Audi S5 Review

2009 Audi S5 quattro Coupe

The luxury coupe market hasn't always been Audi's bag. Most associate the German brand with solid, reliable sedans. Yet as competitors expand their model lineups to fit what seems like every possible niche, Audi has increasingly started to keep pace by launching more two-door models -- not the least of which is the Audi S5.

True to Audi nomenclature, the S5 is the performance version of the A5 coupe. That means a bigger engine, more horses and a stiffer suspension. The exterior is set apart from its more mild-mannered sibling by a chrome-trimmed grille, quad tailpipes and more muscular bumpers. The resulting package is refined yet athletic, with luxury appointments that ensure comfort matched with a powertrain that won't disappoint.

Current Audi S5

The Audi S5 sport coupe debuted in the 2008 model year. Beneath its elegantly sculpted hood lies a 4.2-liter direct-injection V8 engine, which produces 354 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque. This single trim level is available with either a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic with manual shift control. Quattro all-wheel drive is standard. In our tests, the manual S5 produced a 0-60-mph time of 4.9 seconds.

The Audi S5 platform is largely based on the S4, its four-door counterpart. But the two-door offers sportier enhancements, such as a longer wheelbase and a new lightweight, aluminum front suspension -- changes that are slated to be included in the next version of the sedan. The front end takes styling cues from the midengine R8 sports car, while the rest of the exterior design comes from the Nuvolari, an Audi concept that made the auto show circuit rounds in 2003.

The Audi S5 is fitted with many standard safety features, such as antilock disc brakes with brake assist, stability control and traction control. Front-seat side airbags and side curtain airbags also come standard. Many luxury-oriented features are also standard. Major options include keyless ignition/entry, a navigation system and a premium audio system.

Inside the cabin, the four-seat Audi S5 is appointed with sophisticated touches, such as finely stitched leather and genuine aluminum trim. The front sport seats offer plenty of space and support, although legroom could be better in the backseat. Audi's MMI (Multi Media Interface) controls the audio, climate and optional navigation systems, and unlike some multifunction controls, is relatively easy to figure out. And although the S5 has the spirit of a sports car, it's still practical enough for everyday life -- the trunk offers a full 16 cubic feet of cargo space, and the rear seat flips down to make even more room.

In our tests, we found the Audi S5 sport coupe to be an excellent grand tourer. The steering feels crisp and the suspension, although non-adjustable, is firm without being gut-busting. Brakes may seem a little touchy at first, but with practice, they feel responsive and firm. Thanks to Quattro, the S5 provides excellent traction in all conditions, making it an ideal choice for buyers living in colder climes. Power is normally distributed 40 percent to the front and 60 percent to the rear, and this helps give the S5 handling characteristics similar to those of a rear-wheel-drive car.

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* Edmunds.com maintains vehicle data as far back as 1990.