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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2010 Audi S5

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

Overview

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2010 Audi S5 Review

By KBB.com Editorial Staff

The undeniably well-proportioned 2010 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 E550.

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 the 2010 Audi 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 2010

Two new option packages are added for 2010: The Drive Select package , which comes with the new Sports Rear Differential, and the Prestige package.

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.

Electro-mechanical 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.

2010 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 2010 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 and power folding mirrors with 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. Performance enthusiasts will no doubt opt for the Drive Select package that adds sport rear differential and four preset operating modes: Comfort, Automatic, Dynamic and Individual. The preset modes vary the performance of the steering, suspension and transmission.

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 @ 7000 rpm
325 lb.-ft. @ 3500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 14/22 (manual), 16/24 (automatic)

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2010 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!"

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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."

4 people out of 4 found this review helpful

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