2010 Audi A5/S5
by Jim Prueter -01/2010

Gorgeous A5 adds a convertible

(This review was written in December 2007 about the 2008 Audi A5/S5 and has been updated to include what’s new for the 2009 and 2010 model years)

Ok, so we’ll start this review with the conclusion first: The all-new Audi S5 is far and away the most enjoyable car we’ve driven so far this year. It’s a perfect balance of gorgeous exterior styling, the best looking interior in the business, power under the hood and butter-smooth all-wheel-drive handling.

For 2008 and 2009 the A5 was only available as a two-door coupe aimed directly at the BMW 3 Series and 6 Series coupes and Mercedes-Benz E Class coupe. Until the A5, the only Audi coupe was the TT. The A5 seats four adults, but those relegated to the back seat will find only an absolute minimum of seating, head, shoulder and legroom. It is best left for children.

Our 2010 test car, a gorgeous meteor gray pearl with magma red leather seating and brushed aluminum trim, turned heads everywhere we drove. We couldn’t tell if it was the visually striking design or the rich burble from the quad exhaust pipes. Our S5, the performance version of the A5, had a starting price of $54,425 and was powered by a 354-horsepower 4.2-liter dual overhead cam V-8 engine. The S5 gets from zero to 60 mph in just 4.8 seconds, according to the folks at Audi and we estimated the quarter-mile at a very quick 13.2 seconds. That might not be as quick as the 2010 BMW M3, but flat-out speed isn’t the only category to consider. The M3 is no match to the S5 in terms of overall appearance, ride and handling quality, and sheer quiet highway driving pleasure.

For 2010 the A5/S5 is offered as a two-door coupe and, since September 2009, a Cabriolet (convertible) that replaces last year’s A4 Cabriolet. The A5 Cabriolet comes standard with front-wheel drive and is powered by an all-new 211-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine, and a continuously variable automatic transmission. Quattro all-wheel drive and a six-speed automatic are optional. The Cabriolet is not available with the larger V-6 or V-8 engine nor is it offered with a manual transmission.

Starting price for the coupe is $36,475 including shipping. It is equipped with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and six-speed manual transmission. Three trim levels are offered: Premium, Premium Plus and Prestige. Leather upholstery, power front seats, and CD stereo with an auxiliary MP3 jack are standard.

Outside, the S5 features the signature Audi trapezoidal grille with a distinctive and telling S5 badge. The sheet metal is taut with a flexed muscular look. The roofline rakes back to a short rear deck with an integrated spoiler and a repeat of the S5 badge. Quad exhaust pipes and an aluminum optic rear diffuser finish the look. The S5 rides on aggressive 19-inch wheels with 35-series tires.

Inside, the interior is what we’ve come to expect from Audi — superb materials with fit and finish to match. Similar in appearance to the larger A6 dash there’s a large dome over the steering column that houses the speedometer and separate tachometer gauges. The optional navigation and information screen sit mid center stack and are controlled by Audi’s Multi-Media Interface system (MMI).

MMI controls most functions, including the navigation system, with a central control knob just behind the manual gearshift. It isn’t our favorite way to operate most of the vehicle’s functions but it’s much less confusing and easier to operate than BMW’s similar iDrive.

Our 2010 test S5 came equipped with Audi’s latest-version of the MMI, which is a significant improvement over its predecessor, but there is still room for improvement.

Standard on our S5 was an oversized panoramic sunroof that tilts up but oddly doesn’t slide open. Nor does it have retractable shade to keep the hot Arizona sun out in summer.

Our tester was equipped with the optional $2500 navigation package including a rearview backup camera, and stainless steel texture inlays in the dash, center console and door areas ($750). The total price was at $58,150.

With ample room for my 6-6 frame, it’s hard to describe just how comfortable and enjoyable the S5 is to drive. The seat has a wide range of adjustment positions and the power tilt-telescoping steering wheel renders it unimaginable that any driver couldn’t find a comfortable position.

Safety gear includes six standard airbags, four-wheel antilock disc brakes, traction control and electronic stability control. The S5 has not been crash tested.

While the price will keep the S5 from being a common sight, this latest offering from Audi is nothing short of superb driving enjoyment. This is one sweet ride.