Audi Removes S4 and S5 Diesels from Sale in the UK

Audi has made the decision to remove the S4 and S5 models from sale in the UK. The German brand claims that this move is necessary to meet existing orders due to high demand for these models. However, Audi has not provided any indication of when these models will be back on sale.

Currently, the S4 and S5 models are only available to purchase from stock, as they have been taken off Audi’s website. The company is working diligently to fulfill orders for both models to ensure that customer demand can be met.

It is worth noting that both the A4 and A5 model lines are scheduled to be replaced next year. Prototypes of the new models have already been spotted testing, showcasing slimmer headlights, a reshaped front grille, and flush door handles, among other changes. It remains unclear whether the current-generation cars will return to sale before the introduction of the new models.

While the S4 and S5 models are being removed from sale, customers can still order other range-topping models such as the RS4 Avant, RS5 Coupé and Sportback, as well as the technically related S6 and S7 saloons.

Between January and June 2023, Audi sold a combined total of 198 examples of the S4 and S4 Avant, along with 178 S5 Coupés and S5 Sportbacks in the UK. This indicates an increase in demand for these models compared to the previous year. In 2022, Audi sold 137 S4 Avants, suggesting a growing interest in this BMW M340d rival.

It is uncertain whether the 2024 models will continue to use the same 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine. However, it is worth noting that Audi removed the current models from sale shortly after BMW axed all diesel variants of the 4 Series. This could potentially mean that petrol power will make a return next year, possibly with a mild-hybrid setup similar to the current models.

As part of Audi’s new naming strategy to differentiate between electric and combustion models, the next-generation A4 is expected to adopt the A5 name for production. Eventually, an electric equivalent badged A4 E-tron will join the lineup. The implications for the name of the successor to the current A5 model remain unclear.

The current S4 Avant was introduced in 2017 with a 3.0-litre petrol V6, followed by the technically identical S5 later that year. Both models received a facelift in 2019, at which point Audi’s S range became available with a twin-scroll turbocharged diesel engine in various states of tune.

Diesel’s popularity has significantly declined in recent years. In 2016, diesel accounted for 47.0% of all new car sales in the UK. However, it fell to 37.8% in 2017 and has continued to decline since then. In 2022, diesel only comprised 5.1% of all new car sales in the UK, compared to 6.3% for plug-in hybrids and 16.6% for electric vehicles.

In conclusion, Audi’s decision to remove the S4 and S5 diesels from sale in the UK is driven by the need to fulfill existing orders due to high demand. With the upcoming replacement of the A4 and A5 models next year, it remains uncertain when these current-generation cars will return to sale. However, customers can still order other high-performance models from Audi’s lineup. The decline in diesel popularity reflects the changing preferences of consumers, with electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids gaining more traction in the market.