Audi S5 Review: A Reliable, Affordable, and Fun Car to Drive

Consider the Audi S5 for a luxurious blend of performance, comfort, and practicality.

Available as a sporty version of the Audi A5 in coupe, convertible, and four-door hatchback styles, the S5 boasts a turbocharged V6 engine with 349 horsepower, all-wheel drive, and sleek design.

Is the Audi S5 reliable? Cost of maintenance? Optimal buying year? Suitability as a daily driver?

Find answers in this article using the latest insights and reviews.

Audi S5
Audi S5.

 

Is Audi S5 A Reliable car?

The Audi S5 falls midrange in reliability among luxury midsize cars.

RepairPal rates it 2.5 out of 5, ranking 30th of 31.

Annual repair cost is $1,164, above the $976 luxury average and $652 overall.

Major repairs are less likely (25% chance exceeding $500).

Common issues include engine carbon buildup, fuel pump failures, worn control arm bushings, and faulty sunroof drains.

Vital to maintain and inspect.

Reliable years: 2010-2012, 2016-2021 per CoPilot, with fewer complaints, higher professional scores, and fewer recalls than 2013-2015 models.

Is Audi S5 Cheap To Maintain?

The Audi S5 is moderately priced to maintain, averaging $9,094 over 10 years per CarEdge.

This is less than the $11,355 industry average for luxury hatchbacks.

Key maintenance costs include brakes, oil changes, tires, spark plugs, and transmission, ranging from $130 to $875 based on vehicle condition.

To cut Audi costs, explore extended warranties or plans from manufacturers or third parties.

These cover repairs or scheduled services.

Compare providers, reviews, and prices.

Also, do simple tasks like checking tire pressure, fluids, and battery to save more.

Which Year Is Best For Audi S5?

Choose the right Audi S5 based on your preferences and budget.

For the latest tech and features, opt for a newer model like 2020-2021 with updated styling, wireless Apple CarPlay, advanced safety, and better fuel efficiency.

For affordability and reliability, consider used models from 2010-2012 or 2016-2019, offering good performance from the turbo V6 engine, leather interiors, and Audi’s virtual cockpit (from 2017).

For uniqueness, explore rare options like the RS5 Sportback with a powerful twin-turbo V6, aggressive design, and sportier features.

Or, go for the Cabriolet, a convertible S5 Coupe with a quick-folding soft top and reduced cabin noise.

Is Audi S5 A Good Daily Driver?

The Audi S5 excels as a versatile daily driver with a smooth ride, adaptive dampers, and torque-vectoring rear differential in the optional S Sport package.

Its cabin is spacious, comfortable, and accommodates four or five passengers.

The Sportback offers a hatchback design for larger items, while the Coupe and Cabriolet have expandable trunk space through split-folding rear seats.

The S5 boasts a potent engine for quick acceleration (0-60 mph in 4.4 seconds) and a satisfying sound.

It achieves a top speed of 155 mph and has a commendable fuel economy of 23 mpg city and 30 mpg highway, outperforming rivals like the Mercedes-AMG C43 Coupe and BMW M440i xDrive Coupe.

Its user-friendly infotainment system features a 10.1-inch touchscreen with swift responses, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charging, Wi-Fi hotspot, and Bang & Olufsen sound.

A 7.0-inch digital dash and head-up display enhance driving experience by displaying speed, navigation, media, and calls.

Conclusion

The Audi S5 is a dependable, budget-friendly, and enjoyable daily driver.

It boasts a sleek design, strong yet efficient engine, comfortable ride, luxurious cabin, and user-friendly, high-tech infotainment.

With various styles and model years, it suits your preferences and budget.

New or used, the S5 impresses with top-notch performance and quality, making it a standout in its class.

Don’t miss out on this exceptional choice.

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