The Business
Just about a decade back, I had the chance to experience the first generation S5, which was powered by a ‘milder’ 4.2 litre V8, which was also found in the previous R8. The car made all the right noises from its roaring NA soundtrack. Due to a mix of pressure from green groups and basically the European Union and the like, the second generation S5 lost two cylinders, but benefitted from supercharged force-feeding, and delivering a healthy 333hp. In its third generation, the S5 ditches the supercharger, and gets a turbo delivering 354hp, and 500Nm of torque, 60Nm of twist more than the previous car.
With a wise swopping the supercharger to a turbocharger, which not only delivers more torque and power, but the fuel efficiency gains are significant, from 10.7km/l by the previous supercharged engine, the new car does a combined 13km/l.
The Audi S tronic 7 speed dual clutch gearbox also makes way for a Tiptronic with eight cogs. Gear changes can be described as satisfyingly smooth, and almost as quick. Paired with the new engine, the S5 hits 100km/h in just 4.7 seconds versus the previous car’s already respectable 5.4 seconds.
Handling is superb, and although with Quattro, the S5 drives with a rear-wheel bias, allowing the back to step outward a little, and the front end giving a little more ‘tuck’ when pushing around a bend.
There is also sufficient rubber between the alloys and the road, a sweet spot you might say… between getting all the grip you need, yet without sacrificing too much comfort, especially from that jolt you may get from lower profile tyre and large rim combos, when you cross paths with those cranium vibrating speed regulating paint strips, and “sleeping policemen” (no pun intended).
Adding to the versatility of the S5, the S sport suspension delivers the all-important hard-soft adaptive damping control (CDC), supplying all the required rigidity where needed, and is also able to provide occupants with a comfortable drive on most normal days.
Overall the S5 drives like a relaxed GT car, similar to the milder 2.0 A5 Sportback, but with the added grunt of the V6, we find that the car on the whole is not only more exciting up in the loftier parts of engine revving, but on the whole, simply more flexible in delivering simply much more from down the rev counter, with its full whack of 500Nm pushing you into your seat from a low-down 1,370rpm.
There was a time when the idea of a four-doored coupe was mooted, and perhaps, public reception was somewhat lukewarm. Brands like Porsche were among the pioneering marques which set the trend. Even BMW had caught on with their very own 440i Gran Coupe.
Three generations in, the S5 is refreshing to look at, performs like a gem, delivers on practicality, and in my lens, left me with a deep impression and high regard, of a car that you could drive every day, leaving you with a smile from the satisfaction of the drive, equalled by the satisfaction of ownership.
But for those who still believe in a sedan, the S4 still makes plenty of sense.
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