Audi Q7 Virtual Cockpit

Audi Premium vs. Premium Plus vs. Prestige: Which Is Best?

It doesn’t matter if you’re an audiophile or a driving enthusiast; choosing the best Audi trim level can be overwhelming.

With three packages to choose from – Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige – it’s tough to decipher which offers the most bang for your buck.

But don’t worry; we got you!

We’ll break down each trim level and let you know what amenities they offer so that you can choose which fits you.

So, without further ado: Audi Premium vs. Premium Plus vs. Prestige – Which Is Best?

Overview: Premium vs. Premium Plus vs. Prestige

Let us introduce you to the three different trim levels of Audi: Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige.

These three trims might share the same Audi DNA, but each brings its unique blend of features and personality to the table.

Premium is the lowest-end Audi trim; Premium Plus adds some additional features, while the Prestige trim is the top-of-the-line model.

Here is a side-by-side comparison table of the Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige trim levels for the Audi Q5:

FeaturePremium
(Starting at $44,200)
Premium Plus
(Starting at $49,400)
Prestige
(Starting at $54,900)
7-speed S-Tronic automatic transmissionStandardStandardStandard
quattro all-wheel drive systemStandardStandardStandard
18-inch wheelsStandardN/AN/A
19-inch wheelsOptionalStandardStandard
Lane departure warningStandardStandardStandard
LED headlightsStandardStandardStandard
Leather seatsStandardStandardStandard
Audi adaptive cruise controlStandardStandardStandard
Three-zone automatic climate controlStandardStandardStandard
Heated front seatsStandardStandardStandard
Audi pre sense cityStandardStandardStandard
Rear-view cameraStandardStandardStandard
Lane departure warningStandardStandardStandard
Audi smartphone interfaceStandardStandardStandard
7-inch color displayStandardN/AN/A
Panoramic sunroofOptionalStandardStandard
Audi advanced keyOptionalStandardStandard
Heated steering wheelOptionalStandardStandard
Memory for driver’s seat and mirrorsOptionalStandardStandard
Bang & Olufsen sound systemN/AStandardStandard
Audi virtual cockpit plusN/AStandardStandard
Audi active lane assistN/AStandardStandard
Power tailgateN/AStandardStandard
Audi drive selectN/AStandardStandard
Top-view camera systemN/AStandardStandard
Ventilated front sports seatsN/AOptionalStandard
Audi MMI Navigation plusN/AOptionalStandard
Matrix-design LED headlights with washersN/AN/AStandard
Head-up displayN/AN/AStandard
Park assistN/AN/AStandard
Heated and cooled front cup holderN/AN/AStandard
Rear-view mirror with digital compass and toll moduleN/AN/AStandard
LED interior lighting plusN/AN/AStandard
Heated rear seatsN/AN/AStandard
Metallic paintOptionalOptionalOptional
Rear side thoracic airbagsOptionalOptionalOptional

We hope this table helps you understand the differences between the three trim levels!

Additionally, here’s our at-a-glance take on Audi’s Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige packages:

  • Premium. Though it may be the base package, it’s anything but basic. With plenty of standard features and a lower price, it’s perfect for those who want the Audi experience without all the extravagant bells and whistles.
  • Premium Plus. This trim takes everything you love about the Premium and kicks it up a notch, adding features like a Bang & Olufsen sound system and Audi’s virtual cockpit. If you’re looking for a sweet spot between luxury and affordability, the Premium Plus package is a great choice.
  • Prestige. This top-tier trim adds all of Audi’s exclusive features, including matrix-design LED headlights, ventilated front sports seats, a head-up display, and more. The Prestige trim is excellent if you want the ultimate Audi experience and don’t mind dropping a few extra dollars.

Now, we will discuss each of these Audi trim levels in more depth!

Audi Premium

Let’s begin with Audi’s entry-level trim: Premium.

Don’t let the ‘entry-level’ label fool you, though.

It may be the most affordable option, starting at $44,200 for the Audi Q5, but it still holds to its ‘Premium’ name.

Climb into the driver’s seat, and you’ll find an array of standard features.

The 7-speed S-Tronic automatic transmission and quattro all-wheel drive system ensure you glide down the road safely and comfortably.

Audi S5 Sportback quattro drivetrain

You’ll also enjoy the 18-inch wheels and LED headlights, which look fabulous and light up the road perfectly in all conditions.

And let’s not forget about the leather seats that wrap you in a warm embrace while the three-zone automatic climate control keeps you cool, calm, and collected.

Pros of Audi Premium

Pros of the Audi Premium trim?

For starters, it’s easier on your wallet than the alternatives.

You’ll still enjoy a luxurious driving experience without breaking the bank.

Safety and technology come standard, too, with Audi pre sense city, lane departure warning, a rear-view camera, and a 7-inch color display.

Audi pre sense technology of Audi Premium trim level

Cons of Audi Premium

However, the Premium trim does have its limitations.

With fewer customization options and some high-end features only available as optional extras, you might feel a twinge of FOMO (fear of missing out) compared to the Premium Plus and Prestige packages.

The ideal buyer

So, who is the ideal buyer for the Audi Premium trim?

Picture a savvy, budget-conscious individual who still wants a taste of that luxurious Audi lifestyle.

They’re not too concerned with having all the latest gadgets but still look for a driving experience that’s smooth, stylish, and undeniably Audi.

If this sounds like you, congratulations – the Premium trim might be your perfect match!

Audi Premium Plus

Audi Bang & Olufsen sound system of Audi Premium Plus trim level

Now, let’s focus on the middle option: Audi Premium Plus.

The Premium Plus trim takes everything from the Premium trim and adds many extra features that’ll make you wonder how you ever lived without them.

For example, the Premium Plus trim trades the 18-inch wheels for a more mature set of 19-inch wheels.

As you step inside, the panoramic sunroof greets you with a breathtaking sky view, and the Audi advanced key lets you feel like a secret agent whenever you start the car.

The heated steering wheel and memory function for the driver’s seat and mirrors take comfort and convenience to a whole new level.

For audiophiles, the Bang & Olufsen sound system is standard on this trim. Plus, you’ll enjoy the added benefits of Audi’s virtual cockpit, a top-view camera system, and a power tailgate.

Audi top-view parking camera of Audi Premium Plus trim level

Pros of Audi Premium Plus

The Premium Plus trim’s main advantage is its ability to balance luxury and price.

You’ll enjoy an extensive list of features without going full-on Hollywood on your bank account!

Cons of Audi Premium Plus

However, some high-end elements are still optional or not even available.

For instance, if you would like features like matrix-design LED headlights with washers, a head-up display, or heated rear seats, you’ll have no choice but to opt for a Prestige trim.

The ideal buyer

The ideal buyer for the Audi Premium Plus trim is someone who looks for more luxury, technology, and comforts than the Premium trim offers but doesn’t want to go all-out with the Prestige trim.

So, if you’re looking for the ‘just right’ combination of features and affordability, the Premium Plus trim might be your best choice.

Audi Prestige

Audi A3 Matrix LED headlights of Audi Prestige trim level

Audi Prestige is the most luxurious Audi trim level.

If you’re ready to embrace the complete Audi experience, a Prestige model will sweep you off your feet!

Audi Prestige includes matrix-design LED headlights (complete with washers) and ventilated front sports seats, ensuring you look and feel like a VIP.

Audi Q5 ventilated sports seats of Audi Prestige trim level

The head-up display projects crucial information right onto your windshield.

Audi head-up display of Audi Prestige trim level

And with park assist, heated rear seats, and LED interior lighting, your Audi becomes an oasis of comfort and convenience.

Pros of Audi Prestige

The pros of choosing the Prestige trim are evident: you’ll enjoy the absolute best that Audi offers in terms of features and luxury!

Cons of Audi Prestige

However, these benefits come at a price, and the Prestige trim is undoubtedly the most expensive option out of the three trim levels.

So, if you’re on a budget, you might have to think twice before committing to the Prestige package.

The ideal buyer

The ideal buyer for the Audi Prestige trim is someone who refuses to settle for anything less than the best.

They’re willing to splurge on the ultimate Audi experience, complete with all the bells, whistles, and jaw-dropping features that come with it.

If this sounds like you, congratulations – Audi Prestige is your perfect pick!

Reader’s tip: Is Audi Care Worth It? (9 Pros and Cons for 2024)

Audi Premium vs. Premium Plus: Which is better?

If you’re deciding between Audi Premium or Premium Plus, let us help you!

The main difference between Audi Premium and Premium Plus is that the Premium trim offers a more budget-friendly version of the Audi experience, while the Premium Plus offers a more extensive list of standard features, including the virtual cockpit and the Bang & Olufsen sound system.

Regarding key features, Premium and Premium Plus share a solid foundation, including the 7-speed S-Tronic automatic transmission, quattro all-wheel drive system, LED headlights, leather seats, and a suite of safety features.

However, the Premium Plus spices things up with standard 19-inch wheels, a panoramic sunroof, Audi advanced key, a heated steering wheel, Bang & Olufsen sound system, Audi virtual cockpit plus, and a top-view camera system.

When it comes to price, the Premium trim starts at $44,200, while the Premium Plus raises the stakes with a starting price of $49,400.

With a $5,200 price difference, you’ll need to decide if the additional features in the Premium Plus are worth the extra investment.

So, which one is better?

The answer depends on your priorities and your wallet.

The Premium trim is an excellent choice if you’re after a comfortable, luxurious ride without spending too much.

However, the Premium Plus might be better if you’re willing to spend a bit more for that extra layer of luxury and convenience.

Audi A4 S Line and S4 sedan

Audi Premium Plus vs. Prestige: Which is better?

Now we’re down to the ultimate showdown: Audi Premium Plus vs. Prestige.

Which one is right for you?

The main difference between Audi Premium Plus and Prestige is that the Premium Plus offers a well-balanced blend of luxury and affordability, while the Prestige trim goes all out, providing the ultimate Audi experience with top-tier features.

When comparing the key features, Premium Plus and Prestige share many luxurious amenities.

However, the Prestige trim takes the Audi experience to the next level with features like matrix-design LED headlights with washers, a head-up display, park assist, heated rear seats, and LED interior lighting.

Not to mention the ventilated front sports seats, which keep you cool under pressure.

In terms of price, the Premium Plus starts at $49,400, while the Prestige enters the scene with a starting price of $54,900.

With a $5,500 difference, you’ll have to ponder if the added extravagance of the Prestige trim is worth the extra cash.

Once again, the better one depends on your personal preferences and how deep your pockets are.

If you’re seeking a luxurious and feature-packed ride without completely emptying your bank account, the Premium Plus is a fantastic option.

However, if money is no object and you want to indulge in the finest Audi has to offer, the Prestige trim is ready to roll out the red carpet for you!

Audi Q5 green back

Interesting read: The Ultimate Audi Guide: Every Model Explained For 2024!

Conclusion

As we end our article, remember that the decision ultimately lies in your hands.

Whether you’re more budget-conscious or a big spender, there’s an Audi out there that’s perfect for you.

Catering to different needs and preferences is precisely why Audi designed these trim levels!

It’s just like Audi’s A, S, and RS series for various performance needs.

Let us know which trim level is your favorite in the comments below, and have a great rest of your day!

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2 Comments

  1. is there any difference in performance? the similar VW Tiguan has three levels and the sel is the higher performance trims.

    1. Hi Wayne,

      Great question!

      The Audi Premium, Premium Plus, or Prestige trim levels don’t necessarily have a connection to performance, it’s more about the optional extras (the trim) on the vehicle. However, you might see that the higher levels, like Premium Plus or Prestige, are equipped with a stronger engine more often compared to the ‘basic’ Premium cars.

      Hope that helps!
      – Patryk

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