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
Christian Wardlaw has worked in the automotive industry since 1994. He has written nearly 10,000 car-related articles and tested and reviewed more than 2,000 vehicles over the course of his career. Chris is a correspondent at Edmunds and was the first editor-in-chief of Edmunds.com in the 1990s. He has also contributed to Autotrader, CarGurus, J.D. Power, Kelley Blue Book, NADAguides, New York Daily News Autos and WardsAuto. His mom claims that his first word was “car,” and Chris believes that Miata is always the answer.
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 some rivals
What's new
Expanded standard equipment list
Enhanced navigation system package
Arkona White and Progressive Red paint colors
Part of the second S5 generation introduced for 2018
Overview
At Audi, the letter S stands for sport. When an Audi has an S in its name, you can bet it offers more power, performance and overall driving satisfaction than the vehicle on which the company bases it (but not quite as much as an Audi RS model). That helps to understand what the 2024 Audi S5 lineup brings to the table compared to equivalent A5 models. This year, the S5 continues in coupe, convertible (Cabriolet) and hatchback (Sportback) body styles, each receiving more standard equipment, including driver assist, parking assistance and remote engine starting features.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2024 Audi S5 Premium 2dr Coupe 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 $3.89 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.
Edmunds spotlight: What makes the Audi S5 special?
Depending on the body style you choose, you could save about ten grand by choosing the Audi A5 over the sport-tuned Audi S5. But then you'd miss out on a more powerful turbocharged V6 engine, a sport-tuned suspension and larger front brakes. The Audi S5 is quicker to accelerate, too, shaving about a second off the blast to 60 mph. The S5 models also have upgraded interior features with more seat bolstering, diamond-stitched leather and a massage function. Exclusive options include an available speed-dependent, variable-ratio steering system with quicker response to driver inputs, a sport rear differential that enhances handling, and an adaptive damping suspension. Is all that worth the premium over the A5? We think so.
Competitors to consider
BMW is the only Audi rival that matches the S5 lineup model for model. Within the BMW 4 Series lineup, the M440i offers a bump in performance in coupe, convertible and hatchback (Gran Coupe) variants. In addition, like the Audi S5, each of these BMW M440i models has standard all-wheel drive. You might also consider the new Mercedes-Benz CLE 450 in coupe and convertible body styles, and the Acura Integra Type S could prove enticing as an alternative to the S5 Sportback, especially if you want a manual gearbox.
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.
Interior
7.5/10
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.
Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below
Save as much as $5,633 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; $5,633 refers to estimated savings off of MSRP for the Prestige trim.
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.
Storage
8/10
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.
Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below
Fuel Economy
7/10
How’s the fuel economy? The EPA estimates the S5 Sportback gets 23 mpg in combined driving, keeping it in line with the class. On our mixed-driving evaluation route, we observed 23.5 mpg, indicating the EPA's numbers are realistic. Naturally, more spirited driving could result in fuel economy falling into the mid- to high teens.
Value
7/10
Is the S5 a good value? The S5 Sportback is on the pricier side compared to peers when they're similarly equipped. There's value with the midlevel trims, but you may miss out on a couple of desired features. Our Audi S5 Sportback test car was well built, which is something we've come to expect from Audi. There were no unsightly gaps, welds or hinges. Audi's warranty coverage is average for a luxury brand.
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 the S5 Premium Plus delivers the right blend of equipment and value. It adds upgraded digital instrumentation, a terrific Bang & Olufsen premium audio system, a surround-view camera, and a blind-spot warning system. In addition, it is your ticket to the S Sport package and enhanced performance.
Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart
Audi S5 models
The 2024 Audi S5 is a compact luxury car available in two-door coupe, two-door convertible and four-door hatchback body styles. Each is available in Premium, Premium Plus and Prestige trim levels and packs a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine (349 horsepower, 369 lb-ft of torque), an eight-speed automatic transmission and an all-wheel-drive system.
Premium
The S5 Premium includes the following features:
19-inch alloy wheels
Sport suspension
Larger front brakes
LED headlights and taillights
Automatic high-beam headlights
Panoramic sunroof (coupe and hatchback)
LED ambient cabin lighting
Three-zone automatic climate control
Leather and synthetic suede upholstery
Power-adjustable, heated front sport seats with massage
Heated steering wheel
Auto-dimming rearview mirror
Integrated toll road transponder
10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system
Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay smartphone connectivity
Connected services with remote engine start
Standard safety features include:
Forward collision warning with automatic braking (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
Lane departure mitigation (warns you of a lane departure when a turn signal isn't used and can automatically steer to maintain lane position)
Lane centering system (makes minor steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane)
Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the Audi and the car in front)
Parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible in front of or behind the vehicle when parking)
The S5 Premium is available with a Convenience package that adds:
Auto-dimming side mirrors
Keyless entry and keyless start
Memory for the driver's seat and exterior mirrors
Satellite radio
Blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning (alerts you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while in reverse)
Premium Plus
Choose the S5 Premium Plus, and you'll get the Convenience package contents plus:
Digital instrument panel
Synthetic leather-wrapped center console and armrests
Wireless charging pad
Rear USB charge ports (Sportback only)
Bang & Olufsen premium sound system
Surround-view camera system (gives you a top-down view of the S5 and its surroundings in tight parking situations)
Prestige
The S5 Prestige trim adds several comfort and technology upgrades, including:
Upgraded headlights, taillights and interior lighting
Heated rear seats
Navigation system
Expanded connected services
Traffic sign recognition
Head-up display (displays important information in your sight line on the windshield)
Automated parking system (steers into a parking spot with little or no driver intervention)
Audi offers the Premium Plus and Prestige trims with several option packages, such as:
S Sport package
Adaptive suspension dampers
Sport rear differential
Red brake calipers
Warm Weather package
Different sport seats with ventilation but without massage
Leather upholstery
Neck heaters (convertible only)
Black Optic package
20-inch wheels
Black exterior trim accents
Audi Sport Interior package
Contrasting red stitching
Carbon-fiber interior accents
Premium leather upholstery
Dynamic steering (changes steering ratio for higher or lower effort based on speed)
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.
Fantastic Upgrade from 2015 S5.
5 out of 5 stars
Mythos, 11/11/2017
2018 Audi S5 Prestige quattro 2dr Coupe AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A)
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.
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 2024 Audi S5, so we've included reviews for other years of the S5 since its last redesign.
Think of the S5 as an A5 coupe but with a little more poke. It's a rival to the BMW M440i coupe and is one of Audi's most handsome models. We like its mix of performance, comfort and utility. It's also extremely well built and offers a great suite of tech features. Performance is good too, with a 4.3-second sprint from 0 to 60 mph earning this car the S in its name.
For 2024, Audi has brought some new features to the S5. Adaptive cruise control, active lane keeping assistance, a heated steering wheel, and remote engine start are now all standard equipment. Audi's navigation system (which is optional on Premium Plus models and standard on Prestige trims) also now includes traffic sign recognition. A few new paint colors are in the mix, namely Progressive Red metallic and Arkona White, which replace the previously available Tango Red and Ibis White.
The S5 is such a well-rounded machine that interested buyers might want to snap one up before it's too late. The rumor mill is swirling, and 2024 might be the last year this S5 is on sale here in the U.S. Spy shots have revealed a new A5 is coming, and there's not even a guarantee of a next-generation S model. If Audi does roll one out, there's no telling what its replacement will be like. And while we're sure there will be plenty of improvements, this generation of S5 is so complete it'll be a tall order to try to best it, even for Audi.
Edmunds says
We're big fans of the S5, and once you get behind the wheel you'll see exactly why.
FAQ
Is the Audi S5 a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2024 S5 both on the road and at the track, giving it a 8.0 out of 10. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2024 S5 gets an average rating of 5 stars out of 5 (based on 54 reviews) What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the S5 has 10.9 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 2024 Audi S5?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2024 Audi S5:
Expanded standard equipment list
Enhanced navigation system package
Arkona White and Progressive Red paint colors
Part of the second S5 generation introduced for 2018
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 2024 Audi S5 a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2024 Audi S5 is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2024 S5 and gave it a 8.0 out of 10. Our consumer reviews show that the 2024 S5 gets an average rating of 5 stars out of 5 (based on 54 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2024 S5 is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2024 Audi S5?
The least-expensive 2024 Audi S5 is the 2024 Audi S5 Premium 2dr Coupe AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $57,500.
Other versions include:
Premium 2dr Coupe AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $57,500
Premium Plus 2dr Coupe AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $60,500
Prestige 2dr Coupe AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $64,600
If you're interested in the Audi S5, the next question is, which S5 model is right for you? S5 variants include Premium 2dr Coupe AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A), Premium Plus 2dr Coupe AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A), and Prestige 2dr Coupe AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A). For a full list of S5 models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more