2017 Audi S5 - Review

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► BASE PRICE :

2017 AUDI S5 - $53,100

The S5 recently received a mid-cycle update that included more angular headlights, a "singleframe" grille and a more aggressive front fascia. Taken together, the styling changes added more visual pop to the S5's already eye-catching form.

Power continues to come from a supercharged 3.0-liter V6 that produces 333 horsepower and 325 lb-ft. Buyers have the choice of a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, both of which send power to all four wheels via Audi's Quattro all-wheel-drive system. The 0-to-60 mph sprint comes in a claimed 4.9 seconds, and fuel economy is rated at 17/26 for the manual and 18/28 for the automatic.

As with all of Audi's "S" models, the S5 features a full complement of suspension and interior modifications designed to impart a more sporting look and feel. Larger brakes and a tightened and lowered suspension help the Z-rated tires deliver the uprated power to the street. The coddling interior features carbon fiber trim, special seats and a unique steering wheel.

Available equipment includes Audi'a MMI infotainment interface and Audi Connect, which brings in-car internet connectivity and industry-first Google Earth integration - complete with panoramic views and high-resolution 3D satellite and aerial imagery.( SEE ALL PHOTOS )

EXTERIOR

The new Audi S5 Coupé spans a length of 4,692 millimeters (15.4 ft). It is 1,846 millimeters (6.1 ft) wide and 1,371 millimeters (4.5 ft) high. The long wheelbase of 2,764 millimeters (9.1 ft) emphasizes the dynamic silhouette of the two-door sports coupé.

The intelligent combination of materials makes the body very torsionally stiff, safe and lightweight. The new Audi S5 Coupé with standard quattro all-wheel drive weights 1,615 kilograms (3,560.5 lb), 60 kilograms (132.3 lb) less than the previous model.

Audi equips the new S5 Coupé standard with LED headlights. The lower edge of the wide and flat Singleframe extends much farther upward than in the previous model. The striking bumper is expressively shaped. The flat air inlet below is adorned by a matt aluminum silver trim strip and spans the entire width of the vehicle. The side air inlets have bold edges and honeycomb grilles in matt titanium black as well as vertical bars evoking the blades of a racing car. At the front end, the new Audi S5 Coupé expresses its independence with additional sporty details, such as the S-specific radiator grille in matt twilight gray with double slats in matt aluminum silver.

When viewed from the side, the new Audi S5 Coupé exhibits a characteristic, wave-shaped shoulder line. The sweeping line with pronounced bulges over the wheel arches is a visual cue to the quattro all-wheel drive. At the transition from the front wheel arch to the A-pillar, a three-dimensional trim element in matt aluminum silver with an integrated S5 logo underscores the supreme sportiness of the new Audi S5 Coupé. As with a racing car, the aluminum-look exterior mirrors are mounted on the top shoulders. Chrome inserts for the door handles and powerfully contoured sill trims in the body color with textured black sill top strips also contributed to the honed exterior.

The rear end sports slim LED rear lights with dynamic turn signals. A distinctive spoiler in the body color on the luggage compartment lid improves the aerodynamics. Integrated into the boldly shaped rear bumper is a flat, black honeycomb grille. The matt twilight gray diffuser with vertical struts and a matt aluminum silver clasp frame the two dual chrome tailpipes.

The three-dimensional trim elements on the flanks, the radiator grille and the luggage compartment lid bear S5 logos with a red rhombus. The 11-shade color palette includes two new colors exclusive to the S model: Navarra blue and Misano red.( SEE ALL PHOTOS )

INTERIOR

The new Audi S5 Coupé also features cultivated sportiness in the interior. The clean design with its strong horizontal orientation makes the spaciously designed interior - which seats four - appear even larger. With a volume of 465 liters (16.4 cu ft) the luggage compartment of the S5 Coupé offers everyday practicality.

A broadly extended band of air vents, an elegant air conditioning panel and a large decorative surface define the instrument panel layout. The Audi MMI display welcomes the driver and passengers with a screen featuring the S5 logo. At night, LED light guides trace the contours of the doors and the center console - in 30 colors with the optional ambient light package. The illuminated door sill strips, the three-spoke sport leather steering wheel with multifunction plus and the chrome clasp on the tiptronic selector lever bear the S logo with a red rhombus (as do the welcome screens of the color DIS or Audi virtual cockpit and the MMI display.

Thanks to the vehicle's excellent aeroacoustics, the interior noise level is exceptionally low. The workmanship quality is on the high level that distinguishes an Audi. As is typical for an S model, the color black dominates. For example on the headlining and the instrument panel. The decorative inlays provide elegant contrasts. They come standard in matt brushed aluminum, with options for carbon Atlas, gray natural oak and black piano finish.

The optional S sport seats have integrated head restraints, adjustable bolsters and a pneumatic massage function. Fine Nappa leather in the colors black, rotor gray or magma red with diamond pattern, contrasting stitching and an S badge is the standard upholstery. ( SEE ALL PHOTOS )

PERFORMANCE & STYLING

The look of the Audi S5 is still attractive, but it's no longer fresh. For the past six years or so, the A5 and S5 family has been a design benchmark for luxury coupes, so it's no surprise that many of its cues and themes have appeared in newer models.

That's however also a testament to how well the S5's design works. It has classic rear-wheel-drive luxury-coupe proportions (even though it's all-wheel drive), and the flowing, sculpted design is brought to its best (but not over the top) with accent trim, some blacked-out details, and special available Black Optic 21-inch wheels. Inside, the switchgear can seem a bit excessive or cluttered, yet all of the materials and finishes still live and breathe quality, sportiness, and performance.

Both sporty S5 variants are offered in coupe and Cabriolet (convertible) form. The standard engine on the S5 is the 3.0T supercharged V-6, rated at 333 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque. Acceleration is just 4.9 seconds to 60 mph for the S5 Coupe, and 5.1 seconds for the S5 Cabriolet.

Handling is excellent for both of these models, although the steering is a bit too far on the numb and artificially weighted side. An Audi Drive Select system lets the driver select modes that include individual settings for the steering, transmission, and throttle (plus those of the available adaptive damping suspension).

The S5 especially manages to straddle two worlds, of entirely comfort-oriented models and those aimed for higher-performance pegs. From the driver's seat it's a versatile, spirited touring car—one that's especially nimble and capable. The quattro all-wheel-drive system aids this, starting with a power split that sends 60 percent of the power split to the rear wheels—which helps with handling yet allows all-weather ability. Brakes are strong, and the 3.0T engine sounds great. 

This year's S5 Coupe was rated by the EPA at 18 mpg city, 28 highway, 21 combined with the automatic, 17/26/20 mpg with the manual. The S5 Cabriolet, which is only available with the automatic, was rated at 18/26/21 mpg.( SEE ALL PHOTOS )

ENGINE

It's a good day when the "base" engine is the 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder that's standard in the Audi A5. With 220 smooth horsepower, standard quattro AWD, and your choice of a 6-speed automatic or an 8-speed automatic with Tiptronic manual control, it's no penalty box. However, we're particularly fond of the 3.0-liter supercharged V6 in the Audi S5, with its 333 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque. ( SEE ALL PHOTOS )

► 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4

220 horsepower @ 4,450-6,000 rpm

258 lb-ft of torque @ 1,500-4,300 rpm

EPA city/highway fuel economy: 23/32 mpg (manual), 22/30 mpg (automatic)

► 3.0-liter supercharged V6

333 horsepower @ 5,500-6,500 rpm

325 lb-ft of torque @ 2,900-5,300 rpm

EPA city/highway fuel economy: 17/26 mpg (manual), 18/28 mpg (Coupe, S tronic automatic), 18/26 mpg (Cabriolet, S tronic automatic)

SAFETY

Standard safety features for the 2017 Audi S5 include antilock brakes, stability/traction control, front-seat side and knee airbags, and (in the coupe) full-length side curtain airbags. A blind-spot monitoring system, a rearview camera, and front and rear parking sensors are included in the Technology package

In Edmunds brake testing, the S5 coupe and convertible came to a stop from 60 mph within a foot of each other at 108 and 109 feet, respectively. These distances are comparable to those of competing vehicles with summer performance tires.( SEE ALL PHOTOS )

VIDEO

Video by : Motormouth Canada

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►Edited by : Shahen Tharammal

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