Take an Audi S4, wrap it up as an alluring fastback, and add a dash of unexpected practicality courtesy of a hatch at the rear, and you get the S5 Sportback. Mercedes-Benz doesn't make anything similar, so the coupe-styled BMW M440i is its only natural rival. Despite naysayers trying to invalidate a four-door coupe design, the S5 Sportback makes a strong case for the niche - it offers rapid performance and everyday refinement, striking an admirable balance. The 349-horsepower V6, smooth eight-speed automatic, and quattro all-wheel drive ensure strong acceleration and unerring grip, whatever the weather; the driving experience is refined, save for a bit of tire noise on the highway. The trade-off of the sleek design is a cramped rear seat, and the boxy standard S4 offers more commodious accommodations. Yet there's something about the Sportback version that is inexplicably appealing. Show
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 8.5 What is BuzzScore? 2023 Audi S5 Sportback Changes: 🚙What’s the difference vs 2022 S5 Sportback?The standard features of the 2023 S5 Sportback are mostly the same as last year, except that Audi USA is including the Bang & Olufsen audio system with 3D sound as a standard fitment on the Premium Plus trim this year; it used to be standard on the flagship Prestige only. The optional packages see various changes. Adaptive cruise control is now added to the Premium's optional Convenience package. Last year's Black Optic Package is replaced with a Black Optic Plus Package that adds more items, notably black treatment for the rear lip spoiler, the Audi badges, and the exhaust tips; this package is only available on the Premium Plus and Prestige trims. The top two trims also get access to a new Audi Sport interior package that decks out the interior in black with red stitching and RS Carbon trim inlays. There is one new paint color - Chronos Grey - that replaces last year's Quantum Grey. Pros and ConsStrong performance Spacious trunk and liftgate practicality Stylish design Luxurious, well-built cabin Excellent handling and road holding Not as exciting as rivals Somewhat intrusive tire noise Lack of interior storage spaces Cramped rear seat Best Deals on 2023 Audi S5 Sportback2023 Audi S5 Sportback 3.0T Prestige quattro 2023 Audi S5 Sportback 3.0T Premium Plus quattro 2023 Audi S5 Sportback 3.0T Prestige quattro 2023 Audi S5 Sportback 3.0T Premium Plus quattro 2023 Audi S5 Sportback TrimsSee trim levels and configurations: See All 2023 Audi S5 Sportback Trims and Specs 2023 Audi S5 Sportback Handling and Driving ImpressionsAudi's S cars aren't as hardcore as the RS models and have a different, distinctive personality; the Audi S5 Sportback is neither as exciting nor as fast as competitors like the Mercedes-AMG C43 or the BMW M440i xDrive. However, should we be complaining about the turbocharged V6's 349 horsepower and 369 lb-ft, or the 4.5-second 0-60 sprint? That's plenty fast enough for most enthusiasts. The fact that it comes in a very refined package with good ride quality just makes the S5 so much easier to live with day to day, and shows that you don't have to compromise to be sporty. As it is, there is just enough compliance, grip, and composure to have fun with, and it does a convincing impression of a luxury cruiser. There isn't a ton of steering feedback, but it goes where it's pointed and exhibits high grip levels. It's a bit of a shame, then, that it can feel a bit lazy off the line before it gets going in the default Comfort mode. For extra spice, you can opt for the S Sport package's adaptive sport suspension and sport rear differential. It adds that layer of excitement and handling sophistication for drivers longing for a little more. Dynamic steering that varies its ratio for sharper responses is also available on the top two trims. Verdict: 🏁Is 2023 Audi S5 Sportback a good car?The new 2023 Audi S5 Sportback continues where last year's model left off and provides a sporty and refined driving experience with excellent performance and quattro traction, albeit without the thrill the RS 5 provides for a substantial $20k-plus premium. With the S Sport Package added, we feel the S5 Sportback has the zest and handling finesse to offer a really compelling alternative in this class. The M440i xDrive is a mite faster, costs virtually the same, and offers a top-drawer driving experience, but it has that grille, which might be a deal-breaker for some. If you feel it lacks a bit of excitement, the S Sport package should redress the balance, making the 2023 S5 Sportback a top pick in a small niche. In terms of practicality, a review of the Audi S5 Sportback's cargo space reveals that the M440i is less spacious. The BMW's worse practicality and polarizing appearance will put it behind the Audi in many people's books. Check out other Audi A5 Styles2023 Audi S5 Sportback Popular ComparisonsThe most popular competitors of 2023 Audi S5 Sportback: Audi S5 Sportback NewsIs there a new Audi A5 coming out 2023?The Audi A5 Sportback arrives as mostly the same car, with only a few equipment changes for 2023. A new set of 18-inch wheels and Audi's LED matrix-style headlights are now standard on all models. The Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system has also been added as standard equipment for the Premium Plus trim only.
Is Audi S5 worth the money?The 2022 Audi S5 Sportback Is an Unflappable Daily Driver. For all the things you're actually going to use it for, the four-door S5 is wonderful. Audi doesn't make pure driver's cars. Even the most hardcore RS-badged Audis prioritize comfort and cruising over corner carving and track prowess.
When did Audi redesign the S5?The Audi S5 (B9) is an all-wheel drive coupé, sportback, & cabriolet built by Audi from late 2017, after its unveiling in June 2016. Its sportback trim adds rear doors and a hatchback rear. It is part of the second generation model line following on from the Audi S5 (B8) that had been in production since 2007.
Where is the Audi S5 built?Most versions of the S5 are manufactured at Audi's plant in Ingolstadt, Germany; they are available as a coupé, cabriolet, and five-door sportback, which was previously not available in North America until the 2018 model year, which was released in the United States in mid 2017.
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