Audi A5 S5 (07 on) - Review

Review by David Ross on 30 April 2009

Last Updated: 20 August 2010

At the top of the A5 range is the high performance S5. It's available as coupe or a cabriolet - and the two models are actually powered by different engines with the hard top getting a V8 and the convertible powered by a supercharged 3.0-litre TFSI. Don't let the understated looks fool you either, the S5 will sprint from 0-62mph in little more than five seconds and both engines create a wonderful sound to accompany that rapid acceleration. Audi's quattro four-wheel drive system is standard, ensuring excellent traction in all conditions while the superbly built cabin is one of the best around. There's even a decent boot. It may not be quite as powerful or as quick as the BMW M3, but it is cheaper to buy and will provide more than enough performance for most.

4.5 out of 5

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4.5 out of 5

Summary

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£42,005 - £45,910

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Used price range:

£17,092 - £42,336

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Characterful and strong engines, understated looks, available as a convertible, refined ride

Expensive to run, uneconomical, cramped rear seat space

Driving & Performance

Performance

4.5 out of 5
"The S5 was launched as a coupe with a 4.2-litre V8 FSI engine delivering 354bhp and immense low down..."
Handling

4 out of 5
"Both models come with quattro all-wheel drive, which means the S5 is able to put all that power down..."

Comfort

Comfort

4 out of 5
"Although it may be a high performance car, the S5 manages to blend handling and ride comfort. The..."
Practicality

3 out of 5
"Getting in and out of the rear seats can be a challenge. Even though the front seats electrically..."
Equipment

4 out of 5
"The top of the range S5 comes well equipped - as you'd expect given its considerable price tag."
Behind the wheel

4.5 out of 5
"The quality of the materials used in the S5 interior is high class with a superb finish. It's not..."

Costs

Running costs

2 out of 5
"A high performance car with more than 300bhp is never going to be cheap to run and the S5 is no..."
Green credentials

2 out of 5
"With V8 or 3.0-litre supercharged V6 engines, it's little surprise that the S5 isn't very..."

Safety & Reliability

Safety

4.5 out of 5
"There's no official crash safety rating for the A5 or S5 but the Audi A4 was awarded the maximum..."
Reliability

4 out of 5
"This may be a high performance car, but Audi has a superb reputation for reliability and the S5 has..."

Buying & Selling

Buying new

2 out of 5
"The S5 is the top of the range A5 model and so isn't a huge seller. It's worth trying to negotiate a..."
Buying used

3 out of 5
"The best S5 models are likely to be at Audi dealers as it's a fairly niche car. The convertible is..."
Selling

4 out of 5
"Any S5 model will always create plenty of interest. It may not have as much badge kudos as a..."