The Audi S5 keeps coming up in conversations about performance cars that don’t make you look like you’re having a midlife crisis.
And after driving one for six months, I get why.
Here’s the thing everyone gets wrong about the S5.
They think it’s just an A5 with a bigger engine.
Wrong.
The S5 is engineered differently from the ground up:
I remember test driving one in Wales last year.
Proper mountain roads, the kind that separate real sports cars from pretenders.
The S5 didn’t just handle well—it made me feel like a better driver.
Everyone obsesses over 0-60 times.
But here’s what really counts when you’re daily driving this thing:
Engine Options:
What This Means for You:
The turbo lag everyone moans about?
Barely noticeable unless you’re really hunting for it.
This is where most reviews get useless.
They drive the car for a week and tell you it’s “refined.”
I’ve put 15,000 miles on mine.
Here’s what actually happens:
The BMW M340i is Faster in a straight line. Less character. Feels more clinical.
Mercedes C43 AMG Better interior. More expensive to fix. Exhaust sounds angrier.
Genesis G70 Better value. Unknown reliability. Dealers are still figuring things out.
The S5 sits right in the middle.
Not the fastest, not the cheapest, not the most luxurious.
But it does everything well enough that you don’t feel like you’ve compromised.
This is where it gets interesting.
Sweet Spot Years:
What to Check:
I bought mine at 18 months old with 12,000 miles.
Saved £15,000 off the list price.
Still had a manufacturer warranty.
Best financial decision I made that year.
Monthly budgets get wrecked by cars like this.
Not because of the purchase price.
Because of everything else.
Annual Reality Check:
Ways to Reduce Costs:
The options list is where Audi makes their real money.
Some are worth it.
Most aren’t.
Must-Have Options:
Skip These:
Every car has issues.
The S5’s problems are predictable and manageable.
Known Issues:
Prevention Strategy:
Sarah from Manchester bought hers new in 2020.
“Best car I’ve owned, but the maintenance costs shocked me. Budget an extra £200 per month for unexpected things.”
James traded his BMW M3 for an S5 Sportback.
“Less aggressive, more usable every day. Don’t miss the drama of the BMW.”
These stories matter more than any professional review.
Because real owners deal with real problems.
And real running costs.
Here’s what I tell people who ask.
Buy one if you want a fast car you can use every day without feeling like you’re driving a race car to Tesco.
Don’t buy one if you’re stretching financially or expecting BMW M-car thrills.
The S5 is the sensible choice in an insensible category.
And sometimes, that’s exactly what you need.
Is the Audi S5 reliable? More reliable than most German performance cars, but expect higher maintenance costs than mainstream brands. Regular servicing prevents most issues.
What’s the real-world fuel economy of an Audi S5? Expect 25-30 mpg in mixed driving, 22-25 mpg if you enjoy the performance regularly, and up to 35 mpg on steady motorway cruising.
Should I buy a petrol or diesel S5? Petrol V6 is the enthusiast choice—better sound, more responsive. Diesel makes sense only for high-mileage users prioritizing economy.
How much does Audi S5 insurance cost? Typically £800-1,500 annually depending on age, location, and driving history. Shop around—prices vary significantly between insurers.
Is the Audi S5 expensive to maintain? Yes, budget £1,500-2,500 annually for maintenance, tires, and unexpected repairs. Independent specialists can reduce costs significantly.
What’s the difference between the S5 Coupe and the Sportback? Sportback offers more practicality with five doors and a larger boot, while Coupe provides sleeker styling. Performance is identical.
The Audi S5 remains one of the most balanced performance cars you can buy—if you can afford to run it properly.
