I think the reference point will be not the A4/S4 sedans but the Cab. version of the same... afterall, the next generation cab is based on this car... my guess is that the base prices will be something less than the next generation Cab. (MB's differential between the CLK 350 Coupe and Cab. is ~$8k, but that's probably on the high side?), which will probably be (in two model years) 6 or 7% more than now... meaning, if the current S4 Cab starts at $55k and the next gen. will be say $58k, then the S5 will be around $50-52k, base....

Just a guess...

The good thing is that audi generally gives you more standard equipment than other companies, so a decently optioned A5 may only be $45k.

I'm so excited about this car I'm practically tingly... or as close as I can come to being tingly, on a Thursday morning, at work...

the S4 and S6 with room above it to put an S5 cab without getting into the S6 or RS4 price point.

I'd be really surprised if they intend to out price the competition by that kind of money... I think given the choice between a well-optionned S5 and a CLK 550 or even an AMG, people would not think twice... but, then again, given what they did with R8 pricing, who knows?

Unless ordered, base model Audis are very far and few between.

from BMW with the 300hp bi-turbo 335i priced at $40,600, which has a lot of options standard:

- sunroof
- adaptive xenons
- harman/kardon Logic7 13-speaker stereo
- 4 yr/50K maintenance

The A5 does have sunroof, larger wheels and quattro standard however.

Base 328i is $35.3K with a 230hp engine. The 335i starts at $40.6K with the 300hp engine.

Base A5 with 262hp is somewhere in between, so why not start it at $37K? People will option it up anyway, but having a low starting price has some marketing value to it.

I think it would be foolish to try and price it right up there with the 335i when the 335i has that big advantage over it performance wise. Either way, they'll probably be priced well below the CLKs, which are overpriced to begin with, so not much comparison there.

Just my $0.02.

significantly from MSRP; at least here in L.A.

Pretty sure they'll do just fine pricing it right with the 335's, but I hope you're right.

Base A4 3.2 starts at $35.5K. Audi probably wants to differentiate the A5 from the A4, but the base A6 starts at $41.9K, so why not $37K for the A5?

as it becomes public or nearly public, because auto manufacturers know that they will "leak" info. in order to generate sales or interest and it is assumed that as the dealer network has a piece of info., the public will have the same info. shortly thereafter... ;-)

Having said that, I wouldn't be surprised if the loaded price is close to $60k...

think MB really has a comparable vehicle in that case... the SLR is a completely different beast and the SL and CL appeal to different markets.

I imagine the base A4 price is going to jump some as well when it goes to the new platform. I'm expecting to see the A5 at ~$40k base, but I'd love to see it at $37k instead. $3k in my pocket sounds nice.

I think audi would be shooting themselves in the foot if they want to charge 60k for the S5. I think a 50k base price is acceptable. This car will not be as fast or have a resale value anywhere near the upcoming V8 M3. I think in that case it may just drive many buyers to the M3 instead. I had my '05 S4 for only 2 years and with 40k miles it took a value hit of about 15k. That's pretty bad when you compare M3s or 3 series from the same year.

When I saw the pics of this car my jaw dropped. It's a great looking car, and I also am very impressed with the new engine location. This should be a really sweet car. Hopefully the next S4 will also be as cool. I can't wait to drive it. I'm sure I'll have problems sleeping once I do.

considering a decently loaded S4 currently rings it at approx $55k. I also think Audi is going backwards in the power race with BMW. Doesn't the top model 3-coupe touch or pass the 300hp number? In order to get a comparable car I have to buy the S4? Come on Audi - let's get it together. Frankly, I'm not even sure I understand the logic behind a 4-cylinder coupe from Audi in America. The car will never be cheap so why even offer that engine...

Guess we'll find out more at Geneva next week.

it may even be more than the CLK550. they're not going to offer B&O audio in a sub $60k car. Audi has commented that they intend to move their cars up-market, and the A5/S5 will be priced in line with that philosophy. you can be sure the S5 will be priced between the S4 and the S6, probably closer to the latter.