2009 Audi A5/S5
by Jim Prueter -02/2009

Fast, smooth, beautiful — the definitive sport coupe

(This 2008 review has been updated to include the 2009 model year.)

Ok, so we’ll start this review with the conclusion first: The all-new Audi S5 is far and away the most enjoyable car we’ve driven so far this year. It’s a perfect balance of gorgeous exterior styling, the best looking interior in the business, power from the 354-horsepower V-8 under the hood and butter-smooth all-wheel-drive Quattro handling.

Available only as a two-door coupe, the A5 aims directly at the BMW 3 Series and 6 Series coupes and Mercedes-Benz CLK and CL coupes. Until now, the only Audi coupe was the TT. The A5 seats four adults but those relegated to the back seat will not be comfortable if they are anything over 5-foot-5 in stature.

Our test car, a Brilliant Red S5 with black silk Nappa leather seating and brushed aluminum trim, turned heads everywhere we drove. We couldn’t tell if it was the visually striking design or the terrific rich burble from the quad exhaust pipes. The S5, the performance version of the A5, with a starting price of $50,500, has been on sale since November 2007. The 265-horsepower V-6 A5 has a base price of $40,700. A Cabrio version arrives in dealer showrooms this fall as a 2010 model.

Outside, the S5 features the signature Audi trapezoidal grille with a distinctive S5 badge. The sheet metal is taut with a flexed muscular look. The roofline rakes back to a short rear deck with an integrated spoiler and a repeat of the S5 badge. Quad exhaust pipes and an aluminum optic rear diffuser finish the look. The S5 rides on aggressive 19-inch wheels with 35-series tires.

Inside, the interior is what we’ve come to expect from Audi: superb materials with fit and finish to match. Similar in appearance to the dash on the larger A6, there’s a large dome over the steering column that houses the speedometer and separate tachometer gauges. The optional navigation and information screen sit mid center stack and is controlled by Audi’s Multi-Media Interface (MMI) system.

Standard on our S5 was an oversized panoramic sunroof that tilts up, but oddly doesn’t slide open or have a retractable shade to keep hot summer sun out of the cabin.

Our tester was equipped with the optional $850, 505-watt Bang & Olufsen audio system. Believe me, it’s worth every penny. Other options included a navigation system and a technology package with rear backup camera, adaptive headlamps and advanced ignition key.

MMI controls most functionsm, including the navigation with a central control knob just behind the manual gearshift. It isn’t our favorite way to operate most of the vehicle’s functions but it’s much less confusing and easier to operate than BMW’s similar iDrive. The only change for the 2009 model A5/S5 is the addition of standard adaptive cruise control, previously an option.

With ample room for my 6-foot-6 frame, it hard to describe just how comfortable and enjoyable the S5 is to drive. The seats adjust in a vast array of configurations, and the power tilt-telescoping steering wheel renders it unimaginable that any driver couldn’t find a comfortable position.

Powered by Audi’s 4.2-liter 354-horesepower V-8, our S5 covered zero to 60 miles per hour in just 4.8 seconds. We estimated the quarter-mile to be a very quick 13.2 seconds. That might not be as quick as the BMW M3, but flat out speed isn’t the only category one needs to consider. The S5 may not be as quick but BMW has an impossible mission to match the S5 in overall appearance, ride and handling quality and sheer quiet highway driving pleasure.

Safety gear includes six standard airbags, four-wheel disc antilock brakes, traction control and electronic stability control. The S5 has not been crash tested.

While the price will keep the S5 from being a common sight, it is nothing short of superb driving enjoyment. This is one sweet ride.