2008 Audi S5 Consumer Reviews

The Perfect Automobile

Written by: Wausau S5 on 06/01/2008

Vehicle

2008 Audi S5 quattro 2dr Coupe AWD (4.2L 8cyl 6M)

Review

The Audi S5 is the perfect all-around all weather car. In the time leading up to my purchase I drove the new M3, RS4, A5 and S4. The S5 is the perfect combination of performance, comfort, style, features and audible pleasure. I loved driving the M3 and was close to deciding on that car but I was a little worried about RWD in the northern Wisconsin winters that can make driving even an AWD car a challenge 6-8 months out of the year. After nearly three weeks with the S5 I can say I am thrilled with all aspects of the Audi. I disagree with people on the MPG, for a car of this type, the MPG is great. I drove 200+ highway miles today and got 23mpg. That is up from 19mpg in the 1st 1000miles.

Favorite Features

Suspension, engine transmission are outstanding. Interior design and fit and finish are great. It is by far the best looking production car available today! The ride is perfect, firm but compliant. Goes over road imperfections like they aren't there. That's the biggest difference between S5 and M3

Suggested Improvements

I miss voice command for the phone /Audio /nav system. Mostly for the phone.

25 out 26 people found this review helpful

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I have named her Gemini.

Written by: Wausau S5 on 05/18/2008

Vehicle

2008 Audi S5 quattro 2dr Coupe AWD (4.2L 8cyl 6M)

Review

So far, so great. I traded a 2007 A6 4.2 for this S5 I have driven a few cars in the last three months, A5, new M3 and my S5. The S5 is the perfect blend of performance, comfort, style, quality and all weather security. I really liked the M3 but was nervous about the Wisconsin winters and RWD. Then I saw the S5 in person, drove it and fell in love.

Favorite Features

Engine, six-speed, seats and style, inside and out.

Suggested Improvements

I miss the voice command from the A6's MMI. Anyone who complains about the mpg is missing the point of this cruiser.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Classy/sporty/unique grand tourer

Written by: cscokid on 05/16/2008

Vehicle

2008 Audi S5 quattro 2dr Coupe AWD (4.2L 8cyl 6M)

Review

Took delivery back in late jan 2008. Have logged close to 2500 miles in mixed driving. Car handles phenomenally and is a head turner wherever I go. Build quality is impeccable, interior design and exterior styling make this one unique car. Also looked at the 335xi but the audi interior was more aesthetically pleasing, this layout is very driver centric. Although the car is heavy handling is precise and the car feels like it's on rails, especially in the twisties where it simply attacks the corners. Biggest downside is the v8 gas gulper but the car is such a joy to drive that the sub par gas mileage becomes bearable.

Favorite Features

Interior and exterior styling, trunk space, build quality, B&O stereo, throaty exhaust note

Suggested Improvements

Gas mileage (TDI variant to the US maybe?)

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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All show and plenty of go!

Written by: NMS on 03/31/2008

Vehicle

2008 Audi S5 quattro 2dr Coupe AWD (4.2L 8cyl 6M)

Review

I have had my Audi for about 3 weeks and have had many positive comments about the car. I will say this is my first Audi but I am overall a lover of cars, owning everything from SUV's to American Muscle cars to Japanese rides such as the G-35 coupe. Positives-The S5 is an excellent ride, not too rough for a sports car, ergonomics are great, V-8 is very responsive in all gears. Day time running lights turn countless heads. I-pod integration a must. Spacious trunk. Tight handling. Negatives- electronic speed limited. No voice activated Bluetooth. Horrible gas mileage. No standard all season high performance tires.

Favorite Features

I-Pod/cell phone integration , Quattro AWD, redline 7000RPM, rear parking assist, push button start,aggressive styling and wide stance. Exhaust rumble.

Suggested Improvements

Voice activated Bluetooth, 155mph electronic shut off, always on a/c outlet. More lift on moon roof. Gas mileage but who cares when driving this ride!

8 out 9 people found this review helpful

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S5

Written by: SSG on 03/23/2008

Vehicle

2008 Audi S5 quattro 2dr Coupe AWD (4.2L 8cyl 6M)

Review

The bluetooth may bring some connection headaches...but it's a hell of a machine. Key functions may also not be as well connected. Nonetheless, very comfortable and extremely smooth in gear shifting. It has an awesome shape and look to it. The base is low so parking and going thru dips may scratch the front bottom bumper

Favorite Features

Everything

Suggested Improvements

Key connections, more room in the rear seats by making car 12" longer. Voice dial command on cell phones

1 out 7 people found this review helpful

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A stupid car - but in a fun way

Written by: VKG on 03/17/2008

Vehicle

2008 Audi S5 quattro 2dr Coupe AWD (4.2L 8cyl 6M)

Review

I live in the Chicago area so my initial concerns were: a) what do I do if it snows and b) the gas mileage ain't pretty. As for the snow - of which we saw a near record amount this year - the S5 drives exceptionally well. I dumped the summer performance tires within hours of picking up the car replacing them with high performance all seasons. The car's power is so easy that driving slow in rough conditions is easy. The gas mileage is terrible.

Favorite Features

The Audi interior. Best seat comfort there is. All of the controls are there for you and interior materials are first rate. Band & Olufsen stereo is a bargain for the sound quality. The 6 speed manual is a pleasure to use and the S5's handling and responsiveness is great fun.

Suggested Improvements

3 out 4 people found this review helpful

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750 miles, many more to go

Written by: Briany SF on 01/03/2008

Vehicle

2008 Audi S5 quattro 2dr Coupe AWD (4.2L 8cyl 6M)

Review

This is my third Audi and by far the most fun to drive. I've owned a 2000 A4 2.8 Avant and 2006 A3 2.0T and this upholds the Audi reputation for excellent interiors and beautiful exterior design. This car is beautiful by looks and in driving. The growl of the V8 had me from the start, but sitting inside you get to appreciate the attention to car-driver intuitive design. The six-speed manual has a nice feel, but 1st can be a bit abrupt, but it's a bit new so too early to judge. Gas mileage is a definite concern (~12-22mpg), but only time will tell.

Favorite Features

Technology package is a must with the advanced key entry and the back up camera. It's not just a camera, but has computer overlay graphics to aid in backup and parallel parking. iPod integration is perfect, copying the iPod display. Bluetooth support to import phonebook is awesome!

Suggested Improvements

Voice control would be a nice addition as it works well in my Acura. (There is a hack to get voice dialing to work.) Not sure why Audi doesn't include full voice command control in the US. I also miss the grocery hooks in the trunk and underseat storage that were standard in my A3.

30 out 31 people found this review helpful

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Easiest $60K choice I've ever made!

Written by: S5 Chicago on 12/28/2007

Vehicle

2008 Audi S5 quattro 2dr Coupe AWD (4.2L 8cyl 6M)

Review

To be a first time Audi owner with a 2008 S5 is the best car experience I've ever had. The car is absolutely stunning from any angle and light setting. I have soccer moms looking at the car at stop lights! Not very easy to get used to I might add. The performance and V8 sound more than equal its stunning looks. Interior Fit and Finish are Audi's best, and the MMI is easy to use and informational. The Bang & Olufsen stereo is amazing, but its usually muted since I love hearing the V8 engine noises inside the cabin, and also with the windows down.

Favorite Features

The Tech in this car is just enough, zero over kill. Useful features that are easy to figure out and easy to use. All controls have the right amount of resistance (detents) in their action. Makes the controls feel expensive and precise. I love the rims and tire package too.

Suggested Improvements

Moon roof only pops up to vent, does not slide back. Looking at the car from above I can see they designed it that way to save headroom in the rear, and to provide space for the sloping rear window. But at $60K, shouldn't they have redesigned for an opening moon roof?

16 out 18 people found this review helpful

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Well integrated, what a motor!

Written by: Fluxcap on 12/15/2007

Vehicle

2008 Audi S5 quattro 2dr Coupe AWD (4.2L 8cyl 6M)

Review

This is my 17th car, following just about everything but Audi (Porsche 928 and 996 Turbo, SL500, BMW 735, and assorted Ford and Chevy cars). Hands down, this is the best automotive execution I have driven. I'm a nut for picking apart failed user interfaces (my job), and this car has not disappointed me, however I'm only about 75% familiar with it after 400 miles. MMI is a bit complicated, so the Driver Information System and steering wheel controls are fabulous; you can do 90% of what you need very quickly, intuitively, and with eyes forward. IPod integration, including playlist support, is great, and will save lives. The motor and drivetrain is wonderful.

Favorite Features

Technology and bluetooth/iPod integration (phone book on my Blackberry Curve appeared). Torque will put a grin on your face. Exhaust note is a perfect rumble. Interior switchgear and overall fit/finish is world class. Car has an exotic feel about it, great value.

Suggested Improvements

The Voice Control is inactive, with no explanation by Audi, the manual, the Audi website. Snow is a problem with the factory high perf. tires. 3" of cold slush/snow and I couldn't get up my 4% incline driveway.

17 out 19 people found this review helpful

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600 miles into my S5

Written by: 1st S5 on 11/09/2007

Vehicle

2008 Audi S5 quattro 2dr Coupe AWD (4.2L 8cyl 6M)

Review

Being the 1st review means I haven't had it long enough to really have good answer to some question. Went in for an A6/R6, was shown this "one and only" by a friend and 5 min later it was mine. This car is as nice to drive and it is to look at. The DI V8 has such a unique sound at first I though there was a miss, but it's growing on me. Waiting for more mileage to go stand on it. Quick checks tell me that MPG is 22+/- if your on the road. This is a 6 speed and love the way it shifts. If I had the option I would have got the automatic but would have to wait for 4-5 months and maybe not in a S5?

Favorite Features

Driver control of all things fun are very integrated. Exterior styling - WOW! That's what made it an instant buy. Front running lights should be renamed to front running Smile due to their combined shapes! Did I say the exterior appearance?

Suggested Improvements

Get the "Voice Command" installed and working on North American A5/S5 cars. The button is there but "inoperative". Why not in NA cars? NA Audi gives no reason, but says "NO". Get a customer training class for all the electronics in this car rather than stumbling around. The must be a better way!

19 out 23 people found this review helpful

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