Audi S5 Coup​é​​ Test Drive Review

​The S5 is the most powerful model in the A5 range. Can it live up to the outgoing car’s reputation?

What is it?

We’ve already looked at the all-new Audi A5, and now we turn to the range-topping S5 model.

What's new?

The new A5 is a pretty car, and the S5 changes those looks only subtly. As such, you’ll now find the trademark silver wing mirrors fitted, along a resigned grille and front air intakes. Around the back there are four large exhaust pipes, which give a little hint as to the S5’s performance.

​What's under the bonnet?

Powered by a 3.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine it produces a not-inconsiderable 349bhp and 500Nm of torque. But Audi ‘S’ cars aren’t about just numbers – they need to be discreet as well as fast. The old S5 certainly achieved this, but can the new version do just as well?

What's it like to drive?

Once behind the wheel of the S5, it’s very easy to find a comfortable driving position. The flat-bottomed steering wheel which is a stable in current sports cars actually feels good to use, and sets you up nicely for driving.

There’s no questioning the S5’s power. Acceleration is impressive, with 0-60mph dealt with in just 4.6 seconds, with the eight-speed automatic transmission shifting smoothly. The S5 also benefits from Quattro all-wheel-drive, which means there’s plenty of traction no matter what the conditions.

There is a downside with the S5 – character. By character, we mean lack of, as even upon heavy acceleration the entire car leaves you feeling just a little cold. The four-pipe exhaust which looks almost intimidating at first lacks any true sporting sound, just a ‘noise’. In all, the package keeps you at a distance, which isn’t something you want from a high-powered coupe. The steering, in a similar vein, isn’t bad, but it lacks any feedback to the driver. The S5 is fast, but it doesn’t get the heart racing quite like you’d expect.

​How does it look?

The new A5 is a pretty car, and the S5 changes those looks only subtly. As such, you’ll now find the trademark silver wing mirrors fitted, along a resigned grille and front air intakes. Around the back there are four large exhaust pipes, which give a little hint as to the S5’s performance.

Large 19-inch wheels sit at all four corners, while ‘S’ sports suspension lowers the car, giving it a much more purposeful look on the road. A matt grey diffuser is fitted to the back of the car, giving it even greater presence.

Inside, it’s business as usual. There are four seats, though the rears won’t be the most comfortable place for taller passengers to sit given the car’s sloping roofline. However, there’s plenty of room up front, while all of the materials used feel of a high quality. Everything is put together exceptionally well, though.

What's it like inside?

As a coupe, the S5 was never going to be the most spacious. However, the 465-litre boot is of a decent size and offers more than enough room for a weekend’s worth of luggage. As previously mentioned, the rear of the car isn’t the largest, but there’s plenty of width which means it shouldn’t be as uncomfortable as in other coupes.

As far as coupes go, the S5 isn’t as impractical as you’d think. With a good-size boot and a variety of storage areas in the front of cabin, it should give drivers plenty of space.

What's the spec like?

Prices for the S5 start at £46,015. As standard you get metallic paint and nappa leather upholstery, which is something that rivals cannot offer. Worth picking is the Virtual Cockpit option, although it comes with a £250 premium, it’s a box that really shouldn’t be left unticked as it’s one of the most useful pieces of technology we’ve seen on a car for some time.

You still get satellite navigation, Bluetooth connectivity and DAB radio as standard, which means that there’s a good range of technology fitted.

The S5 is ideal for people who are looking to go fast from point-to-point, but aren’t too worried about razor-sharp dynamics. It’s got good levels of space for a coupe, and there’s enough room for two adults in the back – at a push.

That said, if you’re after a sports car that captures your heart and soul then you may want to look elsewhere. Unfortunately, despite an impressively powerful engine the S5 just doesn’t deliver the firecracker experience that you’d expect. It drives perfectly well, but doesn’t do anything to stir

FACTS AT A GLANCE

• Model: Audi S5
• Engine: 3.0-litre turbocharged V6
• Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
• Performance: 0-60mph in 4.6 seconds, top speed 155 mph
• Economy: 38.2mpg (combined)
• Emissions: 170g/km CO2