X

The S5, Audi's supercharged sport coupe (pictures)

With an elegant coupe body, powerful engine and excellent handling, the S5 makes for a very enjoyable car, while connected cabin electronics serve as icing on this automotive cake.

Wayne Cunningham
Wayne Cunningham reviews cars and writes about automotive technology for CNET's Roadshow. Prior to the automotive beat, he covered spyware, Web building technologies, and computer hardware. He began covering technology and the Web in 1994 as an editor of The Net magazine.
Wayne Cunningham
2015audis5-001.jpg
1 of 22 Wayne Cunningham/CNET

The S5 is the sport version of Audi's A5 coupe and comes with a more powerful engine and other performance upgrades.

2015audis5-004.jpg
2 of 22 Wayne Cunningham/CNET

The S5 uses a direct injection 3-liter V-6 with an Eaton supercharger, delivering 333 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque.

2015audis5-003.jpg
3 of 22 Wayne Cunningham/CNET

The coupe design of the S5 is subtly beautiful.

2015audis5-006.jpg
4 of 22 Wayne Cunningham/CNET

All S5s come with Audi's Quattro all-wheel-drive.

2015audis5-009.jpg
5 of 22 Wayne Cunningham/CNET

An optional Sport Differential dynamically diverts torque across the rear axle to help with cornering.

2015audis5-010.jpg
6 of 22 Wayne Cunningham/CNET

Ample trunk space makes the S5 a fine touring car for two.

2015audis5-014.jpg
7 of 22 Wayne Cunningham/CNET

Sport seats are comfortable without being too confining.

2015audis5-015.jpg
8 of 22 Wayne Cunningham/CNET

Rear seats are functional but cramped.

2015audis5-017.jpg
9 of 22 Wayne Cunningham/CNET

An electric power steering system makes for precise inputs but is tuned for a light feeling.

2015audis5-019.jpg
10 of 22 Wayne Cunningham/CNET

Audi sticks with traditional analog gauges for the S5.

2015audis5-020.jpg
11 of 22 Wayne Cunningham/CNET

The six-speed manual transmission comes standard in the S5.

2015audis5-023.jpg
12 of 22 Wayne Cunningham/CNET

Audi's cabin electronics system starts with this home screen, showing all the major function areas.

2015audis5-024.jpg
13 of 22 Wayne Cunningham/CNET

DriveSelect changes the S5's programs for different driving characteristics.

2015audis5-026.jpg
14 of 22 Wayne Cunningham/CNET

Navigation includes online destination search through Google.

2015audis5-031.jpg
15 of 22 Wayne Cunningham/CNET

Audi integrates Google Earth with its navigation system.

2015audis5-033.jpg
16 of 22 Wayne Cunningham/CNET

Other connected features include fuel prices, weather and nearby landmark information.

2015audis5-034.jpg
17 of 22 Wayne Cunningham/CNET

The S5 offers typical hands-free phone features.

2015audis5-022.jpg
18 of 22 Wayne Cunningham/CNET

Among the S5's audio sources, these SD card slots are actually among the easier to use.

2015audis5-035.jpg
19 of 22 Wayne Cunningham/CNET

Other audio sources include Bluetooth streaming and the car's own hard drive.

2015audis5-036.jpg
20 of 22 Wayne Cunningham/CNET

Bluetooth streaming for audio shows track information, but offers no control over music selection.

2015audis5-037.jpg
21 of 22 Wayne Cunningham/CNET

The standard audio system includes 10 speakers, but a Bang and Olufsen 14-speaker system is optional.

2015audis5-038.jpg
22 of 22 Wayne Cunningham/CNET

The back-up camera shows trajectory and distance lines.

More Galleries

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera
A houseplant

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera

20 Photos
Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra
magic-v2-2024-foldable-1383

Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra

10 Photos
The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum
Samsung Galaxy S24

The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum

23 Photos
Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design
The Galaxy S24 Ultra in multiple colors

Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design

23 Photos
I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites
img-0368.jpg

I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites

34 Photos
17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About
Invitation for the Apple September iPhone 15 event

17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About

18 Photos
AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?
img-1599-2.jpg

AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?

17 Photos