2020 Audi S5 Convertible
MSRP range: $60,200 - $68,600
Other years
2020 Audi S5 Review
- Acceleration is strong and smooth
- Excellent grip delivers confident handling
- Interior is modern, stylish and packed with high-tech features
- Comfortable for long-distance touring
- Not a lot of interior storage space
- Many advanced driver aids don't come standard
- New 10.1-inch touchscreen with MIB 3 infotainment interface
- Minor styling tweaks
- Part of the second S5 generation introduced for 2018
So you like the Audi A5 but find that its four-cylinder engine doesn't quite fulfill your need for speed? Then the V6-powered 2020 Audi S5 might be right up your alley. It packs about 100 more horsepower than the A5 plus a handful of other upgrades that make it feel more dynamic and fun to drive.
It steps up the luxury quotient too, with standard massaging seats and sporty simulated suede upholstery. Available in coupe, convertible and four-door hatchback body styles, the 2020 Audi S5 is a versatile luxury car that promises performance and comfort in equal measure.
Our verdict | |
The S5 is very balanced for both performance and luxury. It's a beautiful vehicle both inside and out and has easy-to-use controls. There's genuine enjoyment if you want to take it through twisty roads, and it doesn't sacrifice comfort and luxury. It's not perfect — the design compromises rear passenger space and visibility, and the price is a little steep for the top-end Prestige — but it's a highly compelling choice in the class. | |
How does the S5 drive? | |
We tested an S5 Sportback, which is the four-door hatchback. There's plenty of power from the turbocharged V6, even if it's not immediately explosive off the line. Once on the move, acceleration is swift, steady and satisfying. In Edmunds' track testing, our S5 Sportback test car was able to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in a rapid 4.3 seconds. The brakes work well to bring all that speed to a halt, offering relatively fade-free performance in dynamic situations, but they're equally easy and smooth-acting during a casual commute. The S5 is capable around corners too. Our car came equipped with the optional S Sport package. It helps blend the best of all-wheel-drive traction with the nimble feeling of a rear-wheel-drive car. The S5's dynamic steering also feels well matched to whatever drive mode setting you're in. | |
How comfortable is the S5? | |
We continue to be amazed at the balance of the S5 Sportback. Comfort is just as much a priority as performance. The front seats are very supportive and pleasant, and the available heated and ventilated elements work swiftly. The easy-to-use climate control maintains the cabin temperature accurately, and the fans aren't excessively noisy, even on high. The optional adaptive suspension is a great way to go in the S5 because it offers excellent qualities for multiple scenarios. Comfort mode smooths out rough interstates and broken pavement with ease, while Dynamic mode keeps the body motion in check through spirited driving. The S5 is relatively silent at all speeds and well isolated from both road and wind noise. | |
How’s the interior? | |
Getting in and out of the A5 Sportback's front seats is easy. If you're on the taller side, you might have to duck to get into the rear seats due to the sloping roofline. There's a good amount of room for front occupants plus plenty of adjustment range for the driver. The rear seats are decent in terms of comfort and space for two adults up to about 5-foot-10 or so. Audi's S5 Sportback doesn't have the dual touchscreen interface that the newer Audis have, but that could be a good thing for some people. Most interior controls are clear, logically placed, and consistent in look and feel. The menu structure for both the digital instrument panel and the touchscreen menu system takes a few uses to learn, though. Visibility out of the front is decent. The over-the-shoulder view is a bit compromised due to the Sportback design and the thick rear roof pillars. The available surround-view camera system definitely helps out when backing out of parking spaces. | |
How’s the tech? | |
Audi's 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system's graphics are crisp and vibrant. Audi's Virtual Cockpit, a configurable fully digital instrument panel, is able to display nearly anything you want with as much information you want. The navigation system is straightforward and simple to use. The voice controls work pretty well, and while they're not quite conversational, the commands come close and have a good breadth of functions. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration is standard. Most of the S5 Sportback's advanced driver safety aids are optional except on the top Prestige trim, which is a little disappointing. But they all worked smoothly in our testing. | |
How’s the storage? | |
The S5 Sportback has a good amount of room for stuff in the rear cargo area under the hatch. The 40/20/40-split rear seats help give you versatility for odd-sized objects. The load height is reasonable, and the cargo area is free of intrusions. The storage for small items in the cabin, however, is merely average. There are a couple of small pockets in the center console area with room to keep items like a phone, keys or credit cards. The center console bin can fit a wallet and other similar-size items but nothing much bigger. The cupholders are on the small side, so don't plan to stop for that Big Gulp. | |
How economical is the S5? | |
The EPA estimates the S5 Sportback gets 23 mpg in combined driving (20 city/27 highway). This is slightly below average versus the competition. On our 115-mile mixed-driving evaluation route, we observed 23.5 mpg on 91 octane, indicating the EPA's numbers are realistic. Naturally, more spirited driving could result in fuel economy falling into the mid- to high teens. | |
Is the S5 a good value? | |
Audi's S5 Sportback is well built, which is something we've come to expect from Audi. There are no unsightly gaps, welds or hinges, and the interior is simple but modern. The only gripe would be the piano black surfaces around the shifter and center console area that attract fingerprints. The warranty and ownership experience are decent. The S5 Sportback is on the pricier side compared to its peers when they're similarly equipped. The starting price of $52K isn't bad, but once you equip it thoroughly, it closes in on $70K — which is slightly more than the competition. There's value with the midline trims, but you may miss out on a couple of desired features. | |
Wildcard | |
While the S5 Sportback has a sleek profile, its overall design is quite understated and doesn't differentiate itself in any obvious way. If you want to have some fun, the S5 is capable of delivering it. Power is ample but not overwhelming and well matched to its handling capability. It engages you and once you're done having fun, you ease off and enjoy it purely as a luxury sedan. | |
Which S5 does Edmunds recommend?
The base S5 Premium is tempting. Just make sure to get it with the Convenience package, which adds items such as keyless entry that should really be standard on a luxury vehicle at this price point. But consider springing for the midlevel Premium Plus. It includes the Convenience package and a few extra worthy features. It also opens the door to greater customization thanks to its expanded list of optional packages.
Audi S5 models
The 2020 Audi S5 is a high-performance variant of the A5 that is offered in coupe, convertible (Cabriolet) and four-door hatchback (Sportback) body styles. The coupe and convertible seat four, while the Sportback accommodates five. The S5 is available in three trim levels: Premium, Premium Plus and Prestige.
Save as much as $6,938 with Edmunds
2020 Audi S5 Convertible pricing
in Ashburn, VA
Premium
3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A
Edmunds Suggested Price$55,573
Premium Plus
3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A
Edmunds Suggested Price$64,281
Prestige
3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A
Edmunds Suggested Price$68,357
Safety
Our experts’ favorite S5 safety features:
- Audi Pre Sense Basic and City
- Warns of an impending front collision and automatically applies the brakes if you don't.
- Audi Side Assist
- Notifies you if there's a car in your blind spot and alerts you if you activate the turn signal.
- Audi Active Lane Assist
- Steers the S5 back into its lane if it begins to drift over the lane marker.
Audi S5 vs. the competition
2020 Audi S5
2020 BMW 4 Series
Audi S5 vs. BMW 4 Series
This BMW 4 Series generation has been on sale for a while now (a new version debuts next year), but it remains one of our favorite sport coupes. Credit is due to its comfortable ride, quick reflexes and superb handling. We also like that you can get the six-cylinder-powered 440i with a manual transmission, an increasingly rare feature even in sporty cars.
Audi S5 vs. Mercedes-Benz C-Class
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class coupe is another oldie but goodie thanks in part to design that was cutting-edge when this generation first bowed. The AMG C 43 — with a turbocharged V6 and a number of sporty upgrades — is the closest in terms of performance and luxury features to the S5. Just go easy on the options since the C 43's starting price is almost as much as the S5 Prestige's.
Audi S5 vs. Genesis G70
While the Genesis G70 is a sedan, its swept profile and cozy rear seat are more akin to what you'll find in a so-called four-door coupe such as the S5 Sportback. Cabin materials are surprisingly high-grade — especially on upper trims — and performance is impressive. A fully loaded G70 with the twin-turbo V6 is slightly less expensive than a base S5.
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FAQ
Is the Audi S5 a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2020 S5 both on the road and at the track, giving it a 8.0 out of 10. You probably care about Audi S5 fuel economy, so it's important to know that the S5 gets an EPA-estimated 22 mpg. What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the S5 has 7.3 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Audi S5. Learn more
What's new in the 2020 Audi S5?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2020 Audi S5:
- New 10.1-inch touchscreen with MIB 3 infotainment interface
- Minor styling tweaks
- Part of the second S5 generation introduced for 2018
Is the Audi S5 reliable?
To determine whether the Audi S5 is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the S5. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the S5's average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2020 Audi S5 a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2020 Audi S5 is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2020 S5 and gave it a 8.0 out of 10. Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2020 S5 is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2020 Audi S5?
The least-expensive 2020 Audi S5 is the 2020 Audi S5 Premium 2dr Convertible AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $60,200.
Other versions include:
- Premium Plus 2dr Convertible AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $62,700
- Prestige 2dr Convertible AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $68,600
- Premium 2dr Convertible AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $60,200
What are the different models of Audi S5?
If you're interested in the Audi S5, the next question is, which S5 model is right for you? S5 variants include Premium Plus 2dr Convertible AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A), Prestige 2dr Convertible AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A), and Premium 2dr Convertible AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A). For a full list of S5 models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more