I’ve had the good fortune to have been test driving cars for manufacturers for almost 15 years now, and I’ve often said that I’ve driven a lot of beautiful cars; cars that stir the imagination and get the blood going. Just the fact that the Audi S5 is being reviewed in the Fast Car Forum section of our website should speak volumes about what I think of the car. The truth is, my acid test of a vehicle that costs let’s say, over $40,000 is, will that vehicle make it on my short list of cars that I’d spend lots of dollars for. Well, the Audi S5 easily makes that list. Like a lot of others I’d seen the pictures, but this car is so much more up close and personal.
I was surprised at how many people didn’t know about the S5, which could indicate a marketing faux pas, unless Audi is counting on its loyal base to crossover from other models to the Coupe. If that’s the case, I’m a little surprised but we shall see. I think this car opens the door to a whole new demographic for Audi. A group of drivers that have been looking for driving excitement that goes beyond the TT and S-sedans. I say that because it sure turned a lot of people that I ran into on, who weren’t what you’d call Audi aficionados.
The S5 is, of course, the 2-door Coupe performance iteration of the A5 that joined the 2008 lineup, and is the big brother to the TT coupe and R8 sports car making a trio that gives Audi a pretty solid complement of performance coupes. The S5 does in fact incorporate a lot of the features of the Nuvolari concept car that debuted in 2003, and it offers a beautiful balance of sport and elegance that prompted VW Group Design head Walter de’Silva to describe the S5 as “the most beautiful car I have ever designed.” Walt, I couldn’t agree more.
My test car was the “come and get me red” and simply stated, it was beautiful. The interior layout was typical Audi perfection and sported just the right amount of brushed stainless aluminum trim touches. The ergonomics were well thought out and the straight-forward white-on-black gauges are very easy to read. Most of the other controls were within easy reach of the driver, and relatively easy to use.
I happened to be in my front yard when I saw the test car come around the corner and I had an immediate visceral reaction to the car. The LED daytime running lights bordering the headlights give the car a very menacing, no nonsense fascia. A look which is enhanced by the low slung aggressive stance of the S5. The front end has been shortened just a bit so there is very little overhang from either the front or the rear
The powerplant is Audi's 354 horsepower 4.2-liter FSI V8 mated to a 6-speed manual transmission that delivers power to the renowned Quattro all-wheel drive system that blazes the S5 from 0-60 in a mere 4.8 seconds according to Audi. There is a Tiptronic automatic coming but I really like this car with the manual because the 325 lb-ft is enough torque to be lazy about shifting if you so desire. The asymmetric all-wheel-drive system applies power on a 60/40 split which puts more power to the rear wheels to maximize cornering and handling dynamics. By the way, you may want to leave the audio system off so you can enjoy the throaty sounding exhaust burbling from the quad-tailpipes.
If you do choose to listen to your favorite songs, the sound will flow from 14 speakers powered by an optional Bang and Olufsen stereo system, which the tester had, that will set you back $850.00. The $1700.00 Technology Package with a nifty rear parking system and rear camera is a very nice and handy feature. The test car also sported the $2400.00 Navigation System and a music interface system controlled through the MMI or Multi-Media Information system, which was just a bit quirky at times, but hey, I just wanted to hear the engine anyway.
Bottom line, I wanted to drive this car. It’s difficult at times to put one’s finger on exactly what triggers certain feelings we get about cars and that’s definitely the case with the S5. It’s not the fastest nor is it the edgiest car on the road. And it certainly isn’t a classic beauty. But it is, paradoxically, a stunning automobile and an absolute blast to drive. At 354 horsepower the car has plenty of pop, and the suspension allows for superb handling and control and yet taking this car cross country would be no problem at all.
So, the word that describes the S5 for me is simply wow. The balance of form and function is just about perfect and the fun quotient is off the scale. While $57,000 is not inexpensive, you’ll get phenomenal bang for you buck if you buy this stunning, unmitigated sports coupe. Audi has a definite winner with this one and, I may have already picked out my sport coupe of the year. If you’re looking for a fabulously fun, beautifully understated car, check the Audi S5 out; I do believe you’ll like it.
