Just when I thought the Audi S5 couldn’t get any better, it did for 2015. All the wonderful technology and posh features that Audi is known for remains relatively the same, but as you long-time readers know I’m all about the gas mileage, and the S5 was surprisingly very efficient. I’ll get into more details later.
Although many people are anxiously waiting a redesign, don’t overlook this year’s model. Spend just 5 minutes behind the wheel of this beauty and you won’t be disappointed - especially if you have the opportunity to take it to 100-120 mph like we did while driving through the open highways of Death Valley on the way to Las Vegas. 333 horsepower doesn’t seem like much compared to the RS5 that gets 450 hp, but with 325 lb of torque, all-wheel-drive, a V6 engine, and an exhaust that roars with just the slightest touch of the pedal, you’ll turn into an adrenaline junkie. I’m not sure if it is just my imagination, but it seems like the exhaust on this year’s model is much louder than previous models, and it’s even louder when in Dynamic mode.
It would have been really nice to drive a manual, but there are paddle shifters available if you want to challenge yourself.
Not for tall people
Comfort is never an issue when you’re in any Audi, but if you’re not used to a coupe, it can be a challenge to get in and out of the back seats. They’re definitely not made for tall people. The leather/alcantara seats with carbon atlas inlays truly give the interior a sporty vibe. You do get pretty decent cargo room for a coupe, though. We were able to fit a small suitcase, a large duffle bag, and a few smaller bags in the trunk.
For even more comfort and convenience, you get these standard features:
- Panoramic sunroof
- Heated, power adjustable exterior mirrors
- 12-way power adjustable front seats including lumbar adjustment
- Heated front seats
- Three-zone automatic climate control
It’s all about the tech
I’m not sure why you wouldn’t buy an Audi without the Technology package, which will run you an extra $2,900, but it is worth every single penny. Every. Single. Penny. The voice control and ability to search online destinations during road trips comes in handy. I love using Audi connect to check and compare gas prices in the area or find out the weather in the city I’m traveling to. Oh, and let's not forget that good ole trusty WiFi, which I have taken for granted now. Also, I’m still old-school when it comes to backing out of spaces, but I’m finally getting used to the parking system with rearview camera.
This year I wasn’t expecting any changes in the technology, but I was pleasantly surprised when the system notified me that a text on my phone had come in. Then Audicita (That’s the name I gave the system. I’m sure she’s related to Siri.) asked me, “Should I read it or ignore it?” You can also dictate your reply back to the sender through Audicita. So, yes, texting and driving is no longer an issue. Thanks, Audi.
What? Good gas mileage in a sports car?
Who would’ve thought that a car like the S5 would get decent gas mileage? EPA estimates for fuel economy are 18 city mpg and 28 highway mpg with a combined 21 mpg. In our first tank of gas driving both highway and streets we averaged 28.8 mpg, and that’s with the air conditioning on the majority of the time. During our trip to Las Vegas we averaged 34.8 mpg, which was way above the EPA estimate. I thought the 28.8 mpg was a fluke until the Vegas trip, and that made me a believer.
Pricing
The base price for the 2015 Audi S5 3.0T is $53,900, but tack on the Tech package ($2900), quattro with sports differential ($1100), carbon atlas inlays ($500), plus destination charge ($925), and you’re looking at a total of $59,325.
