I got 23 miles per gallon during a week of playing around in the canyons and running errands around Los Angeles, matching the EPA-estimated combined rating. There's a variable-ratio Dynamic Steering option that you can add for $1,500, and I like the way it quickens up the response in its sportiest setting, though it's pretty light in the default Comfort mode. Together with the fact that they all have four doors, provides them the perfect utility to carry several dogs (seats folded of course), four not too tall adults, or grandma’s antique dresser. The rear seat is comfortable, but the headroom is restricted for those of above-average height or small people with long necks. New Audi S5 Sportback 2020 review. The S5 Sportback is powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 engine with 354 horsepower and an ample 369 lb-ft of torque. 2020 Audi S5 Sportback review: The perfect compromise. I'll always prefer the Sportback body style to the two-door Coupe and Cabriolet, mostly because it adds a ton of functionality without screwing up the design. And so here it is. If you want a gorgeously pretty shape you have to make compromises and rear-seat passengers almost always play second fiddle. A smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission is standard, and it works with Audi's Quattro all-wheel-drive system to accelerate the Sportback with appropriate haste. You get a stiffer suspension with adaptive dampers, though it's not so harsh that it'll punish you over highway expansion joints. Twitter. Sitting pretty in the middle is the S5 which sports a single turbo V6 with 349 hp and 369 lb-ft also mated to an 8-speed automatic. 2021 Audi S5 Sportback vs 2020 Mercedes-Benz AMG C 63 Request a dealer quote or view used cars at MSN Autos. Some compromises are easier to accept than others. 2020 Audi S5 Sportback Overview After debuting in 2018 and remaining relatively unchanged last year, Audi refreshed its A5 Sportback for 2020. Aside from its looks the S5 drives very nicely, set it in Comfort and you can waft along on a wave of torque, it’s quiet inside and you can image yourself driving hundreds of miles effortlessly all day. Updated on: September 30, 2020 . WhatsApp. I like all three of the fives in Sportback mode because they simply look so damn good and best of all they all have a hatchback that’s disguised as a trunk lid. Audi's S5 Sportback is its most popular mid-sized performance product. OUR OBSERVED: 21.9 mpg Audi SQ5 Sportback; Audi SQ8; Audi S3 2016-2020; Back to top . Besides obvious styling and tech updates, the car also gets some dynamic additions, making it a better package overall. The Quattro all-wheel-drive system is rear-biased and 60% of power can be sent to the rear which makes it extremely well balanced at all times. With everything turned to Dynamic it's a hoot on twisty roads, but dial it back to Auto and the S5 chills out and just exists as a luxury car, which is perfect for when you're sitting in traffic or just picking up some carry-out from the taco place down the street. We delete comments that violate our policy, which we encourage you to read. In addition to the usual Comfort, Auto and Dynamic settings, the Audi Drive Select has a customizable Individual mode, which I use all the time. And after a week with the 349-hp S5 Sportback, I can't imagine why you'd ever need something more. That said the A5 is probably not quick enough for me and the RS5 would probably give grandma a heart attack so the S5 fits the bill just nicely. Change a few Drive Mode settings though, and you can attack mountain roads with a big grin on your face. 20. 2021 Tesla Model 3 Long Range Dual Motor Review – It’s quicker than you think, 2021 Lexus RX 450H F Sport Review – This is the RX to get, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2DktAxKMkvs, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z6CE5ba-yec&t=5s. Updated: 30 Mar 2021, 01:22 PM IST Shubhodeep Chakravarty. Read expert reviews from the sources you trust and articles from around the web on the 2020 Audi S5 Sportback. Audi’s Virtual Cockpit, a 12.3-inch digital gauge is standard on the Prestige model tester I had but now has updated graphics and three new viewing modes (Classic, Sport, and Dynamic). Additionally, Carbon Atlas Inlays ($500), Black Optic Package ($2,200) which includes those terrific 20-inch wheels, Summer tires, and Black exterior trim and mirror housings were checked options. The rotary controller and buttons that were on the center console are no longer, instead, you get a small cubby. All body styles are available in Premium, Premium Plus and Prestige trims for 2020. Tech News. The new 2020/21 Audi A5 Sportback (B9.5). The bad news is that the S5 doesn't get the second screen below the dash -- like what you find on the S6, for example -- so there isn't a huge pad for handwriting recognition. The S5's 3.0-liter V6 is a nice engine. The S5 Sportback is a really good all-rounder that's hard to top. 19 Jun 2020. I would skip this, especially in Southern California, where cooled seats are a must. The 3.0 TDI offers brawny pulling power, cultivated smoothness and long range, thanks in part to its MHEV system and the electric powered compressor, which supports the turbocharger. © 2021 CNET, A RED VENTURES COMPANY. https://www.cnet.com/roadshow/reviews/2020-audi-s5-sportback-review S. Kumar . TRANSMISSION:  8-speed automatic with manual shifting mode Facebook. The S5 gets a few little updates this year, including refreshed LED headlights and taillights that don't really move the attractiveness needle for me one way or the other. All the things I love about the RS5 Sportback carry over to the S5. We review the 2019 Audi S5 a car that has many ambitions. POWER: 349 hp @ 6,400 rpm That feels like a lot, but it's totally in line with a Mercedes-AMG C43 (which isn't even a hatchback and therefore not as good). But I'm not about to open that can of worms. While Audi'sfour-door Sportback variant is defined by its inconspicuous hatchback and big back seat, the RS5 is further enhanced by the most menacing visage and a mighty 444-hp twin-turbo V-6. CARGO VOLUME: 21.8 cubic feet The Sportback trim adds a hatch which improves capacity while also selling the "sports car" image. I think most people will be fine with a midlevel Premium Plus and a few choice options. By the way, it turned a little dramatic but anyways as we know Audi … Be respectful, keep it civil and stay on topic. The Audi's on-road demeanor als… One of the very first press-cars is in my hands, and here is the first shot. My top-level Prestige tester came with the $2,500 S Sport Package add-on, which is worth every penny since you get firmer suspension with adaptive dampers and the sport rear differential, which adds torque-vectoring to the rear axle. Review By Justin Narayan 14th Dec 2020 0 Comments. This top-level Prestige trim has the $2,500 S Sport Package add-on, which is a pretty solid upgrade. This is the main reason why you go for the Sportback. The cabin is nicely insulated from wind and road noise, and the suspension is tuned to absorb uneven surfaces but we did notice that some bigger ruts did upset the car on occasion due to the thin sidewalls of the summer Dunlop Sport Maxx tires, mounted on a superb looking set of 20-inch twin-spoke polygon design wheels. CONS: Lack of rear-seat headroom, Copyright 2017 ROAD TEST REVIEWS | All Rights Reserved | Built by, 2021 Volkswagen Arteon 2.0T SEL Premium R-Line Review – Moves into luxury territory, 2021 Ram 1500 Laramie 4X4 Review – Still Leading The Pack. 700 Nm (516.3 lb-ft) of torque and output of 255 kW (347 hp) - the updated Audi S5 Sportback and the S5 Coupé have a V6 diesel engine under the hood in European markets. The 8-way powered front chairs on my tester were covered in fine Nappa leather ($1,000) and are extremely comfortable, however, if you choose this option, they are only heated and NOT cooled. Besides, one of my key complaints about the otherwise flawless RS5 is that it's kind of sterile -- like, sure, it's quick, but there's no raw emotion. Audi S5 Sportback 2020 long-term review Audi has decided that some of its S-cars are best served by diesel power after all. It looks great, it's quiet, it's comfortable, the tech is top-notch and you can throw a bunch of stuff in the back thanks to its hatch. In fact, this particular four-door sporty silhouette makes up more than 50 per cent of all Audi S4 and S5 … Linkedin. A fully loaded S5 Sportback like this one comes in at $69,240. Except when using Launch Mode it’s actually better to apply half pressure on the accelerator, let the car move forward to spool up the turbo, then floor it. And since the Quattro all-wheel-drive system is rear-biased anyway, this makes the S5 a little more lively in tight corners. Audi S5 coupe review “The Audi S5 Coupe may lack the steering feel favoured by keen drivers, but it’s a deeply impressive car nonetheless.” by Carbuyer. FUEL ECONOMY Combined/city/highway: 23/20/27 mpg  10 Feb 2021. The S5 is Audi's most popular mid-sized performance car. The Audi A5 Sportback upon which the S5 is based came 70th out of the top 75 cars in our 2020 Driver Power survey. Carbuyer Rating. Feeling dull? Powerful, functional, comfortable and techy -- it's hard to make an argument against Audi's do-it-all S5 Sportback. Having fun with the engine doesn't totally tank your fuel economy, either. The S5 coupe, Cabriolet, and Sportback retain the same 349-hp turbocharged 2.9-liter V-6 (making 369 lb-ft of torque) as before. 30 MARCH 2021 | ENGLISH | CARS & BIKES | GENERAL AUDIENCE Does life seem boring to you in black and white? Updated: August 14, 2020 . And if you reside in a cold-weather state, slap a set of winter tires on this bad boy and live it up when the roads are empty after a fresh snowfall. The coupe and sportback body styles have a panoramic sunroof that, unlike in the previous generation A5, is capable of fully opening. My favorite way to drive the S5 is with the chassis on its softest setting, the steering in Dynamic and the engine in Auto. My tester also had another option checked, Dynamic Steering ($1,150),  which quickens up the response in its sportiest setting, but it remains light in the default Comfort mode. The RS5 has this nice balance as well, but it's $20,000 more expensive than an S5, and the extra power doesn't come with the extra excitement to make it worth the surcharge. Both S TDI models accelerate from 0 to 100 … PROS: Superb handling, beautiful interior, handsome from all angles  Pinterest. You know, much when i love the 444-horsepower Audi RS5 Sportback, it’s … There are 4 modes to choose from, Comfort, Auto where the car makes the decisions dependant on driving style, Dynamic which sets it to Sport mode, and Individual, where the driver can customize things like Steering, Suspension, and Exhaust noise. Sure the buttoned-down RS5 has more power but I’m not sure I need it given the S5 is so very capable and you would need to shell out a lot more cash in the process. There's lots of low-end torque and the twin-scroll turbocharger spools up quickly to deliver boost on demand. 19 Jun 2020. The exterior changes include redesigned front and rear fascias, including a wider and flatter grille and a tweaked rear diffuser that incorporates trapezoidal tailpipes. Pop the hatch and there's 21.8 cubic feet of storage space, more than doubling that of the S5 Coupe. I'm all for adding the $2,200 Black Optic Package, though; the 20-inch wheels look awesome and I like the darker trim around the outside of the car. ReddIt. Audi S5 Sportback is uniquely styled and dynamic and provides a better fuel economy than the BMW M340i xDrive Sedan. VEHICLE LAYOUT: Front-engine, 4-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door hatchback Need some colours in your life? The BMW is pretty old at this point and I'm not sure Audi buyers are open-minded enough to consider stopping by a Kia dealer just yet, no matter how cool the Stinger is. But the real reason to grab this option is the sport rear differential, which adds torque-vectoring to the rear axle. Material quality is top-notch and that includes below the knee where many manufacturers cut costs, not so Audi. You also get all of Audi's driver-assistance features, like full-speed adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist, lane-keeping assist, a head-up display, traffic sign recognition, parking assist, a Bang & Olufsen premium sound system, wireless phone charging and a whole bunch of other goodies. There are 3 flavors of 5, starting at the lower end is the A5, which has a 248-hp turbo-four with 273 lb-ft. At the top end is the RS5, which has a 2.9-liter twin-turbo six with 444 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque backed by an eight-speed automatic. Its charming powertrain and Quattro all-wheel-drive system help deliver zealous acceleration and enthusiastic responses. Share. 2021 Audi S5 Sportback 2021 Audi S5 Sportback first drive review: Performance sedan with panache 7 min read. The best thing about the S5 Sportback is a trait I've found in Audi's other S cars: great balance. I'd say, "Who needs a crossover?" The Sportback is the S5’s finest physique model. ENGINE: 3.0 liter turbocharged and inter-cooled DOHC 24-valve V-6 TIRES: Dunlop Sport Maxx RT 265/30 ZR-20 PRICE AS TESTED:  $69,240 The bonus though is there is plenty of cargo space, 21.8 cubic feet, and a lot more if you eschew passengers and fold down the rear seats. Honestly, the S5 Sportback's closest competitors are other Audis -- namely the S4 sedan or, really, an SQ5 crossover. Styling changes and some worthwhile tech upgrades are integrated well with a huge change for the S5 Sportback’s powertrain. The V6 and the 8-speed auto are a great combo, shifts are rattled off in quick succession, downshifts are seamless, and the only gripe I have is some minor turbo lag if you mash the throttle from a stop. The 10.1-inch center display gets Audi's latest infotainment tech. That leaves the bulk of the changes to the cosmetic realm. TORQUE: 369 lb-ft @ 1,370 rpm New Audi S5 Sportback 2020 review. Yeah, the RS5 Sportback will do the 0-to-60-mph dash in 3.8 seconds, but unless you're regularly taking your four-door luxury hatchback to the track (you aren't), that 0.7-second discrepancy means next to nothing in the real world. Follow us on 27 th Mar 2021 6:35 pm. Capitalizing on the already excellent A5 coupe and cabriolet, the 2020 Audi S5 positions itself as the sportier alternative. 2021 Audi S5 Sportback is a capable mid-range performance sedan that … August 14, 2020. There's a big difference between a Mercedes-AMG C43 and C63, but the S5 and RS5 feel remarkably similar most of the time. 2021 Audi S5 Sportback | First Drive | The Kranti Sambhav Review | Times Drive Autoplay Next Video. The Audi S5 Sportback’s switch to an advanced diesel engine has resulted in a fast and relaxed drive. The four-door hatchback 2019 Audi S5 Sportback combines the comfort and convenience of the S4 sedan with the sleek looks of the S5 coupe. A lower price is just a cherry on the top. CURB WEIGHT:  3,925 lb The S5 is like this, too, but it's a little more appropriate in a car that's supposed to be a midtier performer. 2021 Audi S5 Sportback review, test drive. What's Going ON!!! The Audi S5 Sportback’s switch to an advanced diesel engine has resulted in a fast and relaxed drive. Email. Instead, there's a simple row of climate controls which looks fine in this sophisticated cabin. The S5's 3.0-liter turbo V6 makes 349 hp and 369 pound-feet of torque, which is plenty, and with Quattro all-wheel drive and a quick-shifting, eight-speed automatic transmission, this S5 will hit 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. I fooled around on Audi's configurator and came up with my perfect S5 Sportback and it's a slightly more reasonable $63,340. 2020 Audi S5 Sportback Price, Review, Ratings and Pictures. The fronts also came with massage functions, worth it on a long trip to Las Vegas. The 2020 Audi S5 is available in coupe, cabriolet and sportback body styles, the latter of which is a 4-door coupe design. 0-60 MPH:  4.3 seconds BASE PRICE:  $51,900 https://www.roadtestreviews.com/2020-audi-s5-sportback-review But I'd totally have the S5 Sportback over both of those options. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. My S5 Sportback also came with adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, a Bang & Olufsen sound system, a head-up display, a panoramic sunroof, and a power hatch. By Debbie Fong. All that stuff comes standard on the Prestige, which is an $8,400 upcharge over the S5 Sportback's $52,895 starting price (including $995 for destination). Whichever one you choose you can have in 2 door coupe or 4 door Sportback. The Audi S5 was launched in 2007 as a high-performance variant of the Audi A5 and since then, it enjoys a huge fan following because of the package it comes with. 2021 Audi S5 Sportback Exclusive Review The new updated Audi S5 Sportback is here, and we have got our hands on the very first car to touchdown in India. There's some new cabin tech in the S5 this year: Audi's MIB 3 multimedia system, housed on a 10.1-inch display. You know, much as I love the 444-horsepower Audi RS5 Sportback, it's just a little too buttoned-up for its own good. Steven Ewing/Roadshow You recognize, a lot as I really like the 444-horsepower Audi RS5 Sportback, it is just a bit too buttoned-up for its pe… It makes a satisfying click when you touch the screen, it’s easy to use, fast and responsive. Audi says the S5 will get from 0-60 in 4.5 seconds but it feels quicker and we guess it will knock a couple of tenths off that. When you buy through our links, we may get a commission. Regardless of the type of road, the S5 provides great balance and poise no matter what you ask of it, it’s incredibly fun to drive on twisty roads, but you don’t always have to drive it at ten thenths to enjoy it, it’s perfectly happy warbling along to the grocery store to get some bread. Driven with enthusiasm we saw our fuel economy dip to 13 mpg when were really getting on it, but addimg our highway and in-town driving and we averaged a very respectable 21.9 mpg for the week so it doesn’t seem improbable that you could achieve the EPA touted 27 mpg on a long highway run. Roadshow editors pick the products and services we write about. After all, I'd have it over the hot-shot RS5, too. Besides, the ace up the S5's sleeve is the Virtual Cockpit digital gauge cluster, which continues to be one of my favorite bits of car tech after all these years. !Want to contact me for anything? and if you have the budget then this is an option, you can consider!!! 2021 Audi S5 Sportback review: Australian first drive . Shoot me an email at gryders101815@gmail.comHelp Me Get to 5,000 subscribers!!!! Audi S5 Sportback Verdict. In terms of interior, Audi provides a much richer and premium feel and there is minimal difference in the passenger space. You'll never mistake it for a rear-wheel-drive car, but that's fine. Audi has overhauled its infotainment system and now offers a higher-resolution 10.1-inch touchscreen to replace the old 8.3-inch display. The Sportback S5, certainly for me, is the perfect compromise and after a week of driving my Tango Red Metallic tester, there’s no reason for me to really want more. Discussion threads can be closed at any time at our discretion. If you’re a company car buyer, the S5 makes little fiscal sense and you’d be far better off with one of the diesels. Audi returns to the mid-range performance sedan market with the stunning S5 Sportback facelift. The thing is, when you stop trying to define it, the S5 Sportback emerges as a seriously desirable prospect. Tumblr - Advertisement - The Sportback may be the S5’s most readily useful body style. 2021 Toyota Tacoma TRD PRO Review – Devours the rough stuff! The Sportback is the S5's best body style. This really helps to make the Audi very fast and much fun on tight and twisty roads. The 2020 Audi S5 Sportback is, without a doubt, a real looker, and from all angles…..it’s striking, sharply styled, and as a bonus has some impressively detailed engineering under the skin. Its main rivals are the BMW 440i Gran Coupe and Kia Stinger GT, unless you want to expand your thinking to include crossover-coupes which, well, no. The 2020 Audi RS5 Sportback is the pinnacle of high performance and practicality, blossoming from the A5 and S5 family trees that also include coupes and convertibles. Plus, you can easily fold the seats down to haul longer items. Editor. Steven Ewing/Roadshow. The good news is that the main menu tiles are colorful, the screen immediately responds to inputs and the overall menu structure is pretty easy to learn. Inside any Audi is a pretty special place and this S5 is no exception.