Overview
The 2024 Audi S5 coupe and convertible are motivated by a 349-hp turbocharged V-6, which is a big jump over the 261-hp turbo-four that powers standard A5s. To accompany the more powerful powertrain, Audi gives the S5 a sportier suspension tune and a more purposeful look. Upgrading to the S5 costs almost $10,000 over the base A5 but if you’re like us you’ll find the extra performance well worth it. The S5’s personality is a little tamer than some of its direct competition, though, which include the Caddy CT4-V Blackwing and the Mercedes-AMG C43. The interiors of both the S5 coupe and drop-top are spacious enough for two-door cars but if you’re looking to regularly transport adults in the second row you should consider the S5 Sportback four-door hatchback, which we review separately. The S5’s rich interior and handsomely rendered infotainment system are highlights, and its multiple drive modes make it easy to switch between comfortable and sportier driving experiences. It all makes for a car that’s easy to live with on a daily basis.
What’s New for 2024?
The S5 receives several new standard features for the 2024 model year. Audi has added adaptive cruise control with a lane-centering feature, a parking aid feature, a heated steering wheel, and a smartphone app-based remote start system. The optional Navigation package now includes traffic sign recognition and a more advanced adaptive cruise control system.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
The Audi S5 Premium Plus coupe is the one we’d pick. For as much fun as convertibles are, in the S5’s application, the cabriolet is slower and adds an extra $8600 at every trim level. The Premium Plus trim is a good balance of options and price, one that includes standard equipment such as Audi’s Virtual Cockpit display, blind-spot monitoring, passive keyless entry, a 360-degree camera, wireless charging, and more leatherette surfaces throughout the cabin. We also like the racier look of the carbon-fiber interior accents, and we’d be remiss if we didn’t maximize our S5’s performance with the S Sport package. It adds adaptive dampers, a torque-vectoring rear differential, and red brake calipers.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
All S5s come with the same 349-hp turbocharged V-6 engine, an eight-speed automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive. Thanks to its launch-control system and all-wheel-drive traction, the last S5 coupe we tested delivered solid acceleration in a class of quick alternatives. In our testing, it went from zero to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds. Despite the additional weight, the convertible S5 cabriolet that we tested was still plenty quick, hitting 60 mph in 4.8 seconds. Both two-door S5s we tested were equipped with the optional 19-inch performance tires and the S Sport package, which adds a torque-vectoring rear differential and adaptive dampers. As equipped, our test cars sported firm but still compliant rides. The coupe also came equipped with the Dynamic Steering option, which quickens the steering the more the wheel is turned from center. We found the system uncommunicative and unpredictable, though; we recommend against it and suggest that you stay with the standard fixed-ratio steering setup.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
With a potent turbocharged V-6 and standard all-wheel drive, one might expect the S5 coupe and cabriolet to have not-so-great fuel economy. However, the fixed-roof version gets an EPA-estimated 24 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway—choosing the convertible reduces the city and highway ratings by 1 and 2 mpg respectively. We tested both body styles on our 75-mph highway fuel-economy route, which is part of our extensive testing regimen, and the coupe earned 30 mpg while the cabriolet earned 32 mpg. For more information about the S5’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The S5’s interior is marked by soft-to-the-touch, expensive-feeling materials, high-quality fit-and-finish, and a user-friendly design. Both driver and front-seat passenger are treated to comfortable and roomy power-adjustable seats, while rear-seat riders are left with the bare minimum of acceptable space. Those in need of more rear-seat room should look at the four-door S5 Sportback, which has a longer wheelbase and offers more room for rear passengers. The S5’s interior starts with a conservative but modern dashboard design that’s pieced together with laser-tight precision. Additionally, every S5 includes luxuries such as front seats with heating and massage functions, three-zone climate control, and push-button start. In our testing, the S5 coupe held as many carry-on suitcases as the last 440i coupe we tested, making it one of the top-rated in its segment. Meanwhile, the convertible swallowed as many carry-ons in its trunk as the C43 cabriolet. Additionally, the S5’s comparatively low lift-over height and wide trunk opening make loading items into the cargo bay an easy affair.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Every S5 is outfitted with Audi’s latest infotainment software, which is displayed on a high-mounted 10.1-inch touchscreen. The system also can be operated via voice recognition and steering-wheel controls, but the intuitive rotary controller on the center console has been nixed. Along with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, the S5 can be equipped with a slick-looking 12.3-inch fully digital gauge cluster, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a 705-watt Bang & Olufsen audio system.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The S5 coupe and convertible have a suite of available driver-assistance gear, but few features are standard. For more information about the S5’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
- Standard automated emergency braking
- Available blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic
- Available adaptive cruise control with a lane-centering feature
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
The S5’s warranty is average for the class, but it doesn’t offer complimentary scheduled maintenance like other automakers such as BMW.
- Limited warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
- No complimentary scheduled maintenance
