2025 Audi S5 Sportback

This review is about the 2025 Audi S5 Sportback, which is a continuation of last year’s S5. Usually, this would be so obvious that it wouldn’t need stating. But Audi is doing something that isn’t quite logical. It’s also releasing a newer generation of A5 (the car on which the S5 is based) this year rather than wait until 2026.

This generation debuted for 2018 and still feels (and looks) quite contemporary. When there’s an S version of an Audi, it entails more power than the regular vehicle and generally greater driving prowess. Plus, more standard equipment arrives. We like models such as this S5 Sportback — a lot. In our opinion, they feel just right, both in terms of muscle and amenities. The S5 is enjoyable to drive and live with day-to-day, making each trip feel a bit (or a lot) special.

We’ve logged hundreds of hours driving and evaluating this generation of compact luxury cars, including the Audi S5.

The HomeLink remote garage door button is now integrated into the rearview mirror. The Convenience package gains rear USB ports, and Audi MMI Navigation Plus becomes standard at the Premium Plus level. Coupe and cabriolet versions of the S5 have been discontinued, leaving just the 4-door S5 Sportback for 2025.

Premium Plus is the most popular trim and one we’re happy to recommend for its sweet spot of equipment and price.

German rivals are the BMW 4 Series, particularly the M440i Gran Coupe, which is priced a little higher than the S5 Sportback. The Mercedes-AMG C 43 sedan is the most powerful alternative and starts in the same financial bracket as the BMW. Lower-priced contenders could be the Acura TLX Type S or the V8-powered/rear-drive-only Lexus IS 500 F Sport.

Before buying a new S5 Sportback compact luxury performance car, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should be paying. Resale values are a touch below the class average. Recouping more money when selling a vehicle can mean a bigger down payment and lower monthly payments on the next one.

The S5 Sportback can sprint from a standstill to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds, thanks to a meaty 349 hp created by a turbocharged V6. That puts it into contention with the Mercedes-AMG C 43 (with 416 hp) and the BMW M440i Gran Coupe (with 386 horses). There’s only about a tenth of a second between all three. We love the S5’s smooth and progressive power delivery, although we could also say that about the BMW and AMG.

Appropriately enough, the S5 has a sportier suspension than its A5 stablemate. We’ve found it to be perfectly composed yet not too firm. The S5 Sportback is a great car for long journeys as well as quick back-road trips.

Fuel Economy

The 2025 S5 Sportback achieves 25 mpg in combined city/highway driving. The C 43 manages 22 mpg combined, while the BMW M440i xDrive beats them both with 27 mpg combined.

The S5 Sportback has snug sport seats covered in leather/simulated suede upholstery with a diamond-stitched pattern. There’s the almost-obligatory flat-bottomed steering wheel (easy to slide one’s knees under) and — from the Premium Plus level — a digital driver information display. We think the S5’s cabin has managed to be neat, yet still with the right amount of physical buttons. Like every other Audi, the materials are top-notch, and the build quality is high.

A 10.1-inch touchscreen is standard, controlling a user-friendly infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay smartphone integration. Android Auto still requires a cable.

Rear legroom measures 35.1 inches, just a couple of tenths more than the BWM 4 Series Gran Coupe. The standard powered tailgate opens to 40/20/40-split folding rear seats and cargo space goes from 21 to 35 cubic feet. We love this versatility. To compare, the 4 Series Gran Coupe goes from 16.6 to 45.5 cubic feet.

As well as being a great driver’s car, the S5 Sportback’s combination of sleek and practical makes it even more compelling. Audi’s restrained approach to design has seen the S5 move through the years like it moves through the world, with ease and style.

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 that little details make life easier.

Powered tailgate
Another detail that makes life easier, this is standard in every new S5 Sportback.

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

Bang & Olufsen audio
Standard from the Premium Plus trim level of the 2025 S5 lineup, this 20-speaker, 755-watt surround-sound system puts the art into Mozart and the rave into Ravel.

Head-up display
Standard in the Prestige trim, having vital information projected onto the windshield within the driver’s line of sight saves looking away. It’s one of those things we miss when it’s not there.

Sports exhaust system
This is optional, but we feel that driving an S5 Sportback is even more thrilling with an enhanced aural dimension.

A turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 endows the 2025 S5 Sportback with a gutsy 349 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. An 8-speed automatic transmission sends that to a standard all-wheel-drive system.

The regular 2025 Audi A5 Sportback and higher-performance 2025 Audi RS 5 Sportback have separate reviews.

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 throws in four years of roadside assistance.

Safety Ratings

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has named earlier model years of the A5 (on which the S5 is based) a Top Safety Pick+. Last year’s version also scored a top score of Good in the tricky, updated small overlap front crash test carried out by the institute. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has given the A5 Sportback a maximum overall score of five stars.