2024 Audi S5 Convertible

　　

2024 Audi S5 Review

byChristian WardlawCorrespondent

　　Christian Wardlaw has worked in the automotive industry since 1994. He has written nearly 10,000 car-related articles and tested and reviewed more than 2,000 vehicles over the course of his career. Chris is a correspondent at zzdcar and was the first editor-in-chief of zzdcar.com in the 1990s. He has also contributed to Autotrader, CarGurus, J.D. Power, Kelley Blue Book, NADAguides, New York Daily News Autos and WardsAuto. His mom claims that his first word was “car,” and Chris believes that Miata is always the answer.

　　, rating written byChristian WardlawAssociate 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.

　　At Audi, the letter S stands for sport. When an Audi has an S in its name, you can bet it offers more power, performance and overall driving satisfaction than the vehicle on which the company bases it (but not quite as much as an Audi RS model). That helps to understand what the 2024 Audi S5 lineup brings to the table compared to equivalent A5 models. This year, the S5 continues in coupe, convertible (Cabriolet) and hatchback (Sportback) body styles, each receiving more standard equipment, including driver assist, parking assistance and remote engine starting features.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2024 Audi S5 Premium 2dr Convertible 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 2dr Convertible AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) - $65,400 MSRPPremium Plus 2dr Convertible AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) (Most Popular) - $68,400 MSRPPrestige 2dr Convertible AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) - $72,500 MSRP

　　vs

　　$165/mo

　　Avg. Midsize Car

　　

zzdcar spotlight: What makes the Audi S5 special?

Depending on the body style you choose, you could save about ten grand by choosing the Audi A5 over the sport-tuned Audi S5. But then you'd miss out on a more powerful turbocharged V6 engine, a sport-tuned suspension and larger front brakes. The Audi S5 is quicker to accelerate, too, shaving about a second off the blast to 60 mph. The S5 models also have upgraded interior features with more seat bolstering, diamond-stitched leather and a massage function. Exclusive options include an available speed-dependent, variable-ratio steering system with quicker response to driver inputs, a sport rear differential that enhances handling, and an adaptive damping suspension. Is all that worth the premium over the A5? We think so.

　　

Competitors to consider

BMW is the only Audi rival that matches the S5 lineup model for model. Within the BMW 4 Series lineup, the M440i offers a bump in performance in coupe, convertible and hatchback (Gran Coupe) variants. In addition, like the Audi S5, each of these BMW M440i models has standard all-wheel drive. You might also consider the new Mercedes-Benz CLE 450 in coupe and convertible body styles, and the Acura Integra Type S could prove enticing as an alternative to the S5 Sportback, especially if you want a manual gearbox.

　　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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