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Audi S5 Coupe road test report

Coupe

Unusually, the S5 Coupe uses a different engine to its cabriolet and hatchback sister models, but it’s all the better for it as the Coupe comes with a thumping V8 motor. Aside from the soundtrack, the S5 is a halfway house for performance Audi fans as it sits between the mainstream A5 range and the rip-snorting RS5. Does this make the S5 well balanced or a compromise?

Road Test Reports Says 4 star rating
A front-facing image of the Audi S5 Coupe

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ALISDAIR SUTTIE SAYS

Performance Performance - 5 stars

The S5’s 349bhp 4.2-litre V8 engine is essentially the same unit as used in the previous RS4 saloon and estate models and the current R8 supercar, albeit in a lower state of tune. It’s an absolute belter of an engine, delivering power in a continuous spread of seemingly never-ending grunt and with a bellowing V8 soundtrack. The 349bhp is enough to see the S5 Coupe from 0-62mph in 5.1 seconds and on to an electronically limited 155mph top speed. These are decent figures, and the S5 is very swift through the gears too, though in a world where 400bhp or more is now on offer in innocuous-looking saloons and coupes, the S5 will have to look over its shoulder. The six-speed manual gearbox is easy to use, though it misses the snickety-snick precision of a BMW’s ’box, and the gears are ideally spread for rapid cross country drives, cruising on the motor or mooching through town.

Ride & Handling Ride & Handling - 4 stars

The S5 Coupe comes close to greatness on some roads and occasions, but these are all too rare in modern driving conditions in the UK. To experience the S5 Coupe at its best, you need a deserted road populated by arcing curves and covered in the finest smooth tarmac. If you live at the end of such a road, you’re in for a treat as the S5’s superb grip, courtesy of Quattro four-wheel drive, keeps the Audi suckered to the road no matter what the weather conditions. However, for everyone else, the S5 Coupe is a little frustrating as it offers the same levels of grip in all conditions, but bumpy roads upset its finesse. This is exacerbated by the steering not playing its part with sufficient feel for what the front wheels are up to. In all, it leaves the S5’s handling feeling a degree too remote from the driver. The firm ride we can forgive in such a sporting machine and it’s only ever a minor concern when driving in town for prolonged periods. Otherwise, the S5 works well as an express delivery from A to being anywhere.

Build Quality & Reliability Build Quality & Reliability - 5 stars

High performance does not mean highly strung in the S5 Coupe and, unlike its hatch and cabrio sister models, the Coupe’s V8 motor has been proven in a number of other Audis. The engine has earned a reputation for near-bomb-proof durability and the rest of the transmission is more than up to the job of coping with the grunt. Quality of construction and the materials used are all top notch, so expect the S5 Coupe to be a high performance car with low wear and tear.

Safety & Security Safety & Security - 5 stars

Audi’s Quattro four-wheel drive is standard with the S5 Coupe, providing added grip and traction where a front-drive car might struggle. As well as the performance aspect of all-wheel drive, it provides the S5 Coupe with admirable poise in bad weather, which is an ever-present likelihood in the UK. More usual safety kit is also present in the shape of anti-lock brakes, ESP electronic stability and traction control, six airbags, Isofix child seat mounts and an alarm and immobiliser.

Space & Practicality Space & Practicality - 3 stars

Big, hugging sports seats are great news for those sat in the front. They support in all the right places and hold the driver just so when pushing the S5 harder through corners. However, these seats are not such good news for those in the rear, where their knees are restricted for space. Adult rear passengers’ heads are also canted at an angle due to the swoop of the S5’s roofline. Back in the front seats, there’s plenty of space and the steering wheel adjusts for height and depth to help create the ideal driving position. For luggage, the S5 Coupe copes well thanks to a spacious boot with a reasonably large opening to slot cases and bags through.

Ownership & Value Ownership & Value - 3 stars

The Audi S5 Coupe is always going to be an acquired taste for those who appreciate its engineering and performance. This happy band shrug off the steep asking price and running costs that are far from inconsiderable. Economy of 23.3mpg combined is notably worse than the S5 Coupe’s sister models that use a supercharged V6 engine, while carbon dioxide emissions of 288g/km put the Coupe firmly in the top category for CO2 output where the other S5 models manage to sneak under the maximum marker. Add in the cost of tyres, servicing and insurance, and you’ll need deep and regularly replenished pockets to keep an S5 Coupe on the road without skimping. However, look after the S5 Coupe and its residual value will hold up well. You’ll still have to spend a few quid when buying new, though, to gain luxuries such as cruise control and a Bluetooth connection, but at least the S5 Coupe comes with leather seats, climate control, CD stereo and rear parking sensors as standard.

Submitted: 02/06/2010 10:17:28

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