Video: 2008 Audi S5

The S5 is one sinister-looking coupe, especially when painted phantom black pearl, like our test model here. But what sets it apart from many other cars on the road is its LED, daytime running lights. You can see the LEDs right here. There's a strip of them underneath both of the headlights. And they really stand out in the daytime. For those not familiar with Audi speak, The S5 is the company's high-performance version of it's A5, which has V6 power. And the S5 is differentiated on the outside of the car with some subtle changes. There's an S5 badge on the grill. The grill itself is slightly different. The car has quad exhaust pipes and special 19-inch alloy wheels. While the changes on the outside of the car are pretty subtle, there's big changes under the hood. The S5 gets a 4.2 liter V8. It makes 354 horsepower and 325 pounds for you to torque. And that torque you'll appreciate every time you roll off from a stoplight, just gives the car a nice, powerful feel. The only transmission is a six-speed manual, and it works with Audi's Quattro all-wheel drive system, which in this case is a rear bias system, sends more torque to the rear wheels, which gives the car rear wheel drive handling dynamics. The S5 features a driver-centric cockpit. That's kind of like Audi's A6 sedan, and it also features high-quality materials throughout like many Audis. You can see here, it has a version of the company's multimedia interface, that's used to control things like navigation and the optional Bang & Olufsen high-end audio system. It features 14 speakers in the S5 and for $850 is relatively affordable for a premium stereo. And there's also S5 specific cues. Though it's designed for two people, Cause it's a coupe, obviously, the S5 actually has a usable backseat that can accommodate adults in a pinch. And it's also nice cause Audi lets you fold those back seats from either the inside of the cabin (seats thump) or the trunk. (suitcase swooshes) (seat thumps) Though you may not expect it, the S5 also has a really large trunk, (trunk clicks) and it can accommodate a bag like this easily. (suitcase wheels swoosh) There's a lot to like about the S5 in the performance and style departments, but you better be ready to open your wallet wide to get one of these cars. (car engine whirring) It starts at just over $50,000, and the one you see here is about $60,000 and that's with the options it has, destination, and a gas guzzler tax. (car engine whirring) For additional information on this car or any other, go to cars.com and our blog, "Kicking Tires".