The local market segment for high-performance luxury coupes has become a lot more crowded with the luxury marques’ continuous introduction of new models. Even so, Audi still thinks that there is space for one more – the Audi S5.
In brief, the S5 is all about 2-4-6-8; two doors, four wheels, six gears and a vicious V8 engine. Within the Audi coupe family, there’s the smaller and less powerful TT on one end and the twice as costly R8 on the other end. But if factors like relative value and practicality are more significant, then the S5’s positioning between the TT and R8 is perfect.
The Audi A5 and S5 were launched simultaneously sometime at the end of June last year. Held on a private yacht and then later adjourned to One° 15 Marina Club, the launch event was a grand luxurious affair. For the unaware, the S5 is sportier and of higher performance than the A5. Whilst the S5 houses a 4.2 FSI engine under its bonnet, the A5 houses either the 1.8 TFSI or 3.2 FSI engine.
To tell them apart visually, look out for the S5’s signature ‘S’ styling cues like the silver egg crate inserts on the front grille, aluminium wing mirrors, the large 19-inch alloys and the quad exhaust outlets. It also has bigger brakes, heated leather sport seats and a string of LED daytime running lights around the bi-Xenon headlamps.
The S5 is the type of car that should be seen in the flesh (or in this case, metal) for full appreciation of its sheer beauty. It not only turns heads wherever it goes, it makes people turn back for a second, third, fourth (you get the idea) look of admiration. Designed with tinges of its A4 sedan and TT siblings, the S5 styling exudes visual firepower with its tapered-off rear and its silhouette topped with a tilting glass roof.
Driving the S5 is as good as it looks. The 4.2-litre V8 engine is mated with a six-speed automatic gearbox that produces a healthy power output of 350bhp. If that doesn’t impress, then the torque output of 440Nm at 3500rpm should. The S5 only needs 5.4 seconds to reach 100km/h from rest.
The Audi Drive Select is a standard feature on the car and consists of four modes – Auto, Comfort, Dynamic and Individual. As it suggests, the Comfort mode gives a softer ride despite the 19-inch wheels and low profile rubber. For more aggressive handling, choose the Dynamic mode. The steering may not be as responsive as its rivals but its agility round bends and into corners is fantastic.
While on the drive, the sensation of speed in the S5 doesn’t seem as fast as the car is going; thanks to the Quattro all-wheel drive system that provides improved traction, increased stability and better handling abilities in all situations.
Besides the Quattro all-wheel drive, the rest of the safety features include an ESP system which has the functions of the ABS, the hydraulic brake assist, electronic differential lock and traction control. One unique function of the ESP is the cleaning of the brake’s discs when driving in rain.
Inside, the features contained in the cabin serve to pamper all passengers within. Engine and parking-brake is engaged or disengaged with just a press of the button, thus freeing up more room in the centre console for the MMI central-command interface. Then there’s the sat-nav to help with directions, cruise control for fuel efficiency, a tilting glass roof for the occasional need of fresh air or sunlight, easy adjustment of the front electric seats and the Bang & Olufsen premium sound system that enhances the prestige of the car.
Although the S5 is a proper four-seater coupe, space in the front is not compromised. However, the back seats would function better as a storage place. Let’s just say that those in the back will become well-acquainted with their knees and a 15-minute ride in the rear was the longest and only time I’ll ever sit behind.
Before the RS5 variant is brought in, the S5 remains as the only performance variant of the A5 coupe range. With the price tag of about a quarter million, it really is a good deal. In fact, I was expecting the S5 to be pricier. For all that performing capabilities and standard equipment, it is a worthy and justified indulgence.
Audi S5
S$245,000 (On-road, inclusive of COE)
www.audi.com.sg
Engine: 4,163cc, 8-cyl 32v, V8
Transmission: 6-speed automatic with manual selection mode
Max Power: 350bhp @ 7,000rpm
Max Torque: 440Nm @ 3,500rpm
Top Speed: 250km/h
0-100km/h: 5.4 seconds
