2012 Audi S5 Review
Price: $11,995





+87
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
Other than minor feature content adjustments, the 2012 Audi S5 is unchanged.
Edmunds says
In either coupe or convertible guise, the 2012 Audi S5 represents an intoxicating blend of style, performance and luxury.
For sale near Ashburn, VA
47 listings
- $11,995good price$2,016 below market
- 75,183 miles
- No accidents, 2 owners, personal use only
- 6cyl automated manual
- DMV Automotive (20 mi away)
- AWD/4WD
- Bluetooth
- Leather Seats
- Upgraded Headlights
- Power Driver Seat
Close
Located in Falls Church, VA
The front windshield is in excellent condition. The paint is in great shape and condition. No dings are visible on this vehicle. The tires are slightl...
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:
20 Combined MPG (17 City/26 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: WAUVGAFHXCN001326
Stock: N8378
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 06-01-2025 - 85,235 miles
- No accidents, 2 owners, personal use
- 6cyl automated manual
- Exceptional Motorcars (167 mi away)
- AWD/4WD
- Bluetooth
- Leather Seats
- Upgraded Headlights
- Power Driver Seat
Close
Located in Glenshaw, PA
S5!! 3.0L SUPERCHARGED V6 ENGINE!! ALL WHEEL DRIVE!! NAVIGATION!! BACKUP CAMERA!! BACKUP SONAR, 19 INCH WHEELS, GLASS REAR WINDOW WITH DEFROSTER,...
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:
20 Combined MPG (17 City/26 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: WAUCGAFH4CN001734
Stock: 01734
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Vehicle overview
Add an "S" to any Audi model name and you generally increase the entertainment factor. The 2012 Audi S5 is a prime example. Based on the four-cylinder A5 coupe and convertible, the S5 benefits from either a supercharged V6 or burly V8 engine and more athletic handling. Yet the S5 is still balanced, with an easy-to-drive nature and styling that deftly combines sensuous curves, an aggressive stance and understated luxury.
Out on the road, the Audi S5 is a joy to drive. Whether it's slicing through twisting canyon roads or logging serious touring miles, it manages to deliver just the right mix of athleticism and luxury. Drivers may also choose between coupe or soft-top convertible models. Both body styles are similarly equipped, though the coupe receives the sonorous V8, while the cabriolet is powered by the V6. Many enthusiasts will likely find the coupe more to their liking, not just for the extra cylinders, but also because it's the only one offered with a six-speed manual transmission.
Inside, the S5 treats passengers to a high-quality cabin that is typical of the Audi brand. Materials quality is top-notch and the latest electronics are pleasing to casual users and early adopters alike. The sport seats are sure to gain favor as well, with plenty of lateral support and cosseting comfort for a variety of driving preferences. And while the soft-top convertible may seem outdated when compared to more modern folding hardtops, the lighter multilayer construction keeps the cabin quiet and folds away neatly without completely devouring trunk space.
With stunning good looks and stirring performance, it's easy to see why the Audi S5 is one of our favorites. But of course, it's not the only choice among luxury coupes, and its competitors are all worth consideration. BMW's 335i is a bit more focused on driver engagement and performance, while the Mercedes-Benz E-Class delivers a more luxurious slant. The 2012 Audi S5's qualities place it somewhere between the two, making it a very attractive choice indeed.
Performance & mpg
While both the convertible and coupe versions of the 2012 Audi S5 feature all-wheel drive as standard equipment, they are powered by different engines.
The Audi S5 coupe is powered by a 4.2-liter V8 that produces 354 horsepower 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 that makes 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 went from zero to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds. Estimated fuel economy is 17/26/20 mpg.
Safety
Standard safety features on the 2012 Audi S5 include 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, as is an emergency braking system (paired with adaptive cruise control) that senses an impending impact and applies maximum brake power boost to reduce overall stopping distance. 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 2012 Audi S5's sleek and aggressive looks are more than skin deep. It also has plenty of performance to match. There's little body roll in the curves and the all-wheel drive further enhances handling confidence. But the S5 does still feel rather heavy and should be thought of as an athletic grand tourer instead of a sports car.
The 19-inch wheels and thin tire sidewall transmit some jolts into the cabin, but we wouldn't go so far as to call the ride harsh. Road noise is detectable, but in no way objectionable; especially when compared to other sporty coupes. 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
In addition to the S5's seductive curves and aggressive exterior styling, its cabin also receives high marks. Controls are centered around the driver and the interior makes use of top-notch materials and Audi's austere design ethic. Audi's MMI controls a multitude of systems and is easy to operate with a little practice. Without the optional navigation, however, the MMI knob is situated on the dash, which isn't nearly as easy to use as the console-mounted position that comes with the navigation system.
The sporty front seats are as supportive in the curves as they are comfortable on a long road trip. The low seat cushion and high beltline can make some smaller drivers feel a bit submerged, though. Rear comfort is about what you'd expect from other coupes in this segment, which is to say, a little short on head- and legroom. The rear seats fold down to allow for additional cargo space, though the coupe's 12.2-cubic-foot trunk should hold most everyday items. The cabriolet's trunk capacity is nearly identical with the top up, dropping to 10.2 cubes with it stowed.
2012 Audi S5 models
The 2011 Audi S5 is available in coupe and soft-top convertible (Cabriolet) body styles. Both are offered in Premium Plus and Prestige trim levels.
Standard features on the Premium Plus include 19-inch alloy wheels with summer performance tires, automatic xenon headlights, LED running lights, foglights, automatic wipers, heated 12-way power front seats with driver memory, leather upholstery, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, tri-zone automatic climate control, a split-folding rear seat, auto-dimming mirrors, 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 adaptive headlights, keyless ignition/entry, a blind-spot warning system, 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 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 body elements and body-colored mirrors. 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.

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Compare 2012 Audi S5 trim levels
Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart
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
It is SOOOOO good
5 out of 5 starsdtc4, 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.
1st time Audi owner
4.88 out of 5 starsbigdjjd, 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!
Audi S5 turns heads and excites the senses
5 out of 5 starsmobility1, 01/12/2012
2012 Audi S5 Premium Plus quattro 2dr Coupe AWD (4.2L 8cyl 6A)
Own a 2012 S5 after testing the 2.0 A5 in pretty much every configuration available at the dealership.
I'm not sure why Edmunds thinks the steering is "contrived" or "artficial" because my experience is of an extremely tactile and responsive control system. My own gas mileage IS actually improving as I learn how to properly drive the car.
Now at 1000 miles I am getting closer to 26 to 28 … hwy and 15 to 19 city mpg now thanks to my judicious use of the responsive cruise control, and active mileage monitoring system, and I can adjust my driving style to suit.
Well-mannered in traffic when it needs to be, and becomes an elegant beast when pushed with very little effort.
Audi S 5
5 out of 5 starsvlj4, 09/25/2011
2011 Audi S5 Premium Plus quattro 2dr Coupe AWD (4.2L 8cyl 6A)
I have owned a BMW, Acura, Infinity and Land Rover, I have to say that this Audi S5 is the best car I have ever owned! The engineering, performance, and technology is superior. As well it is a blast to drive.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2012 Audi S5, so we've included reviews for other years of the S5 since its last redesign.
2012 S5 Highlights
Convertible
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $59,300 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 20 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $236/month |
Seating | 4 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 12.3 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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