2019 Audi TTS Coupe Review
Audi's sporty and compact TT S coupe neatly fills the performance gap between the regular TT and the fire-breathing TT RS. Producing 288 horsepower from its turbocharged, four-cylinder engine, the TT S produces 60 hp more than the regular TT to shave more than a second from the benchmark 0-60 mph sprint, which the TT S sees off in only 4.4 seconds. A uniquely tuned suspension with adaptive dampers as well as sportier aluminum exterior details, help to set the TT S apart as a bona fide sports car. Beyond the added pace, the TT S shares many of the same attributes that make the TT range so satisfying. The squat and purposeful styling is instantly recognizable, the interior typically well-built and modern with Audi's excellent virtual cockpit digital display, and dynamically the TT rewards thanks to the quattro all-wheel-drive system and MQB underpinnings. While cargo space is limited and the rear seats cramped, the TT S is focused on providing a sharp and responsive driving experience and it does that with aplomb.
What's the Price of the 2019 Audi TTS Coupe?
The TT S is only available in a single variant at an MSRP of $53,900, exclusive of licensing, tax, and a $995 destination charge. This model uses a more powerful version of the regular TT's 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder and its mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. No manual option is available and all-wheel-drive is standard.
2019 TTS Coupe Exterior
Dimensions
| Length | Wheelbase | Height | Max Width | Front Width | Rear Width | Curb Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 165.0 in | 98.6 in | 52.8 in | 72.1 in | 62.0 in | 61.1 in | 3,241.0 lbs |
2019 TTS Coupe Performance
Handling and Driving Impressions
With its quattro all-wheel-drive system, the Audi TT S is an exceptionally effective tool for carving through a series of corners at high speeds with minimal effort. Grip levels are staggeringly high, and the firm suspension is perfectly set up for secure road holding. However, effective doesn't necessarily translate to engaging, and here the TT S can leave its driver a bit cold. The electric power steering system allows the TT S to be accurately controlled but it simply doesn't translate into the most engaging experience, with a numbness through the major controls that you won't find behind the wheel of the Porsche Cayman or even the BMW 2 Series. That said, the TT S will flatter an average driver and this generation remains the most accomplished TT dynamically.
While the suspension is never cushy, comfort is enhanced by Audi's magnetic ride control and adaptive dampers, making the TT S capable of covering longer distances without it feeling like too much of a chore - provided the road surface is smooth. While striking 20-inch wheels are available, they do the ride quality no favors and in this guise the TT S will be too uncomfortable for some. Audi's drive select is standard with four modes - Dynamic, Comfort, Auto, and Individual - tailoring the steering weight, transmission shift points, and throttle response. Overall, the TT S will leave many more expensive competitors behind on a twisty road, but it's not the most thrilling sports coupe out there.
2019 TTS Coupe Interior
2019 TTS Coupe Trunk and Cargo Space
Warranty
| Basic | Drivetrain | Corrosion | Roadside Assistance | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 Years / 50,000 Miles | 4 Years / 50,000 Miles | 12 Years / Unlimited Miles | 4 Years / Unlimited Miles | 1 Years / 10,000 Miles |
Verdict: Is the 2019 Audi TTS Coupe A Good car?
The Audi TT S is undoubtedly an accomplished all-round sports coupe. While more generic in its appearance than the iconic first-generation model, the latest TT - especially in TT S guise - looks aggressive and ideally proportioned. Inside, the minimalist interior impresses with rich materials and the advanced Audi virtual cockpit. While Android Auto/Apple CarPlay integration, and the latest accident avoidance technologies, are missing from the standard features list, the TT S is otherwise well-specified. Performance-wise, there is a tangible increase in acceleration over the base TT and, together with the quattro system's stupendous grip, not many cars will be able to keep up with the TT S through the corners. For some, the TT S lacks a true emotional connection to its driver, but it's also far from a dull driving tool. If ultimate space and practicality aren't priorities, and if you want a classy and rapid sports coupe with that typically German brand of solidity, the TT S is an excellent competitor.
What Audi TTS Coupe Model Should I Buy?
With just one trim available, buyer choice for the TT S will come down to how best to option this model. While the Black Optic and Competition Packages undoubtedly boost the TT S' presence, they add larger 20-inch wheels that firm up the ride unnecessarily. Instead, the Technology Pack offers an excellent array of features that are genuinely worthwhile.
2019 Audi TTS Coupe Comparisons
2019 Audi TTS Coupe vs Audi TT RS
For just over $10,000 more than the TT S, you can get behind the wheel of the manic TT RS. Featuring a five-cylinder turbocharged engine, it's one of the fastest sports cars available at any price and provides astonishing acceleration. The five-pot's soundtrack also elevates the overall driving experience. However, other than its insane performance, the TT RS isn't drastically different to the TT S. Some exterior detailing differences set them apart, but both provide well-appointed interiors and sensational grip levels, but lack that additional layer of feedback offered by competitors at the limit. The TT RS also doesn't get the bump up in standard equipment you may expect at its elevated price. Rather, the extra cost has clearly gone towards that epic engine. For many, this alone is worth the additional outlay.
2019 Audi TTS Coupe vs Volkswagen Golf R
Although not immediately thought of as rivals, the TT S and Golf R do share both a platform and a powertrain. This makes them comparable performance machines, even considering the addition of two doors and a more traditional hatchback body style for the Golf. The lighter TT S is the superior handler of the two, but the Golf is the more comfortable drive with a more forgiving suspension setup and the advantage of a spacious rear seat. At $40,395, the Golf is also more than $12,000 cheaper than the TT S. Still, the Audi boasts the more exclusive design and has the more premium badge of the two.
2019 Audi TTS Coupe vs Audi S3 Sedan
Like the Golf R, the Audi S3 sedan shares an engine with the TT S. Also like the Golf, the S3 provides the same level of performance while having space for five occupants. The S3 sedan is stylish but far more restrained than the TT S. Both feature class-leading, upscale interiors and the fully loaded S3 Prestige is still almost $5,000 cheaper than the TT S. While equipment levels are similar, the S3 gets navigation and adaptive cruise control as standard, which the TT S doesn't. Surprisingly, the TT S doesn't lose out much in terms of cargo capacity when compared to the S3. Two fantastic efforts from Audi, the TT S wins on desirability but the S3 is the more practical performance car.