2022 Audi S5 Coupe Review: Magical Modesty
Serving those who don't revel in excess, the Audi S5 Coupe is the middle ground between the sensible Audi A5 and the insanity that is the RS5. The S5 will undoubtedly appeal to those who are happy with just enough performance prowess to make that mountain pass exciting without scaring you to death. Beneath the snout of the S5 lies a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 that sends 349 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque to all four corners, enabling a 4.4-second run from 0-60 mph. Pair impressive power outputs with an immaculate cabin and you have an excellent option within the mid-level performance segment. That being said, the S5 has to contend with the BMW M440i xDrive Coupe and the Mercedes-AMG C 43 Coupe, so it's not an undeniable winner just yet.
2022 S5 Coupe Exterior
Dimensions
| Length | Wheelbase | Height | Max Width | Front Width | Rear Width | Curb Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 184.9 in | 108.8 in | 54.0 in | 72.7 in | 62.5 in | 61.7 in | 3,847.0 lbs |
2022 S5 Coupe Performance
Handling and Driving Impressions
One of the best aspects of the Audi S5 coupe quattro is its cultured attitude. It's never offensive and it just delivers power with exceptional ease. Audi has also managed to strike a good balance between performance focus and comfort with the S5. It never feels crashy, even with the new 19-inch wheels on surfaces that are relatively uneven. This doesn't mean you can take it out on a dirt road and come out unscathed, though. Steering is precise and responsive, which inspires confidence in drivers that don't have much experience, and it improves even further when you switch to a sportier drive mode.
As expected cabin noise is near non-existent and the S5 is at its best when it's cruising down the highway. The thing is, the new M440i xDrive coupe is exciting to drive and offers more thrill from behind the wheel, so those looking for something to get their heart rate up may not be satisfied with the S5. This Audi is for you if you want ample amounts of power but you don't want to sacrifice the comfort and urbane, polished driving experience.
2022 S5 Coupe Interior
2022 S5 Coupe Trunk and Cargo Space
Warranty
| Basic | Drivetrain | Corrosion | Roadside Assistance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 Years / 50,000 Miles | 4 Years / 50,000 Miles | 12 Years / Unlimited Miles | 4 Years / Unlimited Miles |
Verdict: Is the 2022 Audi S5 Coupe A Good Car?
The Audi S5 coupe is a car that's worth every penny if you're buying it for the right reasons. If you're buying it purely for outright performance, you've got the wrong car. The S5 was built with refinement and sophistication in mind, and while it does offer an ample amount of power, it's not a demon off the line. What it's really good at is offering a decent amount of comfort that you don't often get within this segment and a good amount of standard convenience features. The interior is well-balanced, presenting as luxurious without shouting about money spent. From the mid-range trims, you also get a decent list of features and conveniences - the base model could do with a little more in the safety department. Still, specs are good for the segment, considering the S5 has to strike a balance between the conservative A5 and the much racier RS5, and we think it's done this perfectly.
2022 Audi S5 Coupe Comparisons
2022 Audi S5 Coupe vs Audi S4 Sedan
The Audi S5 coupe and S4 sedan share plenty of similarities, but in terms of size, the S4 is bigger with a wheelbase that is more than two inches longer. Curb weights are within a few pounds of each other, too. Both cars are available in Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige trim levels, and feature the same 3.0-liter six-cylinder with 349 hp/369 lb-ft. Performance is identical between the two, with a 4.4-second sprint to 60 mph claimed by the manufacturer for both. So, what's the difference? Not all that much, aside from the slight differences in size, price, and a few tweaks to the spec sheet. The S4 sedan base model costs $3,400 less than the entry-level S5; top-end models really tick the same boxes. Both are brilliant offerings - just check your budget and pick whether you prefer the sedan look or the coupe styling of the S5.
2022 Audi S5 Coupe vs Audi A5 Sportback
With more than $10,000 over and above the base price of an A5 Sportback required to enter the S5 range, the latter should offer up a whole lot more. While there is a 261-hp 2.0-liter four-pot available in the A5 range, the base engine is a humble 201-hp 236-lb-ft four-cylinder. The S5 enlists the help of a 349-hp V6 to get going, which is what allows it to get to 60 mph a full two seconds quicker than the base-engined A5 Sportback. While the base A5 has the same convenience features as standard, including three-zone climate control, heated leather seats up front, the same infotainment setup and safety features, it also has all the benefits of a sedan layout over a coupe. This means there is much more space in the rear seat, and a cavernous 21.8-cubic foot trunk that is much more practical for families. The A5 Sportback is your best bet if you can do without a little more spunk and just want the comforts and luxuries of a beautiful sedan.