2012 Audi S5

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$53,900

starting MSRP

2012 Audi S5
2012 Audi S5

Key specs

Base trim shown

Overview

The good:

  • Acceleration
  • Braking
  • Cabin materials
  • All-weather capabilities
  • Folding rear seat
  • Backseat space

The bad:

  • Too much steering assist for a sports car
  • Clutch can be tricky at low speeds (manual coupe)
  • Moonroof doesn't retract (coupe)
  • Highway wind noise (convertible)
  • Nose-heavy handling (convertible)
  • Navigation system needs more street labels

4 trims

Starting msrp listed lowest to highest price

Wondering which trim is right for you?

Our 2012 Audi S5 trim comparison will help you decide.

Notable features

  • Performance offshoot of the A5
  • Four-seat coupe or convertible
  • 4.2-liter V-8 (coupe)
  • Supercharged 3.0-liter V-6 (convertible)
  • Rear-biased AWD
  • Partial-LED headlights

2012 Audi S5 review: Our expert's take

Vehicle Overview

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

Safety
Standard safety features include:

  • Four-wheel-disc antilock brakes
  • Side-impact airbags for the front seats
  • Side curtain airbags (coupe)
  • Electronic stability system


Consumer reviews

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.6
  • Interior design 4.6
  • Performance 4.6
  • Value for the money 4.2
  • Exterior styling 4.9
  • Reliability 4.3

Most recent consumer reviews

3.0

Beautiful car, when it worked

Loved my 2012 S5, kept it perfectly maintained and it was low mileage for the year. Ended up needing an engine replacement at only 65k miles, this was after spending over $10k on it to keep it running in the previous year.

5.0

Solid performance matched with 5 star comfort

Solid sport performance - All seasons - Quality materials, engineering, and design.....definitely a head turner....Exhaust tuning will turn heads..... Best in class! Best in Value!

5.0

My favorite car out of +/- 30 cars owned

This is a classic GT, loved it. Moving up to an S6. Probably my favorite car out of +/- 30 cars previously owned. Highly recommend it.

See all 24 consumer reviews

Warranty

New car program benefits
Bumper-to-bumper
48 months/50,000 miles
Corrosion
144 months/unlimited distance
Powertrain
48 months/50,000 miles
Maintenance
12 months/5,000 miles
Roadside assistance
48 months/unlimited distance

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