Audi S5: Review

More often than not I’ve come to believe that German cars are more about their engineering and precision than emotion. Especially cars from manufacturers like Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz. Their cars boast of world-class engineering and build quality and thus virtues like performance, handling and comfort are a given, but the emotional connect is somewhat missing. Even a lot of their performance cars seem to sacrifice soulfulness in the interest of refinement and clinical precision, despite being big on performance and handling. 

There are a few exceptions though – like the new Audi S5. One could argue it is just another fast car from Audi, but one also has to admit that the car maker has been creating new niches by launching cars that do a lot more than just cocoon CEOs in their backseat at 200kmph. And the S5 does just that, with an engaging feel that compliments its performance well. In comparison, I was all praise for the RS7’s refinement and luxurious feel even at serious speeds but was left wanting for the emotion a petrolhead seeks from a well-engineered car. 

The S5, on the other hand, sports a completely different persona. You could argue why not pick the more powerful and far more intoxicating RS5 over it, but the S5 ticks one more crucial box than its sexier two-door sibling, of practicality. With four doors and a humongous boot the S5 is a proper four seater and can gobble more than a couple of large suitcases too. Oh, and it is a looker as well with that sloping roof and long wheelbase; especially in the shade of yellow you see here.

The notchback styling and low, hunkered down stance give the S5 a hint of aggression. The front looks similar to other Audis with the typical grille and headlight design, though the chunky 18-inch alloys and 245-section tyres give it a more purposeful character. The rear is familiar looking too, with large tail lamps, quad exhausts and a lipspoiler. The S5’s design has all the ingredients to give it the appearance of a four-door sportscar, and despite the similarities to siblings, it looks very appealing. 

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The similarities continue inside as well. A4 owners would easily identify with the S5’s interiors as the layout of the dash, clocks, MMI controls are all similar. The flat-bottomed steering wheel, S-tronic gear lever and carbon fibre on the centre console and door panels all give it a sportier feel though. The S5 cockpit is a nice place to be in with the supportive seats and well-placed controls, but the MMI feels dated in comparison to newer Audis let alone the new TT. Space isn’t exactly generous, but the S5’s rear bench should be comfortable for passengers. 

The star of the show is the brilliant 3.0-litre supercharged V6 motor. We’ve seen it in other cars but in the S5 it is in the same state of tune as the S4, making 333PS and 441Nm of torque. What makes this engine special is the way it delivers torque and not how much it makes, thanks to an Eaton-sourced supercharger that sits between its cylinder banks. The engine feels supremely responsive and even co-passengers get an instant feel of throttle inputs. Peak torque delivery starts at a mere 2900rpm and from there it’s barely a few seconds before the tachometer swerves across, hitting the redline just after 6000rpm. 

The S-tronic 7-speed dual clutch transmission is butter-smooth, offering seamless shifts while the tachometer works its way up, and the engine and transmission barely let you realise what speeds you are doing. There’s an engaging feel to the performance, whether you’re trundling at low speeds or pushing three digits thanks to the torquey feel throughout the revband. The engine is so refined you almost don’t realise it is there, except for the gorgeous sound. Okay, the sound has been engineered into the music system and there’s not as much of it outside. This is a downer, but inside the car you’d rather listen to the V6 soundtrack on the 14 Bang and Olufsen speakers than conventional music. The sound is pure music to the ears, and reminded me of the scenes from Ironman where Tony Stark is zipping across town in his R8.

Once you break into a smile with the soundtrack, it’s the performance that makes you smile wider. 0-100kmph came up in a rather scant 5.8 seconds thanks to the linear torque curve and Quattro delivering power to all four wheels. The S5 accelerates relentlessly well past the ton with the silky feel Audi’s engines are known for, and goads you into keeping the right foot pressed hard. Audi Drive Select lets you choose between four modes – Efficiency, Comfort, Dynamic and Individual. Efficiency and Comfort have the engine tone down its raspy note while gear changes are relaxed too. 

Switch to Dynamic and the throttle becomes uber-responsive, each jab pushing you into the seatback while the engine plays a more sonorous tone. Handling is what you expect – the car stays planted in a straight line and eggs you to go faster around corners. Credit that to the Quattro doing all the hard work itself while making you feel like a hero. The S5 tries hard to feel like a sportscar, and does rather well at that. It feels at home around corners with not much body roll and is good fun to throw into fast chicanes. There is just a slight hint of understeer around tighter corners and a light squeal from the Pirellis but there was nary a moment when I did not feel in control. Don’t expect it to post serious lap times, but the S5 should be a good option for casual track days. 

Suspension offers a likeable blend of handling and comfort but the S5 does not get adjustable suspension like its more expensive siblings. Audi’s electric steering systems have been criticised for lack of feedback but the S5’s steering felt good albeit slightly lighter than I would like. The lightness helps in city traffic, while at speeds the steering offers an artificial weighted feel. Along with the steering, the S5’s dimensions help in city as well – the low stance makes it feel longer but it isn’t significantly larger than the A4!  

The S5 is a likeable car for someone wanting more than just a luxury sedan, especially with the sportback design and brilliant V6 petrol motor. It feels sporty outside and luxurious inside, even if familiar looking. Add to that brilliant handling manners and well-appointed interiors and you have a car that’s truly irresistible. That’s of course if you don’t mind the fuel bills that is – claimed efficiency is an impressive 12.2kmpl but expect it to drop down deep into single digits should you choose to put the 333 ponies to task. The sportback styling also means rear headroom isn’t great, so it isn’t a car you’d want to be chauffeur-driven in, rather one you would love to drive yourself. And at Rs 62.95 lakh ex-showroom Mumbai it is not too expensive either, when you think of it as a fast luxury sedan cloaked in sportier clothes, and one that has a soul too.