The Audi A5 and S5 is the company’s sporty two-door coupe that combines sporty looks and performance in a handsome package. It also has a family-friendly version with more doors called the Sportback.
When you choose the S5 Sportback, you get a big dose of performance with a turbocharged V6 that will move the family swiftly. The eight-speed Tiptronic transmission provides quick and firm shifts when you want to play or smooth, almost seamless shifts during the usual stop-and-go traffic that the car will usually see. Choose the S sport package, and the adaptive dampening suspension thrills in the corners while it provides a supple enough ride to enjoy on longer road trips.
I think one of the best-looking Audis is the S5 coupe, and now I need to throw the S5 Sportback in with it. Audi still gives this five-door hatchback a coupe-like profile. The S5 Sportback sits low, and the rooflines slopes down to complete the convincing coupe look. The large blacked-out angular grill and Matrix-design headlights with laser lights give the face a very modern look.
The 20-inch wheels and the Turbo Blue paint add to this Audi’s very sporty look when parked among the sea of normal sedans and crossovers.
Usually, the S5 coupe can be a turn off when you try to use it for more than two people, whereas the S5 Sportback shines with extra doors and space. You can actually use this car for the family. While the sloping roofline might not work for six-footers on a 300-mile journey, those shorter riders will have no problem. Optional fine Nappa leather seats have the look and feel that class up this sporty cabin. I enjoyed the massage feature when combined with the traffic jam assist on a bad day of traffic, and it helped keep me calm and relaxed. The excellent Audi virtual cockpit is still impressive with a sharp display and graphics. The 10-inch MMI touch display is simple to use, and there is still a volume knob on the center console if that’s your preference. The S5 Sportback also has storage space under that sleek hatchback making it a car ready for a long road trip.
Cost: $54,900; as tested $70,670
MPG: 21 MPG City; 30 MPG Highway. I managed 25.1 MPG in 322 miles of mixed driving.
Options: $8,400 prestige package; $275 Audi beam S beam; $2,500 S sport package; $1,150 dynamic steering; $1,400 black optic package; $1000 fine Nappa leather; $1,045 destination charge
Safety: parking system plus with park assist; head-up display with sign recognition; intersection assist; adaptive cruise assist with traffic jam assist; Audi active lane assist; Audi side assist with pre sense rear; Audi pre sense city low speed collision assist; top view camera system; rear cross-traffic warning
Things to know: The Audi S5 Sportback gives you coupe-like style with the convenience of four doors and a cargo-friendly hatchback design.
Pros:
- Performance from a turbocharged V6 makes for a fun family ride
- The interior combines sporty looks with a family-friendly size
- Has a sporty look with the Sportback body style, more like a coupe
Cons:
- High price tag for the S5 Sportback when you check off on the options
- Some blind spots with the sleek design
- Taller riders might find the back seat headroom lacking
