Dynamic Steering Option

[jc522]

I'm shopping for a new S4, so here is another question for all you S4 experts. There aren't any S4s currently available with Dynamic Steering. Can someone describe the difference between Dynamic steering and standard? I'm trying to decide if it's worth the wait if I have to order one with that option. I'm moving up in size from a TTs, so I don't want to lose any more handling and road feel than necessary.

[GoCougs1234]

IMO, dynamic steering is fairly terrible. The ratio is quicker when it needs to be but there is zero feel and too much assist. IOW, it's PERFECT for 99% of US drivers!

[jc522]

Audi usually does a great job with their tech, but I'm skeptical of this option. It seems that putting in a motorized steering assist that can actually counter-steer, will further screw up any sense of road feel.

[Zombie5150]

I had a ‘21 SQ5 without it and my ‘22 RS5 has it. I actually specifically ordered the car with it. Reason being is I wanted to try it, I wanted the car with every option and because the sales manager tried to talk me out of it, lol. His reasoning was that they never order a car with it and that I wouldn’t notice a difference. Well, since owning the car now for a year and a half I really like it. Makes slow speed maneuvering a bit easier and I feel a little more connected at higher speeds on windier roads. Just my opinion on it. Is it worth the extra cost? Mine was $1,200 so yes I think it’s worth it. Is it worth waiting for vs. a car on the lot? I don’t think so. Yes I’d get it again but wouldn’t wait for a car just to have it. My .02.

[SHCKR]

It's a must. If you are an enthusiast and can tell a difference in road feel, and will at any point utilize the car to it's potential, you don't want a sloppy steering box. The only people who say you don't need it are the ones that don't have it. My best advice is test drive both, you will feel the difference for yourself.

[jc522]

It's a must. If you are an enthusiast and can tell a difference in road feel, and will at any point utilize the car to it's potential, you don't want a sloppy steering box. The only people who say you don't need it are the ones that don't have it. My best advice is test drive both, you will feel the difference for yourself.

I ordered an S4 with DS last evening. Thanks to all for the information.

[GoCougs1234]

Audi usually does a great job with their tech, but I'm skeptical of this option. It seems that putting in a motorized steering assist that can actually counter-steer, will further screw up any sense of road feel.

It does screw with road feel by definition of its construction, IME confirmed via (long term) service loaner w/out Dynamic Steering.

Traditional electric power steering (aka, EPS) remains unchanged from traditional rack-n-pinion steering: steering wheel -> shaft -> couplings -> pinion gear -> rack (w/motor assist). Here's Audi's EPS (lower left image): https://www.audi-technology-portal.d...power-steering.

Audi Dynamic Steering adds a variable ratio rotary gearbox and the electric motor acts directly on the steering shaft instead of the rack. Here's Audi's DS (upper right video): https://www.audi-technology-portal.d...namic-steering. Both the gearbox (one more mechanical thingy + some backlash) and steering shaft motor assist (direct feel of the assist rather than it being blunted by the rack/pinion/shaft/couplings of EPS) will at least greatly blunt steering feedback.

Which is better? With or without is not that good IME (a bit better feedback + slow ratio vs. zero feedback + faster ratio) so pick your poison. IMO Audi overthought. It's sorta nifty to have variable ratio throughout the entirely of steering wheel travel (traditional rack-n-pinion steering ratio varies based on steering wheel position). Where I'm at, virtually all B9/9.5 Prestige models (S4, S5, SQ5) sit on the dealer lot with Dynamic Steering, so, here I am with it (and I am not nearly patient enough to order a vehicle).

[jc522]

SHCKR,

I'd appreciate some specifics....
Do you notice the steering ratio or effort change in the process of cornering on a curvy road or entrance ramp? That could make it difficult to hold a consistent line thru those corners.
If the steering gets light and quick at low speeds for parking, is it too light and quick during aggressive driving thru low-speed but tight corners?

[jc522]

Zombie-pro: Well, since owning the car now for a year and a half I really like it. Makes slow speed maneuvering a bit easier and I feel a little more connected at higher speeds on windier roads...
GoCougs-con: IMO, dynamic steering is fairly terrible. The ratio is quicker when it needs to be but there is zero feel and too much assist... It does screw with road feel by definition of its construction...
SHCKR-pro: It's a must. If you are an enthusiast and can tell a difference in road feel, and will at any point utilize the car to it's potential, you don't want a sloppy steering box...
Superswiss-con: It's nice for daily maneuvering, but the mid corner corrections it frequently took were distracting...

Help!

[SHCKR]

SHCKR,

I'd appreciate some specifics....
Do you notice the steering ratio or effort change in the process of cornering on a curvy road or entrance ramp? That could make it difficult to hold a consistent line thru those corners.
If the steering gets light and quick at low speeds for parking, is it too light and quick during aggressive driving thru low-speed but tight corners?

It's very well designed and intuitive. It moves exactly how much you would think it needs to move in each scenario.
If I had an empty parking lot or a flight strip I would gladly test how different it is, but I don't so I can only share that if I turn the dynamic steering off, I can tell it's sloppier and I don't like it.

Sent from my Pixel 8 Pro using Tapatalk

[jc522]

There is a hold at the port on 3.0L Audis. Instead of waiting, I decided to buy a car off the lot. There weren't any available with the DS option. Now that I've driven it a few hundred miles, I'd still say that the steering needs more effort, but it's not bothering me in daily driving situations. The S4 doesn't handle like my TTs and the steering isn't as tight, but it's a seriously nice car!