2023 Audi S5 Hatchback

　　

2023 Audi S3 Review

byClint SimoneSenior Reviews Editor

　　Clint Simone has worked in the automotive industry since 2015. He has tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Before joining zzdcar as a senior reviews editor, Clint contributed to Motor1.com and InsideEVs, evaluating mostly electric cars. Clint loves hot hatchbacks more than any other type of vehicle but secretly enjoys driving big trucks when he gets the chance. He would never admit to that.

　　, rating written byClint SimoneAssociate Manager, Vehicle Testing and Operations

　　Rex Tokeshi-Torres has worked in the automotive industry for over 17 years. Rex is a vehicle testing technician and photographer at zzdcar and is responsible for coordinating vehicle testing and logistics, organizing data, and capturing photos for the site and social media. He has written over 100 vehicle-related articles and has rated, tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. He has also contributed content to Autobytel, Autotrader, Automobile, the Associated Press and DSport along with various motorsport teams. His affinity with cars started because of Hot Wheels and his love of modifying cars. He occasionally drives Subarus.

　　Sitting between the entry-level A and performance RS models, the Audi S cars strike a happy medium. The 2023 Audi S5 operates on that same Goldilocks principle, with sufficient style, performance and technology.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2023 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

　　$189/mo  for S5 Premium

　　S5 Premium

　　Premium 4dr Hatchback AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) - $55,800 MSRPPremium 2dr Coupe AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) - $55,800 MSRPPremium 2dr Convertible AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) - $64,400 MSRPPremium Plus 4dr Hatchback AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) (Most Popular) - $59,800 MSRPPremium Plus 2dr Coupe AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) - $59,800 MSRPPremium Plus 2dr Convertible AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) - $68,400 MSRPPrestige 2dr Coupe AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) - $63,900 MSRPPrestige 4dr Hatchback AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) - $64,200 MSRPPrestige 2dr Convertible AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) - $72,500 MSRP

　　vs

　　$165/mo

　　Avg. Midsize Car

　　Audi offers the S5 as a coupe, convertible and four-door hatchback, which Audi calls the Sportback. The hallmark improvement over the base A5 is the upgrade from four to six cylinders, with all S5 models powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6. Along with the jump in power comes a broader range of standard features such as massaging front seats with quilted upholstery and a more aggressive exterior appearance.

　　The closest rival to the two-door Audi S5 is the BMW M440i, while the four-door Acura TLX Type S is a match for the S5 Sportback. Both the BMW and Acura hold their own with equivalent power and performance, but the Audi has the upper hand when it comes to design.

　　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.

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