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2023 Audi S5 Consumer Reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
52 reviews

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$52,331
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We have a limited number of reviews for the 2023 S5, so we've included reviews for other years of the S5 since its last redesign.

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5 out of 5 stars

Screaming fast. Fantastic fun

Mark J, 01/20/2019
updated 01/31/2024
2018 Audi S5 Premium Plus quattro 2dr Coupe AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A)
25 of 26 people found this review helpful

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.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

Perfect blend of performance & luxury

Eric Gokcen, 12/19/2020
2021 Audi S5 Prestige 4dr Hatchback AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A)
9 of 9 people found this review helpful

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.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

Possibly the best car I have ever owned.

texastoast4, 01/28/2020
2019 Audi S5 3.0 TFSI Prestige quattro 2dr Convertible AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A)
9 of 9 people found this review helpful

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!

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
4 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

My First Audi. Glad it was the 2018 S5 Prestige!

Gene Simpson, 10/17/2017
updated 11/26/2019
2018 Audi S5 Prestige quattro 2dr Coupe AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A)
20 of 22 people found this review helpful

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.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
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Performance
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Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

Looks Great and STILL Fun to Drive (1 year out)

Dr. Ron, 06/22/2019
updated 06/26/2020
2019 Audi S5 3.0 TFSI Prestige quattro 2dr Coupe AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A)
8 of 8 people found this review helpful

Had the 2019 S5 Coupe 1 year now. Still looks great in Quantum Gray with Black Optic wheel package. Continue to get compliments. Love the responsive handling in and out of traffic. Easy merging on the highway with the 350 hp. Comfortable and stylish interior. Electronics seem to enhance the connection between driver, car, and road.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

Fantastic Upgrade from 2015 S5.

Mythos, 11/11/2017
updated 05/16/2018
2018 Audi S5 Prestige quattro 2dr Coupe AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A)
13 of 14 people found this review helpful

The overall feel to me is a higher level of sophistication than previous generation. Audi has made a step up in overall quality of interior design, materials and switch gear. Suspension changes are quite noticeable which provides a more sure footed feel. Gone is the under steer tendency when aggressively taking corners. It feels much quicker with surges of power more instantaneous across the RPM band than the previous generation due to the Turbo providing low end torque where the 2015 Supercharged engine only produced that kind of torque over 3k RPM. Didn't think Audi could improve the interior but they did. Seats are more supportive and yet more comfortable, The changes to the MMI took a little getting use to but now it is second nature accessing information is faster with the new button layout. Input of information is easier too especially with the touch handwriting recognition. MMI\Navi computer is much faster. No lag time between screens and the navigation display is amazingly sharp and directions are accurate. The visual cockpit is a joy to use. Information right in front of you where it should be. Love the multi gauge setups. Even the B&O stereo system is a step up in sound quality. Very glad I upgraded to the 2018.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
4 out of 5 stars
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2 out of 5 stars

One big problem made me sell after 9 mos

Bradley Steele, 06/13/2019
updated 12/13/2019
2018 Audi S5 Prestige quattro 4dr Hatchback AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A)
12 of 13 people found this review helpful

New technology for crash avoidance in this car is flawed. It was extremely intrusive and on three occasions nearly caused me to have an accident when it suddenly stopped in the middle of an intersection. If a car came opposite in a common left turn lane, for example, the Audi would anticipate having a head on collision and stop my car suddenly when I was trying to cross traffic. I had a 2016 S5 and I thought the technology worked just fine. The 2018 update changed this technology dramatically. I hated it.

Safety
1 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
4 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

My first Audi car!

Luis Manuel Soto, 01/18/2021
2021 Audi S5 Premium Plus 2dr Coupe AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A)
7 of 7 people found this review helpful

I came from Mercedes Benz C250 Coupe 2012, Lexus IS 2014, MB C300 AMG 2016, BMW M240i 2019 and now the Audi S5 2021 Premium Plus for around a month and I need to tell you this Audi have the best of the C series (Interiors look and materials) and the best from the M240i (Performance and Fun to drive). It's a great combination between performance and luxury. Best of both worlds.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars
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Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars
Value
4 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

Oh my goodness...

rowjimi, 08/11/2018
updated 09/10/2018
2018 Audi S5 Prestige quattro 2dr Coupe AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A)
24 of 28 people found this review helpful

This is an outstanding sports car for the driver who doesn't know how to drive a sports car. Incredible road grip and acceleration, but for the driver who wants to power slide and break the rear end loose, I don't know if it's even possible. The car has road grip forever and no matter how hard I push it, it drives like an amusement park ride - like it's on a rail, which is perfect, for me. I am on my 7th lux 4x American pick up and this car is my thrill ride. Any more power and I'd be in trouble, yet MPG is like an economy car. 33-35 MPG on road trips are routine and MPG average with 8000 miles is 27. 60-90 passing in a heartbeat. Seat comfort for 8 hours at a time is fantastic (I am 6'4" tall with a 5 level lumbar fusion and a 2 level cervical fusion and 500 mile trips are painless. One huge gripe - top down 360 degree camera view cannot be kept in program for parking. Software fix is "pending". Don't advertise a feature if software makes it not usable unless it is switched on manually every time it is needed. $68k+ MSRP and 360 view doesn't work. Bad move Audi. Car is flawless otherwise. Amendment 9/6/18: I take care my 84 year old step-mom (lives with me in my home in the Sierras) and she isn't cool with the fact that there isn't anything to hold onto -both getting in and out, or when am pushing it in the twistes. She loves the road hugging when I drive aggressively, but would like a handle on the armrest or inner roofline. Nothing there to hold onto. She loves the car, but my '18 F150 4x is much more old person friendly. Yah, 84 year olds are not the customer demographic, but if you aren't holding onto the steering wheel when driving this car hard, being a passenger needs more grabbability

Performance
5 out of 5 stars
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4 out of 5 stars

If Only the Windows Work

David H, 01/16/2019
2018 Audi S5 Prestige quattro 4dr Hatchback AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A)
19 of 22 people found this review helpful

It's been about 10 years since I last owned a German car and with great trepidation I bought the S5. I had such a terrible time with my Mercedes (every time I drove past the dealership, I got charged $1,000). It had everything I wanted: horsepower, handling, all wheel drive and it looked awesome! My friends said quality and reliability was unbeatable. Well, let's just say that the windows don't really work when it gets cold. It seems that moisture gets into the window mechanism and freezes during the winter. When that happens, the window does not seal properly (it is a frameless window, so it has to come down a little to release pressure for the doors to open easily). This means that road noise is terrible. Took it to the dealership twice. First time, they said it was a software upgrade issue. The second time, they couldn't replicate the issue. It is frustrating to spend $60K for a car and the windows won't work. Waiting for the lease to complete and I can go back to the reliable Acura.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
3 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
2 out of 5 stars
Value
3 out of 5 stars
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