The S5 is a very cool car, but there are some vital details that were never mentioned in this video. I owned a 2021 Audi S5 Sportback. As far as the positives, it looks cool, has a nice scent inside, great ride (way better than the RS5 ride), sounds good, and is practical. Has secure handling and a good AWD system. As far as the negatives. The seats here are very tight and cramped, and tiring to drive in past 2 hours. It's also quite small on the inside. The paint is very gentle and gets chipped quickly. The inside black gloss trim scratches easily. The infotainment lacks physical dials, and you can't connect two different phones simultaneously, like an Android and iPhone at the same time like in BMW - and use one for CarPlay and the other for Bluetooth music. The 360 camera quality is not the best, and the angles look akward on the sides. There is no 3D view like in the A6. The self parking in the Prestige is also far less advanced than BMW as well. The Bang and Olufsen audio system sounds OK at best, and doesn't feel any different from the audio in the base Premium trim. To get all the good features you have to go to the Prestige trim. In terms of driving, the gas pedal is not floor mounted like BMW and Mercedes. You get VW pedals. There is a noticeable off the line lag when accelerating from a stop. The intercooler in the S5 is the one from the A5, so after a couple of fast accelerations, you will start seeing heat soak. One of the first upgrades to do is to get a Wagner intercooler. At higher speeds on curvy highways, you will feel some understeer. The steering wheel could be more thick and sporty. Everything inside just seems flat (hood, dashboard). Audi also doesn't include 3 year free maintenance like BMW and Volvo. AudiCare is a must, since Audi services charge a hefty amount for regular service. If you get the black optics package, you may be faced with having to replace tires and rims due to such a low profile if you ever hit a pothole, so get the tire and rim protection package. In the winter when the weather is cold, park the car inside if you can. Frameless doors may stick, and you can break the glass when trying to open the door. P.S - As far as the acceleration, it's not 4.3 seconds just off idle. You're doing it in 5.5-5.7 seconds at minimum. Only way to get to these numbers is to have decent conditions, and use launch control. In summary, if you are buying an S5. Get the tire and rim protection package, AudiCare, PPF wrap, interior film wrap for the gloss trim, and a Wagner Intercooler. I would highly suggest taking a look at the new BMW M440i Gran Coupe and Volvo S60 T8 Recharge. Both are faster and more comfortable offerings with better efficiency that come with included maintenance. Hope this helps any future buyers who are looking!
I agree about the delay from a standstill. I drove an 18' S5, and unless you are launching, it has a pause and starts to roll out and then actually accelerate
I'd pick the Audi just by the looks. Volvo is bland and not premium no matter how big an electric motor they stuff into it to make up for their four banger. BMW is a choice, if you get past that front grille.
@@betterbeavailable Looks are perspective.. The Volvo has an excellent interior that is high quality, lots of nappa leather, and doesn't resemble a 2017 A4, which this one does. It definitely is more upscale than the Audi. The BMW grilles look brutal and unique! Love the style.
@@betterbeavailable Completely agree. Volvo exterior and interior are just bland and emotionless, and that grille on the BMWs is beyond hideous. The S5 is the only one that looks like an upscale, luxury car.
All good except few but very serious shortcomings. (#3 is minor) 1. No remote start. Unacceptable for people who love in North East (>30% of USA population and 100% in Canada). 2. No indicator which tire(s) has lower than expected pressure. 3. No equalizer.
I just bought the EXACT same car (I think you were testing a Prestige trim). Nice review - after 48 hours of ownership: I think the audio controls to the right of the gear shifter are for the passenger. The same controls are built into the steering wheel for the driver. Yes, it would have been nice if they had changed from USB-A to USB-C, but oddly there is one USB-C outlet in the cubby under the center armrest, behind the wireless charger. There is an additional cubby to the left of the steering wheel that is about 12 inches deep. Personally I prefer the 19 inch wheels. Visually the 20s (they come with the black optic package) look better, but the ride quality is more comfortable on the 19s, and I am hoping they are more resistant to potholes.
A model I like. However, I think the design is not that ambitious. Audi can do better. I'm adding it to my car list... Thanks for the video and review... 😍
The S5 is a very cool car, but there are some vital details that were never mentioned in this video. I owned a 2021 Audi S5 Sportback. As far as the positives, it looks cool, has a nice scent inside, great ride (way better than the RS5 ride), sounds good, and is practical. Has secure handling and a good AWD system. As far as the negatives. The seats here are very tight and cramped, and tiring to drive in past 2 hours. It's also quite small on the inside. The paint is very gentle and gets chipped quickly. The inside black gloss trim scratches easily. The infotainment lacks physical dials, and you can't connect two different phones simultaneously, like an Android and iPhone at the same time like in BMW - and use one for CarPlay and the other for Bluetooth music. The 360 camera quality is not the best, and the angles look akward on the sides. There is no 3D view like in the A6. The self parking in the Prestige is also far less advanced than BMW as well. The Bang and Olufsen audio system sounds OK at best, and doesn't feel any different from the audio in the base Premium trim. To get all the good features you have to go to the Prestige trim. In terms of driving, the gas pedal is not floor mounted like BMW and Mercedes. You get VW pedals. There is a noticeable off the line lag when accelerating from a stop. The intercooler in the S5 is the one from the A5, so after a couple of fast accelerations, you will start seeing heat soak. One of the first upgrades to do is to get a Wagner intercooler. At higher speeds on curvy highways, you will feel some understeer. The steering wheel could be more thick and sporty. Everything inside just seems flat (hood, dashboard). Audi also doesn't include 3 year free maintenance like BMW and Volvo. AudiCare is a must, since Audi services charge a hefty amount for regular service. If you get the black optics package, you may be faced with having to replace tires and rims due to such a low profile if you ever hit a pothole, so get the tire and rim protection package. In the winter when the weather is cold, park the car inside if you can. Frameless doors may stick, and you can break the glass when trying to open the door.
P.S - As far as the acceleration, it's not 4.3 seconds just off idle. You're doing it in 5.5-5.7 seconds at minimum. Only way to get to these numbers is to have decent conditions, and use launch control.
In summary, if you are buying an S5. Get the tire and rim protection package, AudiCare, PPF wrap, interior film wrap for the gloss trim, and a Wagner Intercooler. I would highly suggest taking a look at the new BMW M440i Gran Coupe and Volvo S60 T8 Recharge. Both are faster and more comfortable offerings with better efficiency that come with included maintenance. Hope this helps any future buyers who are looking!
Wow, thank you for sharing! I wish he mentioned some of this in the video.
I agree about the delay from a standstill. I drove an 18' S5, and unless you are launching, it has a pause and starts to roll out and then actually accelerate
I'd pick the Audi just by the looks. Volvo is bland and not premium no matter how big an electric motor they stuff into it to make up for their four banger. BMW is a choice, if you get past that front grille.
@@betterbeavailable Looks are perspective.. The Volvo has an excellent interior that is high quality, lots of nappa leather, and doesn't resemble a 2017 A4, which this one does. It definitely is more upscale than the Audi. The BMW grilles look brutal and unique! Love the style.
@@betterbeavailable Completely agree. Volvo exterior and interior are just bland and emotionless, and that grille on the BMWs is beyond hideous. The S5 is the only one that looks like an upscale, luxury car.
If that’s the look you want have a detailer do a chrome delete but leave the mirrors
All good except few but very serious shortcomings. (#3 is minor)
1. No remote start. Unacceptable for people who love in North East (>30% of USA population and 100% in Canada).
2. No indicator which tire(s) has lower than expected pressure.
3. No equalizer.
I just bought the EXACT same car (I think you were testing a Prestige trim).
Nice review - after 48 hours of ownership:
I think the audio controls to the right of the gear shifter are for the passenger. The same controls are built into the steering wheel for the driver.
Yes, it would have been nice if they had changed from USB-A to USB-C, but oddly there is one USB-C outlet in the cubby under the center armrest, behind the wireless charger.
There is an additional cubby to the left of the steering wheel that is about 12 inches deep.
Personally I prefer the 19 inch wheels. Visually the 20s (they come with the black optic package) look better, but the ride quality is more comfortable on the 19s, and I am hoping they are more resistant to potholes.
You can not take 19 with black package?
@@basedpatriotLTCorrect
How is your tester $55K? The RS5 is 85-90K and this is 60-67K if it's a Premium Plus. The S5 is a better daily to have.
Right?? You can't even get a premium trim right now for 55k. He is obviously testing a premium plus which is easily past 60k
Good observation
@@salvatorefontana3543
If you look at the damn sticker. It clearly says Prestige package.
It only goes up in price when you add extra options.
Better daily…eye roll.
A model I like. However, I think the design is not that ambitious. Audi can do better. I'm adding it to my car list... Thanks for the video and review...
😍
Black optic gets 20’ wheels 265/30/ZR20
Gorgeous and timeless design.
GREAT review!
If only the first gen S5 Sportback was available for NA.
I like much more the previous design, It was less "In your face"
Why didn't you mention how bad the delay is when you floor it off a dig?😅
Do a peugeot 308cc modernisation.
Black optic package, loaded
it's like a Q5 sedan
I absolutely ❤ the 2 door coupe S5. The 4 door lacks harmony in the desig in my opinion, and if I needed more practicality, I would rather have an S6.
Nerd
@colinoxenham6124 Sorry, what do you mean? I don't understand. I am a nerd or what? 🤔
@@joakimquensel597 Apologies for the delay getting back to you.
To confirm, yes, you’re a nerd.
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