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- Highs Effective turbo V-6, ambidextrous handling traits, tech integrates nicely into classy cabin.
- Lows Adult bodies are cramped in the back seat, variable-steering system's erratic feedback, top performance add-ons aren't standard.
- Verdict The S5 coupe and convertible deliver a flashier and sportier experience than the A5 versions.
Overview
Audi denotes the performance levels of its cars with the letters A, S, and RS, with the latter pair signifying the hottest models. Which makes the 2021 S5 coupe and cabriolet the second most powerful member of the Audis that have the number "5" on their decklid. While the four-door S5 Sportback is reviewed separately, it shares the same 349-hp V-6 powertrain and standard Quattro all-wheel drive as its two-door siblings. The coupe and cabriolet (read: convertible) have a much smaller back seat and less cargo space than the Sportback, but their rich-looking and tech-heavy cabins have the same attractive design and upscale features. The S5's balanced ride-and-handling characteristics make it easy for the driver to switch from relaxed cruising to spirited driving. But the S5 lacks the chutzpah of more-aggressive rivals like the Mercedes-AMG C43.
What's New for 2021?
For 2021, Audi makes the smallest of changes to the S5 coupe and convertible. These updates consist of newly standard lane-departure warning, wireless Apple CarPlay, and an integrated toll module that's built into the rearview mirror. The latter is a transponder that allows drivers to access compatible toll-road services in the U.S. and Canada. The optional Convenience package now comes with a heated steering wheel as well as front and rear parking sensors. The Black Optic package now adds an optional black-painted roof too. The S5 Premium Plus trim includes standard adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go technology, a top-view camera system, and a steering wheel with hands-on detection. Every Prestige model now has heated rear seats.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
Don't get us wrong. We enjoy catching rays in a sporty drop-top as much as the next person, but we don't like the additional cost and added weight of the S5 cabriolet. Instead, we'd go with the coupe version and choose the Premium Plus model. Although this trim is more expensive than the base Premium, it has more desirable standard features that include a fully digital gauge cluster, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, passive keyless entry, a heated steering wheel, front and rear parking sensors, wireless charging, and more leatherette surfaces throughout the cabin. We'd coat our S5 in distinct District Green paint and choose the Black Optic package (20-inch wheels on summer tires and black exterior trim). We also like the racier look of the carbon-fiber interior accents, and we'd be remiss if we didn't maximize our S5's performance with the S Sport package. It adds sport-tuned adaptive dampers, a torque-vectoring rear differential, and red brake calipers.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
All S5s come with the same 349-hp turbocharged V-6 engine, an eight-speed automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive. Thanks to its launch-control system and all-wheel-drive traction, the last S5 coupe we tested delivered competitive acceleration in a class of quick alternatives. In our testing, it went from zero to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds. Despite the additional weight, the convertible S5 cabriolet that we tested was still plenty quick, hitting 60 mph in 4.8 seconds. Both titillating two-door S5s we tested were equipped with the optional 19-inch performance tires and the S Sport package, which adds a torque-vectoring rear differential and adaptive dampers. As equipped, our test cars sported firm but still compliant rides. The coupe also came equipped with the Dynamic Steering option, which quickens the steering the more the wheel is turned from center. We found the system uncommunicative and unpredictable; we recommend against it and that you stay with the standard fixed-ratio steering setup.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
With a potent turbocharged V-6 and standard all-wheel drive, one might expect the S5 coupe and cabriolet to have not-so-great fuel economy. However, the fixed-roof version is expected to earn 20 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway—choosing the convertible reduces the latter rating by 2 mpg. We tested both body styles on our 75-mph highway fuel-economy route, which is part of our extensive testing regimen, and the coupe earned 30 mpg and the cabriolet earned 32 mpg. For more information about the S5's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The S5's interior is marked by soft-to-the-touch, expensive-feeling materials, high-quality fit and finish, and a user-friendly design. Both driver and front-seat passenger are treated to comfortable and roomy power-adjustable seats, while rear-seat riders are left with the bare minimum of acceptable space. Those in need of more rear-seat room should look at the four-door S5 Sportback, which has a longer wheelbase and offers more room for rear passengers. The S5's interior starts with a conservative but modern dashboard design that's pieced together with laser-tight precision. Additionally, every S5 includes luxuries such as front seats with heating and massage functions, three-zone climate control, and push-button start. In our testing, the S5 coupe held as many carry-on suitcases as the last 440i coupe we tested, making it one of the top rated in its segment. Meanwhile, the convertible swallowed as many carry-ons in its trunk as the C43 cabriolet. Additionally, the S5's comparatively low lift-over height and wide trunk opening make loading items into the cargo bay an easy affair.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Every S5 is outfitted with Audi's latest infotainment software, which is displayed on a high-mounted 10.1-inch touchscreen. The system also can be operated via voice recognition and steering-wheel controls, but the intuitive rotary controller on the center console has been nixed. Along with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, the S5 can be equipped with a slick-looking 12.3-inch fully digital gauge cluster, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a 705-watt Bang & Olufsen audio system.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The 2021 S5 hasn't been crash-tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Instead, the coupe and convertible have a suite of standard and optional driver-assistance gear. Key safety features include:
- Standard automated emergency braking
- Available blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert
- Available adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go technology
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
The S5's warranty is average for the class, but it doesn't offer complimentary scheduled maintenance like other automakers such as BMW.
- Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- No complimentary scheduled maintenance
