What is Audi S line?

If you’re looking to buy an Audi, you may have seen the term S Line being thrown around. But what is Audi’s S Line and is it worth paying extra for? 

S Line is a trim level offered on Audi models if you want a sporty edge to your new car, but don’t want to shell out for the full-on S performance model. Think of it as Audi’s equivalent to BMW’s M Sport and Mercedes’ AMG Line.

Go for S Line trim on your new Audi and you get a more aggressive bodykit, interior tweaks as well as lowered suspension for a more engaging driving experience. S Line cars will feel slightly sportier to drive, but they still have the standard Audi range of engines so won’t be any faster than the standard car.

Audi S line: exterior styling changes

The latest Audi A1 Sportback is pictured. On the left is the A1 Sport and, on the right, we have the A1 S line.

At the front, the A1 S line has a different bumper with grey ‘blades’ in the outer grilles that extend down to the lower edge, contrasting with the body colour. Down each side, a skirt juts out from the sill. Around the back, the bumper is different again, copying the look of that at the front.

At the top of the rear windows sits a larger spoiler. The car rides on bigger wheels and lower suspension, and a little S line badge on both front wings finishes it off.

The changes made to the A1 S Line aren’t replicated exactly across the whole Audi range, but every model gets similar alterations. To summarise, they are:

• More prominent grilles in the bumpers
• Side skirts
• Rear spoiler
• Larger wheels
• Lowered suspension
• S Line badges

Audi S line: interior styling changes

Once again, we’re using the latest A1 Sportback as our example, pictured above, with the A1 Sport on the left and the A1 S line on right.

The A1 S line gets rather lovely sports seats with partial leather trim, brighter metal trim on the dashboard, a perforated leather steering wheel, metal sports pedals and S Line kick plates.

As with the exterior, the changes on the inside will vary between models. They follow a similar pattern though, the main differences are:

• S Line sports seats
• Sports steering wheel with perforated leather (some models get a flat-bottomed wheel as well)
• Additional metal trim
• Metal sports pedals
• Metal S Line kick plates

Audi S line: equipment upgrades

In the case of the A1, the S line gets some useful equipment upgrades over the lower-level Technik and Sport models. LED headlights and interior lighting package, manual lumbar adjustment for the front seats and rear parking sensors are all thrown in.

Further up the Audi food chain, the differences in standard equipment become more comprehensive.

For example, on the Audi A4 saloon you get automatic high-beam headlights, suede-like interior trim and 19-inch alloy wheel with the S-Line package. The flagship Audi A8 gets Matrix LED headlight and double glazing when you go for the S Line model.

If you want to find out more about the equipment levels on S Line models, check out carwow’s reviews. Under the ‘Price and Specs’ tab you’ll can find all the standard equipment on your favourite Audi models.

Which Audi cars are available with S line trim?

All cars in Audi’s range are available in S Line trim. Click the links below to go to the carwow review of your chosen model.

• Audi A1 Sportback
• Audi A3 Sportback
• A3 Saloon
• Audi A4 Saloon
• A4 Avant
• Audi A5 Coupe
• A5 Cabriolet
• A5 Sportback
• Audi A6 Saloon
• A6 Avant
• A7 Sportback
• Audi A8
• Audi Q2
• Audi Q3
• Audi Q3 Sportback
• Audi Q4 e-tron
• Audi Q5
• Audi Q5 Sportback
• Audi Q7
• Audi Q8
• Audi e-tron
• Audi e-tron Sportback
• Audi e-tron GT

Audi offers petrol, diesel and hybrid engines; manual, dual-clutch and automatic gearboxes; and two- or four-wheel-drive. Not all of those are available in every Audi, but each one is available with a wide selection of engine, gearbox and drive combinations. Most, if not all, of which are available in S line trim.

How much does S line cost?

It varies across the Audi range. The cheapest A1 Sportback, the 25 TFSi Technik has a list price of £20,380 while the equivalent S line lists at £23,480, a difference of £3,100.

Go up to the A8 and the cheapest model, the 50 TDi Sport, has a list price of £74,985. The equivalent S line lists at £79,985, a difference of £5,000. (Prices correct at time of publishing)

Should I buy an Audi S line?

The Audi S Line package is mainly an image thing, it makes the car look more purposeful while also adding some additional equipment.

You should buy the S Line if:

• You want the styling upgrades
• You want a slightly sportier ride
• You want to maximise the car’s resale value

You shouldn’t buy the S Line if:

• You’re looking for the best comfort
• You’re not fussed about the aggressive styling
• You want to save money

Audi S Line FAQs

What does the S stand for in S Line?

The S stands for Sport. S Line is just the trim level, as opposed to S models such as the S3 and S4 which are performance variants.

What is Audi S Line Plus?

S Line Plus used to be a trim level that offered extra equipment over the S Line model such as heated seats and different alloy wheels. Audi no longer offers S Line Plus on new cars but you might find these models on the used market.

Are all Audi S Lines Quattro?

S Line is just a trim level, so Quattro all-wheel-drive doesn’t necessarily come as standard. This will vary between models.

What’s the difference between the Audi S Line and Black Edition

Black Edition cars come with all the same equipment as S Line cars with, as the name suggests, black trim details. Any chrome details on the S Line will be gloss black, and there are usually different wheels as well.

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