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2018 Audi S5 Review: First Impressions

Audi S5 Coupe Review: Premium Performance Meets Refined Design | MotorVero

The Audi S5 Coupe: A Masterclass in Balanced Performance and Premium Design


Audi S5 Coupe

Evolution of Excellence: The S5's Redesigned Aesthetics

While photographs might suggest subtle changes, the Audi S5 Coupe reveals its true transformation in person. The design team has executed a masterful refinement of the coupe's silhouette, with particular attention to:

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  • Precision lighting elements - The matrix LED headlights feature intricate detailing that adds depth to the front fascia
  • Fluid body lines - A singular character line sweeps from headlights to taillights with perfect tension
  • Optimized proportions - The 0.8-inch lower hood line and reduced overall height create a planted, aggressive stance

Design Insight: Audi's designers focused on reducing visual mass through careful surface development, making the new S5 appear significantly longer and leaner than its predecessor while actually maintaining similar dimensions.

Interior Space: Defying Coupe Conventions

The S5's cabin represents a thoughtful execution of the "two-classes-above" philosophy that Audi has perfected. When benchmarked against key rivals, the S5 demonstrates clear advantages:

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Model Front Legroom (in) Rear Headroom (in) Shoulder Room (in)
Audi S5 Coupe 41.3 35.4 54.9
Mercedes C-Class Coupe 40.8 34.7 53.9
Lexus RC Coupe 42.4 32.4 53.3

Practical Luxury for Real-World Use

During extensive testing, the S5's rear accommodations proved surprisingly usable for a premium coupe:

  • Ingress/egress - The seat mechanism provides 3.2 inches more entry space than the previous generation
  • Adult accommodation - Six-foot passengers experience just 0.8-inch less headroom than the A4 sedan
  • Visibility - The 12% larger quarter windows and optimized roof pillar positioning create best-in-class sightlines

The Driver-Focused Experience

Audi has engineered the S5 cockpit to satisfy discerning enthusiasts while maintaining everyday usability:

Technology Integration

The standard 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit display represents just the beginning of the S5's tech story:

  • MMI Navigation Plus with 10.1GB flash memory provides instantaneous response
  • Audi drive select offers six distinct powertrain and chassis configurations
  • Head-up display projects critical data directly in the driver's sightline
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Material Quality and Craftsmanship

Audi's interior designers specified materials that satisfy both tactile and visual senses:

  • Standard Valcona leather with diamond stitching pattern
  • Precisely damped switchgear with aluminum accents
  • Acoustic laminated glass for 3dB noise reduction over competitors

Performance Engineering Beneath the Surface

The S5's mechanical upgrades deliver measurable improvements over both its predecessor and rivals:

Powertrain Note: The turbocharged 3.0L V6 produces 349hp and 369 lb-ft torque from just 1,370rpm, enabling 0-60mph in 4.4 seconds while achieving 24mpg combined.

Chassis Dynamics

Audi's five-link front suspension provides:

  • 12% greater lateral stiffness than the previous generation
  • Precise electromechanical steering with variable ratio
  • Optional sport differential that vectors torque between rear wheels

Competitive Positioning in the Premium Coupe Segment

When evaluated against its closest rivals, the S5 demonstrates compelling advantages:

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Versus Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe

  • +3.7 cubic feet additional cargo capacity
  • Standard quattro AWD vs rear-biased 4MATIC system
  • More intuitive infotainment interface

Versus Lexus RC Coupe

  • Superior powertrain refinement with less turbo lag
  • More contemporary safety tech implementation
  • Greater aftermarket support and tuning potential

Ownership Experience and Value Proposition

The S5 delivers strong residual values and competitive running costs:

  • 36-month residual value: 54% (3% higher than segment average)
  • Maintenance costs: $1,200 less than comparable Mercedes over 5 years
  • Warranty: 4-year/50,000-mile comprehensive coverage


Final Assessment: Who Should Consider the S5 Coupe?

The Audi S5 represents an ideal choice for:

  • Drivers seeking engaging dynamics without sacrificing daily comfort
  • Design-conscious buyers who appreciate meticulous detailing
  • Tech enthusiasts wanting cutting-edge interfaces
  • Practical coupe shoppers needing occasional rear seat usability

For those prioritizing absolute performance above all else, the RS5 remains Audi's flagship coupe. However, the S5 strikes perhaps the most compelling balance in the premium midsize coupe segment, offering 85% of the RS5's capability with greater everyday livability and significantly lower operating costs.

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Last Updated On Jul, 03-2025

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