2021 Audi S5 Convertible
2021 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
- Wireless functionality for Apple CarPlay
- Premium Plus trim gets additional advanced driver aids
- S5 Sportback in Prestige trim gets heated rear seats as standard
- Part of the second S5 generation introduced for 2018
Perhaps with the ubiquity of SUVs, we've forgotten that cars aren't simply about utility. Style matters, and great design connects with us in ways that acres of available cargo space can't. When it comes to emotional appeal, few cars are as striking as the 2021 Audi S5. Whether the S5 is in coupe, convertible or four-door hatchback form, its lines and proportions match its impressive V6-powered performance and sharpened handling.
More powerful and luxurious than its A5 counterpart, the S5 adds about 100 horsepower and some extra standard features such as massaging front seats, heated rear seats and diamond-stitched leather upholstery. While the newly redesigned BMW 4 Series Coupe offers stiff competition, the S5 stirs the soul. Read our Expert Rating below to get our full in-depth take on this year's S5.
Our verdict | |
The S5 is very balanced for both performance and luxury. It's a beautiful vehicle inside and out and has easy-to-use controls. It's genuinely enjoyable if you want to take it on 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 S5 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 when you're 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 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’s the fuel economy? | |
The EPA estimates the S5 Sportback gets 23 mpg in combined driving (20 city/28 highway). This is slightly below average in its competitive class. 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. Our only gripe: 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 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. If you want to have some fun, the S5 is capable of delivering it. Power is ample but not overwhelming, and it's well matched to the Audi's 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?
Audi S5 models
The 2021 Audi S5 is the high-performance counterpart to the A5. Compared to the A5's four-cylinder engine, the S5 comes with a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine (349 horsepower, 369 lb-ft of torque) paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive.
2021 Audi S5 Convertible pricing
in Ashburn, VA
2021 Audi S5 Convertible Features & Specs
- Base MSRP
- $60,600
- MPG & Fuel
- 20 City / 26 Hwy / 22 Combined
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 15.3 gal. capacity
- Seating
- 4 seats
- Drivetrain
- Type: all wheel drive
- Transmission: 8-speed shiftable automatic
- Engine
- V6 cylinder
- Horsepower: 349 hp @ 5400 rpm
- Torque: 369 lb-ft @ 1370 rpm
- Basic Warranty
- 4 yr./ 50000 mi.
- Dimensions
- Length: 184.9 in. / Height: 54.5 in.
- Overall Width with Mirrors: 79.9 in.
- Overall Width without Mirrors: 72.7 in.
- Curb Weight: 4178 lbs.
- Cargo Capacity, All Seats In Place: 7.3 cu.ft.
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
2021 Audi S5
2021 BMW 4 Series
Audi S5 vs. BMW 4 Series
The 4 Series gets a full makeover for 2021 and the results are, well, distinct. The new BMW's styling won't suit everyone's tastes, but it's hard to disagree with the performance. The M440i's six-cylinder makes 382 horsepower, better than the S5's numbers, and its overall handling and ride comfort are exemplary. The S5 is no slouch on a winding road either, and it's arguably got more personality and a sharper interior.
Audi S5 vs. Mercedes-Benz C-Class
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe is due for an upgrade, and it's likely we'll see a new C-Class next year. A new coupe may not arrive until 2023, however, so until then the current AMG C 43 isn't a bad way to pass time. Its turbocharged V6, classy interior and sporty handling upgrades make it a more elegant rival to the more flamboyant S5. The Benz costs more, especially when you start checking the options boxes, but the AMG C 43 is the way to go if you want understated luxury sport coupe performance.
Audi S5 vs. Genesis G70
The Genesis G70 has four doors, and though it's not technically a coupe, its swept-back profile and cozy rear seat make it not unlike the Audi S5 Sportback. Interior materials are surprisingly high-quality, especially on upper trims, and performance is strong enough to hang with the European stalwarts. As a bonus, a fully loaded G70 with a twin-turbo V6 costs slightly less than a base S5.
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FAQ
Is the Audi S5 a good car?
What's new in the 2021 Audi S5?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2021 Audi S5:
- Wireless functionality for Apple CarPlay
- Premium Plus trim gets additional advanced driver aids
- S5 Sportback in Prestige trim gets heated rear seats as standard
- Part of the second S5 generation introduced for 2018
Is the Audi S5 reliable?
Is the 2021 Audi S5 a good car?
How much should I pay for a 2021 Audi S5?
The least-expensive 2021 Audi S5 is the 2021 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 $60,600.
Other versions include:
- Prestige 2dr Convertible AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $68,700
- Premium Plus 2dr Convertible AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $64,200
- Premium 2dr Convertible AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $60,600