2025 Audi S5

This is the new 2025 Audi S5. Not the old 2025 Audi S5 Sportback. We thought we would clear this up straight away. It turns out that the 2025 model year is particularly special because it plays host to the outgoing S5 Sportback while ringing in the all-new S5, which also has the same sleek hatchback style, but there’s no mention of Sportback in the name.

As any Audi aficionado will know, the S5 is the hotter version of the A5 luxury compact car. And as any frequent reader of our reviews will know, we love Audi’s S cars. Not just for the extra power, but also for the higher equipment levels and sportier poise to their suspensions. It’s the whole package that we find so satisfying. This fresh S5 is set to fill the big shoes (tires?) of its predecessor and even push the bar higher.

The incoming 2025 S5 is built on a new platform enabling greater interior space, technology takes a step up, while the V6 engine generates more muscle. This car also replaces the erstwhile S4 sedan.

Premium Plus trim tends to be a popular choice among S5 buyers. Rivals include the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe, specifically the M440i xDrive, and the sedan-only Mercedes-AMG C 43, both starting a little higher than this Audi. The Acura TLX Type S sedan undercuts all three German contenders, but doesn’t have the power to match.

Before buying a new S5 compact sport/luxury car, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should be paying. Resale values of the previous generation have been a fraction below average. Recouping more money when selling a vehicle can mean a bigger down payment and lower monthly payments on the next one.

Giving free rein to all 362 horses, the S5 will gallop from standstill to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds, 0.2 of a second quicker than the outgoing S5 Sportback. For comparison, the BMW 440i xDrive Gran Coupe has 386 hp yet hits 60 mph a tenth after the S5, while the Mercedes-AMG C 43 brings 416 hp to the race and crosses the line at exactly the same time as the Audi.

The S5 also comes with a sport-tuned suspension as standard, while offering the option of an adaptive air suspension that has greater differences between its Comfort, Dynamic and Balanced modes than the outgoing S5 Sportback’s. Dynamic is firmer. Comfort is smoother.

Fuel Economy

Owners of a new S5 can expect to achieve 22 mpg in combined city/highway driving. The BMW M440i xDrive tops this little table by returning 27 mpg combined, while the C 43 matches the new S5.

We’ve always been happy to sit in Audi seats, appreciating their combination of cushioning and support. In S models, those seats gain more bolstering to keep occupants in place whenever conditions conspire for a bout of spirited cornering. And you just know the new S5 will be doing plenty of that.

OLED displays form the new Digital Stage that Audi installs in its A5 and S5 cars. Driver information is provided by an 11.9-inch instrument cluster, a central 14.5-inch touchscreen handles infotainment duties, and there’s an optional extra 10.9-inch screen for the front passenger.

For those times when the S5 has to carry more than two adults, 36.1 inches of rear legroom should be enough to quell most gripes about passenger space. The outgoing S5 already had a slight edge over the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe in this respect, now there’s an extra inch.

This latest S5 also has a massive 22.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats (1.6 more than before), expanding to 37 cubic feet with those seats folded. To compare, the 4 Series Gran Coupe goes from 16.6 to 45.5 cubic feet.

The clever thing about the new S5 and its regular A5 stablemate is how the 4-door hatchback body brings great practicality, yet it’s disguised by a sleek profile. Audi has given both cars a visual punch, while the S5 gains a few more aerodynamic additions compared with the A5.

The standard alloy wheel size is 19 inches, with 20-inch wheels offered as an option.

All-wheel drive
It’s a common feature and comes as standard on the new S5. But that doesn’t mean we should take it for granted, because it provides great grip and traction.

Bang & Olufsen audio
The top version of two superb B&O setups available is a surround-sound system with 810 watts going through 20 speakers, four of which are in the headrests of the front seats.

Navigation prompts
Admittedly, we’ve all heard that disembodied voice telling us to turn right in 700 feet (or whatever). The clever thing here is that such prompts can come through the new S5’s aforementioned driver-side headrest speakers, so as not to disturb any other occupants.

Audi Advanced Key
The S5 senses the presence of the Advanced Key, allowing drivers to open the door (or tailgate) without having to get the fob out of a pocket or purse. This might seem like a small thing, but we’ve often found little details make life easier.

Powered tailgate
Another detail to make life easier, this is standard in every new S5.

Matrix-design LED headlights
As well as offering a distinctive lighting signature, these standard items provide great illumination.

The new S5 employs a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 making 362 hp and 406 lb-ft. This goes to all four wheels through a 7-speed automatic transmission. For reference, the previous S5 came with 349 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, and we never thought that model was even a little underpowered.

The also-new regular 2025 Audi A5 is reviewed separately.

4-Year/50,000-Mile Warranty

Audi’s new-vehicle and powertrain warranties last four years or 50,000 miles, whichever happens first. This is typical among European luxury car makers. Audi also includes four years of roadside assistance.

Safety

The new S5 comes with forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking as standard, along with several other driver assistance features.