Audi A5 vs S5: Which one should you choose? The answer depends on what you value most in a luxury sportback. Both models offer impressive tech, practical hatchback designs, and Audi's legendary Quattro all-wheel drive, but they cater to different priorities. The A5 delivers exceptional value starting at $50,995 with decent 268-hp performance, while the S5 steps up to 362-hp V-6 power for about $10K more. I've driven both extensively during Car of the Year testing, and here's what you need to know: the A5 makes more financial sense for daily commuting (up to 36 mpg highway!), but the S5 brings that extra punch when you want it. Neither will blow you away with revolutionary design, but they both nail the fundamentals of what makes a great luxury daily driver.
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- 1、Meet the New Audi A5 & S5: Jack of All Trades?
- 2、Tech That Actually Makes Sense
- 3、Where These Audis Stumble
- 4、Who Should Buy These Cars?
- 5、The Final Verdict
- 6、Beyond the Basics: What the Reviews Don't Tell You
- 7、Hidden Features Worth Discovering
- 8、How These Audis Age Over Time
- 9、Customization Options Worth Considering
- 10、Why Your Significant Other Will Approve
- 11、FAQs
Meet the New Audi A5 & S5: Jack of All Trades?
The Good Stuff You'll Love
Let me tell you, these Audis bring some serious game to the table. The pricing strategy is absolutely on point - starting at $50,995 for the A5, which is barely more than what most Americans pay for any new car these days. Even the top-tier A5 Prestige won't break the bank at $57,445.
Now here's where it gets interesting. The S5 jumps to $61,545, but get this - every model now comes standard with Quattro all-wheel drive and a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. That's like getting premium toppings included on your pizza at no extra cost!
Power & Performance Breakdown
The A5 packs a 268-hp turbo four-banger, while the S5 flexes with a 362-hp turbo V-6 hybrid setup. But here's the million dollar question: Does more power always mean more fun? Not necessarily. While the S5's engine is smoother, several test drivers noted it feels more like a bigger A5 than a true sport variant.
Let's compare these bad boys side by side:
| Model | Engine | Horsepower | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| A5 | 2.0L Turbo 4-cyl | 268 hp | $50,995 |
| S5 | 3.0L Turbo V-6 Hybrid | 362 hp | $61,545 |
Tech That Actually Makes Sense
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Screen Time Done Right
Audi nailed the tech interface with an 11.9-inch digital cluster and 14.5-inch touchscreen that curves toward the driver. The best part? These screens actually work well - responsive touch, intuitive layouts, and graphics that don't assault your eyes like some Vegas casino floor.
You can even option a 10.9-inch screen for your passenger. Because let's be honest, we all need to keep our copilots entertained on long drives, right?
Cargo Space That Impresses
With 22.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats, the A5/S5 destroys BMW's 4 Series Gran Coupe (16.6 cubes). Fold the seats down and you've got 36.6 cubic feet - perfect for that spontaneous IKEA run or weekend camping trip.
Where These Audis Stumble
Design That Plays It Safe
Here's another question that kept popping up: Why do these look so familiar? The truth is, while handsome, the new models don't scream "fresh redesign." They're evolutionary, not revolutionary - like getting the same haircut you've had for years.
The interiors, while well-equipped, don't wow when you start touching surfaces. And Audi's obsession with touch-sensitive door controls? Let's just say some judges missed good old-fashioned buttons.
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Screen Time Done Right
That four-cylinder in the A5 can get pretty vocal when you push it. And not in a good way - we're talking more coffee grinder than symphony orchestra. The S5's V-6 is smoother, but doesn't deliver that special S-model magic we've come to expect.
Who Should Buy These Cars?
The Practical Performance Shopper
If you want one car that does everything well - commuting, road trips, occasional backroad fun - the A5/S5 deliver. The fuel efficiency (up to 36 mpg highway for the A5) combined with that useful hatchback design makes for a compelling daily driver.
Just don't expect it to set your soul on fire. These are more "reliable partner" than "torrid affair" when it comes to driving excitement.
The Tech-Loving Gadget Geek
With those gorgeous digital displays and excellent driver assists, these Audis will satisfy your inner tech nerd. The safety systems work seamlessly, and the infotainment won't leave you cursing at red lights.
The Final Verdict
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Screen Time Done Right
The A5 and S5 are like that kid in school who got B+ in every subject. They're competent across the board - value, practicality, tech - but don't excel enough in any one area to truly stand out in the competitive luxury segment.
While they're solid choices, neither model could quite punch through to our Car of the Year finalist round. But if you're looking for a handsome, tech-loaded daily driver with a premium badge, you could certainly do worse.
Just maybe test drive the competition too - you know, just to be thorough. After all, spending $50K+ deserves some serious comparison shopping!
Beyond the Basics: What the Reviews Don't Tell You
The Real-World Driving Experience
You know what surprised me most? How these Audis handle potholes. Living in cities with terrible roads (looking at you, Chicago), the adaptive suspension soaks up bumps like a champ. The steering? It's precise without being twitchy - perfect for highway merges where you need confidence.
But here's something nobody mentions - the brake pedal feel is oddly soft at first. Takes about 20 minutes of driving to really get used to it. Once you do, the stopping power is impressive, especially in the S5 with its larger calipers.
Maintenance Costs You Should Know About
Let's talk about the elephant in the room - German car upkeep. While the warranty covers the basics, you'll want to budget for:
- Premium gas only (91 octane minimum)
- Synthetic oil changes every 10,000 miles
- Tires that cost about $300+ each
Here's a quick comparison of 5-year ownership costs:
| Expense | A5 | S5 |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel | $8,200 | $9,800 |
| Tires | $2,400 | $3,000 |
| Brakes | $1,500 | $2,000 |
Hidden Features Worth Discovering
Cool Tech Tricks Most Owners Never Find
Did you know the climate control has a hidden "footwell only" mode? Perfect for winter mornings when you want to warm your toes without blasting hot air in your face. The owner's manual is 500 pages - no wonder people miss this stuff!
The virtual cockpit has a secret too - hold down the "View" button for 3 seconds and you get an old-school analog gauge layout. Because sometimes you just want to pretend it's 1985 again.
That Weird Quirk You'll Either Love or Hate
The auto start/stop system can't be permanently disabled. Why would Audi do this? Here's the thing - it actually learns your driving habits over time. If you're consistently heavy on the throttle, it stops engaging as aggressively. Clever, but frustrating if you just want to turn it off.
Another odd choice? The cup holders are positioned so your elbow hits drinks when shifting. After three spilled coffees, I finally learned to use the passenger side holder instead.
How These Audis Age Over Time
Resale Value Reality Check
Let me give it to you straight - these won't hold value like a Porsche, but they'll do better than most luxury cars. Expect about 50% retention after 3 years if you keep mileage under 45,000. The S5 actually depreciates slightly slower thanks to its enthusiast appeal.
Pro tip: Stick with common colors like black, white, or silver if resale matters. That gorgeous District Green might speak to your soul now, but it'll narrow your buyer pool later.
Common Issues After 50,000 Miles
From talking to long-term owners, here's what tends to pop up:
- Minor electrical gremlins (usually fixed with a system reset)
- Wear items like control arm bushings
- Sunroof rattles if not properly maintained
The good news? The turbo engines have proven reliable if you change oil regularly. Just avoid tuning chips that promise 100 extra hp - they're a one-way ticket to warranty denial.
Customization Options Worth Considering
Must-Have Accessories
That $400 cargo mat seems expensive until you spill a milkshake in the back. Trust me, it's cheaper than detailing. The illuminated door sill plates? Pure vanity, but they do look awesome when you're picking up dates.
Here's what I'd prioritize:
- All-weather floor mats ($250)
- Rear seat protectors ($180)
- Trailer hitch ($600) - yes, you can tow small trailers!
Performance Upgrades That Actually Work
Audi offers a factory-approved ECU tune that bumps the A5 to 302 hp without voiding warranty. For $1,200, it transforms the driving experience. The S5 can get similar gains, but the difference isn't as noticeable.
Are aftermarket wheels worth it? Only if you're careful - stick with flow-formed or forged options to avoid cracking on potholes. Those 21-inch showstoppers might look cool, but they'll ride like a covered wagon.
Why Your Significant Other Will Approve
Everyday Livability Factors
The rear seats actually fit adults comfortably - a rarity in this segment. I've hauled three coworkers to lunch without complaints. The USB-C ports in all four seating positions? Marriage-saving technology right there.
You'll appreciate little touches like the grocery bag hooks in the trunk and the way the doors open wide for easy child seat access. It's these thoughtful details that make daily life easier.
Safety Features That Matter in Real Life
The cross-traffic alert has saved me twice in crowded parking lots. The night vision assist? Gimmicky until you're driving country roads at midnight and it spots a deer 300 feet ahead.
Here's the kicker - the automatic emergency braking works at parking lot speeds too. No more fender benders when you're distracted by a screaming toddler in the back seat.
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FAQs
Q: Is the Audi S5 worth the extra money over the A5?
A: That's the million dollar question! From my experience testing both, the S5's $10K premium gets you a 362-hp turbocharged V-6 with mild hybrid assist versus the A5's 268-hp four-cylinder. While the power difference is noticeable, several judges noted the S5 feels more like a bigger A5 than a true sport variant. If you regularly crave that extra acceleration or plan to keep the car long-term, the S5 might justify its price. But for most buyers, the A5's combination of efficiency (up to 36 mpg highway) and lower price makes it the smarter choice. Pro tip: Test drive both back-to-back - your right foot will tell you which one speaks to you!
Q: How does the cargo space compare to competitors?
A: Here's where the A5/S5 really shines! With 22.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats, it demolishes BMW's 4 Series Gran Coupe (16.6 cubes). Fold the seats down and you've got 36.6 cubic feet - perfect for road trips or hauling gear. We loaded up three full-size suitcases plus carry-ons with room to spare during testing. The liftgate design makes loading bulky items a breeze compared to traditional sedans. Just remember - while the BMW offers more space with seats folded (45.6 cubes), the Audi's everyday usability is hard to beat.
Q: Are the new digital displays distracting while driving?
A: Surprisingly no - and this coming from someone who usually hates excessive screens! Audi nailed the execution with their 11.9-inch digital cluster and 14.5-inch curved touchscreen. The graphics are clean, the touch response is instant, and the black backgrounds help everything blend in when not in use. During our 300-mile evaluation drive, I never felt overwhelmed. The optional passenger screen (10.9-inch) is actually useful for navigation co-piloting rather than just being a gimmick. My only gripe? The touch-sensitive door controls should've stayed physical buttons.
Q: How's the real-world fuel economy for these models?
A: During our testing, the A5 consistently delivered 32-36 mpg on highway runs - impressive for a luxury car with all-wheel drive. The S5's V-6 hybrid setup averaged about 24-28 mpg in mixed driving. Both numbers are respectable for their class, but there's a noticeable difference at the pump. If you commute daily or take frequent road trips, the A5's efficiency adds up to serious savings over time. Just remember - lead-foot driving will tank these numbers, especially in the S5 where that extra power is too tempting!
Q: Why didn't these make the Car of the Year finals?
A: As judges, we loved many things about these Audis - the value proposition, practical packaging, and S5's sweet engine. But they fell short in two key areas: emotional appeal and design innovation. While extremely competent, neither model delivers that "gotta have it" excitement we look for in finalists. The four-cylinder A5 can sound gruff when pushed, and the S5 doesn't feel as special as past S models. They're like straight-A students who forgot to bring their personality to class. Still fantastic cars - just not quite COTY material in this ultra-competitive segment.
