What is it?
So the theory goes, saloons look and feel more upmarket than hatches. I don’t buy that. And I certainly don’t buy it when it comes to the Audi A5 Sportback.
For my money it’s considerably more glamorous than the A4 saloon and not just for its relative rarity. It’s sleeker, prettier and more muscular than the four-door. Not to mention a mite more practical too.
And as there’s no RS5 version on the horizon, this S5 Sportback we’re driving for the first time is about as glamorous as the model’s going to get for now. Like the S4 saloon, it’s powered by a 328bhp supercharged 3.0-litre V6 and comes as standard with four-wheel drive and a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox.
See the test pics of the Audi S5 Sportback
What’s it like?
A supercharged six is an esoteric engine in this type of car but it’s easily one of the best things about the S5, especially when paired to the DSG ’box.
It’s lusty and linear right up to the red line and provides explosive overtaking potential from pretty much any speed. No, it doesn’t sound quite as spirited as the V8 that used to power the S-badged Audis. But it’s hardly shy and retiring at full chat, either, and there are clear fuel economy and emissions advantages.
Some of the usual Audi vices are in evidence, though, such as a lumpy low-speed ride and numb handling. Nothing wrong with the crisp way it tackles corners, however, though the caveat is that our test car was fitted with the optional sports differential and ‘dynamic’ steering. But even those pricey extras don’t result in a lot of information being telegraphed back to the driver.
Inside, the A5’s offset driving position isn’t such a problem in a two-pedal car. Elsewhere, it’s the usual solid Audi look and feel with added flourishes such as terrific S5-specific seats. There’s good luggage and passenger space too.
Should I buy one?
If you’re a company car buyer, the S5 Sportback makes little fiscal sense and you’d be far better off with one of the diesels. And either way there are some extremely talented rivals to choose from if you’ve got £40k to play with.
That said, with its pace, abilities and looks it makes a great case for itself.
Chas Hallett
Audi S5 Sportback
Price: £40,125; Top speed: 155mph; 0-62mph: 5.4sec; Economy: 30.1mpg; CO2: 219g/km; Engine: V6, 2955cc, supercharged, petrol; Power: 328bhp at 5500-7000rpm; Torque: 325lb ft at 2900-5300rpm; Gearbox: 7-spd dual-clutch auto
Join the debate
Re: Audi S5 Sportback
It might cost more in tax as a company car than the 2.0 or diesel, but at 219g/km it makes a lot more sense as a company car than the V8 would.
Re: Audi S5 Sportback
Dont like it....it looks just like all other Audi's these days, the S5 coupe appeals to me me more than this 'Hatch', might as well be a Rover 800.
Still for 40k, better off getting a 335i, looks alot better than this or the A5....
Nice interior but its the wrong colour.....
Am i the only one feeling like this towards the 'Sportback' range?????????????
Re: Audi S5 Sportback
Is it just me or have there been so many sledgehammer fast, boringly styled, overpriced German saloons (and a five door hatch in this case) around over the last few years that they just leave you cold? Unless you are desperate to impress blokes who wear "I am the Stig" T shirts, I just can't see any appeal. By the time you have factored reduced range and more frequent fuel stops into the equation, it must be faster point-to-point to buy a 2.0 turbodiesel than an S5.
Re: Audi S5 Sportback
Is it just me or have there been so many sledgehammer fast, boringly styled, overpriced German saloons (and a five door hatch in this case) around over the last few years that they just leave you cold? Unless you are desperate to impress blokes who wear "I am the Stig" T shirts, I just can't see any appeal. By the time you have factored reduced range and more frequent fuel stops into the equation, it must be faster point-to-point to buy a 2.0 turbodiesel than an S5.
It's not just about how long a long journey will take, it's how long a shorter journey - such as that around the Nurburgring - will take, and also about how much fun the car is.
Personally, I'm torn with this. It's really fast. I like the styling. I like the concept of the executive hatchback. However, the usual Audi vices - and the lack of a V8 or a manual gearbox - turn me off somewhat. Now, if BMW could do a 335i hatchback with a manual gearbox and a limited-slip diff...
Re: Audi S5 Sportback
Is it just me or have there been so many sledgehammer fast, boringly styled, overpriced German saloons (and a five door hatch in this case) around over the last few years that they just leave you cold?
No, it's not just you. I'm right with you there. I think this leaves Jaguar in a good position.
Re: Audi S5 Sportback
Is it just me or have there been so many sledgehammer fast, boringly styled, overpriced German saloons (and a five door hatch in this case) around over the last few years that they just leave you cold?
No, it's not just you. I'm right with you there. I think this leaves Jaguar in a good position.
I will admit, Jaguar's current styling direction makes this look extremely boring - but I do think there's a place for the fast exec hatch. The recent resurgence of interest in the Rover SD1 Vitesse - especially the Twin Plenum version - would seem to confirm that (although obviously they're not being run as daily runners by the kind of person who'd buy an XF or A5!)
Re: Audi S5 Sportback
So the theory goes, saloons look and feel more upmarket than hatches
That is because most hatches are utilitarian. This is very stylish , the most desirable car Audi have made.
Re: Audi S5 Sportback
This is very stylish, the most desirable car Audi have made.
*cough cough R8 anybody? cough cough*
That's before I even go making barbed remarks about Lamborghini.
Re: Audi S5 Sportback
This is very stylish, the most desirable car Audi have made.
*cough cough R8 anybody? cough cough*
That's before I even go making barbed remarks about Lamborghini.
R8 is more of a glitz and glamour car, if it were a person it would be a fit super model or front page model. The problem with the R8 is that its got a footballer car image ( take not anderson from Man Utd dont get a new one) and a list appeal to it. Its not stylish or desirable its the norm if you rich or famous
The S5 is more elegant, discreet, understated call it what you want but it better then the R8 in many situations.
Re: Audi S5 Sportback
Ok, so the photos are not really much to go by, but I'm not convinced that it is " sleeker, prettier and more muscular than the four-door.". It seems to be a case of another niche vehicle for niche vehicle's sake, a la 5 series GT.
I'm sure it's lovely and the world has been waiting with bated breath for a 5 door A4, sorry, 5. But if I wanted it "a mite more practical too", I'd buy the wagon. I assume it's the same platform?
