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.Read full review
Clint Simone has worked in the automotive industry since 2015. He has tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Before joining Edmunds as a senior reviews editor, Clint contributed to Motor1.com and InsideEVs, evaluating mostly electric cars. Clint loves hot hatchbacks more than any other type of vehicle but secretly enjoys driving big trucks when he gets the chance. He would never admit to that.
Rex Tokeshi-Torres has worked in the automotive industry for over 17 years. Rex is a vehicle testing technician and photographer at Edmunds and is responsible for coordinating vehicle testing and logistics, organizing data, and capturing photos for the site and social media. He has written over 100 vehicle-related articles and has rated, tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. He has also contributed content to Autobytel, Autotrader, Automobile, the Associated Press and DSport along with various motorsport teams. His affinity with cars started because of Hot Wheels and his love of modifying cars. He occasionally drives Subarus.
Pros
Strong acceleration from the turbocharged engine
Excellent all-wheel-drive grip with confident handling
Modern, stylish interior and exterior design
Cons
Cramped interior space with few storage options
Down on power compared to closest rivals
What's new
Adaptive cruise control added to the Convenience package
Bang & Olufsen audio system added to Premium Plus trim
New Audi Sport interior package, with contrasting stitching and carbon-fiber inlays
Part of the second Audi S5 generation for the 2018 model year
Overview
Sitting between the entry-level A and performance RS models, the Audi S cars strike a happy medium. The 2023 Audi S5 operates on that same Goldilocks principle, with sufficient style, performance and technology.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2023 Audi S5 Premium 4dr Hatchback AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) 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 $3.98 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.
Audi offers the S5 as a coupe, convertible and four-door hatchback, which Audi calls the Sportback. The hallmark improvement over the base A5 is the upgrade from four to six cylinders, with all S5 models powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6. Along with the jump in power comes a broader range of standard features such as massaging front seats with quilted upholstery and a more aggressive exterior appearance.
The closest rival to the two-door Audi S5 is the BMW M440i, while the four-door Acura TLX Type S is a match for the S5 Sportback. Both the BMW and Acura hold their own with equivalent power and performance, but the Audi has the upper hand when it comes to design.
Edmunds Expert Rating
Our VerdictThe Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.
Good
8.0
out of 10
edmunds TESTED
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.
Comfort
8.5/10
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.
Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below
Save as much as $7,276 with Edmunds Click on the trim you’re interested in to see what Edmunds suggests you should pay to get a good deal. Savings vary by trim; $7,276 refers to estimated savings off of MSRP for the Prestige trim.
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.
Technology
8.0/10
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.
Storage
8.0/10
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.
Fuel Economy
7.0/10
How’s the fuel economy? The EPA estimates the S5 Sportback gets 24 mpg in combined driving (21 city/30 highway), keeping it in line with the 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.
Value
7.0/10
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 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. Our test vehicle's starting price of $52K wasn'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 midlevel trims, but you may miss out on a couple of desired features.
Wildcard
8.5/10
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?
We think it's worth it to spring for the middle-tier Premium Plus trim, whichincludes the excellent Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system, the larger digital instrument panel, a 360-degree camera system, wireless phone charging, and adaptive cruise control that works down to 0 miles per hour. It's the sweet spot in the trim levels.
2018 Audi S5 Premium Plus quattro 2dr Coupe AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A)
4th update: 49,000 miles and almost 7 years. Still love this car.
3rd update: Not change, but needing breaks at 38,000 seems too soon when virtually all the miles are highway miles.
4th update: 44000 miles. Still love this car.
2nd update: Just turned 36k miles and still love the car. Just replaced tires. I learned that Audi uses a bit of negative camber (helps with cornering) … which causes the tires to wear on the inside at a faster rate than normal. Hence, be sure to get the treadwear guarantee and rotate tires to get a healthy credit toward the new tires.
Update: After 4+ years of ownership I still love this car. Everything below is still valid. Total mileage after 4.75 years of ownership is about 32,000
I've put 12k miles on the car and have not had any troubles. The dealer support for a condenser that was perforated by a rock was above and beyond. The car is blazing fast. Way better than my G35 or 530 ever were. The S5 is also more refined than those cars too. Since I drive 80 - 85 on the highway, when I need to pass and punch the gas it jumps to 100 almost instantly. Acceleration to 60 is also terrific. Road holding (I have the optional split differential) is incredible. A corner that I could never get past 37 in the G35 I've already done effortlessly at 55 in the S5. I'd try it faster, but there is not enough road to get the speed any higher. I've taken the car on an 850 mile one day drive and found it to be extremely comfortable (I'm 6'0 and 200 pounds). Fuel economy on that road trip was 30 MPG. Around town which is a mix of city/highway mpg is 22. This is based on using mid grade fuel. In regards to the turbo lag, I have found it to be almost imperceptible when the transmission is in sport mode. I basically keep it in sport until I reach a road where I can cruise at a steady speed. Oh, and the car gets plenty of looks. Its a work of art.
My First Audi. Glad it was the 2018 S5 Prestige!
5 out of 5 stars
Gene Simpson, 10/17/2017
2018 Audi S5 Prestige quattro 2dr Coupe AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A)
This car is absolutely incredible. It drives and handles like a dream. The technology can be a bit overwhelming at first but once you get used to how things work it is great. The controls and ergonomics of the cabin are almost perfect. Great quality materials in the buttons, high-quality diamond stitched Nappa leather and a sound system that is fantastic. Everything is arranged within … the cabin with the driver as the focus of all controls and electronics. The virtual cockpit is incredible to use as is everything else. Engine response is superb with just a slight turbo lag in the low rpm range below 1300rpm. Once past that line, the acceleration is incredible. The handling is so balanced with acceleration and cornering that is way out of its class. I could go on and on about what a great car this is but all I can say is this was my first Audi S5 series, it will not be my last.
Have had the car for a month and love everything about it. Just came off of a Mercedes C43 AMG convertible which was a much harsher ride with a more high revving engine sound. The S5 is more of the V8 rumble and feels more powerful even though the numbers are similar. Handles extremely well but also absorbs the bumps nicely. The layout of the interior is perfect. Really excellent car in … every way.
Possibly the best car I have ever owned.
5 out of 5 stars
texastoast4, 01/28/2020
2019 Audi S5 3.0 TFSI Prestige quattro 2dr Convertible AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A)
Just took delivery of my 2nd S5 Cabriolet. The previous was a slightly used (5k miles) 2015 Premium Plus. This model is a brand new 2019 Prestige fully loaded. I could not find anything quite comparable to my previous S5 after test drives with BMW, Mercedes, Lexus, Porsche, and even Tesla (albeit a completely different concept all-elec). Throwing in all the tangibles and in-tangibles … (warranty, maintenance service support, handling, performance, versatility, wet-sexy looks, country-club street cred, durability, and price) I could not find any match. First, the new 2019 S5, although it looks similar, is a completely different car than its predecessor. Audi changed the body lines and design and added a ton of technology and improvements to the 2018 model. The new 2019 comes with a $10-15k higher price point, regardless of options, but I have to say...WORTH IT. The car is packed so tight with high tech customizable features and options, that it is overwhelming. On the Prestige model, there is almost nothing in the cockpit that is not customizable. For example, the stock Milano leather sport seat with quilted cross-hatch stitching have no less than 40 different possible settings. Not the least of which is the back and lumbar massage system which comes standard with three different pressure points with three different levels of intensity each. Not only can you customize the interior LED lighting system, which is elegantly tucked under the the seamless Atlas carbon fiber inlays, foot-wells, and cup-holders, to literally ANY color in the visible spectrum, you can even delineate the "upper" level lights to a different color than the "lower" level lights. The exterior camera system provides 360 degree "top view" of the car when parking and backing up. You can select any individual camera to view for tight-quarter maneuvers when needed. If that is not enough, you can even change the HUD system (Heads Up Display) to rotate up to 5 degrees R-L and position the projection higher or lower on the windscreen, as well as adjust the brightness and actual information projected to include turn-by-turn navigation, road sign information, and the active lane assist. The car is simply astonishing with advanced customizable features. One of my big disappointments in the 2015 was the lack of voice-command microphone for phone operation and other radio and climate features. The Audi (Volkswagen) engineers figured that out in the 2018-2019 model. The acoustic dampening convertible top is a feat of technology in itself. I can tell no difference in the interior road noise from my friend's plush Lexus hard-top sedan, and my sporty coupe convertible. The exhaust note on start-up turns heads. A friend of mine just said, "Whoa-that sounds like a Ferrari engine." Performance In the 2019 is much better. It has a touchy throttle, and when pressed, it sprints. The over-all 0-60mph time may not be significantly different, but it "feels" lighter and more nimble. The wide 19-Inch sport summer tires could probably hold a 1.1+ G lateral on a track, but I'm slightly disappointed Audi didn't recognize that most of us in the U.S. are daily commuters and not formula-one drivers. They should have installed all-season performance tires to hold up under the all-wheel torque and grind of the Quattro system such as Pirelli P-Zeros. Almost as good, with 4x the mileage wear. The dynamic steering is really necessary to avoid wheel rim rash. The rear wheels track far inside front wheels.
This car is ridiculously good for what it is. A very high performance luxury convertible with the price tag of a loaded full-size domestic pick-up truck. Unfortunately they ain't making more. Audi has sadly discontinued the S5 cabriolet for 2020 and the foreseeable future. Go grab one while you still can!
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2023 Audi S5, so we've included reviews for other years of the S5 since its last redesign.
The 4 Series received a makeover in 2021, and the results are … polarizing. The 4's new schnoz won't suit everyone's taste, and the S5 delivers its style without being so divisive. But the M440i still manages to deliver thrills once you get behind the wheel, and its interior space is just as high-tech and well-built as the Audi's.
While the TLX only comes as a sedan, its Type S variant is an almost direct competitor to the S5 Sportback. Both have all-wheel drive and a turbocharged V6 as standard. Pricing is similar too. The Acura is the bigger car and has a slightly roomier back seat, but the interior has less pizazz compared to the Audi's. Both cars excel at comfort and daily usability.
Although it’s getting up there in age, the Lexus RC remains a staple in the luxury coupe market. Its comfortable interior and uncomplicated powertrain are a huge draw for many buyers, though its spindle grille scares some away. However, the Audi blows the Lexus away when it comes to usable tech.
Available as a coupe, convertible or a practical four-door hatchback (Audi calls this the Sportback), the Audi S5 blends style, technology and usability under handsome sheetmetal. No matter the body style, all S5s feature all-wheel drive and use a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine to deliver strong acceleration. Seating for four passengers is also shared across the lineup, but the four-door Sportback provides easier access to the rear seats than the coupe or convertible.
Nothing much changed for the S5 in 2022 and we're pretty sure that's going to be the case for 2023 as well. If anything, we expect minor changes to available trim options, such as tweaks to exterior styling and possibly the addition of upgraded tech features. Other Audis, like the Q7, are getting adaptive cruise control with lane keeping assist added to lower trim levels, so we wouldn't be too surprised if that happened with the S5.
These personal luxury coupes and convertibles are a bit of a rarefied space in today's marketplace. Most of the direct competition comes from German rival BMW and its 4 Series coupe, convertible and Gran Coupe (that's the four-door version, similar to the S5 Sportback). Lexus offers its IS sport sedan in coupe form, but it's no match for the performance of the Audi. Mercedes looks set to introduce an all-new model known as the CLE that could compete with the S5 coupe and convertible when it debuts before the end of the year.
Edmunds says
Audi hasn't done much to tweak the S5 in a while, and we don't think the automaker is going to do much for 2023. Why mess with a good thing? The S5 is one of the more distinct offerings in the personal luxury car segment, and we like it more than enough to recommend the Audi in any of its three body styles.
FAQ
Is the Audi S5 a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2023 S5 both on the road and at the track, giving it a 8.0 out of 10. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2023 S5 gets an average rating of 5 stars out of 5 (based on 52 reviews) What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the S5 has 21.8 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 2023 Audi S5?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2023 Audi S5:
Adaptive cruise control added to the Convenience package
Bang & Olufsen audio system added to Premium Plus trim
New Audi Sport interior package, with contrasting stitching and carbon-fiber inlays
Part of the second Audi S5 generation for the 2018 model year
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 5-star average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2023 Audi S5 a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2023 Audi S5 is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2023 S5 and gave it a 8.0 out of 10. Our consumer reviews show that the 2023 S5 gets an average rating of 5 stars out of 5 (based on 52 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2023 S5 is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2023 Audi S5?
The least-expensive 2023 Audi S5 is the 2023 Audi S5 Premium 4dr Hatchback AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $55,800.
Other versions include:
Premium 4dr Hatchback AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $55,800
Premium Plus 4dr Hatchback AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $59,800
Prestige 4dr Hatchback AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $64,200
If you're interested in the Audi S5, the next question is, which S5 model is right for you? S5 variants include Premium 4dr Hatchback AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A), Premium Plus 4dr Hatchback AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A), and Prestige 4dr Hatchback AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A). For a full list of S5 models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more
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