2011 Audi S5 Review
2011 Audi S5 Review





+86
Audi S5 model years
Audi S5 types
- Coupe
- Convertible
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Sensuous styling
- available V8 model
- balanced ride and handling
- premium interior
- all-wheel-drive traction.
Cons
- Artificial steering feel
- MMI can be a challenge.
What’s new
For 2011, the Audi S5 coupe and convertible receive only minor changes in features content. The Prestige trim gets rear parking sensors and a rearview camera as standard and a power rear sunshade as an option. HD radio has been added to the available navigation system, and a new Titanium Sport package debuts.
Edmunds says
The 2011 Audi S5 Coupe and Cabriolet are true classics in the making, combining beautiful styling with compelling performance and a high-class interior.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2011 Audi S5 Premium Plus quattro 2dr Coupe AWD (4.2L 8cyl 6A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.96 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$253/mo
S5 Premium Plus quattro
vs
$173/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
Vehicle overview
A grand touring coupe or convertible should engage the senses and inspire the imagination. It's the sonorous rumble of its exhaust, the sensuous curves of its styling and the cosseting confines of its interior that make you perpetually wonder, "Where shall I go next?" Being just a car is not enough; a proper GT should be an experience whether you're schlepping to work or trekking to Vancouver on a whim. The 2011 Audi S5 is without question one of these cars, capturing the essence of more expensive and exotic GTs in a more affordable, yet still incredibly sexy package.
Like many GTs, the 2011 Audi S5 is available as a coupe or a convertible, the latter of which is known as the Cabriolet. Though both are similarly equipped and come with all-wheel drive, each has a significantly different character due to unique engine and transmission choices. The coupe gets a more traditional configuration, with a melodic 354-horsepower V8 feeding its power through a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. The Cabriolet gets a more modern design, with a 333-hp supercharged V6 that matches the V8's acceleration potential but betters its gas mileage thanks in part to a high-tech seven-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission.
Regardless of body style, you can expect the same high-quality cabin with top-notch materials, the latest electronics and sport seats that'll treat your backside superbly on that jaunt up to Canada. The Cabriolet might not have a retractable hardtop like several of its competitors, but its multilayered soft top quells outside road noise even as it minimizes any convertible's inevitable weight increase.
The styling part of the GT equation goes without saying, as the S5 is quite simply one of the best-looking cars on the road. Of course, there are other luxury coupes to consider. The 2011 BMW M3 is more of a driver's cars rather than a GT, and it's better suited for an aggressive assault on a back road. At the opposite end of the equation, the 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class is a little more sedate than its Audi rival. All this makes the 2011 Audi S5 a happy medium for those looking for a grand touring car that'll engage and inspire.
Performance & mpg
The 2011 Audi S5 coupe and convertible feature completely different engines.
The Audi S5 coupe gets a 4.2-liter V8 that produces 354 hp and 325 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual transmission is standard and a six-speed automatic with manual control is optional. In performance testing, a manual-equipped S5 coupe went from zero to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds. EPA-estimated fuel economy is 14 mpg city/22 mpg highway and 17 mpg combined with the manual and 16/24/19 with the automatic.
The Audi S5 convertible is powered by a 3.0-liter supercharged V6 good for 333 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque. A seven-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission is standard. In Edmunds performance testing, the S5 Cabriolet got from zero to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds. Estimated fuel economy is 17/26/20 mpg.
Safety
The 2011 Audi S5 comes standard with antilock disc brakes, stability and traction control, and front seat side airbags. The coupe has standard side curtain airbags and the convertible features pop-up roll bars. A blind-spot warning system is optional on the Prestige. In Edmunds brake testing, both S5 body styles came to a stop from 60 mph in 110 feet -- solid performance for a luxury performance car of this type.
Driving
The 2011 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 wheels and 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. The optional variable-ratio steering system that comes with the Audi Drive Select package provides an even more contrived feel.
The coupe's 4.2-liter V8 is simply one of our favorite engines. Acceleration from this motor is authoritative, yet it never seems to be working hard, emitting an intoxicatingly mellow burble from idle to redline. The Cabriolet's supercharged 3.0-liter V6 is smooth and strong, and its automated dual-clutch manual works superbly. However, the V6 lacks character compared with the V8.
Interior
The S5's attractive cabin is one of its strong points, though the competition has largely caught up to Audi's formerly segment-leading interiors. Audi's Multi Media Interface (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 frustrating to operate, but the console-mounted one is the most user-friendly MMI yet, thanks to Audi's latest third-generation menu structure and a special joystick-like button atop the control knob.
The front sport seats are excellent for both enthusiastic driving and long-distance cruising. Of course the S5 features a low seating position and a high cowl and beltline, which is sportier but might make shorter drivers feel submerged. As with most coupes, the head- and legroom in the rear seat is limited, 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 cargo items, a welcome convenience in a high-buck performance car.
2011 Audi S5 models
The 2011 Audi S5 is available in coupe and soft-top convertible (Cabriolet) body styles. Both feature Premium Plus and Prestige trim levels.
The Premium Plus comes standard with 19-inch cast-aluminum wheels, performance tires, automatic xenon headlights, LED running lights, foglights, automatic wipers, heated eight-way power front seats with adjustable lumbar and driver thigh support extension, leather upholstery, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, tri-zone automatic climate control, a split-folding rear seat, an auto-dimming mirror, Bluetooth, the dash-mounted Multi Media Interface (MMI), a CD player, satellite radio and an iPod interface.
In addition to this, the coupe features a tilt-only sunroof while the Cabriolet features a fully powered soft top and a wind deflector. The Navigation package adds a rearview camera, rear parking sensors, center-console-mounted MMI controls, a navigation system, voice controls, real-time traffic and HD radio.
The S5 Prestige adds auto-dimming exterior mirrors, keyless ignition/entry, the Navigation package and a 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system (optional on Premium Plus). The Prestige can be equipped with optional adaptive cruise control, a blind-spot warning system, a power rear sunshade (coupe) and the Audi Drive Select package, which includes a sport rear differential and driver-selectable settings for an adjustable suspension, throttle, transmission and steering.
Optional on both trims is a Titanium Sport package, which adds special dark-colored wheels and a black grille surround. The coupe can be equipped with a Sports Rear Differential package, which is basically the Audi Drive Select package without the suspension and steering adjustments. The convertible can be equipped with the Comfort package, which adds a neck-level heating system, ventilated front seats, adjustable front seat lumbar and upgraded leather upholstery.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2011 Audi S5.
5 star(92%)
4 star(5%)
3 star(3%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
36 reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.88 out of 5 stars
1st time Audi owner
bigdjjd, 02/08/2011
2011 Audi S5 Premium Plus quattro 2dr Coupe AWD (4.2L 8cyl 6A)
I recently traded a 08 BMW m3 sedan for a 2011 S5 and I am thrilled!!
While the m3 is a fantastic car, it is not a fantastic everyday car.
I made the switch because of the s5's seductive good looks, v8 power, and 4 wheel grip.
The s5 interior is stunning visually and very user friendly (BMW Idrive is a mess!)
The seats are extremely comfortable and infinitely adjustable.
The B&O sound … system is fantastic, and would say on par with the best from BMW.
Behind the wheel; great steering feel, engine power is substantial but not overwelming. Overall build quality and materials are excellent.
My only grips are: the pano roof only vents and the overhead sunglass compartment is tiny!
5 out of 5 stars
More Luxurious than My Vette
tboy, 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.
5 out of 5 stars
It is SOOOOO good
dtc4, 10/05/2011
2011 Audi S5 Premium Plus quattro 2dr Coupe AWD (4.2L 8cyl 6A)
Ok .... I expect if you are like me, you are reading these reviews to sway you one way or another between different brands.
Stop reading, man up, drop the coin and do it.
Yeah, the gas mileage isn't great but does that matter?
You don't get a V8 for free.
It's sexy, fun, fast, reliable and did I mention fun.
By far the best car I've ever owned.
5 out of 5 stars
7 years hundred and twenty thousand miles and neve
Paul, 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.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2011 Audi S5, so we've included reviews for other years of the S5 since its last redesign.
2011 Audi S5 Coupe Features & Specs
- Base MSRP
- $53,650
- MPG & Fuel
- 14 City / 22 Hwy / 17 Combined
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 16.6 gal. capacity
- Seating
- 4 seats
- Drivetrain
- Type: all wheel drive
- Transmission: 6-speed manual
- Engine
- V8 cylinder
- Horsepower: 354 hp @ 7,000 rpm
- Torque: 325 lb-ft @ 3,500 rpm
- Basic Warranty
- 4 yr./ 50,000 mi.
- Dimensions
- Length: 182.1 in. / Height: 54.0 in.
- Overall Width without Mirrors: 73.0 in.
- Curb Weight: 3,858 lbs.
- Cargo Capacity, All Seats In Place: 12.2 cu.ft.
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More about the 2011 Audi S5
Used 2011 Audi S5 Overview
The Used 2011 Audi S5 is offered in the following submodels: S5 Coupe, S5 Convertible. Available styles include Premium Plus quattro 2dr Coupe AWD (4.2L 8cyl 6A), 3.0T Premium Plus quattro 2dr Convertible AWD (3.0L 6cyl S/C 7AM), and Premium Plus quattro 2dr Coupe AWD (4.2L 8cyl 6M). Pre-owned Audi S5 models are available with a 4.2 L-liter gas engine or a 3.0 L-liter gas engine, with output up to 354 hp, depending on engine type. The Used 2011 Audi S5 comes with all wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 6-speed shiftable automatic, 7-speed automated manual, 6-speed manual.
What's a good price on a Used 2011 Audi S5?
Price comparisons for Used 2011 Audi S5 trim styles:
- The Used 2011 Audi S5 3.0T Premium Plus quattro is priced between $21,590 and$26,590 with odometer readings between 24440 and51654 miles.
- The Used 2011 Audi S5 Premium Plus quattro is priced between $22,590 and$22,590 with odometer readings between 58156 and100191 miles.
Shop with Edmunds for perks and special offers on used cars, trucks, and SUVs near Ashburn, VA. Doing so could save you hundreds or thousands of dollars. Edmunds also provides consumer-driven dealership sales and service reviews to help you make informed decisions about what cars to buy and where to buy them.
Which used 2011 Audi S5S are available in my area?
Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2011 Audi S5 for sale near. There are currently 4 used and CPO 2011 S5S listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as $21,590 and mileage as low as 24440 miles. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a used car from our massive database to find cheap prew-owned vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the AutoCheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the Used 2011 Audi S5.
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Should I lease or buy a 2011 Audi S5?
Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.
Check out Audi lease specials
Check out Audi S5 lease specials
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