The Audi S5 has been out for a few years now and is actually about to receive a mid cycle refresh. Before that happens, this editor wanted to know how the current one stacks up before the beautiful 4.2L V8 gets replaced by Audis new 3.0T V6 gets dumped in the front of this luxury GT from Ingolstadt for the 2013 model year.
Audi first launched the S5 in A5 guise for the model year 2008 with the only engine being offered being Audis 3.2L V6 making 265 hp and 243 lb-ft of torque. By 2010 Audi had added their tried and true 2.0: Turbocharged Inline-4 Cylinder engine making 211hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. And then for 2011 Audi dropped the 3.2L V6 making just the 2.0T motor the only engine for the A5.
From late in 2008 Audi offered the S5 as the high performance variant of the very attractive A5 to compete to direct with BMW’s 335i Coupe and Infiniti’s G37 Coupe. Since then, Mercedes and Cadillac have joined the competition with the C350 Coupe and CTS Coupe. How the S5 set its mark early on certainly has aided in its success in this very popular segment.
Unlike its peers, the Audi S5 comes with a naturally-aspirated 354hp 4.2L V8 that has seen use in various Audis throughout the years. This differs from its peers in that they all offer 6-Cylinder motors with either natural aspiration (CTS, G37, and C350) or with forced induction (335i). The most powerful of those cars is the G37 making 330hp. So Audi ensured that power advantage with conventional methods, large displacement and a high cylinder count.
Next is the S5 and its standard Quattro AWD. And while AWD is available on all the other cars, none of them allow for the complete sporting experience when equipped as such. With the combination of 354hp and Quattro AWD, the S5 scoots to 60 mph ahead of all of its peers in just 4.7 seconds and on to a ¼ mile time of 13.2 seconds. Plenty fast for anyone seeking a competent boulevard cruiser. Audis 7-Speed Dual Clutch Automated Manual (S-Tronic) also makes things easier on those quick launches. Just punch it and hang on.
One thing that did resound with me was the steering feel. With a variable ratio for the assisted steering it provide nice, solid feel at higher speeds and a light, and somewhat loose feel at low speeds. Something that I feel one would get used to but for me it did not provide enough response at parking lot speeds. A place where I feel precision is still very important.
Inside, the Audi S5 is replete with the typical Audi levels of fit and finish and build and material quality. Heavily bolster leather seats keep you place whilst you are flinging the S5’s more than 3,800 lbs through the turns with precision.
Among the nuances regarding the interior is the functionality of the MMI infotainment system. Regardless of what you are trying to accomplish, a series of buttons and knobs and controls is required for even the simplest tasks. Changing the setting of the heated seats, for example, requires you to push the heated seat button, turn the main MMI knob to the desired setting, and then push the MMI knob to confirm the selection. And why have 8 settings for this?
Once all the desired settings are dialed in, then the fun can begin. The optional Bang & Olufsen sound system is a must for a relatively modest $850. Similar B&O systems in other Audis can cost as much as $6,000. 14-speakers and more than 500 digital watts should appease even the most discerning listeners, such as me.
All of this adds up to a very solid entrant in the ‘affordable’ luxury GT segment. With a base price of $53,900 and an as tested price approaching the $60,000 mark, the S5 certainly isn’t cheap. But considering no other car in this segment offers V8 power and standard Quattro AWD, you do get what you pay for here. And much more if you ask me.
2013 brings some changes to the Audi S5, most notably under the hood. Since its launch, the S5 Cabriolet has used Audis much newer 3.0L Supercharged V6 motor making 333h. This is going to replace the sonorous 4.2L V8 in the S5. The trade off for this is less weight over the front wheels and better responsiveness. And of course better gas mileage too as the 4.2L V8 is a bit thirsty. Other changes include refreshed front and rear fascias and some minor interior tweaks.
Changes for the A5 model are similar but with in addition to the 2.0T will now be a detuned version of the 3.0L Supercharged V6 making 272hp. This will create a nice midpoint between the pedestrian 2.0T and the all out S5.
