Audi S5

Audi S5 at a glance

The S5 combines the A5's elegant body with a powerful six- or eight-cylinder engine, sports suspension and quattro all-wheel drive. More Audi models are listed in our Audi catalogue, and the larger saloon is covered in our Audi A6 section.

Audi S5 generations

First generation: B8 (2007–2016)

The first S5 coupé was released together with the A5 in 2007 and used a 4.2-litre V8 FSI with 260 kW (354 PS) and 440 Nm, paired with a six-speed manual or six-speed Tiptronic automatic and quattro drive with a Torsen centre differential. The Cabriolet and Sportback (the latter unveiled at the 2009 Frankfurt motor show) used a 3.0-litre supercharged V6 TFSI with 245 kW (333 PS) and 440 Nm and a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch gearbox; after the 2012 facelift the coupé switched to this V6 as well.

Second generation: B9 (2016–2024)

The B9 range was unveiled in June 2016. The S5 Coupé looks purposeful yet refined and is easy to tell from the regular A5 by its diffuser, grille and red "S" badges. The Cabriolet shares the coupé's platform, differing in its roof and corner air intakes, while the Sportback looks more luxurious and a little less aggressive. Sharp-edged headlights, a heavily sculpted bonnet that drops almost vertically to the hexagonal Singleframe grille, crisp lines along the flanks and "S5" badges mark it out. Matt dark-grey 18-inch wheels match the grey mirror caps, with 19-inch wheels optional; ground clearance is 140 mm. At the rear, slim LED tail lights, an arched boot lid and quad exhaust outlets in a plastic diffuser framed by chrome complete the look.

The high-tech interior uses soft plastics, aluminium, Alcantara, leather, carbon and fine wood. A flat-bottomed three-spoke multifunction steering wheel with thick grips faces a 12.3-inch virtual cockpit that can show dials, navigation or other information. A 7- or 8.3-inch MMI screen sits at the top of the console and can show the surround-view cameras, above two- or three-zone climate controls and slim air vents. The tunnel starts with two cupholders, followed by the drive-select controller, the gear selector, storage and an armrest. The front sports seats have pronounced side support and many adjustments, and LED ambient lighting offers 30 colours. Sound insulation keeps wind and engine noise in check. Smartphone integration, wireless charging and an optional Bang & Olufsen sound system are available.

Rear space in the coupé and Cabriolet is tight for legs and heads; the Cabriolet's roof opens in 15 seconds and closes in 18. The Sportback comfortably seats adults of any size in the rear. Boot space is 380 litres in the Cabriolet, 465 litres in the coupé and 480 litres in the Sportback.

Engines and transmissions

The B9's aluminium V6 has direct injection, 24 valves and variable intake timing; published figures give combined consumption of about 7.3 l/100 km, 0–100 km/h in 4.7 seconds for the Sportback and an electronically limited 250 km/h. In Europe, the facelifted B9 was also offered with a 3.0 V6 TDI diesel. The eight-speed automatic drives a quattro system with a self-locking centre differential that sends 40% of torque to the front and 60% to the rear by default.

Chassis

The B9 S5 is based on the MLB evo platform, with five-link front and rear suspension, a body 40 mm longer than its predecessor and slightly lower weight. Adaptive electromechanical power steering is standard, and all brakes are ventilated discs. The Sportback has firmer suspension and larger brakes with six-piston front calipers and 355 mm front discs.

Safety and equipment

The S5 offers front and side airbags, seat-belt monitoring, Audi pre sense basic/city/rear, adaptive cruise control, hold assist, parking assistance and automatic parking, driver fatigue monitoring, lane keeping and blind-spot monitoring, a head-up display, full-LED lights, keyless entry and start, ABS and ESP, traffic-sign recognition and a rear camera. Standard equipment typically includes six airbags, three-zone climate control, heated electrically adjustable sports seats, 18-inch alloys, a premium audio system with ten speakers and a subwoofer, LED headlights, a 7-inch touchscreen, parking sensors and cruise control. Options include matrix LED headlights, S sports seats, Fine Nappa, Alcantara or Milano leather, a heated steering wheel, 19-inch wheels, navigation, Audi connect, Bang & Olufsen audio, sports suspension, a sport rear differential and a panoramic roof.

Key specifications by generation

Rivals

The S5's main rivals are the Mercedes-AMG C 43, the BMW M440i and, earlier, the Infiniti G37. Its handling is not as sharp as BMW's M cars, but it is fast, comfortable and well equipped; drivers who want more can choose the RS5.