Overview
The 2024 Audi S5 coupe and convertible are powered by a turbocharged 349 hp V-6, which is a big jump over the 261 hp turbo-four that powers the standard A5. To accompany the more powerful powertrain, Audi gave the S5 a sportier suspension tune and a more purposeful look. Upgrading to the S5 costs nearly $10,000 over the base A5 but if you’re like us, you’ll find the extra performance well worth it. The S5’s personality is more tame than some of its direct rivals, though, including the Caddy CT4-V Blackwing and the Mercedes-AMG C43. The interiors of both the S5 coupe and drop-top are spacious enough for a two-door car but if you’re looking to regularly transport adults in the second row, you should consider the S5 Sportback four-door hatchback, which we reviewed separately. The S5’s rich interior and beautifully presented infotainment system are highlights, and its various driving modes make it easy to switch between a comfortable and sportier driving experience. It all makes for a car that’s easy to live with every day.
What’s New for 2024?
The S5 receives several new standard features for the 2024 model year. Audi has added adaptive cruise control with lane-keeping assist, a parking assist feature, a heated steering wheel and a smartphone app-based remote start system. The optional Navigation package now includes traffic sign recognition and a more advanced adaptive cruise control system.
Price and Which One to Buy
The Audi S5 Premium Plus coupe is our pick. For fun like can change is, in S5 applications, the cabriolet is slower and adds an extra $8600 to each trim level. The Premium Plus trim is a good balance of options and price, including standard equipment such as Audi’s Virtual Cockpit display, blind spot monitoring, passive keyless entry, 360-degree cameras, wireless charging and more leather surfaces throughout the cabin. We also like the look of the racier carbon fiber interior accents, and we’d be remiss if we didn’t max out our S5’s performance with the S Sport package. It adds adaptive dampers, a torque vectoring rear differential, and red brake calipers.
Engine, Transmission and Performance
All S5s come with the same 349 hp turbocharged V-6 engine, eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. Thanks to the launch control system and all-wheel drive traction, the system We tested the last S5 coupe delivers solid acceleration in the fast alternative class. In our testing, it went from zero to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds. Despite the extra weight, convertible The S5 Cabriolet we tested still plenty quick, reaching 60 mph in 4.8 seconds. Both two-door S5s we tested came with optional 19-inch performance tires and the S Sport package, which adds a torque-vectoring rear differential and adaptive dampers. As equipped, our test car had a firm but still compliant ride. The Coupe is also equipped with a Dynamic Steering option, which accelerates the steering wheel as more wheels are turned from the center. We found the system uncommunicative and unpredictable; we recommend that you do not use it and suggest that you stick with the standard fixed-ratio steering settings.
Real World Fuel Economy and MPG
With a powerful turbocharged V-6 and standard all-wheel drive, one might expect the S5 coupe and cabriolet to have less than stellar fuel economy. However, the fixed-roof version gets an EPA-estimated 24 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway—opting for the convertible reduces the city and highway ratings by 1 and 2 mpg, respectively. We tested both body styles on our 75-mph highway fuel economy route, which is part of the our extensive testing regimen, and the coupe gets 30 mpg while the cabriolet gets 32 mpg. For more information on the S5’s fuel economy, visit the website EPA website.
Interior, Comfort and Cargo
The interior of the S5 is marked by soft-touch materials, an expensive feel, high quality and a user-friendly design. Both the driver and front-seat passenger are treated to comfortable and roomy power-adjustable seats, while rear-seat riders are left with an acceptable minimum of space. Those who need more rear-seat space should look at the four-door S5 Sportback, which has a longer wheelbase and offers more space for rear passengers. The interior of the S5 starts with a conservative yet modern dashboard design combined with laser-sealed precision. Additionally, every S5 includes luxuries such as front seats with heating and massage functions, three-zone climate control and push-button start. In our test, the S5 coupe held as many suitcases as it carried The last 440i coupe we tested, making it one of the highest rated in its segment. Meanwhile, the convertible swallows as much luggage in its trunk as the C43 cabriolet. Additionally, the S5’s relatively low lift height and wide trunk opening make loading items into the cargo space a simple affair.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Every S5 is equipped with Audi’s latest infotainment software, which is displayed on a high-mounted 10.1-inch touchscreen. The system can also be operated via voice recognition and steering wheel controls, but the intuitive rotary controller on the center console has been omitted. Along with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, the S5 can be equipped with a slick-looking 12.3-inch full digital gauge cluster, a Wi-Fi hotspot and a 705-watt Bang & Olufsen audio system.
Safety Features and Driver Assistance
The S5 coupe and convertible have suites available driver assistance equipment, but some features are standard. For more information on the S5 crash test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) website. Key safety features include:
- Standard automatic emergency brake
- Available blind spot monitoring and rear traffic
- Adaptive cruise control is available with a lane-centering feature
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
The S5’s warranty is average for the class, but it doesn’t offer free scheduled maintenance like other automakers like a BMW.
- The limited warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
- No free scheduled maintenance
Specifications
More Features and Specifications