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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2009 Audi S5

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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2013 Audi S5

Overview

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2009 Audi S5 Review

By KBB.com Editors

The undeniably well-proportioned 2009 Audi S5 marks a late but bold entrance into the luxury performance coupe segment for Audi. A high-performance version of the company's sleek A5, the S5 was actually launched before the "garden-variety" A5, which speaks volumes about Audi's commitment to its performance image. As M is to BMW and AMG to Mercedes, Audi's "S" cars are high performance versions of existing models. While the S5 is no exception to the rule, it is our experience is that it is not as uncompromisingly geared toward performance as BMW's M3, or as luxury oriented as the Mercedes-Benz CLK 550.

You'll Like This Car If...

Thanks to an entirely revised chassis, Audi has been able to dramatically alter the layout in both the S5 and A5. The result is firmer handling with much improved weight distribution. The new layout permitted a redesign of the steering system, which now offers a level of feel and precision previously unknown to the brand.

You May Not Like This Car If...

It's hard to find fault with Audi's new S5, but if you're set on having a moonroof that slides open, you may be disappointed by the (large) fixed glass piece that only tilts, and spans nearly the entire length and width of the roof.

What's New for 2009

Most of the S5's changes for 2009 reside within the optional equipment list. The S5 can now be equipped with Audi side assist, voice control for the navigation, Adaptive Cruise Control and the Drive Select Package, which adds Adaptive Suspension and Dynamic Steering.

Driving the S5

Driving Impressions Easily the dominating element of the S5 driving experience is Audi's ever-popular and wonderfully torquey 4.2-liter V8. In the S5, the eager V8 produces 354 horsepower, which fires the S5...

off with authority at virtually any rpm. The manufacturer claims it will accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds and our seat-of-the pants evaluation gives us no reason to doubt this. Audi's quattro all-wheel drive system allows more traction than most drivers will ever need to call upon during hard acceleration, and a revised torque split in all models sends 60 percent of torque rearward, allowing a neutral feel that mimics rear-wheel-drive cars. As we've come to expect of cars competing in this segment, the brakes are excellent and powerful.

Favorite Features

Rear-View Camera with Guidance Lines
We were surprised to find the medium-sized coupe equipped with Audi's rear-parking system, but once you adapt to backing up while using the monitor, you'll never want to change. The system activates when reverse is selected and automatically shuts off once you've hit five miles per hour in a forward gear.

Electromechanical Parking Brake
With the console-mounted switch mounted right beside the shifter, operation of the parking brake is like that of a power window; pull up to set, and down to release. A red light indicates the brake is engaged. It's something easily overlooked until you've lived with the convenience.

2009 Audi S5 Details

Interior

Audi's intuitive MMI (Multi-Media Interface) is one of the best central-control systems out there, providing easy access to everything from navigation to seat heating. The eight-way adjustable seats are quite comfortable and supportive, helping to add to the cocoon feeling inside the lavishly appointed cockpit. Despite the coupe's sweeping lines, there is ample head and legroom in the rear seats, which feature well-placed cup holders.

Exterior

Designer Walter de'Silva calls the S5 the most beautiful car he's ever designed. From the aggressive front grille to the Aston Martin-esque roofline and sweeping rear fenders, the design is positively gorgeous. Audi has taken a cue from BMW's angel-eye glowing headlight surrounds and incorporated its own LED arrangement, giving the S5 a futuristic look. The only cues to the S5's performance intentions are quad exhaust pipes tucked into the rear valance and subtle "V8" badges on the front fenders.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

In addition to the bevy of high-tech features that are common to the category, the 2009 Audi S5 comes with a large tilting glass panel roof, a three-zone climate control system and speed-sensitive power steering. Unique sport seats, a suggested gear indicator for fuel economy and a 10-speaker sound system are also inside. Outside, 19-inch wheels with high-performance tires are standard, as are heated, power adjustable, power folding and auto-dimming exterior mirrors with memory and integrated side LED turn-signal indicators.

Optional Equipment

The S5 can be had with one of the better keyless start systems we've seen – leave the key in your pocket and touch anywhere on the door handle lightly to unlock and open the car, then press the engine start button. Similarly, touch the door to lock the car on the way out. An optional Bang & Olufsen premium sound system provides top-notch audio, with a total of 14 speakers. The premium audio includes surround sound reproduction and dynamic noise compensation.

Under the Hood

The S5 comes equipped with a 354-horsepower version of the silky 4.2-liter V8 engine that powered the S4 in 2007. The nearly effortless torque available in any gear makes the six available gear ratios of both the manual and Tiptronic automatic transmissions seem almost redundant. Using Audi's gear suggestion display, it's possible to shift at very low rpm to conserve fuel, but the EPA combined rating of 16 miles per gallon is the price you pay for having such reserves of power.

4.2-liter V8
354 horsepower @ 6800 rpm
325 lb.-ft. @ 3500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 14/22 (manual), 16/24 (automatic)

To compare current market prices, check out KBB.com's car classifieds to view the new and used Audi S5 vehicles for sale near you.

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2009 Audi S5 Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

9.8

Out of 10

Based on 30 Ratings for the 2008 - 2013 models.

Review this car

Value

9.8/10

Quality

9.9/10
Reliability

9.8/10

Performance

9.8/10
Comfort

9.9/10

Styling

9.9/10

Like no other car!

By AUDI FAN (MD) on Saturday, February 16, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 18,600

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Absolute joy to drive"

Cons: "NONE"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Traded in 2007 Civic SI (daily driver) and 2008 Corvette convertible (weekend fun) for my 2012 S5. WOW! This car is amazing in every way. The B and O sound system is the best I've heard in a car. Lots of looks and great comments from strangers. I always start the car with the door open to hear the amazing V8 fire up! It's crazy but my neighbor commented he liked the exhaust note of my S5 over the Vette! You will LOVE THIS CAR!"

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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S5 Cab - Mid Life Crisis Completed

By the Kid (WA) on Friday, December 21, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 250

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "looks, sporty, fast, sick with top down..."

Cons: "you get what you pay for....pricey"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I just purchased this 2013 S5 Cab in black. It's incredible and loving every minute. The acceleration is unreal and the exterior look is incredible. Sexiest car ever. Worth every cent."

6 people out of 6 found this review helpful

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Awesome ride, a qualified "sport" automobile

By texasnielsen (TX) on Tuesday, October 02, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 10,700

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Having traded in an SL500, my impressions have continued to be exceeded by this vehiclle. In every aspect of my comparison to the BMW product of which I was also considering (a family member owns one), it has been an experience that has left no doubt this was the right purchase decision. Handling, comfort (ergonomics), fuel consumption, et al have been superior. I have the Prestige cabriolet and the options on this car are second to none. I would not hesitiate to recomment this vehicle."

3 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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Very happy purchase

By jayskate (TX) on Sunday, September 02, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 60

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: Not Rated
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Umm, everything"

Cons: "Nothing yet"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I just purchased this vehicle after driving a Cayman for the last 3 years. Now, the Porsche is more of a driving machine, but the S5 isn't half bad either. What I love about my S5 is not only the styling but the luxury appointments, fit, finish and tech stuff on the inside. If you want a car that is half sport car/half luxury this equals the perfect fit."

9 people out of 9 found this review helpful

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Love this car

By Rasputin (AR) on Sunday, July 29, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 125

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Quality materials; attention to detail; tech"

Cons: "pricey with the options you need"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I've only had my 2013 S5 a few days but I simply love it. Great acceleration, especially in Dynamic mode, and the attention to detail in the interior is amazing. The new look for 2013 is an improvement I believe and the many compliments I've already received seem to back that up. I was a little sceptical about the change from a V-8 to the supercharged 6, but I think it's a definite improvement in everyday driving fun since there's more torque available at lower rpms. Love the MMI Navigation with Google Earth sim card feature. I was really looking at certified Jag XKRs and 911s, but really happy with my choice. Sexy beast."

5 people out of 5 found this review helpful

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4th Audi - Capo di tutti capo

By Bos (PA) on Tuesday, June 05, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 30,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Sheer beauty; grabs the road; control"

Cons: "Hwy mileage is good (28 or so); local,well . . . ."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I've had my S5 for nearly three years. People still stop me in the street, wave, give me thumbs up; I mean literally, not figuratively. I bought it because of prior experience with Audi (three A6; two of them 4.2 litre) and because it was the most gorgeous car I'd ever seen. It is great to drive for all of the reasons others have mentioned, but for what is essentially a roadster it's also remarkably comfortable even on an eight hour drive and has loads of storage space. With the exception of adaptive cruise control it has every option known to Audi; I mention this because while the car handles beautifully in normal driving mode, when you shift to sport mode the earth moves: steering tightens, gearing changes, suspension moves to F-1. In short, the thing becomes a changed being even if you don't touch the accelerator; it feels just marvelous. My only regret is that I couldn't have had it in Germany back when there really were virtually no speed limits on the Autobahn."

6 people out of 7 found this review helpful

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See all 30 reviews