Diamond stitching (Noob Q)

[WsmataU]

OK....I'll admit that it may be a stupid reason to buy a car, but I'm in the market for an S/RS5 and really want the diamond stitched interior. I've looked at hundreds of online ads and can't find a single diamond stitched s5 variant....WTF? I'm new to Audi but I'm positive this was an option. How rare is it? The Alcantara seats are a distant "second" choice, as well as taking a set of leather to the upholsterers.

I'm still waiting to see if I can live without manual trans.

Insight/Opinions/bashing welcome.

[HazeMyth]

I'm under the impression that diamond stitching wasn't on the S5/RS5 until 2018.

[mcbuck]

No diamond stitch option in the B8/8.5 that I know of. I love the alcantara, and my recommendation would be to test drive with the DSG in sport mode and see if you miss a manual.

[HMS]

No diamond stitching on the B8.5. Only an option in the b9 S5

[WsmataU]

OK....I guess I should have done more homework. I assumed the diamond stitch was an option on previous models since it is on the current model. Thanks for the info guys.

I really do like it though....Maybe an S6 is not so bad :(

[HazeMyth]

S5 to S6 is quite a price gap, keep in mind. The base price is nearly a 20k difference.

[WsmataU]

Since it is my thread, I'll take it off course :P

Here's the story: I just moved to OH from FL. I'll be here for about 3-4 years before going back to DC. So, I want a fun AWD car. I'm currently DD my wife's 2009 328i, which is ok, but starting to show it's age. I've got upgrade-it is, but am not in a rush to buy let's call the timeline 6 months. I don't really like the newest batch of BMWs and have always liked the subtlety of the Audis. I (wrongfully) assumed the RS5 was an upgraded S5. I have a '67 Shelby Mustang sitting in the garage if I want attention or really want to bang gears. This car needs to be both reliable and "luxurious" while still maintaining a fun factor.

Here is my thought process for a DD:

I definitely want an AWD car.
It HAS TO have a usable back seat (daughter 5yrs old)
An S5 has manual transmission (+)
An RS5 has the V8 (++)
Neither have the interior that brought me to the Audi mark(-)
I've always liked the lines of the S5, even more than the B9 (but I haven't seen a B9 in person)

The diamond stitched interiors really caught my eye.
The S6 has everything but is "bigger" (S4 is too small) It is also a little boring as far as aesthetics go.

I'm looking in the $50k range (preferably lightly used). What would you pick and why?

[HazeMyth]

If the S4 is too small, I'm guessing the S5 is way too small for you anyway. If you're thinking of the S5 Sportback as your solution, those didn't come to the US until 2018 (B9).

[WsmataU]

If the S4 is too small, I'm guessing the S5 is way too small for you anyway. If you're thinking of the S5 Sportback as your solution, those didn't come to the US until 2018 (B9).

Maybe I am talking out of my ass. I equate the 4 with my 328i sedan. When we bought it, we test drove an A4 but preferred the BMW (the dealer was also an asshole so that may have jaded my POV). I really do like the B9 interiors, but (like you mentioned) the jump to an S6 is not insignificant.

That said, I don't like the SB. I'd be looking at the coupe model. I'm not a big guy (5'10, 190) it just seems the 4 door is a compromise on the smaller models.

[AsherAudi]

Maybe I am talking out of my ass. I equate the 4 with my 328i sedan. When we bought it, we test drove an A4 but preferred the BMW (the dealer was also an asshole so that may have jaded my POV). I really do like the B9 interiors, but (like you mentioned) the jump to an S6 is not insignificant.

That said, I don't like the SB. I'd be looking at the coupe model. I'm not a big guy (5'10, 190) it just seems the 4 door is a compromise on the smaller models.

From your list of needs, an S6 seems like the best option. Its only downside is the admittedly boring exterior but perhaps you can slap on a cool bodykit to make it more aggressive. Back seat of A5/S5/RS5 is tiny and hard to access.

[Safelder]

Since it is my thread, I'll take it off course :P

Here's the story: I just moved to OH from FL. I'll be here for about 3-4 years before going back to DC. So, I want a fun AWD car. I'm currently DD my wife's 2009 328i, which is ok, but starting to show it's age. I've got upgrade-it is, but am not in a rush to buy let's call the timeline 6 months. I don't really like the newest batch of BMWs and have always liked the subtlety of the Audis. I (wrongfully) assumed the RS5 was an upgraded S5. I have a '67 Shelby Mustang sitting in the garage if I want attention or really want to bang gears. This car needs to be both reliable and "luxurious" while still maintaining a fun factor.

Here is my thought process for a DD:

I definitely want an AWD car.
It HAS TO have a usable back seat (daughter 5yrs old)
An S5 has manual transmission (+)
An RS5 has the V8 (++)
Neither have the interior that brought me to the Audi mark(-)
I've always liked the lines of the S5, even more than the B9 (but I haven't seen a B9 in person)

The diamond stitched interiors really caught my eye.
The S6 has everything but is "bigger" (S4 is too small) It is also a little boring as far as aesthetics go.

I'm looking in the $50k range (preferably lightly used). What would you pick and why?

My basic criteria are not too different from yours. I need to have a daily driver that holds the family comfortably and that goes fast, fast.

In terms of size:

I had an RS5 convertible up until I totaled it in an accident a few weeks ago. My two boys, 8yo and 6yo, never had a problem getting in and out of the back seat. For the past couple years, both were using just the booster seats. Both were in full-size car seats when I first got the car. Getting those into the car was doable, but a bit of a pain, unless I did it with the roof open, in which case it was stupidly easy.

The other thing I'll throw out there is that, IMO, the interior appointment in the B8 or B8.5 is light years better than the B9. The B9 looks like it has moved downmarket on the interior kit (switchgear feels cheap; lots of vinyl instead of carbon fiber, etc.). The electronic wizardry is way cooler in the B9, provided you get the virtual cockpit. If you get the standard cluster, I doubt you'd see much difference.

I'm in an RS7 now. The kids definitely like the 4 door better. The interior is very nice. The electronics are last generation relative to what is in the B9, but a generation ahead of what was in my B8.5. But, if I wanted to buy the coolest computer on wheels, I'd have bought a Tesla P100d.

[WsmataU]

I'm in an RS7 now. The kids definitely like the 4 door better. The interior is very nice. The electronics are last generation relative to what is in the B9, but a generation ahead of what was in my B8.5. But, if I wanted to buy the coolest computer on wheels, I'd have bought a Tesla P100d.

Good gouge, thanks! I do love the Model S but just can't swing it right now. I don't think the Model 3 will live up regarding the interior, but time will tell. I see used S6s in the mid $50s to 60s, so maybe I need to give them some more consideration (as well as actually driving an S4).

I still like the idea of an RS5 and the back seat only needs to seat a child 2-3 times a week. If we go on a family outing we normally take the JGC.

I'm not fond of the sport back look in either the 5 or 7. If only Audi would have done an RS6 coupe for the US!

[Safelder]

Good gouge, thanks! I do love the Model S but just can't swing it right now. I don't think the Model 3 will live up regarding the interior, but time will tell. I see used S6s in the mid $50s to 60s, so maybe I need to give them some more consideration (as well as actually driving an S4).

I still like the idea of an RS5 and the back seat only needs to seat a child 2-3 times a week. If we go on a family outing we normally take the JGC.

I'm not fond of the sport back look in either the 5 or 7. If only Audi would have done an RS6 coupe for the US!

I've loved the A7/S7/RS7 since it came out. It only got better post-facelift. We looked at an S7 for my wife on her last lease, but she went SUV (BMW X5 50i). I had to have an RS to replace the RS, and the RS3 was too small.

Before the RS5, I had two S4s--a B7 (the last V8 model) and B8 (delivery #2 from my dealership). Loved both, and found both plenty big, even back in the days of the rear-facing car seats.

[snocat17]

Here is my thought process for a DD:

I definitely want an AWD car.
It HAS TO have a usable back seat (daughter 5yrs old)
An S5 has manual transmission (+)
An RS5 has the V8 (++)
Neither have the interior that brought me to the Audi mark(-)
I've always liked the lines of the S5, even more than the B9 (but I haven't seen a B9 in person)

The diamond stitched interiors really caught my eye.
The S6 has everything but is "bigger" (S4 is too small) It is also a little boring as far as aesthetics go.

I'm looking in the $50k range (preferably lightly used). What would you pick and why?

I sat in the B9 a few weeks ago. The seats look nicer, but don't feel any different than the Sport seats on the B8.5. I didn't think the appointments felt cheap, but I don't like the digital gauges. Old school with white and red LED's on my S5 are much better!

Have you looked at a used Benz with 4MATIC? It's a little more flashy, but might be the luxury you're looking for. Get an AMG and you'll be in the RS5 performance area, too.

I never liked the look of the 650ix's, but that is another AWD V8 option. Slightly more pricey unless you find one about 4 years old.

I'm sure they've been discontinued, but Volvo made an AWD coupe that competed with the S5 not too long ago.

After all considerations, I'd still take an RS5 with Sport seats in your position.

[HazeMyth]

Actually, CLA45 AMG might be worth looking into. All wheel drive, solid performance and fairly spacious. They're slightly larger than the S4 but smaller than the S6. I was considering the CLA45 and the S5, but ultimately landed on the S5 due to the better interior.

[julianwhitta]

For what it’s worth, a guy I know here in Oz has an S6 and he loves it. He’s particularly taken with the whole “sleeper” look of the car - a bit dull to look at but goes like a rocket! He sums it up as Jekyll and Hyde.

[JamesRS5]

Diamond stitching was available on the B8 chassis if you opted for the sports bucket seats. Not sure if those seats were available in the US market so you not be aware of them.

I think they will be my next upgrade.

[bknewtype]

if you REALLY want to, spend a grand or so to custom upholster your seat to diamond stitch. very doable. its prob a great solution for those who love their b8.5 rs5 but want diamond seats, which is a lot of people

[WsmataU]

if you REALLY want to, spend a grand or so to custom upholster your seat to diamond stitch. very doable. its prob a great solution for those who love their b8.5 rs5 but want diamond seats, which is a lot of people.

Yes! This is a very reasonable option IMHO and would be less expensive in the long run. I guess I need to start hanging around a local stealership for a couple of test drives between the S6 and the RS5. Thanks for the help fellas!

[bknewtype]

Yes! This is a very reasonable option IMHO and would be less expensive in the long run. I guess I need to start hanging around a local stealership for a couple of test drives between the S6 and the RS5. Thanks for the help fellas!

b8.5 rs5 is one of my fav audis of all time, and I love the diamond stiching on my TTs. if I had a rs5 already, I would prob find a way to retrofit the newer seats into it. a local member here is highly considering reupholstering his rs5 seats to a lunar silver diamond pattern which I think will look SICK

good luck. both the s6 and rs5 are great cars, but I feel the s6 is a bit underwhelming in the exterior department. fast as balls for sure, but it doesn't have that much of a presence, imo of course

[WsmataU]

Have you looked at a used Benz with 4MATIC? It's a little more flashy, but might be the luxury you're looking for. Get an AMG and you'll be in the RS5 performance area, too.

I never liked the look of the 650ix's, but that is another AWD V8 option.

Great suggestions. I've never seen myself in a Mercedes and honestly, the SL is the only one I really find attractive (but well out of this price range).
The 650ix was high on my radar, but it is a BIG car. It's gorgeous on the outside, but I think the Audi interior is a cut above it. It would be at the upper end of my budget (even used), so I may revisit after getting some seat time in Audis.

I think an RS5 w/ some custom interior and wheels may be the way to go. But I clearly have some more homework to do.

[bknewtype]

what color are you looking for? local buddy here has a black rs5 he may b looking to unload for an incoming baby, think hes looking for mid 40's. phantom black. u can get that with a custom interior and still come under ur budget. hed prob leave the eventuri intake and supersprint exhaust as well . cpo too

[WsmataU]

what color are you looking for? local buddy here has a black rs5 he may b looking to unload for an incoming baby, think hes looking for mid 40's. phantom black. u can get that with a custom interior and still come under ur budget. hed prob leave the eventuri intake and supersprint exhaust as well . cpo too

Ideally grey, but for the right price I would consider black (or possibly other colors) and have it wrapped to set it apart from the crowd.

[bknewtype]

Ideally grey, but for the right price I would consider black (or possibly other colors) and have it wrapped to set it apart from the crowd.

@optiondoc

[HMS]

Get an S7. /thread

[WsmataU]

Get an S7. /thread

Me no likey SB models....but thanks for participating.