The V8 delivers its stable in a linear sustained way, the engine sound is very polished and the chassis is so structurally sound that the on-board impression is that of a smooth take-off. This car is that refined. And this sums up my only complaint with the S5. I think Audi should offer the V8 in an A5 and make the S5 a more hardcore sports coupe. You're thinking that that's where the RS5 comes in. You're right, but I'm envisioning a pair of turbos working some boost-magic and upwards of 500 hp... Sorry, I went off track there.
Audi dynamic drive
This is a fun little gimmick that the grinning new owner of an S5 will be able to play with to enhance the S5's already engaging drive. In Comfort mode, you get exactly that but do not expect the car to float over ruts and uneven surfaces; this is still an Audi after all. In Auto mode, the car will determine the best steering, suspension and throttle response settings to suit the driving situations. In Dynamic, things get more interesting as the S5 is now poised to shred tarmac where ever it may go.
In positions 2 and 3, the S5's steering really comes alive where response is concerned. It's actually surprising at first. The first on-ramp I tackled, I had to unwind the wheel as the curb came flying towards the car way fast. The feeling is that of being pulled into the apex as opposed to the impression that the car wants to run the corner wide. It's quite rewarding once you adjust steering input.
A good deal?
I know what you're thinking; $60,000 is not in everybody's range but let me tell you that those who are perusing the list of what's available in this price range have never been luckier. This also means that the S5 has got some serious competition in its hands. Here is but a sample (coupes and sedans): BMW M3, Mercedes C63 AMG, Lexus IS F, Infiniti G37S and Audi's own S4. Tough crowd indeed!
Biggest point in the S5's favour is its styling; this is the only car in the above list that will still turn heads and that's saying quite a bit. For the discerning person searching for a sophisticated coupe with musclecar performance, a German pedigree and that he or she will be proud of (remember, this car will fit in nicely with your collection of fine things), the A5 and the S5 stands just about alone.
Audi dynamic drive
This is a fun little gimmick that the grinning new owner of an S5 will be able to play with to enhance the S5's already engaging drive. In Comfort mode, you get exactly that but do not expect the car to float over ruts and uneven surfaces; this is still an Audi after all. In Auto mode, the car will determine the best steering, suspension and throttle response settings to suit the driving situations. In Dynamic, things get more interesting as the S5 is now poised to shred tarmac where ever it may go.
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| The Audi Drive Select system is a fun little gimmick that the grinning new owner of an S5 will be able to play with to enhance the S5's already engaging drive. (Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Auto123.com) |
In positions 2 and 3, the S5's steering really comes alive where response is concerned. It's actually surprising at first. The first on-ramp I tackled, I had to unwind the wheel as the curb came flying towards the car way fast. The feeling is that of being pulled into the apex as opposed to the impression that the car wants to run the corner wide. It's quite rewarding once you adjust steering input.
A good deal?
I know what you're thinking; $60,000 is not in everybody's range but let me tell you that those who are perusing the list of what's available in this price range have never been luckier. This also means that the S5 has got some serious competition in its hands. Here is but a sample (coupes and sedans): BMW M3, Mercedes C63 AMG, Lexus IS F, Infiniti G37S and Audi's own S4. Tough crowd indeed!
Biggest point in the S5's favour is its styling; this is the only car in the above list that will still turn heads and that's saying quite a bit. For the discerning person searching for a sophisticated coupe with musclecar performance, a German pedigree and that he or she will be proud of (remember, this car will fit in nicely with your collection of fine things), the A5 and the S5 stands just about alone.
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