The performance-oriented four-seat S5 and its layman twin, the A5, are aimed straight at their fellow two-door heartthrobs: the BMW 3 Series coupe and Mercedes-Benz E-Class coupe. The S5 coupe comes with a 354-horsepower V-8, all the better to compete with BMW’s M3 coupe. The S5 Cabriolet (convertible) has a 333-hp, supercharged V-6.
New for 2012 There are no significant changes for the 2012 model year.
Exterior The S5 is instantly recognizable as an Audi, with the brand’s customary wide-mouth grille flanked by lower air intakes. The car seems downright angry, thanks to a grille with vertical chrome bars and angular headlights. Exterior features include:
LED daytime running lights and taillights
Standard 19-inch alloy wheels
Sport suspension
Quad exhaust
Interior The S5’s dashboard has a broad dome that overlaps the gauges and central information screen, which incorporates the optional navigation system. Interior features include:
Front sport seats
Silk Nappa leather upholstery
Automatic climate control
Available Audi MMI navigation system
Available Bang & Olufsen premium stereo
Under the Hood The S5 coupe has a direct-injection 4.2-liter V-8 that’s good for 354 hp and 325 pounds-feet of torque. The convertible has a supercharged 3.0-liter V-6 that makes 333 hp and 325 pounds-feet of torque. Mechanical features include:
Six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission (V-8)
Seven-speed automatic transmission (V-6)
Standard all-wheel drive with rear-biased torque split
Zero to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds (coupe) or 5.1 seconds (convertible)
Available Audi drive select and sports rear differential
