Take one at a time.

1) Throttle and engine maping: ADS gives you comfort, auto and dynamic. On a non ADS car with auto trany, you can simulate that with D and S gear settings and how you press the throttle. With a manual, you control it yourself anyway but throttle is more sensitive with ADS.

2) Steering is unique to the ADS and amplifies the slow speed turns while reducing higher speed sensitivity.

3) ADS Suspension is like having three cars in one and there is nothing like it's flexibility. Normal S-Line is like dynamic, regular A5 is like something between comfort and auto. ADS's envelope is a superset expanding both the soft side and the firm side ranges beyond S-Lines firmer setup.

In conclusion, the ADS in dynamic will feel like it is faster and more responsive but I doubt that it is faster zero to sixty when floored.

Also, if money is tight, I suggest getting either the S-Line or ADS. There is some overlap as described above and the $3K can go to winter wheels or whatever. S-Line also limits your seat selection and interior, a problem for some.

You can configure your car just the way you want it through the MMI and can toggle through the settings with just a button push.

I'll be the first to admit, I was skeptical.

It's not that I didn't think the system would work. I just didn't think it would be worth nearly $3000 for my needs.

I was wrong.

The S-Line package is, still, fundamentally an appearance package. Some folks just love the exact S-Line look and for them that nearly $3000 is worth it.

ADS only is stealth and completely functional.

If money was no consideration and I wanted a S-Line then I'd get both.

But if I had to choose between which nearly $3000 option I was going to choose then, for me, it's an absolute no brainer. ADS wins hands down.