2020 Audi S5 Review

　　

2020 Audi S5 Review

byCameron RogersManager, News

　　Cameron Rogers has worked in the automotive industry since 2013. He has tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Today, he leads the news team in developing cutting-edge news articles, opinion pieces and sneak peeks at upcoming vehicles. Favorite cars that he's driven during his tenure at zzdcar include the 991-era Porsche 911 Turbo S, Rolls-Royce Ghost and several generations of Honda Odyssey (really).

　　So you like the Audi A5 but find that its four-cylinder engine doesn't quite fulfill your need for speed? Then the V6-powered 2020 Audi S5 might be right up your alley. It packs about 100 more horsepower than the A5 plus a handful of other upgrades that make it feel more dynamic and fun to drive.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2020 Audi S5 Premium 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

　　$204/mo  for S5 Premium

　　S5 Premium

　　Premium 4dr Hatchback AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) - $51,900 MSRPPremium 2dr Coupe AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) - $51,900 MSRPPremium 2dr Convertible AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) - $60,200 MSRPPremium Plus 4dr Hatchback AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) (Most Popular) - $54,400 MSRPPremium Plus 2dr Coupe AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) - $54,400 MSRPPremium Plus 2dr Convertible AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) - $62,700 MSRPPrestige 4dr Hatchback AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) - $60,300 MSRPPrestige 2dr Coupe AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) - $60,300 MSRPPrestige 2dr Convertible AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) - $68,600 MSRP

　　vs

　　$164/mo

　　Avg. Midsize Car

　　It steps up the luxury quotient too, with standard massaging seats and sporty simulated suede upholstery. Available in coupe, convertible and four-door hatchback body styles, the 2020 Audi S5 is a versatile luxury car that promises performance and comfort in equal measure.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Good

　　8.0

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

8.5/10

　　How does the S5 drive? We tested an S5 Sportback, which is the four-door hatchback. There's plenty of power from the turbocharged V6, even if it's not immediately explosive off the line. Once on the move, acceleration is swift, steady and satisfying. In zzdcar' track testing, our S5 Sportback test car was able to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in a rapid 4.3 seconds. The brakes work well to bring all that speed to a halt, offering relatively fade-free performance in dynamic situations, but they're equally easy and smooth-acting during a casual commute.

　　The S5 is capable around corners too. Our car came equipped with the optional S Sport package. It helps blend the best of all-wheel-drive traction with the nimble feeling of a rear-wheel-drive car. The S5's dynamic steering also feels well matched to whatever drive mode setting you're in.

　　

Comfort

8.5/10

　　How comfortable is the S5? We continue to be amazed at the balance of the S5 Sportback. Comfort is just as much a priority as performance. The front seats are very supportive and pleasant, and the available heated and ventilated elements work swiftly. The easy-to-use climate control maintains the cabin temperature accurately, and the fans aren't excessively noisy, even on high.

　　The optional adaptive suspension is a great way to go in the S5 because it offers excellent qualities for multiple scenarios. Comfort mode smooths out rough interstates and broken pavement with ease, while Dynamic mode keeps the body motion in check through spirited driving. The S5 is relatively silent at all speeds and well isolated from both road and wind noise.

　　

Interior

7.5/10

　　How’s the interior? Getting in and out of the A5 Sportback's front seats is easy. If you're on the taller side, you might have to duck to get into the rear seats due to the sloping roofline. There's a good amount of room for front occupants plus plenty of adjustment range for the driver. The rear seats are decent in terms of comfort and space for two adults up to about 5-foot-10 or so.

　　Audi's S5 Sportback doesn't have the dual touchscreen interface that the newer Audis have, but that could be a good thing for some people. Most interior controls are clear, logically placed, and consistent in look and feel. The menu structure for both the digital instrument panel and the touchscreen menu system takes a few uses to learn, though.

　　Visibility out of the front is decent. The over-the-shoulder view is a bit compromised due to the Sportback design and the thick rear roof pillars. The available surround-view camera system definitely helps out when backing out of parking spaces.

　　

Technology

8.0/10

　　How’s the tech? Audi's 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system's graphics are crisp and vibrant. Audi's Virtual Cockpit, a configurable fully digital instrument panel, is able to display nearly anything you want with as much information you want. The navigation system is straightforward and simple to use. The voice controls work pretty well, and while they're not quite conversational, the commands come close and have a good breadth of functions. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration is standard.

　　Most of the S5 Sportback's advanced driver safety aids are optional except on the top Prestige trim, which is a little disappointing. But they all worked smoothly in our testing.

　　

Storage

8.0/10

　　How’s the storage? The S5 Sportback has a good amount of room for stuff in the rear cargo area under the hatch. The 40/20/40-split rear seats help give you versatility for odd-sized objects. The load height is reasonable, and the cargo area is free of intrusions.

　　The storage for small items in the cabin, however, is merely average. There are a couple of small pockets in the center console area with room to keep items like a phone, keys or credit cards. The center console bin can fit a wallet and other similar-size items but nothing much bigger. The cupholders are on the small side, so don't plan to stop for that Big Gulp.

　　

Fuel Economy

7.0/10

　　How’s the fuel economy? The EPA estimates the S5 Sportback gets 23 mpg in combined driving (20 city/27 highway). This is slightly below average versus the competition. On our 115-mile mixed-driving evaluation route, we observed 23.5 mpg on 91 octane, indicating the EPA's numbers are realistic. Naturally, more spirited driving could result in fuel economy falling into the mid- to high teens.

　　

Value

7.0/10

　　Is the S5 a good value? Audi's S5 Sportback is well built, which is something we've come to expect from Audi. There are no unsightly gaps, welds or hinges, and the interior is simple but modern. The only gripe would be the piano black surfaces around the shifter and center console area that attract fingerprints. The warranty and ownership experience are decent.

　　The S5 Sportback is on the pricier side compared to its peers when they're similarly equipped. The starting price of $52K isn't bad, but once you equip it thoroughly, it closes in on $70K — which is slightly more than the competition. There's value with the midline trims, but you may miss out on a couple of desired features.

　　

Wildcard

8.5/10

　　While the S5 Sportback has a sleek profile, its overall design is quite understated and doesn't differentiate itself in any obvious way. If you want to have some fun, the S5 is capable of delivering it. Power is ample but not overwhelming and well matched to its handling capability. It engages you and once you're done having fun, you ease off and enjoy it purely as a luxury sedan.

　　

Which S5 does zzdcar recommend?

The base S5 Premium is tempting. Just make sure to get it with the Convenience package, which adds items such as keyless entry that should really be standard on a luxury vehicle at this price point. But consider springing for the midlevel Premium Plus. It includes the Convenience package and a few extra worthy features. It also opens the door to greater customization thanks to its expanded list of optional packages.

　　

2020 Audi S5 models

The 2020 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. The S5 is available in three trim levels: Premium, Premium Plus and Prestige.

　　All are powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 (349 horsepower, 369 lb-ft of torque). All-wheel drive is standard, as is an eight-speed automatic transmission.

　　Premium

　　Starts you off with:

　　Panoramic sunroof Heated front seats with massage Leather/simulated suede combination upholstery 10-speaker audio system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Forward collision warning (alerts you of a possible collision with the car in front and can automatically apply the brakes to reduce the impact of a collision) Optional Convenience package adds: Auto-dimming exterior mirrors Keyless entry Satellite radio Blind-spot monitor (alerts you if a vehicle in the next lane over is in your blind spot) Rear cross-traffic alert (alerts you if a vehicle behind you is about to cross your vehicle's path while in reverse) Premium Plus

　　Has all of the above plus:

　　Power-folding mirrors Front and rear parking sensors Digital instrument panel Wireless charging pad Rear USB charging ports (Sportback only)There are also more options available for the Premium Plus, including:

　　Driver Assistance package: Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the S5 and the car in front) Lane keeping assist (automatically steers the car back into its lane if the S5 begins to drift over the lane marker) Navigation package: Navigation system Audi Connect Prime and Plus subscription services Cold Weather package (Sportback only): Heated steering wheel Heated rear seats Warm Weather package (coupe and Sportback only): Different seats with ventilation but without massage Leather upholstery Luxury package (Cabriolet only): Warm Weather package Heated steering wheel Neck heaters S Sport package: Adaptive suspension dampers Sport rear differential Prestige

　　The top-of-the-line S5 trim that comes with:

　　Driver Assistance package Navigation package Automated parallel and perpendicular parking system Head-up display 360-degree parking camera 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium audio systemFor the Prestige, you can still get the:

　　Warm Weather package Luxury package S Sport package

　　

2020 S5 Highlights

Type: HatchbackCoupeConvertibleHatchback

　　Trim: PremiumPremium PlusPrestigePremium

　　

Base MSRP	$51,900
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	23 MPG
Cost to Drive	$204/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	21.8 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	all wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles