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Audi S5

The Audi S5 is capable of travelling long distances at speed and in comfort

Audi S5

Text: Sam Hardy / Photos: Pete Gibson

April 2007

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Audi's large coupé is back! Not since the S2 left the line-up in 1996 has the German brand offered a rival for BMW's 3-Series Coupé. But now, the firm has finally given its popular TT a big brother - and it's hoping for similar sales success.
 
This S5 looks muscular, though, with its subtle but aggressive bodykit, LED daytime running lights - the same as those seen on Audi's R8 supercar - discreet rear spoiler and chrome quad exhaust tips

Called the A5, the newcomer is armed with a stylish body, a fresh platform and, according to Audi, one of its sportiest chassis ever. A range of petrol and diesel models arrives before the end of the year, but from July, two quattro four-wheel-drive versions will be available.

And to show how aggressive Audi is being with the new model, it's launching the high-performance S5 variant first, as well as a 3.0-litre TDI diesel. The S5 is aimed at BMW's brilliant 335Ci flagship - can it set the standard for the rest of the range?

Inspired by the Nuvolari concept from the 2003 Geneva Motor Show, the A5 has been penned by VW Group design chief Walter de'Silva, who claims it's the most beautiful car he's ever produced. We wouldn't go quite that far, but it does stand out.

The front gets Audi's square grille and bold headlights, the rear is wide and purposeful, while the lack of any overhangs gives athletic proportions. But the curved front wings are at odds with the many straight edges, and the A5 isn't as cohesive as the TT.

This S5 looks muscular, though, with its subtle but aggressive bodykit, LED daytime running lights - the same as those seen on Audi's R8 supercar - discreet rear spoiler and chrome quad exhaust tips.

The cabin is typically Audi. Everything you touch in the A5 feels superb, while a handy new keyless starter - which plugs directly into the facia - adds to the sense of quality. There's an excellent driving position as well, and the high shoulder lines mean the car seems wrapped around you.

However, despite a body length of 4.6 metres, the A5 isn't particularly spacious. Rear passenger legroom is very poor, with only children likely to fit in the sculpted chairs.

But at least the boot has a 455-litre capacity, and the rear seatbacks split and fold to increase space further. Under the skin, the A5 features an all-new platform which borrows some of its architecture from the next-generation A4. This places the front axle as far forward as possible - which allows the engine to be positioned behind it, improving weight distribution - and there's a new five-link suspension layout at the rear.

Dynamic modifications for the S5 include stiffened suspension, uprated brakes and 19-inch wheels. Under the bonnet, Audi's 4.2-litre FSI V8 provides 349bhp and 440Nm of torque. The engine is hooked up to a quattro four-wheel-drive system which splits power 40:60 front to rear.

And the car's performance is searing. The 0-60mph sprint takes around five seconds, while top speed is limited to 155mph. In-gear flexibility is the S5's most impressive feature, though, with lots of punch all the way to the 7,000rpm red line, accompanied by a deep-chested V8 rumble. Motorway cruising is brilliantly relaxed, too.

However, the six-speed gearbox is notchy which, combined with a sharp throttle and clutch, can make progress jerky at low speed. The stiff suspension is also very unforgiving, and the S5 is uncomfortable around town.

On smooth tarmac it's much better. Body roll is well controlled and the drivetrain offers total traction at all times. The steering is quick and accurate, too, but lacks feedback. So while the S5 feels very fast and competent, it's ultimately a bit numb.

In our opinion, BMW's 335Ci is still the better all-rounder, particularly when you consider the price. At £39,825, the S5 is £6,030 more than its rival - and that's a lot extra to pay.

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2 Comments

Nothing wrong with the S5 Throttle !!

What a load of tosh... I was almost put off upgrading from my A5 to the S5 because of the sharp throttle feedback all reviewers seem to comment on.

The answer is simple... the people who have driven and reviewed these are NOT modern day Audi owners and drivers, so do not know how to treat a fly by wire system car. Anyone who DOES know how sensitive ALL of the new cars are would know that you dont just punch the pedal, but instead leave the car to do its work, the best way it knows how.

As usual the interior is by far superior to many cars on the market, with no attention to detail spared, with the subtle exterior additions on to the base A5 model, givin this big brother its "I mean business" in an understated way on this car can achieve. I have been stopped so many times by people in car parks, to comment on such a beautiful car I have lost count (even more excuse to keep clean) Add the sexy V8 burn down the forest rumble (not the BMW hole in the exhaust sound), and the package is complete.

In conclusion, forgetting the 17mpg economy I still cant understand why this car did not sell in far greater numbers... The simple fact is Audi UK got it wrong... did not order enough space on the line for these cars so lots of people sitting in a line waiting 4-5 months for a new build. Put that with the somewhat over pricing of all those interior gadgets and I guess you have the answer.

No regrets for me and I would advise anyone wanting an S5 - Be patient, its worth the wait... OH and ignor the so called expert reviewers !!

By DarkMerchant on 4 October, 2009, 9:56am

Very Happy

Having owned a new BMW 330 and a new AMG 55 my first impressions of my new S5 is the attention to detail far superior to the others, beautiful to drive, amazing to set up dot the driver, its obvious AUDI were more concerned with the driver than passengers - its feels considerably different being driven thru the hills at speed as a passenger-
First gear VERY short and needs to be changed early is my only task to master
All in all absolutely fantastic car to drive

By spm366 on 18 October, 2009, 4:03am

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  • Audi A5 Coupe (428x240)

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    FIRST OPINION

      It doesn't offer the stand-out styling of the TT, but Audi's A5 is still a fine car and a welcome alternative to BMW's 3-Series Coupé. It's a great grand tourer that's capable of travelling long distances at speed and in comfort. And in the guise of this top-of-the-range S5, it has brilliant, secure handling and towering performance. The shortage of rear space is a big drawback, though, and this S5 is expensive. With the 3.0-litre diesel costing £33,430, its clear that lesser A5s will be the ones to go for.
     

    AT A GLANCE

      For such a big car, the rear seats (above) are cramped. Range-topping S5 gets powerful V8 and 19-inch alloys.
      Price: £39,825
      Engine: 4.2-litre V8, 349bhp
      0-62mph: 5.1 seconds
      Top speed: 155mph (limited)
      Transmission: Six-speed manual, four-wheel drive
      Economy: 22.8mpg
      CO2: 298g/km
      Standard equipment: Six airbags, climate control, Nappa leather trim, electric sports seats, 19-inch alloys, sports suspension, bodykit, LED daytime running lights
      On sale: July
       
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