Audi's compact S5 sports coupe is in its twilight years as the company readies a redesigned version due to go on sale next year. But as the evolutionary new design, which journalists first got to drive in June 2016, testifies, the outgoing car still looks pretty good for one that's been around since 2008, when the A5 this car is based on first went on sale.
We suspect the existing convertible body style will soldier on for another year before Audi moves that configuration over to the new model.
That new design will also bring new engines, but for now the S5 sticks with a supercharged 3.0L V6 that makes 333 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque that can be matched with either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. Naturally, Quattro all-wheel drive is standard.
Looks-wise, the S5 plays at the conservative end of the upscale coupe crowd, fitting in better among cars like the BMW 4 Series and Cadillac ATS than it does next to the wild-looking Lexus RC 350 or RC F. And if you want that manual transmission, this might be your last chance to get one in a new S5; the forthcoming generation looks like it will be automatic-only, at least in North America.
Audi hasn't yet published 2017 fuel consumption figures based on Natural Resources Canada's test method, but the mechanically-identical 2016 model's ratings are 13.8/9.0 L/100 km (city/highway) for a coupe with the manual transmission, and 13.0/8.5 with the automatic. The convertible's ratings are 13.3/9.1 L/100 km.
S5 pricing starts at $57,800 in Progressiv trim, which includes 19-inch wheels, Bluetooth, three-zone automatic climate control, backup camera and park sensors, headlight washers, split-folding rear bench seat with load-through, brushed aluminum mirror housings, sunroof, navigation, power-adjustable Nappa leather heated sport seats with lumbar and driver memory, Audi drive select, 10-speaker stereo with satellite radio and Audi music interface, sport suspension, rain-sensing wipers and automatic headlights, intelligent keyless entry with push-button start, bi-xenon headlights and LED daytime running lights, auto-dimming rearview mirror and a leather-trimmed steering wheel.
At $60,600, mid-range Tecnik trim adds Audi side assist, a Bang & Olufsen sound system, garage door opener and adaptive headlights with cornering function.
Finally, a new $63,200 Dynamic trim brings 20-inch wheels, carbon atlas inlays, adaptive damping suspension, upgrade AWD with sport differential, black optics and high-gloss black side mirrors and seats trimmed in Alcantara and Nappa leather.
Choosing the automatic transmission adds $1,600 to the price of all three trims. Other notable options include adaptive cruise, available for $1,700 on the top two trims, and the sport differential can be added to the lower two for $1,500.
Convertible models come in Progressiv and Technik trims, with standard features similar to the coupe, at $70,700 and $73,650. Both droptop trims come exclusively with the automatic transmission.
This vehicle has not yet been reviewed
