2019 Audi S5

Overview

The 2019 Audi S5 coupe and convertible are two-door counterparts to the more practical but dowdier S4 sedan, and they offer impressive performance in a slinky uniform. (The high-style S5 Sportback is reviewed separately.) All S5s are motivated by Audi's turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 engine, which makes 349 horsepower and provides the S5 with plenty of get-up-and-haul. The previously available manual transmission is no more, and power is now routed to all four wheels exclusively through a smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission. Both the coupe and convertible—Audi calls the convertible a cabriolet—exhibit driving characteristics similar to those of their four-door siblings: they are surprisingly detached for such powerful, sporting cars. In day-to-day driving, the S5's comfortable cabins and great-looking exteriors are enough to push their vacant personalities to the wayside. However, when back roads beckon, the S5 twins fail to inspire; a number of competitors are much better at truly engaging the driver.

What's New for 2019?

A new 20-inch wheel design joins the options sheet as part of the Black Optics exterior appearance package, and the S5's available Convenience package now includes blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.

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Pricing and Which One to Buy

Given the sporting nature of the 2019 S5, we'd opt for the lighter coupe versus the weightier and pricier convertible. Although the Premium Plus model includes standard niceties such as a panoramic sunroof, leather seating, heated front seats with a massage function, and a 7.0-inch infotainment screen, we'd go with the Prestige trim that adds features such as a digital gauge display, a head-up display, an 8.3-inch infotainment screen with navigation, and a 360-degree exterior camera system.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

Likes: Plenty of power, nicely balanced chassis, smooth ride.
Dislikes: Optional Dynamic Steering system is unpredictable, best performance equipment costs extra.

All S5s come with the same 349-hp turbocharged V-6 engine, an eight-speed automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive. Thanks to its launch-control system and all-wheel-drive traction, the S5 coupe scoots from zero to 60 mph in a class-competitive 4.3 seconds. (This is a swift class.) The additional weight of the S5 cabriolet results in a zero-to-60-mph run of 4.8 seconds. Despite this, the S5 cabriolet remains plenty quick.

Both titillating two-door S5s we tested were equipped with the optional 19-inch performance tires and the S Sport package, which adds a torque-vectoring rear differential and adaptive dampers. As equipped, our S5 test cars sported firm but still compliant rides. The S5 coupe we tested also came equipped with the $1150 Dynamic Steering option, which quickens the steering the more the wheel is turned from center. We found the system uncommunicative and unpredictable; we recommend against it and that you stay with the S5's standard fixed-ratio steering setup.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

Excellent highway fuel economy makes up for the S5's comparatively small fuel tank, allowing the droptop model to travel approximately 480 miles between fill-ups. The S5 coupe was slightly less efficient on the highway in our real-world testing, but still met its EPA estimate of 30 mpg.

Interior, Infotainment, and Cargo

Likes: Luxury-meets-tech design, sweet optional digital gauge display, standard massaging seats.
Dislikes: Tight rear-seat space, best infotainment features aren't available on base models.

The S5's interior is marked by soft-to-the-touch, expensive-feeling materials, high-quality fit and finish, and a user-friendly design. Both driver and front-seat passenger are treated to comfortable and roomy power-adjustable seats, while rear-seat riders are left with the bare minimum of acceptable space. Those in need of more rear-seat room should look at the four-door S5 Sportback, which has a longer wheelbase and offers more room for rear passengers. The S5's interior starts with a conservative but modern dashboard design that's pieced together with laser-tight precision. Additionally, every S5 includes luxuries such as front seats with heating and massage functions, three-zone climate control, and push-button start.

Both a dashboard-mounted 7.0-inch infotainment screen and a separate 7.0-inch screen in the gauge cluster are standard on the S5 Premium. Stepping up to the S5 Premium Plus or Prestige trims adds an 8.3-inch center console infotainment screen with an in-dash navigation system, as well as a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster that Audi calls Virtual Cockpit. Although the standard infotainment system can't be paired with in-dash navigation, it is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible, offers voice control, and includes Bluetooth phone and audio.

In our testing, the S5 coupe held just as many carry-on suitcases as the BMW 440i coupe, making it one of the top rated in its segment. Meanwhile, the convertible swallowed just as many carry-ons in its trunk as the Mercedes-AMG C43 cabriolet. Additionally, the S5's comparatively low lift-over height and wide trunk opening make loading items into the cargo bay an easy affair.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The S5 has yet to be crash-tested by either of the independent testing agencies but it offers all of the latest driver-assistance gear. Key safety features include:

• Standard automated emergency braking
• Available blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert
• Available adaptive cruise control

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

The S5's warranty is average for the class. Kudos to Audi for offering complimentary scheduled maintenance, even if it doesn't last as long as those of other manufacturers, such as BMW.

• Limited warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
• Complimentary scheduled maintenance is covered for 1 year or 10,000 miles