The Audi S5 Sportback is the perfect combination of style, performance, and practicality. With its powerful engine, luxurious interior, and versatile hatchback design, the S5 Sportback offers the best of both worlds. In this review, we’ll dive into the details of why the S5 Sportback is the ideal choice for car enthusiasts looking for a balanced and exhilarating driving experience.
A Compelling Alternative to the RS5 Sportback
While the 444-horsepower Audi RS5 Sportback is an impressive performance machine, the 349-hp S5 Sportback offers everything you need and more. The S5 shares many of the same features as its more powerful sibling, including exceptional build quality, advanced technology, and a spacious cargo area thanks to its hatchback design. The S5’s 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine delivers an impressive 349 hp and 369 pound-feet of torque, propelling the car from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds.
The Right Balance of Power and Emotion
Although the RS5 Sportback is faster, the S5 Sportback strikes a better balance between power and emotion. The S5’s engine provides ample low-end torque, allowing for spirited acceleration while maintaining good fuel economy. With an EPA-estimated combined rating of 23 miles per gallon, the S5 Sportback proves that performance doesn’t have to come at the expense of efficiency. Whether you’re cruising on the highway or tackling tight corners, the S5 Sportback delivers a thrilling driving experience without compromising comfort.
Enhanced Performance with the S Sport Package
For those seeking an even more engaging driving experience, the S Sport Package offers notable enhancements. This optional package includes a stiffer suspension with adaptive dampers, ensuring a smooth and controlled ride. Additionally, the sport rear differential adds torque-vectoring to the rear axle, enhancing the S5’s agility in tight corners. While the S5 Sportback remains an all-wheel-drive car, the rear-biased Quattro system combined with the sport rear differential creates a more dynamic driving feel.
Customizable Driving Modes for Every Occasion
The Audi Drive Select system in the S5 Sportback allows you to tailor your driving experience to your preferences. Alongside Comfort, Auto, and Dynamic settings, the S5 Sportback offers a customizable Individual mode. This feature allows you to combine different settings for the chassis, steering, and engine to create your ideal driving experience. For an added level of responsiveness, the variable-ratio Dynamic Steering option is available at an additional cost.
A Stylish and Functional Design
The S5 Sportback features sleek lines and a sporty profile, making it a head-turner on the road. Its Sportback body style adds practicality without sacrificing design, offering a generous 21.8 cubic feet of storage space behind the rear seats and even more when the seats are folded. The refreshed LED headlights and taillights add a touch of sophistication, while the optional Black Optic Package enhances the overall aesthetic with its 20-inch wheels and darker accents.
Cutting-Edge Technology and Luxury
Inside the S5 Sportback, you’ll find Audi’s latest MIB 3 multimedia system, displayed on a vibrant 10.1-inch screen. The user-friendly interface and menu structure make it easy to navigate and access various features. Although the S5 Sportback lacks the second screen found in some other Audi models, it compensates with the impressive Virtual Cockpit digital gauge cluster. The Prestige trim level includes a wide range of driver-assistance features, such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, traffic sign recognition, parking assist, and a head-up display.
Pricing and Options
The S5 Sportback offers excellent value for its performance and luxury. With a starting price of $52,895 (including destination), the S5 Sportback provides a competitive price point compared to its rivals. A fully loaded S5 Sportback can reach $69,240, but even a midlevel Premium Plus trim with a few select options offers a compelling package at $63,340. When considering its alternatives, such as the BMW 440i Gran Coupe or Kia Stinger GT, the S5 Sportback stands out as a well-rounded choice.
FAQs
Q: How fast is the Audi S5 Sportback?
A: The S5 Sportback can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds, thanks to its 349-hp 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine.
Q: What makes the S5 Sportback different from the RS5 Sportback?
A: While the RS5 Sportback offers more power and slightly faster acceleration, the S5 Sportback strikes a better balance between performance and emotion.
Q: Is the S5 Sportback a practical car?
A: Yes, the S5 Sportback’s hatchback design provides a spacious cargo area, with 21.8 cubic feet of storage space that can be expanded by folding down the rear seats.
Conclusion
The 2020 Audi S5 Sportback is a compelling choice for those seeking a versatile and thrilling driving experience. With its powerful engine, balanced handling, and luxurious interior, the S5 Sportback embodies the perfect compromise between performance and practicality. Whether you’re navigating city streets or taking on winding roads, the S5 Sportback delivers an exhilarating ride without sacrificing comfort. Explore the Audi S5 Sportback at Car news and discover the joy of driving a true all-rounder.