2019 Audi S5 Review

　　

zzdcar' Expert Review

byMark TakahashiCorrespondent

　　Mark Takahashi has worked in the automotive industry since 2001. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Mark has also contributed to Motor Trend, Auto Aficionado, Chevy High Performance and several motorcycle magazines in various roles. Mark is also a juror on the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards and can be seen regularly on the zzdcar YouTube channel and sometimes representing the company in media interviews.

　　

What's new

Minor shuffling of featuresA new base Premium trim has been added to the lineupA wireless charger with signal booster is now availablePart of the second S5 generation introduced for 2018

　　The luxury sport coupe class of cars is dominated by German automakers and, among them, the 2019 Audi S5 is an intriguing choice. Coming off a full redesign last year, the S5 is Audi's midrange entry between the more affordable A5 and the higher-performing RS 5.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2019 Audi S5 3.0 TFSI Premium quattro 4dr Hatchback 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 $3.78 per gallon for premium unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$189/mo  for S5 3.0 TFSI Premium quattro

　　S5 3.0 TFSI Premium quattro

　　3.0 TFSI Premium quattro 4dr Hatchback AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) - $52,400 MSRP3.0 TFSI Premium quattro 2dr Coupe AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) - $52,400 MSRP3.0 TFSI Premium Plus quattro 4dr Hatchback AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) (Most Popular) - $56,800 MSRP3.0 TFSI Premium Plus quattro 2dr Coupe AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) - $56,800 MSRP3.0 TFSI Premium Plus quattro 2dr Convertible AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) - $65,100 MSRP3.0 TFSI Prestige quattro 4dr Hatchback AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) - $60,500 MSRP3.0 TFSI Prestige quattro 2dr Coupe AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) - $60,500 MSRP3.0 TFSI Prestige quattro 2dr Convertible AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) - $68,800 MSRP

　　vs

　　$164/mo

　　Avg. Midsize Car

　　This year, Audi has introduced an entry-level Premium trim and made minor feature changes and additions. On paper, the engine output figures drop by 5 horsepower compared to last year, but that's only because of a different reporting procedure. Otherwise, the S5 is unchanged, and that's a good thing. It's attractively styled and provides strong performance, a comfortable ride and a well-crafted cabin.

　　The S5's most direct competitors are the BMW 4 Series and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe. More specifically, the BMW 440i xDrive and the Mercedes AMG C 43, which occupy similar midrange positions within their families. The 2019 Audi S5 benefits from having the freshest redesign, but all three are excellent choices.

　　

zzdcar' Expert Rating

　　

Driving

　　The Audi S5 is at the top of the class when it comes to driver engagement and performance. It's a blast to drive on a twisty road yet well-mannered in everyday situations.

　　

Acceleration

　　There's a brief hesitation when you hit the gas from a stop. But after that, acceleration is incredibly smooth. Upshifts are almost imperceptible. It's deceptive how quickly this car gets up to speed, requiring the driver to show high levels of restraint.

　　

Braking

　　The pedal is appropriately firm for a performance vehicle such as this. Despite flogging it repeatedly on a challenging mountain pass, we never experienced any fade or softening of the pedal. Under typical conditions, the brakes are easy to modulate and bring the car to a smooth stop.

　　

Steering

　　Steering effort feels right in each drive mode (lighter in Comfort, heavier in Dynamic), but there's little feedback to tell the driver when grip is at the limit. The optional adaptive steering feels awkward when accelerating and turning from a stop.

　　

Handling

　　The S5 has impressive road-holding capabilities. It easily navigates through sharp turns at speeds that would overwhelm lesser vehicles. The all-wheel-drive system deftly supplies power to specific wheels to aid the car's handling balance around turns.

　　

Drivability

　　The initial hesitation is a bit of a letdown, but it's nowhere close to being a deal-breaker. The same holds true for the automatic engine stop-start function, but this is typical in most competitors. Otherwise, the S5 is a joy to drive in any condition.

　　

Comfort

　　Performance usually comes at the expense of comfort, but the S5 makes no such concessions. The adaptive suspension has a distinct difference between modes to suit your particular mood.

　　

Seat comfort

　　The standard sport seats are very comfortable over long distances and provide excellent lateral support when cornering. The side bolsters are thick but power-adjustable if you want more space for your torso. Standard massage functions are the cherry on top.

　　

Ride comfort

　　For a car with this kind of performance potential, the S5's ride quality is very smooth. Even in Dynamic mode, there's enough compliance to keep it from feeling harsh. Note, however, that we have not tested the S5 with the standard (nonadjustable) suspension.

　　

Noise & vibration

　　The summer tires emit a noticeable amount of road noise on coarse asphalt, but they are quiet on most other surfaces. Engine noise is louder than in most vehicles, but in this car it feels right and sounds pleasantly aggressive. Wind noise is pretty much absent.

　　

Climate control

　　The tri-zone automatic climate control cools the interior quickly after being parked out in the hot sun. The vent placement is good, providing even coverage. Once a temperature is set, there's little need for adjustment.

　　

Interior

　　The S5's cabin is a wonderful expression of modern, understated luxury. The materials quality is high, and the smart layout of controls makes operation easy and distraction-free.

　　

Ease of use

　　There are only buttons for essential controls. You operate everything else through the MMI infotainment system. The simple design and logical placement and grouping of buttons mean you'll rarely have to look down to use them. This is an example of how it's done right.

　　

Getting in/getting out

　　The long doors make front-seat access effortless, and the seat-belt presenter eliminates the need to reach back. Access to the rear seats is typical for the class, which means it requires an inelegant crouch and side shimmy to get past the roof and front seat.

　　

Driving position

　　The driver's seat has numerous power adjustments and a wide range of movement. There's extendable thigh support, too. Drivers of just about any size and shape should be able to find their optimal position.

　　

Roominess

　　As you'd expect from a performance coupe, the S5's cockpit has a sporty wraparound feel, but it never feels tight or confining. Backseat space is cramped for adults, but smaller passengers should be fine.

　　

Visibility

　　The roof pillars are moderately thick, which is typical for any car today. But they don't obstruct your outward view much, and the optional top-down camera system takes away any guesswork in tight parking spaces. The mirrors offer good coverage, too.

　　

Quality

　　Even among other great luxury sport coupes, the Audi S5 stands out. All materials are high-quality, and buttons have an identical and precise click. Interior components have a durable heft.

　　

Utility

　　The S5 is about average for interior storage but gets better marks for its trunk space and the convenience items associated with it. The trunk is bigger than the exterior size suggests, though it's not much bigger than average for the class.

　　

Small-item storage

　　There aren't many bins or pockets, and they are not particularly large. They offer just enough space for your personal items and not much more.

　　

Cargo space

　　The trunk has an 11.6-cubic-foot capacity. That's not great, but it's roomy enough for most daily cargo-hauling tasks. The S5's flat load floor, remote seatback releases, anchor points and retractable bag hangers garner it more points for convenience.

　　

Technology

　　The Audi S5 has a lot of high-tech features and makes them easy to use. The virtual instrument panel is particularly good, with configurable sections and clear graphics in any light. The MMI infotainment system's evolution keeps it among our favorites.

　　

Audio & navigation

　　The optional Bang & Olufsen sound system delivers powerful audio with excellent clarity. The navigation system is packed with features and is easy to operate, particularly with the trace pad and voice commands. The MMI system continues to get high marks.

　　

Smartphone integration

　　Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard equipment on all S5 models. For audio control, Apple CarPlay is preferable to Audi's MMI, but it's awkward to control with the dial rather than a touchscreen.

　　

Driver aids

　　The forward collision warning system is well tuned without being overly sensitive in traffic. The blind-spot monitoring is subtle enough to not be a distraction. Stability and traction control are smartly tuned to give you enough leeway to have fun but not enough to get in trouble.

　　

Voice control

　　Voice recognition is excellent whether through MMI or Apple CarPlay. Apple CarPlay is a bit easier to use with plain speech but does require an internet connection.

　　

Which S5 does zzdcar recommend?

　　Odds are if you're considering the Audi S5, you're looking for performance and engagement. For that reason, we suggest the midlevel Premium Plus trim because it's eligible for the S Sport package that adds a sport-tuned adaptive suspension and an upgraded rear differential. If handling prowess isn't quite as important, the new base Premium trim will likely suffice.

　　

2019 Audi S5 models

　　The 2019 Audi S5 is a high-performance variant of the A5 that is offered in coupe, convertible (Cabriolet) and four-door hatchback (Sportback) body styles. The coupe and convertible seat four while the Sportback accommodates five. It is available in Premium, Premium Plus or Prestige trim levels. All are powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 (349 horsepower, 369 pound-feet of torque). All-wheel drive is standard, as is an eight-speed automatic transmission.

　　Standard features for the Premium trim include 18-inch wheels with summer performance tires, LED headlights, automatic wipers, a panoramic sunroof, a power trunklid, a sport suspension, selectable drive modes, tri-zone automatic climate control, leather and simulated suede upholstery, power-adjustable and heated front sport seats, and 40/20/40-split folding rear seats.

　　Tech features include Audi's MMI infotainment system with a 7-inch screen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, two USB ports, Bluetooth and a 10-speaker sound system. You also get Audi Connect Care emergency telematics and forward collision warning with low-speed automatic emergency braking.

　　Stepping up to the Premium Plus adds power-folding and auto-dimming exterior mirrors, front and rear parking sensors, a hands-free trunklid opener, keyless entry and ignition, a digital instrument panel, driver-seat memory functions, a navigation system, an 8.3-inch infotainment display, a handwriting recognition trace pad, a wireless charging pad with signal booster, satellite radio, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and vehicle exit alert.

　　The range-topping Prestige trim tops off the list with a head-up display, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, an automated parking system, a surround-view camera system and a 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system.

　　The Cabriolet is only offered in Premium Plus and Prestige and adds a folding cloth top, premium leather upholstery and a wind deflector. It is also eligible for the Luxury package (premium leather, upgraded front seats with ventilation, a neck warmer and a heated steering wheel).

　　Premium Plus and Prestige trims are eligible for the S Sport package (red brake calipers, adaptive dampers and a sport rear differential), the Warm Weather package (premium leather, ventilated front seats) and variable-ratio dynamic steering. The Black Optic package (20-inch wheels and black exterior trim) is offered only on coupe and Sportback models. Nineteen-inch wheels are also available as a stand-alone option.

　　

2019 S5 Highlights

Type: HatchbackCoupeConvertibleHatchback

　　Trim: 3.0 TFSI Premium quattro3.0 TFSI Premium Plus quattro3.0 TFSI Prestige quattro3.0 TFSI Premium quattro

　　

Base MSRP	$52,400
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	24 MPG
Cost to Drive	$189/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	21.8 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	all wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles