Aesthetically, is the B8.5 S4 dated?

**keepcalm** · 02-05-2019 03:32 PM

With the B9's out, what are the opinions on the B8 platform? It was around for a long time.

Timeless or dated?

**rvcahawaii808** · 02-05-2019 03:34 PM

timeless

but i think everyone here is gonna be a little biased....

**kaptacular** · 02-05-2019 03:34 PM

+1

**Jay@JXB** · 02-05-2019 03:37 PM

I don’t see it ever looking bad. The angry robot eyes can’t ever be replaced, and it’s just got the right proportions. The B7 is stubby and the tail lights are awful. The B9 is growing on me but it doesn’t have the personality, followed the VW path of angles for the sake of angles.

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**ABEuro** · 02-05-2019 03:43 PM

Originally Posted by rvcahawaii808

timeless

but i think everyone here is gonna be a little biased....

+1

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**Brother Owl** · 02-05-2019 03:54 PM

nope - clean lines never go out of style

**RobbieM** · 02-05-2019 04:06 PM

The B8 platform definitely looks less dated than the B5-B7 S4s. Most can still tell it’s a little aged but it doesn’t mean it’s not a good looking car. I can confirm that I am 100% bias.

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**jimrobbington** · 02-05-2019 04:07 PM

Better looking than b9 imo. It's the tech that's a little outdated...

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**whodey** · 02-05-2019 04:13 PM

It's a classic design. People come up to me all the time and ask if it's a new car and tell me how cool it looks. Yes, I'm very biased, but I think it's peak Audi.

**CollecTTor** · 02-05-2019 04:15 PM

Originally Posted by Brother Owl

nope - clean lines never go out of style

This.

**jungy4** · 02-05-2019 04:19 PM

I love my 2015 but it is getting dated. It is almost a decade old platform now. But since Audi completely dropped the manual option on all models, I would like to keep mine as long as I can.

**hellovaras** · 02-05-2019 04:21 PM

Originally Posted by jimrobbington

Better looking than b9 imo. It's the tech that's a little outdated...

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Very true on the tech

**hilmar2k** · 02-05-2019 04:27 PM

Originally Posted by jimrobbington

Better looking than b9 imo. It's the tech that's a little outdated...

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I agree on both points.

**Iwantyourcar** · 02-05-2019 04:29 PM

I’d say it is slightly dated compared to newer luxury models. But compare it to a 2016 charger or something and get back to me. Lol.

So people who drive more economically priced cars will probably still view it as current and premium.

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**bhvrdr** · 02-05-2019 04:51 PM

Some cars start to look terrible as they age....think first generation cadillac cts. Others look beatiful any age... think a perfect condition e30, e36, e46.

The a4/s4 platform ages really well imo. Id drive my b5, b6, b7 or b8 still.

**agentsmith988** · 02-05-2019 08:13 PM

IMO, the B6 Ultrasport is the most timeless platform that Audi has produced. I really like my B8.5... but I don't catch myself staring at it like I have my B6. I'm bummed I don't have the garage space to keep my B6....

**AlaskanAudi** · 02-06-2019 12:29 AM

Idk why you guys hate on the b9 a4/s4 design so much. I actually think it looks stellar and a worthy update to the b8/b8.5 platform

**mattro** · 02-06-2019 04:02 AM

I personally think the B8 is getting a little dated now, but not the B8.5.
It's all in the front grill design and the LED DRL's. (dotted DRL's versus smooth LED strip)
I'm an enthusiast and if I spot a B8 from far my first thought is usually "is that a B7 or a B8? ". If a B7 has aftermarket headlights with DRL's it could fool you from far. Same grille design, round fog lights etc.
But when I spot a B8.5 from far my first thought is more like "is that a B8.5 or a B9? "

To the non-enthusiast I imagine both the B8 and B8.5 aren't dated though.

**Envy187** · 02-06-2019 06:20 AM

Originally Posted by mattro

To the non-enthusiast I imagine both the B8 and B8.5 aren't dated though.

+1.

The amount of times where the typical consumer/"non-car person" thinks my 2012 S4 (B8) is as old as it is...they can't believe it. They assume it's a modern/new car!

We should all be thankful we're driving such magnificent vehicles, and not the millions of Toyota's/Honda's you see on the roads today.

Please note: I still have my third generation Acura TL and I find its lines are quite timeless also. Every time I drive it/sit and admire the interior and look at the exterior, I'm reminded how gorgeous of a job the Japanese can pull off.

Not knocking Toyota's and Honda's undeniable reliability in comparison to other auto-makers...but I'd be willing to fork up the extra dough for the extra repair costs, not to mention an incredibly fun-to-drive car that puts a smile on my face every time I apply a lil' accelerator action in the S4 instead of a boring, run-of-the-mill grocery-getter!

**raudiace4** · 02-06-2019 06:33 AM

B9 looks like a big ass Jetta.

B8 looks dated everywhere, but that's my favorite.

B8.5 still looks great to me, but the interior is dated.

**BCeagle08** · 02-06-2019 06:36 AM

B8 & 8.5 taillights look dated next to a B9, but besides that the car looks fine.

**b spot** · 02-06-2019 07:42 AM

I hope its as timeless as the B6.

B6 and B5 have held up really well.

**Dr GP** · 02-06-2019 08:12 AM

Nope.Even when I had my 2011(last year),I would get comments and people would be surprised that it was not a new model .The styling is not timeless but is still contemporary, In fact, I prefer the B8 styling to the B8.5. Technology is definitely falling behind,but my first car has no power steering or brakes,a 3 speed manual on the steering column ,Am radio,bias ply tires,hubcaps, no oil filter,no seat belts and no A/c. So the b8 has quite enough for me as long as you buy a tune2 air,

**Jk79** · 02-06-2019 08:35 AM

I too get complements all the time. I keep up with maintenance and detailing so it looks brand new. People are surprised when I say its a 2014 and now 5 years old.

There is a 2017-2018 M3 and a 2018 A6 in my lot at work. Sure the M looks pretty fancy with lots of flowing lines all over and the A6 is clearly brand new and updated but I still love walking up to my car and enjoy the stares she gets on a regular basis. The B8.5 is nothing to scoff at. Truly a beautiful car IMO.

**sacandagaD** · 02-06-2019 09:11 AM

I agree with others, the S4 is still current looking and love mine. However, IMHO, I do think coupes such as the S5 fare time better. I still admire the look of E46 BMW M3 HT Coupe of the early 2000's to this day.

**Envy187** · 02-06-2019 09:14 AM

Originally Posted by sacandagaD

I still admire the look of E46 BMW M3 HT Coupe of the early 2000's to this day.

Apologies, man...but did you mean to say the "HR" coupe? I attempted to pull up the HT, but to no avail.

And agreed - that M3 is so sexy.

**sacandagaD** · 02-06-2019 09:18 AM

Originally Posted by Envy187

Apologies, man...but did you mean to say the "HR" coupe? I attempted to pull up the HT, but to no avail.

And agreed - that M3 is so sexy.

Sorry, was referring the hard top coupe, I'm not a fan of the convertible's looks.

**A4x** · 02-06-2019 09:51 AM

Go park next to a B9 and tell me your car is not dated

I have some pretty sad pictures of mine next to a similar color B9 S5.

But honestly, the B8 and B8.5 are epic designs that should age well.

Try driving a non-s-line B8 A4 like me

**Gberg888** · 02-06-2019 10:38 AM

Originally Posted by agentsmith988

IMO, the B6 Ultrasport is the most timeless platform that Audi has produced. I really like my B8.5... but I don't catch myself staring at it like I have my B6. I'm bummed I don't have the garage space to keep my B6....

I miss my B6 ultrasport and it truly is a beautiful car.

The B8 I think looks better than the 8.5. The mashup of the front splitter and lower half of the front bumper looks like a mess and really detracts from the car. I prefer the b8 over the b8.5. That being said, the ultrasport is the better looking car of the 3 and is a timeless look imo as well!

**Dr GP** · 02-06-2019 10:44 AM

Originally Posted by A4x

Go park next to a B9 and tell me your car is not dated

I have some pretty sad pictures of mine next to a similar color B9 S5.

But honestly, the B8 and B8.5 are epic designs that should age well.

Try driving a non-s-line B8 A4 like me

Note to everyone: Do not park next to a B9 S4 or S5 , and you will be much happier. Unless you like driving a MT, in which case you won't really care.

**Envy187** · 02-06-2019 10:52 AM

Originally Posted by Dr GP

Note to everyone: Do not park next to a B9 S4 or S5 , and you will be much happier. Unless you like driving a MT, in which case you won't really care.

LMFAO! Whoever said "old dogs can't learn new tricks"?

Your sense of humour is that of a young buck, Dr GP!

#youngatheart.

**waxxonMTL** · 02-06-2019 11:15 AM

Originally Posted by mattro

I personally think the B8 is getting a little dated now, but not the B8.5.
It's all in the front grill design and the LED DRL's. (dotted DRL's versus smooth LED strip)
I'm an enthusiast and if I spot a B8 from far my first thought is usually "is that a B7 or a B8? ". If a B7 has aftermarket headlights with DRL's it could fool you from far. Same grille design, round fog lights etc.
But when I spot a B8.5 from far my first thought is more like "is that a B8.5 or a B9? "

To the non-enthusiast I imagine both the B8 and B8.5 aren't dated though.

i agree on the healdight example.

**Krusty** · 02-07-2019 09:07 PM

B7 and B8 look better than some new cars, the tech is what gets you. When I wash my cars I can't stop looking at them, I get hypnotize.

**brs2c** · 02-08-2019 04:48 AM

B8/B8.5 is clean, and therefore timeless. B9 is significantly less clean, IMO. Wife says the 8.5 is way better looking than B9, also.

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**Envy187** · 02-08-2019 05:14 AM

Originally Posted by brs2c

B8/B8.5 is clean, and therefore timeless. B9 is significantly less clean, IMO. Wife says the 8.5 is way better looking than B9, also.

+1 @ your wife.

(DON'T KILL ME)

**Dr GP** · 02-08-2019 01:15 PM

Originally Posted by Envy187

LMFAO! Whoever said "old dogs can't learn new tricks"?

Your sense of humour is that of a young buck, Dr GP!

#youngatheart.

My brain thinks I am still 25. Ufortunately my body isn't. But ALL the parts still work, although 3 of the joints are artificial.

**chilort** · 02-08-2019 01:30 PM

I still think the B9 is ugly. I like the earlier description of unnecessary angles for the sake of having angles. And I still can't get over that screen sticking up out the dash. The people in VAG who designed that thing and also signed off on it committed a crime worse those in VAG responsible for diesel gate. The knob for changing gears seemed silly to me. The market moved away from me or the B9 is not aesthetically appealing. I can admit that it might be either. It doesn't matter as my next car will only have 2 doors and a real stick shift.

In sum, I think my B8 is not dated.

**doady22** · 02-08-2019 03:00 PM

I’ll just leave this right here my S4 and I upgraded to an S5, too me looks very dated. To each their own, don’t even get me started on the interior.

**doady22** · 02-08-2019 03:08 PM

Front view of my actual S5 vs my Black S4 pretty night and day difference. Of course everyone will like their car better over the new car your emotionally attached, put emotions aside and Audi did a fantastic job with the B9.