The Audi S5 Sportback is a luxury performance sedan that masterfully combines sleek design, powerful performance, advanced technology, and everyday practicality. Sitting comfortably between the entry-level A5 Sportback and the track-focused RS5, the S5 offers an ideal balance for enthusiasts who want sportiness without compromising on comfort or usability.
In this comprehensive review, we’ll dive deep into every aspect of the Audi S5 Sportback — its exterior and interior design, engine and performance, technology and safety features, pricing, competitors, and more — to help you decide if it’s the perfect car for you.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction: What is the Audi S5 Sportback?
The Audi S5 Sportback belongs to Audi’s ‘S’ series, known for its sportier, more aggressive trims compared to the regular lineup. The S5 Sportback uniquely blends a coupe’s elegant styling with the practicality of a five-door hatchback. This makes it not only a head-turner on the road but also a practical choice for daily driving.
Globally, it competes with sporty sedans such as the BMW M340i xDrive and the Mercedes-AMG C43, combining quattro all-wheel drive, powerful turbocharged engines, and sophisticated interiors. In India, it is imported as a CBU, highlighting its exclusivity and premium positioning.
2. Striking Exterior Design: Sportiness Meets Sophistication
The Audi S5 Sportback showcases a bold, athletic exterior that perfectly encapsulates its sporty yet elegant character.
Front End
- The iconic Singleframe grille dominates the front, featuring a glossy black honeycomb pattern accented by chrome surrounds.
- Audi’s advanced Matrix LED headlights come standard, providing crisp illumination and dynamic turn signals that add flair.
- Aggressive lower air intakes not only improve cooling but also amplify the car’s sporty persona.
Side Profile
- The fastback silhouette with its sloping roofline gives the car a coupe-like elegance while preserving practicality with rear doors.
- Distinctive frameless windows contribute to a sleek, sporty aesthetic.
- 19-inch alloy wheels come standard, with 20-inch options available for those seeking more road presence.
- Subtle ‘S’ badging on the front fenders declares its performance pedigree.
Rear End
- The rear features sharp LED taillights with dynamic indicators, maintaining Audi’s signature lighting design.
- The sporty rear diffuser houses the quad exhaust outlets, underscoring its performance credentials.
- A subtle integrated spoiler adds a finishing touch to the sleek rear hatch.
Overall, the Audi S5 Sportback strikes a perfect balance between aggressive sportiness and premium refinement, making it stand out without being ostentatious.
3. Luxurious and Tech-Forward Interior
Step inside the Audi S5 Sportback, and you enter a world where luxury, comfort, and cutting-edge technology converge.
Seating & Comfort
- The cabin features Nappa leather upholstery with diamond stitching on the sport seats that are both supportive and plush.
- Front seats are electrically adjustable, with heating and ventilation options for ultimate comfort.
- Rear seats offer generous legroom and headroom, unusual for a coupe-like vehicle.
- The rear seats can be folded to increase cargo space when needed.
Dashboard & Controls
- The centerpiece is Audi’s Virtual Cockpit Plus — a 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster offering customizable displays like navigation maps, performance data, and traditional speedometers.
- The 10.1-inch MMI touchscreen infotainment system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with intuitive gesture and voice controls.
- Ambient lighting with 30 color options allows customization of the cabin mood.
- The flat-bottomed sport steering wheel comes with paddle shifters for manual gear changes and controls for media and cruise.
Practicality & Storage
- The Sportback’s hatch design means an impressive 465 liters of boot space, expandable to around 1,300 liters with rear seats folded.
- Multiple cubbies, door pockets, and wireless charging pads add to the practical usability.
4. Heart of the Beast: Engine and Performance
At the core of the Audi S5 Sportback lies its 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine, delivering a robust combination of power and refinement.
Engine Specs
- Power: 354 horsepower
- Torque: 500 Nm of torque available from as low as 1,370 rpm
- Transmission: 8-speed Tiptronic automatic gearbox
- Drivetrain: Audi’s legendary quattro all-wheel drive
Performance Figures
- The S5 Sportback sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.8 seconds, a testament to its explosive power delivery.
- Top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h.
Driving Modes & Handling
Audi’s Drive Select system lets drivers toggle between different modes — Comfort, Auto, Dynamic, and Individual — adjusting throttle response, steering weight, and suspension stiffness accordingly.
- In Comfort, the car absorbs bumps effortlessly, making daily driving smooth and relaxed.
- Switching to Dynamic sharpens steering and firm up suspension for a more engaging drive.
- The quattro AWD system distributes torque optimally, ensuring excellent grip and cornering stability in all weather conditions.
5. Driving Dynamics and Ride Quality
The Audi S5 Sportback doesn’t just deliver straight-line speed; it’s equally impressive through corners.
- The adaptive sport suspension adjusts damping to balance comfort and agility.
- Precise, weighted steering gives a confident feel at the wheel, making maneuvering fun and effortless.
- The car maintains composure and minimal body roll, even when pushing hard on twisty roads.
Overall, the S5 offers an impressive blend of sportscar excitement and executive sedan comfort.
6. Advanced Technology and Infotainment
Audi’s commitment to technology shines in the S5 Sportback.
Infotainment
- The MMI system features crisp graphics and quick response times.
- Supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, eliminating the need for cables.
- Voice control understands natural language commands, allowing you to adjust navigation, media, or climate effortlessly.
- Audi Connect services offer live traffic, weather updates, and online points of interest.
Sound System
- The Bang & Olufsen 3D Premium Sound System with 19 speakers offers immersive audio, perfect for music lovers.
- The sound quality fills the cabin with clarity and richness, enhancing the driving experience.
7. Safety and Driver Assistance
Audi ensures that performance doesn’t come at the cost of safety.
Passive Safety
- Multiple airbags including front, side, curtain, and knee airbags.
- Rigid body structure with crumple zones for impact absorption.
- ISOFIX mounts for child seats.
Active Safety and Assistance
- Audi Pre Sense City: Monitors for potential collisions and can automatically brake.
- Adaptive Cruise Control with stop-and-go capability.
- Lane Departure Warning and Lane Keep Assist help prevent accidental drifting.
- Park Assist with 360-degree cameras simplifies tight parking.
- Blind-spot monitoring enhances awareness on highways.
These features combine to make the S5 one of the safest cars in its segment.
8. Variants and Pricing Details
In India, the Audi S5 Sportback is available as a single, fully-loaded variant.
- Price (ex-showroom): Approximately ₹74.60 lakh (subject to location and taxes).
- Options for customization include paint finishes, wheel designs, and interior trims.
Globally, Audi offers the S5 Sportback in multiple trims, with varying features and engine options depending on the market.
9. Competitor Analysis: How Does the Audi S5 Sportback Compare?
Audi S5 Sportback
- Engine: 3.0L V6 Turbo
- Power: 354 hp
- 0–100 km/h: 4.8 seconds
- Price (India ex-showroom): ₹74.60 lakh
BMW M340i xDrive
- Engine: 3.0L Inline-6 Turbo
- Power: 374 hp
- 0–100 km/h: 4.4 seconds
- Price (India ex-showroom): ₹72.90 lakh
Mercedes-AMG C43
- Engine: 3.0L V6 Turbo
- Power: 402 hp
- 0–100 km/h: 4.6 seconds
- Price (India ex-showroom): ₹85.00 lakh
Genesis G70 3.3T
Price: Not officially available in India
Engine: 3.3L V6 Turbo
Power: 365 hp
0–100 km/h: 4.7 seconds
10. Pros and Cons of the Audi S5 Sportback
Pros
- Powerful and refined 3.0L turbo V6 engine
- quattro all-wheel drive ensures excellent handling and grip
- Stunning exterior design blending sportiness with elegance
- Luxurious, tech-rich cabin with comfortable seating
- Practical five-door hatchback design with good cargo space
- Advanced safety and driver assistance features
Cons
- High price point, especially as a CBU import in India
- Fuel economy is average for the segment
- Limited rear headroom due to coupe-style roofline
- Only one variant available in some markets
11. Ownership Experience and Running Costs
Owning an Audi S5 Sportback comes with premium ownership benefits:
- Audi’s authorized service centers provide dedicated care with genuine parts.
- Maintenance costs are higher than non-luxury vehicles but are reasonable for the segment.
- The car holds its value well due to Audi’s brand reputation and build quality.
- Insurance premiums are higher, reflecting the performance and price class.
12. Final Verdict: Is the Audi S5 Sportback Worth It?
If you’re looking for a car that perfectly balances sporty performance, elegant design, luxurious comfort, and practicality, the Audi S5 Sportback is a compelling choice. It offers:
- Thrilling power with a responsive turbo V6
- All-weather confidence thanks to quattro AWD
- A high-tech, premium cabin with space for four adults and luggage
- Practicality with its hatchback design uncommon in its segment
While the price is steep, the driving experience and prestige that come with owning an Audi S5 Sportback are well worth the investment. Whether commuting daily or enjoying spirited weekend drives, this car delivers an impressive blend of luxury and performance.