Review
Audi S5 Coupe
It was in 2007 that the world was introduced to the first generation of the Audi A5 and S5. More than 320,000 units of the Coupé have now been sold and we are now in the second generation of this successful model.
Audi S5 3.0 TFSI quattro tiptronic
In 2007, the very first S5 Coupé was equipped with a 4.2 V8 with 354 hp. In 2011, this engine was replaced in the S5 Coupé by a 3.0 V6 with 333 hp. In the new S5 we find a renewed 2,995 cc V6 TFSI turbo petrol engine with six cylinders. This engine is all about high power and torque, powerful throttle response and a sporty sound. The power of this block is 354 hp and it has a max. torque of 500 Nm. The transmission was an eight-speed tiptronic automatic transmission with DSP and sports program. This has also been renewed and the lower gears have short and sporty ratios, while the higher gears have long ratios to optimize consumption. The S5 has quattro permanent all-wheel drive. The sprint from 0-100 km/h takes just 4.7 seconds and the top speed is 250 km/h. The base price of the S5 is around 64,564 euros.
Quattro
The S5 Coupé comes standard with Quattro, Audi’s permanent all-wheel drive system. Personally, we are in favor of four-wheel drive on sports cars. During normal driving, 60% of the power goes to the rear wheels and 40% to the front wheels. If slip occurs on a certain axle, most of the power will be sent to the other axle. This can even go up to 85% to the front axle or 70% to the rear axle.
Audi virtual cockpit
You can also opt for Audi’s optional virtual cockpit on the S5. In our opinion, it is certainly an option worth considering. You will then receive a digital instrument panel where you can see the counters digitally, but also other things such as navigation, telephone, music, etc. Everything can be seen via the 12.3-inch LCD screen. The image looks razor sharp. Nowadays you can choose a digital dashboard from many brands, but Audi’s stands out in terms of display.
Design
In terms of appearance, the S5 looks elegantly sporty. At the front you will see a prominent power dome on the hood to underline the sporty character. On the side we see aluminum-look exterior mirrors and at the rear the quadruple exhaust immediately attracts attention.
Additional images of the exterior and interior:
Driver assistance systems
On the S5, just like on the A5 and other models, you can also choose a number of optional driver assistance systems. Our test car was equipped with the parking assistant (see demo in the video). With this system you can automatically steer when parking. The system is activated with a button in the center console. The car searches for a suitable parking space using ultrasonic sensors. This is possible for both transverse parking and longitudinal parking. The system automatically maneuvers when parking and the driver must accelerate, brake and shift into reverse or forward. The ambient display warns of obstacles in front of and behind the vehicle and, depending on the steering angle, also of side obstacles.
With turn assist, the system will monitor oncoming traffic when you turn left. In the event of danger, the system will bring the car to a complete stop. The system is activated in the background whenever the left turn signal is used.
The cross traffic assist rear is active when the driver uses the parking system. The system will warn the driver when he is reversing and cars are approaching. Ideal for leaving a parking space in the city. The system will warn the driver in various steps, from visually and acoustically to a short pull on the brakes.
With Side Assist, the driver receives assistance when changing lanes. Using 2 rear radars with a range of 70 meters, it will warn the driver when there is oncoming traffic in the blind spot. A warning LED in the exterior mirror housing will then light up. If the driver does use his flashing light, the LED will flash a number of times to warn the driver of the impending danger.
Conclusion
Just like its predecessor, the new S5 Coupé has a handsome and elegant appearance. The finish inside is of superior quality and, provided you have the necessary budget for options, you can also equip the S5 with the most advanced driver assistance systems. We think that this model has Quattro all-wheel drive as standard is a real asset. You can drive sportily in the most diverse weather conditions and the car will lose almost no grip. Even with the sporty character of this car, the S5 is still very usable and comfortable for everyday use.
Additional: sound exhaust
Johan De Haes
Test driver
