Owner reviews for the Audi S5
No edits, no filters—just real feedback from verified vehicle owners to help you make confident decisions.
Overall rating 4/5With its blend of high performance and understated style, the Audi S5 offers a tempting mix for drivers who want excitement without sacrificing everyday comfort.
London
Brentford
London
AA finance available
London
London
AA finance available
London
Brentford
London
Bexley
Coulsdon
Watford
Watford
No edits, no filters—just real feedback from verified vehicle owners to help you make confident decisions.
Overall rating 4/5The S5's coupe, convertible or spacious Sportback builds all stand out for agility and solid practicality. Audi’s S5 is built for those who value a keen driving experience with grippy, all-weather reassurance. It delivers strong performance positioned between the composed A5 and the high-powered RS5, featuring engines from a robust 4.2-litre V8 to a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 with 354 bhp in post-2017 models. The model competes well against rivals like the BMW 4 Series and Mercedes C-Class Coupe, offering standard quattro all-wheel drive and a variety of body styles to suit both style-conscious commuters and families in need of space.
All versions of the Audi S5 come with a solid suite of safety features, including multiple airbags, as well as stability and traction control. The quattro four-wheel drive means you get a sporty feel with the reassurance of all-wheel grip. Later models add advanced driver assists, such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist and automatic emergency braking.
The early 4.2-litre V8 petrol is known for power but relatively poor fuel efficiency. From 2012 to 2017, the S5 switched to a 3.0-litre supercharged V6 that offered plenty of acceleration. From 2017, you’ll find a turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 with brisk performance and better fuel economy. As petrol, diesel and mild hybrids are available, with six-speed automatic or manual gearboxes, you can choose which suits you best.
The S5 comes well-equipped, with early cars offering Bluetooth, DAB radio and navigation. Post-2016 models gain Audi’s MMI infotainment touchscreen, smartphone mirroring and (on higher trims) Virtual Cockpit digital instruments. Sound systems and leather upholstery, with options for full connectivity and premium Bang & Olufsen 3D audio, give the cabin a premium feel.
The V8 S5 averages around 23mpg, while the V6 from 2012 claims an economy improvement to about 30mpg. The latest turbo V6 S5 (from 2017 onwards) offers around 35mpg in real-world conditions, depending on driving style, chosen body and specification.
Check for a full main dealer or specialist service history – regular maintenance is crucial on performance engines and quattro systems. Listen for rattles and look for warning lights from the infotainment system, and test all in-car electronics thoroughly. The AA Vehicle Inspection service gives you extra peace of mind when you're buying a used car.
Audi S5s are generally solid, with most owners reporting few major issues if maintenance is up to date. Some older V8s had timing-chain concerns, while infotainment glitches can affect later models. Costs for repairs and parts are higher than mainstream cars and reliability scores hover between average and below-average compared to rivals.