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Strip two doors from an Audi S4 and you’ll get something like the Audi S5. It’s a classy coupe with strong performance and offers a more laid-back drive than the range-topping RS5, so could suit buyers who want to get along at a decent pace but prefer not to shout about it.
The most recent generation of S5 debuted in 2017 as a 3-litre, V6 turbocharged petrol model, but in 2019 Audi made the unusual decision to replace that engine with a 3-litre V6 diesel. Not as appealing to the ears, but more appealing to the wallet, thanks to the promise of 40mpg economy, while performance was little changed. It’s the model we’re concentrating on below, though the S5’s qualities shine whichever engine you choose - and if you need more space but still want a raked-back roofline, Audi offered a four-door Sportback version too.
The popularity of Audi’s S Line trim suggests a good few Audi owners would opt for a full-fat S or RS model if they could. Buy used and that becomes a real possibility, with examples of Audi’s performance coupe, the S5, being significantly more affordable than they were when new. The S5 is effectively a two-door version of the S4 sports saloon, and since 2019 has packed the same 3-litre V6 turbodiesel engine.
That might be slightly disappointing for some, since few diesels have the sound and excitement of their petrol equivalents, but it does make for effortless performance without an exhaust howl that’ll wake your neighbours. 40mpg economy is the other benefit, making the S5 an excellent motorway cruiser, but there’s still some fun to be had on a twisty road, with an accurate and composed chassis.
The S5 is a handsome beast too and the interior is up to Audi’s typical standards, with a smart and logical layout and excellent standards of quality. The rear seats are even quite usable (though headroom is limited) and the boot can take a decent amount of luggage too, at 410 litres.
Closest contemporary competition came in the form of the BMW 435d, which used a straight-six diesel, and the petrol-only Mercedes-AMG C43 Coupe, with a V6 layout. If you’re shopping in this corner of the market though, you probably already have a brand preference - the S5 more than holds its head up high against the competition and makes a compelling used buy.
The choice is fairly simple here. If you don’t want a diesel then you’ll need to look at older S5s sold prior to 2019, or spend a bit more money and get into an RS5. All post-2019 S5s feature the same 3-litre V6 TDI, which does suit the car’s character and keeps fuel bills to a minimum. Finding a higher trim level won’t net you more power but does bring more equipment, with the Vorsprung being our choice for its standard sport differential and adaptive suspension. You may find a previous owner has ticked one or more option boxes on a regular car though, so don’t discount these if you find one.
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If you’re familiar with the Audi range then the lineup below will be easy enough to understand. There’s a three-tier range comprising an entry-level model, a special edition (in this case the Edition 1), and a range-topping Vorsprung with just about every feature Audi can offer in the model. The Vorsprung is most notable for a few parts that really help the way the S5 drives, such as adaptive suspension and the sport differential.
The Audi S5’s dimensions are:
The Audi S5’s boot size is:
All diesel S5s get a flat rate of annual VED, plus a surcharge because they cost more than £40,000 brand new. That takes your total annual bill to £600, but this drops to a lower rate in the car’s seventh year of registration, so the earliest 2019 cars will get cheaper to tax in 2026.
It’s not quite as expensive to insure as an RS5, but otherwise the S5 will likely cost more to insure than other A5s, with insurance groups starting at group 40. This is actually a little less than a BMW 435d though, in groups 41 and 42, and less still than the old Mercedes-AMG C43, which sat in group 43.
£38,985
£59,900
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£52,490
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£37,990
£2,000 off£52,980
£55,599
What is the most popular colour for Audi S5 ?
What is the most popular gearbox for Audi S5 ?
What is the most popular fuel type for Audi S5 ?
What is the most popular engine for Audi S5 ?
What is the average mileage for Audi S5 ?
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How many Audi S5 cars are available for sale?
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