2015 Audi S5 Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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$52,500 to $67,150

Original MSRP

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expert review

4.5

avg user rating

(4 reviews)
2015 Audi S5 Preview summaryImage

For sport and style, it’s hard to beat the S5. For those who need more go than the traditional A5, but don’t want to cross over into the power or price range of the RS 5, this is the sweet spot. Stout handling, precise steering, style in spades… and it even comes with a manual option. How do you make one? Take a standard A5 and tweak it with a lower sport suspension, upgraded brakes, sport seats and a flat-bottomed steering wheel. But that’s just the start.

A major selling point of the S5 is its supercharged V6. While the turbo 4 in the A5 is a fun, fast powerplant, some just can’t get past the perceived stigma of a 4-cylinder engine. Others just like the sound of 333 supercharged horses. And while some V6 examples can provide a rough feeling when pushed, Audi’s 3.0-liter stays smooth all the way to its 6,800-rpm redline, a very good thing since peak power doesn’t arrive until just 300 rpm short of the limit. Thankfully, 325 lb-ft of torque are available from 2,900 rpm, so you won’t be swimming in horsepower dip the entire time.

What you need to do is decide how you want that power delivered. It’s going to all 4 wheels, but you have the choice of a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed S tronic automated manual—both smooth, stellar options that’ll leave you smiling. A bit of a disappointment is the optional sport differential. Surely given that this is an S5 rather than an A5, the sport differential should be standard. They all start with “S,” after all. But with it equipped, the S5 can vary power delivery to the front or rear wheels by a substantial percentage, with up to 75 percent going up front and up to 85 percent getting allocated rearward for a true sports-car feel. In optimal conditions, the setup will propel the S5 to 60 mph in anywhere from 4.6 to 5.3 seconds, depending on whether you choose coupe or cabriolet. But don’t let the numbers lie to you—everyone knows convertibles are faster on the road and coupes are faster on paper. You’re not driving on paper, are you?

Sadly, fuel-economy figures are less impressive and getting increasingly so with every passing year. The best the EPA can estimate is for the coupe with the automated manual, which returned 18 mpg city/28 highway. That's hard to swallow when Ford’s naturally aspirated V6 will crack 30 mpg and still deliver 300 hp.

But this is no Mustang, and if a shot of the exterior doesn’t convince you of that fact, simply sitting in the driver’s seat should do the job nicely. Starting with the Premium Plus trim (“lower” Audi models start at just Premium—oh la la), the S5 gets standard 18-inch alloys, xenon headlights and LED running lights, keyless entry and ignition, a tilt sunroof for the coupe, tri-zone automatic climate controls, leather upholstery with simu-suede inserts, heated sport seats with 8-way adjustability, dash-mounted MMI infotainment and navigation system with a 6.5-inch display and heated side mirrors. Convertibles get a power soft top that’s one of the better examples of the tech in the industry as well as upgraded heat-resistant leather upholstery. Plus, both versions get Audi Drive Select, which offers control over steering and transmission.

Move up to the Prestige trim and you’ll add a lot of luxury and weight to the nearly nimble S5. A Bang & Olufsen stereo is a nice touch (and really should be standard), and the blind-spot monitoring system will help avoid freeway merging catastrophes. The MMI Navigation Plus package is included as well and upgrades the system to the slightly less frustrating version with the console-mounted controller and deceptively larger 7-inch screen, as well as voice commands. You’ll also get parking sensors front and rear with a rear-view camera. The Driver Assist Package can also be added here for adaptive cruise control and steering, while a Comfort Package can be added to either trim for ventilated seats and heated vents for your neck in the convertible.

You can also add things like the aforementioned sport differential (recommended) adaptive dampers (recommended) and 19-inch wheels (not so recommended). While the S5 handles rippled pavement and potholes with appropriate posture, the 19-inch wheels do nothing to help that situation. Look good they may, but drive well they do not if reviewers and owners can be believed. I say, trust ‘em.

Still, the S5 has plenty of competition from rivals like BMW and Mercedes with the 435 and the C350. At this point however, we’re talking about personal preference rather than any clear winner. Pick your poison and savor the sporting sensations. It’s hard to go wrong here, if you’re willing to weigh in and wrestle.

Michael Perkins
Published May 31, 2022 by Michael Perkins
A CarGurus contributor since 2008, Michael started his career writing about cars with the SCCA - winning awards during his time as editor of Top End magazine. Since then, his journalistic travels have taken him from NY to Boston to CA, completing a cross-country tour on a restored vintage Suzuki. While his preference is for fine German automobiles - and the extra leg room they so often afford - his first automobile memories center around impromptu Mustang vs. Corvette races down the local highway, in the backseat of his father's latest acquisition.

User reviews for 2015 Audi S5

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User rating:
by James W
Oct 12, 2023
First and foremost, it is a beautiful automobile to look at. The interior looks and feels plush and comfortable with the upgraded leather. The B&O sound system sounds great, but I prefer the sound of the V6 motor. The driving experience is unique. Be careful not to let it go too fast. It feels very solid on the road, and still it is very nimble in its handling, Oct 12, 2023
by Anonymous
Apr 13, 2022
Nice car at nice price. Also looking for 2016 BMW 2 series coupe’ and X4sApr 13, 2022
by James C
Dec 25, 2020
Vanity best describes my #1 attraction to this model of car. A conservative appeal but with a real sports car feel in overall performance. Also one of the last sports cars offering a manual transmission up to 2017. Adjustable accessories & features however are not found to be particularly user friendly. Dec 25, 2020

2015 Audi S5 Pricing

Original MSRP
$52,500 to $67,150
Price range
N/A
Average price on CG
N/A
YoY price change
N/A

Trims & specs

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · Memory card slot auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 9 · 180 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 13.6 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 13.0 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center folding with pass-thru · Center console trim: alloy · Dash trim: alloy · Door sill trim: aluminum · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: alloy

Convenience Features

Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): front and rear · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: phone · Storage: door pockets · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 8

Drivetrain

4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 3.87 · Limited slip differential: center

Engine

Alternator: 150 amps · Battery: maintenance-free

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: quad exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: polished aluminum · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: grey · Mirror color: aluminum · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: lip · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated · Window trim: aluminum

Headrests

Front headrests: integrated · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2

In Car Entertainment

Infotainment screen size: 6.5 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Headlights: Auto on/off · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 8

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: power panoramic

Safety

Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Impact sensor: fuel cut-off

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather · Upholstery accents: faux suede

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 15.9

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lateral links · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Telematics

Navigation system: with voice recognition · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth

Tires

Type: summer performance

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Wheels

Wheel spokes: 10

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: with safety reverse

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · In-Dash CD: DVD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Bang & Olufsen · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 13 · 505 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 13.6 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 13.0 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center folding with pass-thru · Center console trim: alloy · Dash trim: alloy · Door sill trim: aluminum · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: alloy

Convenience Features

Center console: with lighting · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: side mirrors · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): front and rear · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: door pockets · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 8

Drivetrain

4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 3.68 · Limited slip differential: center

Engine

Alternator: 150 amps · Battery: maintenance-free

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: quad exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: polished aluminum · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: grey · Mirror color: aluminum · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: lip · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated · Window trim: aluminum

Headrests

Front headrests: integrated · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2

In Car Entertainment

Infotainment: Audi MMI Connect · Infotainment screen size: 7 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: lamp failure

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Headlights: auto delay off · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: heated

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 8

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: tilt

Safety

Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system · Parking sensors: front · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather · Upholstery accents: faux suede

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 15.9

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lateral links · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear

Telematics

Navigation system: with voice recognition · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth

Tires

Type: summer performance

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Wheels

Wheel spokes: 10

Windows

Front wipers: rain sensing · Power windows: with safety reverse

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Side airbags: front with head protection chambers

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · USB auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 9 · 180 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 13.6 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 13.0 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center folding with pass-thru · Center console trim: leather · Dash trim: leather · Door sill trim: aluminum · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: alloy · Steering wheel trim: alloy

Convenience Features

Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: 2 driver · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): front and rear · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: phone · Storage: door pockets · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 8

Drivetrain

4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 3.87 · Limited slip differential: center

Engine

Alternator: 150 amps

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: quad exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: polished aluminum · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome accents · Mirror color: aluminum · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: lip · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated · Window trim: aluminum

Headrests

Front headrests: integrated · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2

In Car Entertainment

Infotainment screen size: 6.5 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Headlights: auto delay off · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: auto-dimming

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 8

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Convertible rear window: glass · Convertible roof: with wind blocker

Safety

Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Impact sensor: door unlock

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: premium leather

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 15.9

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lateral links · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Telematics

Navigation system: hard drive navigation system · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth

Tires

Type: summer performance

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Wheels

Wheel spokes: 10

Windows

Front wipers: rain sensing · Power windows: with safety reverse

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Side airbags: front with head protection chambers

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Bang & Olufsen · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 13 · 505 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 13.6 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 13.0 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center folding with pass-thru · Center console trim: leather · Dash trim: alloy · Door sill trim: aluminum · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: alloy

Convenience Features

Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: side mirrors · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): front and rear · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: paddle shifter · Storage: front seatback · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 8

Drivetrain

4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 3.87 · Limited slip differential: center

Engine

Alternator: 150 amps

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: quad exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: polished aluminum · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome accents · Mirror color: silver-painted · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: lip · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated · Window trim: aluminum

Headrests

Front headrests: integrated · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2

In Car Entertainment

Infotainment: Audi MMI Connect · Infotainment screen size: 7 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Headlights: self-leveling · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 8

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Convertible rear window: glass · Convertible roof: soft top

Safety

Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Impact sensor: door unlock · Parking sensors: rear · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: premium leather

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 15.9

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lateral links · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Telematics

Navigation system: hard drive navigation system · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth

Tires

Type: summer performance

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Wheels

Wheel spokes: 10

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: with safety reverse

See all trims (4)