The Audi S5 is the sports version of the Audi A5. If you want to go even faster, you’d go for the RS5, but for now, let’s stick with the S. It comes in 3 different body types: coupe, sport back, which is a 4-door, and a cabriolet. Although the overall look isn’t separate from the A5, the S5 has a much sportier design thanks to its aggressive body kit, big quad exhaust pipes, and 18-inch alloy wheels.
What makes the Audi experience exceptional is its practicality. Except for the mid-engine R8, Audi excels at everyday activities like commuting and running errands. For the usual stuff, they're unbeatable. Even if it doesn't sound thrilling, it's what truly counts. That's why the S5 Sportback stands out as one of the top choices for daily driving.
The tale of the Audi S5
The Audi S5 was introduced as a coupé version alongside the A5. The Audi S5 Sportback debuted at the Motor Show in Frankfurt in 2009 and hit the market in 2010 with a price tag of fifty-seven thousand euros, which translates to approximately $66,800. The generation was named B8.
The S5 featured LED daytime running lights encircling the bi-Xenon headlamps and a chrome grille with vertical stripes.
Between 2010 and 2012, the Audi S5, with its versions of coupe, cabriolet, and Sportback, had different powertrains in the American market despite sharing the same name. The Audi S5 coupé had a four-point-two liter FSI V8 engine producing 350 horsepower. In contrast, the S5 Cabriolet and Sportback featured a three-liter supercharged TFSI V6 engine delivering 329 horsepower. This V6 engine was also used in the 2010 Audi S4 3.0 TFSI quattro sedan and Avant.
Additionally, the coupé was available with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed Tiptronic transmission, while the Cabriolet/Sportback models came with the 7-speed S-tronic dual-clutch transmission.
The Audi S5 underwent a mid-generation refresh in 2013 alongside the standard Audi A5. Notable front-end updates included a complete headlight redesign, new LED daytime running lights (DRLs), a fresh grille design inspired by the 2012 Audi A6 grille, and new fog lamps. This generation was called B8.5.
Regarding power, the pre-refreshed S5 Coupé boasted a 4.2-liter FSI V8 engine generating 350 horsepower. However, after the facelift, the S5 Coupé was equipped with a 3.0-liter supercharged V6 TFSI engine delivering 329 horsepower.
One significant change under the hood was the introduction of stop-start technology to enhance fuel efficiency.
The current generation Audi S5 is also called the B9. It was unveiled in 2016 and came into production in 2017. The S5 has an upgraded 3-liter V6 petrol engine featuring direct injection and a twin-scroll turbocharger.
Trims and specifications for the S5
Packages include:
The Engine of Audi S5
All S5 models have the same powerful 349-hp turbocharged V-6 engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
They all have AWD as standard. The launch-control system and excellent all-wheel-drive grip help the latest S5 coupe gain impressive acceleration, reaching 0 to 60 mph in just 4.3 seconds. Despite the added weight, the convertible S5 Cabriolet remains remarkably quick, achieving a 0 to 60 mph time of 4.8 seconds.
How does it feel to drive the Audi S5?
The S5 doesn't offer the thrill of a sports car, but the way it handles twists and turns with impressive speed is the magic of Audi. Although the engine may not be overly exciting, it provides a surge of torque above 3000 rpm that continues up to its 6500-rpm redline.
The transmission shifts gears smoothly and responds swiftly to the gear paddles. Quattro's self-locking center differential optimizes torque distribution at 40:60 front to rear, ensuring effortless power delivery. The brake pedal prioritizes comfort over precision but responds effectively in high-speed situations.
Switching the drive mode from comfort to dynamic will sharpen everything. The heavier steering and a louder exhaust note pumping into the cabin will make you cry joyfully.
The inside-out of Audi S5
Inside the Audi S5, the familiar A5 cabin receives an upgrade with a flat-bottomed steering wheel, leather-Alcantara sports seats, and a choice of carbon fiber or aluminum trim, enhancing its sporty appeal.
While these sporty touches are added, the essential elements of the A5 interior are retained. This results in a meticulously crafted cabin using premium materials, giving a strong impression of luxury. The interior is loaded with technology and offers ample space, especially in the front seats.
Due to the sloping rear roofline, rear headroom is limited, but it's only a concern for exceptionally tall passengers.
In contrast, the trunk is quite spacious, offering 465 liters more space than you'd find in coupe versions of the BMW 4 Series or Mercedes C-Class Coupe. Folding rear seats are optional but add practicality, providing a flat floor when folded down, making the car more versatile.
This all is a problem for the Sportback and the coupe. You can just put down the roof in your cabriolet.
Infotainment and connectivity in Audi S5
In the S5 Sportback, you'll find a standard 10.1-inch touchscreen, an upgrade from the previous 8.3-inch center screen. This new system retains built-in navigation and wireless device charging options, but touch inputs have replaced the intuitive rotary controller on the center console. Standard features include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, voice control, and Bluetooth for both phone and audio.
Attributes of Audi S5
Pros
✔ Potent V6 engine and turbocharged power
✔ ensuring strong acceleration
✔ Its excellent all-wheel-drive grip
✔ Confident handling
✔ Modern and stylish interior and exterior design
Cons
✖ The gearbox response in auto mode might be a bit sluggish.
✖ The interior space feels cramped, offering limited storage options.
✖ It lacks power compared to its closest rivals.
Features
Every S5 boasts luxurious features, including
- heated and massage-enabled front seats
- A three-zone climate control system
- A sunroof
- Passive entry
- Push-button start
Safety Features include:
The Audi S5 comes with
- Front and rear automated emergency braking as standard
- Standard blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.
- Adaptive cruise control
Journalists say on the Audi S5.
“Although the 2024 Audi S5 Sportback hasn't seen significant updates since 2018, it's still capable of capturing the hearts of car enthusiasts with its sleek looks and 349-hp turbocharged V-6 engine.”-Car and Driver.
“It's a beautiful vehicle inside and out and has easy-to-use controls. It's enjoyable if you want to take it on twisty roads, and it doesn't sacrifice comfort and luxury.”-Edmunds.
“The things that matter—what the interior is like, how quickly it can merge onto a highway, how it handles long, monotonous drives, and how much stuff it can transport—are way more important. And the S5 does those things extremely well. It is an Audi, after all.”-Road and Track
Conclusion
The S5 is undoubtedly a driver's car, though it might not evoke the same excitement as some sports coupe counterparts. Audi has designed it with a specific position in the performance hierarchy, considering its relationship with the upper model, the RS5. The narrative, typical for Audi's S-badged cars, remains consistent with the S5. It's a vehicle that commands admiration and respect for its abilities yet fails to leave a lasting emotional connection.
The car does make it to the Top 5 of its class. It’s way ahead of the Lexus RCF but slightly behind the Alpina B4 BMW and Mercedes-AMG C43.
FAQs
What is the starting price of the Audi S5 in the USA?
The starting price for the Audi S5 in the USA is $55,800 for both the Sportback and the Coupe. The Cabriolet starts at $64,400.
What engine options are available for the Audi S5?
The Audi S5 is powered by a 3.0-liter V6 petrol engine, generating 349 horsepower.
What is the fuel efficiency of the Audi S5?
Specific fuel efficiency figures can vary, but the Audi S5 is designed to balance performance and efficiency. The coupe and Sportback have a good fuel efficiency of about 30mpg on the highway and around 24mpg in the city. The cabriolet can have variations in the average.
