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.
There are no significant changes for the 2012 model year.
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
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
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
Standard safety features include:
- Four-wheel-disc antilock brakes
- Side-impact airbags for the front seats
- Side curtain airbags (coupe)
- Electronic stability system
