening...still not sure why this is extra for this type of car), bit it was cheaper and you are better off without the adoptive cruise.

Great car and hope you get the one you want.


Sent from my iPhone using Audizine

[kretrop]

The Prestige also has Audi adoptive cruise control which is nice but based on a discussion I recently had with my service advisor, could cost you lots extra on maintenance. It appears that the front end camera for the system if hit by any flying debris can crack the camera lens and will cost you +$3k to replace. Also, if you have to have a wheel alignment done, they have to realign the camera and it will cost you $500 vs. $160.

Well, this was interesting info about the alignment. I'm doing some digging on that.

I think you may be thinking of the sensor for the adaptive cruise; that's the thing in the front bumper. Any cameras are behind the windshield.

Not that I have alignments done too often (every couple of years), but that cost is a bit high. Something to consider.

Thanks for the reply.

[BillT]

Also keep in mind if you are planning to lease, the P+typically has a higher residual value than the Prestige package car. At least that was the case when I got my '16 S3 about a year ago.

[Psyber]

I'd love to see some proof that an alignment causes you to have to recalibrate the radar sensor. The actual camera is behind the windshield and wouldn't be damaged by debris unless it was something that smashed your window.

[kretrop]

I'd love to see some proof that an alignment causes you to have to recalibrate the radar sensor. The actual camera is behind the windshield and wouldn't be damaged by debris unless it was something that smashed your window.

From what I found, it's not just the sensor, but the camera, too. Apparently, the camera takes kicks in during situations where the radar can lose signal, like around a turn. There's a special alignment pad for the sensors and camera, and it takes a significant amount of time to perform the calibration, hence the high price. Happens when lowering the car and/or removing the front bumper, too.

I also thought it was BS until I looked into it a bit. Some of the threads were on this forum, even.

[dazed1]

The Prestige also has Audi adoptive cruise control which is nice but based on a discussion I recently had with my service advisor, could cost you lots extra on maintenance. It appears that the front end camera for the system if hit by any flying debris can crack the camera lens and will cost you +$3k to replace. Also, if you have to have a wheel alignment done, they have to realign the camera and it will cost you $500 vs. $160.

I have the P+ with LED lighting package and head lights, and all the extras but the adoptive cruise control and homelite (garage door opening...still not sure why this is extra for this type of car), bit it was cheaper and you are better off without the adoptive cruise.

Great car and hope you get the one you want.


Sent from my iPhone using Audizine

Not 100% true on the alignment. I've had my RS5 (with the ACC) aligned multiple times at the dealer, and at independent shops. Dealer was $175, Indi was a little cheaper.

[Hard-Knocks]

I'd love to see some proof that an alignment causes you to have to recalibrate the radar sensor. The actual camera is behind the windshield and wouldn't be damaged by debris unless it was something that smashed your window.

Since I do not have it on my car, used the wrong terminology. It is the sensor in the middle and bottom of the front grill. Based on discussions with service rep. they have had a few of these get hit by rocks, etc. and break them.

Also, pretty sure about difference in cost of alignment, because the tech ask me if I had a Prestige or Plus. It appears to take a significant amount of time for them to calibrate the system after any alterations are made (alignments, lowering, etc.). Imagine if the setup was wrong and in turn it did not mitigate an accident. Would guess if we start getting self driving cars, the cost of service to calibrate all these systems would be high and could expose service centers to huge liability if work is performed incorrectly.


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[Psyber]

Guess we'll see how it works once I lower the car and install and intercooler