2010 Audi S5 Review
Price Estimate: $3,419 - $5,210





+61
Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Sensuous styling, coupe's stellar V8, sharp handling, upscale interior, available convertible body style.
Cons
- Artificial steering feel, convertible is pricey and lacks a retractable hardtop and the coupe's V8.
What’s new
The 2010 Audi S5 gets a cabriolet (soft-top convertible) variant that's available only with a new supercharged V6, whereas the coupe keeps the previous V8. Also, the S5 receives Audi's standardized trim level structure, and navigation-equipped S5s get the third-generation MMI system with a revised controller and real-time traffic.
Edmunds says
The 2010 Audi S5's repertoire expands thanks to the new soft-top S5 Cabriolet and its exclusive supercharged V6, while the classy V8 continues to power the coupe. If you want a luxury performance coupe or convertible, the S5 belongs on your short list.
For sale nationwide
24 listings
- $11,988fair price$442 below market
- 89,692 miles
- 4 accidents, 7 owners, personal use only
- 6cyl automated manual
- Gojo Auto (578 mi away)
- AWD/4WD
- Bluetooth
- Leather Seats
- Upgraded Headlights
- Power Driver Seat
Close
Located in Denver, CO
2010 Audi S5 3.0T Quattro Cabriolet - Top-Down Performance & German EngineeringPrice: $11,399Mileage: 89,692 milesEngine: 3.0L Turbocharged V6 (333 hp...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: No
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
20 Combined MPG (17 City/26 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: WAUVGAFH2AN019123
Stock: 3650G
Certified Pre-Owned: No - $11,900fair price$1,088 above market
- 127,715 miles
- No accidents, 3 owners, personal use only
- 8cyl automatic
- Automay Car Sales (728 mi away)
- AWD/4WD
- Bluetooth
- Leather Seats
- Sunroof/Moonroof
- Upgraded Headlights
Close
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Clean CARFAX! CLEAN S5! 127k miles!Financing and the Full CARFAX available on automaycarsales.comFinancing automaycarsales.com/apply-onlinePearl White...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
19 Combined MPG (16 City/24 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: WAUCVAFR5AA062741
Stock: 27256188
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Vehicle overview
In the realm of international relations, arms races are a recurring and potentially devastating problem. But the automotive equivalent -- the horsepower war -- just makes life more fun for enthusiasts everywhere. German automakers in particular have been trying to outgun each other at the dyno since the 21st century got underway, and the battle has really heated up over the past few years. The 2010 Audi S5 is a calculated addition to Audi's arsenal, a high-performance luxury coupe/convertible intended to counter BMW's growing stockpile of turbocharged sporting machines.
When the strikingly styled S5 debuted two years ago, it was available solely as a V8-powered coupe with either a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic. The still showstopping coupe soldiers on for 2010, but it's joined by a soft-top cabriolet that comes with a different powertrain: a supercharged 3.0-liter V6 paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automated manual. Shared with other performance cars in Audi's lineup, the cabriolet's force-fed V6 makes 333 horsepower and as much torque -- 325 pound-feet -- as the coupe's 4.2-liter V8.
If you're in the market for a performance coupe or convertible, you'll also likely be checking out the S5's natural rival, the BMW 335i coupe and convertible. In comparison, the S5 coupe's V8 has a far more engaging character than the 335i's businesslike, turbocharged inline-6, enabling the Audi to serve as a budget-priced alternative to top-dog luxury coupes like the BMW 6 Series -- and justifying its considerably higher price. For the cabriolet, though, the BMW's comparable engine and retractable hardtop make the Audi's price premium much harder to swallow.
Still, the 2010 Audi S5 has a trump card that the Bimmer lacks, and that's its drop-dead gorgeous styling. For coupe buyers, it's an additional reason to feel good about spending a little more; for Cabriolet buyers, it might end up being the deciding factor. And let's face it: When you're dropping $50,000-$60,000 on a performance car, looks are important, and by this measure the S5 stands alone. We'd strongly advise that you check out the 335i (or the coupe-only 335xi if you're high on the Audi's standard Quattro AWD) as well as Mercedes-Benz's new E550 coupe, but we wouldn't blame anyone for being seduced by Audi's stunning intercontinental two-door missile.
Performance & mpg
The S5 features two engines: the coupe's 4.2-liter V8, which churns out 354 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque, and the cabriolet's 3.0-liter supercharged V6, which is good for 333 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed manual transmission is standard on the coupe, and a six-speed automatic with manual shift control is optional. On the cabriolet, a seven-speed dual-clutch automated manual is the only available transmission.
In performance testing, we spurred a manual-transmission 2010 Audi S5 coupe from zero to 60 mph in a fleet 4.9 seconds.
EPA fuel economy estimates for the V8-powered coupe stand at 14 mpg city/22 mpg highway and 17 mpg combined with the manual transmission, while the automatic is rated at 16/24/19 mpg. The V6-powered cabriolet comes in at 17/26/20 mpg.
Safety
Antilock disc brakes (with brake assist), stability and traction control and front-seat side airbags come standard on all S5 models. Coupes have side curtain airbags as well, while cabriolets have active roll bars behind the seats.
Driving
The 2010 Audi S5 is a sharp-handling car, with tenacious AWD traction and little body roll to speak of. It's also rather heavy, however, and feels the part. In other words, it's a classic grand touring car that happens to handle extraordinarily well. The standard 19-inch tires give the S5 a firm ride and notable road noise over some surfaces, but neither trait is objectionable by the sporty standards of this segment. The S5's standard speed-sensitive power steering system, on the other hand, feels artificially light at parking-lot speeds and too heavy on the highway, though it's precise and responsive in quick transitions. The optional variable-ratio steering system that comes with the Audi Drive Select package provides a similarly contrived feel.
The coupe's 4.2-liter V8 is simply one of our favorite engines. Acceleration is authoritative, yet it never seems to be working hard, emitting an intoxicatingly mellow burble from idle to redline. The manual transmission's clutch is sometimes tricky to engage smoothly, but the shifter is precise; the automatic is less involving but a perfectly adequate alternative. The cabriolet's supercharged 3.0-liter V6 is smooth and strong, and its automated dual-clutch manual is quicker than you'll ever be in a conventional three-pedal car. However, the V6 lacks character compared with the V8 -- it's highly capable but hardly inspiring.
Interior
The S5's attractive and high-quality cabin is one of its strong points, though the competition has largely caught up to Audi's formerly segment-leading interiors. Audi's proprietary MMI routes many functions through a control knob mounted on either the dashboard or the center console, depending on whether the optional navigation system is present. The dash-mounted version can be somewhat frustrating, but the console-mounted one is a different story -- thanks to Audi's latest third-generation menu structure and a special joystick-like button atop the control knob, this is the most user-friendly MMI yet.
The front sport seats are excellent for both enthusiastic driving and long-distance cruising. Unlike the A4 sedan on which it's based, though, the S5 features a low seating position and a high cowl and beltline, which is sportier but may make shorter drivers feel submerged. The rear seat's limited head- and legroom make it suitable for small passengers only, though people stuck back there will be treated to their own set of climate controls. The rear seatback folds down in both the coupe and convertible to accommodate larger items, a welcome convenience in a high-buck performance car.
2010 Audi S5 models
The high-performance 2010 Audi S5 is available as a coupe or soft-top convertible (the cabriolet) in two trim levels: Premium Plus and Prestige.
The base S5 Premium Plus comes standard with 19-inch alloy wheels, a sport-tuned suspension, xenon headlamps, foglamps, power heated exterior mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, an electronic parking brake, a multifunction leather-wrapped steering wheel, a panoramic tilt-only sunroof, tri-zone automatic climate control, power and heated front sport seats, napa leather upholstery, a 50/50-split-folding rear seatback, Bluetooth, Audi's Multi Media Interface (MMI) with dash-mounted controls and a CD audio system with satellite radio and an auxiliary input jack. The S5 Cabriolet adds a power-retractable soft top and a wind blocker.
The Prestige upgrades to keyless entry/ignition, auto-dimming mirrors, a color information display, a Bang & Olufsen sound system with a DVD player, driver memory functions and a hard-drive-based navigation system with real-time traffic updates and the third-generation MMI system (including revised menus and a joystick-like button atop the control knob).
Optional on the Premium Plus trim are the navigation system and Bang & Olufsen sound system. The S5 Prestige is eligible for adaptive cruise control, a back-up camera with rear parking sensors (included with the navigation bundle on Premium Plus), a blind-spot warning system and Audi Drive Select (includes adaptive suspension dampers, variable-ratio steering, a sport rear differential that varies torque between the rear wheels, and four selectable driving modes for transmission and steering response and ride tuning).
All S5s can be outfitted with a Sports Rear Differential package (essentially Drive Select minus the adaptive dampers and the variable-ratio steering), various decorative inlays and Alcantara seat inserts. The cabriolet-only Comfort package adds a neck-level heating system and ventilated seats with special Milano leather upholstery.

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Compare 2010 Audi S5 trim levels
Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart
Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota
$282/mo for S5 Premium Plus quattro
S5 Premium Plus quattro
vs
$164/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
See Edmunds pricing data
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Reliability Ratings by RepairPal
2 out of 5 stars2/5Average
#63 out of 68 among Luxury Midsize Cars
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
$849/yr
vs. $607/yr
for Average Luxury Midsize Car
for Average Luxury Midsize Car
Frequency
2.27x/yr
vs. 1.36x/yr
for Average Luxury Midsize Car
for Average Luxury Midsize Car
Severity
20.5%
vs. 10.5%
for Average Luxury Midsize Car
for Average Luxury Midsize Car
powered by RepairPal
Audi S5 Owner Reviews
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
More Luxurious than My Vette
5 out of 5 starstboy, 01/31/2010
2010 Audi S5 3.0T Premium Plus quattro 2dr Convertible AWD (3.0L 6cyl S/C 7AM)
Having been a vette owner for years-the price of the new ones compared with new technology being introduced by other automakers made me look in a different direction. I drove new Corvettes, MB, Infiniti, and Lexus. When I finally drove the Audi S5 Cabriolet-I knew it was time to change. The style, the punch of the supercharged engine, the interior design, the technology Audi offers and … the limited availability of the S5 Cab made me want one. It is roomy, enough power to cruise with some fun, sounds great and the tech gadgets are incredible.
7 years hundred and twenty thousand miles and neve
5 out of 5 starsPaul, Mendham, 11/19/2016
2010 Audi S5 3.0T Premium Plus quattro 2dr Convertible AWD (3.0L 6cyl S/C 7AM)
I have owned my S5 since November 2009 and have driven it a hundred and twenty thousand miles both Highway and City driving. The car looks as good today as it did when I first got it. But more importantly the car drives as well today as it did when I first got it acceleration and hides high speed drivability is great. I plan on holding onto it until the new 2018 model comes out. I … recommend it for a while.
Just bought the S5
4.88 out of 5 starscleveland, 10/15/2010
2010 Audi S5 Premium Plus quattro 2dr Coupe AWD (4.2L 8cyl 6A)
I bought the Audi S5 last month. I was torn between waiting for the supercharged V6, or getting the V8. After all of my research, I discovered, that the V6 will be on average 2-3 miles per gallon more efficient. Which if you drive 15,000 miles a year, and extrapolate over a 5 year car ownership averages to about $2000 saved for the V6. I chose the V8 because I test drove both … engines, and the V8 just sounds better, feels better, and I personally like feeling the gears change and shift, because it makes me feel that I am driving a rocket. The car is beautiful, handles superbly, the interior is well- appointed, and looks great. The MMI did require some learning, but I'm good with it now.
Heads won't stop turning to look at S5!
4.75 out of 5 starseddieversace, 04/13/2010
2010 Audi S5 Premium Plus quattro 2dr Coupe AWD (4.2L 8cyl 6M)
If you want to keep a low profile and go un-noticed then, this is NOT the car to drive.I inherited enough money in Jan. 2010 to be able to buy me this car with cash in March 2010. I knew I wanted a Luxury/Sport Coupe, and narrowed it down to this or the Infiniti G37.Deciding factor for me was the way the Audi S5 Coupe felt while driving it. This car demands the attention of everyone … within view with its sensory charged design and gadget options. Love the rims that came on the car but have already scraped them on two curbs. My auto insurance also increased from $145.00 per month premium to $414.00 per month. But, Its Worth It! Hoped the Convertible was AWD though!
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2010 Audi S5, so we've included reviews for other years of the S5 since its last redesign.
2010 S5 Highlights
Coupe
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $52,400 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 17 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $282/month |
Seating | 4 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 12.0 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | all wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the S5 include:
- Alarm
- Tire Pressure Warning
- Stability Control
- Post-collision safety system
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