Vehicle Overview
The performance-oriented S5 and its layman twin, the A5, are aimed straight for 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, and the cabriolet (convertible) has a supercharged V-6.
New for 2011
A new Titanium Sport Package available on the coupe gives the S5 black window trim, titanium-finish wheels, a black grille and black interior trim.
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
- Available sport suspension
- Quad exhaust
Interior
The S5’s dashboard looks much like that of Audi’s larger A6. A broad dome overlaps the gauges and central information screen, which incorporates the optional navigation system. Interior features include:
- Front sport seats
- Automatic climate control
- Leather seats
- Brushed aluminum trim
Under the Hood
The S5 coupe has a direct-injection 4.2-liter V-8 that’s good for 354 horsepower 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)
Safety
Standard safety features include:
- Four-wheel antilock disc brakes
- Side-impact airbags for the front seats
- Side curtain airbags
- Electronic stability system
