The dashboard is typical modern Audi therefore it is sparse, genially crafted and all business. The use of the HVAC controls may take some getting used to but once buttons and rotary dials mastered, you'll wonder why others bother with 20 different little square pieces of plastic to get the same job done. MMI (Multi-Media-Interface), because no one can write about Audi, BMW or Mercedes without mentioning their general menu controls, is in its simplest and most functional form ever.
The S5's front passengers are well cared for, however back-row occupants will feel short-changed. Thankfully, the trunk offers up generous proportions for a coupe and could manage four soft golf bags; if the trip isn't too long, you and three buddies can take the Audi.
What takes you
The A5 series is available with a few engine choices, including the venerable 2.0L TFSI. The one that captures the attention with the S5 is the 354-hp 4.2L V8. This stonking V8 has seen duty in various states of tune in all late model Audis save for the A3 and Q5. Although it feels quite at home in all these vehicles, in the S5, it seems half and half. Allow me to explain.
The S5 is badass, way badass. So, it deserves this powerplant but it's too quiet! Sure, it loves to rumble but it gives off more of a good-times vibe than a shove-it-where-the-sun-don't-shine message. I suppose that Audi wants it this way, as the average buyer of this sporty car will be well over 40 years of age; they're likely most interested in discreet distinction over a look-at-me approach. I can deal with that.
V8 muscle
This 4.2L motor's got it where it counts. Its 317 lb-ft of torque do a very fine job of moving the 1,750-kg car up to speed. On that subject and tying it to the V8's melody, the handful of people I gave a ride to thought that the S5 should have been faster. Well, it's very quick indeed. Try 5.1 seconds to 100 km/h. It's all about how everything comes together. This is a highly finespun automobile.
 |
| The dashboard is typical modern Audi therefore it is sparse, genially crafted and all business. (Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Auto123.com) |
The S5's front passengers are well cared for, however back-row occupants will feel short-changed. Thankfully, the trunk offers up generous proportions for a coupe and could manage four soft golf bags; if the trip isn't too long, you and three buddies can take the Audi.
What takes you
The A5 series is available with a few engine choices, including the venerable 2.0L TFSI. The one that captures the attention with the S5 is the 354-hp 4.2L V8. This stonking V8 has seen duty in various states of tune in all late model Audis save for the A3 and Q5. Although it feels quite at home in all these vehicles, in the S5, it seems half and half. Allow me to explain.
The S5 is badass, way badass. So, it deserves this powerplant but it's too quiet! Sure, it loves to rumble but it gives off more of a good-times vibe than a shove-it-where-the-sun-don't-shine message. I suppose that Audi wants it this way, as the average buyer of this sporty car will be well over 40 years of age; they're likely most interested in discreet distinction over a look-at-me approach. I can deal with that.
V8 muscle
This 4.2L motor's got it where it counts. Its 317 lb-ft of torque do a very fine job of moving the 1,750-kg car up to speed. On that subject and tying it to the V8's melody, the handful of people I gave a ride to thought that the S5 should have been faster. Well, it's very quick indeed. Try 5.1 seconds to 100 km/h. It's all about how everything comes together. This is a highly finespun automobile.
 |
| This 4.2L motor's got it where it counts. Its 317 lb-ft of torque do a very fine job of moving the 1,750-kg car up to speed. (Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Auto123.com) |