The 2026 Audi S5 represents Audi’s entry into the sporty premium midsize sedan segment, building on the A5 with a more powerful engine that provides an extra dose of excitement compared to its relatively mundane sibling. The new S5 replaces Audi’s outgoing S4 and S5 Sportback models and competes with performance sedans such as the BMW M340i, V-Series Cadillac CT4 models, and the Mercedes-AMG C43.
2026 Audi S5 Pricing, Specs, and Release Date
- What’s New for the 2026 Audi S5
- Design
- Powertrain
- Interior
- Technology
- Safety
- Pricing and Release Date
- Further Research
What’s New for the 2026 Audi S5
The 2026 Audi S5 is based on the Audi A5, both of which were redesigned for 2025. Audi’s latest naming scheme uses even numbers for electric cars and odd numbers for those powered by fossil fuels. In the S5’s case, power comes from a turbocharged V6 engine.
Design
Audi’s lineup previously included several variants of the A5/S5 range, including a coupe, a convertible, a four-door sedan, and a five-door hatchback. The sole version for the 2026 model year has four doors and a liftback design in place of a traditional trunk. Both the A5 and S5 feature aggressive styling, but the S5’s larger air ducts, highlighted in matte silver, along with its aerodynamic rear accessories, are visual representations of its performance capabilities.
Powertrain
The 2026 Audi S5 has a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 under its broad hood that produces 362 horsepower and a robust 406 pound-feet of torque. Power is sent to all four wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission—paddle shifters are mounted on the steering wheel for drivers who wish to shift manually—and Audi claims a 0-60 time of 4.3 seconds. The S5 is equipped with Comfort, Balanced, and Dynamic drive modes, each of which alters the powertrain’s characteristics.
Interior
Audi is known for its smart interiors, and the 2026 S5 lives up to the reputation. A steering wheel with a flat top and bottom makes for a sporty feel and, while most of the dashboard is dominated by digital screens, the look is techy but still refined. The 2026 Audi S5 is slightly larger than the previous version, resulting in a more spacious interior; there’s an extra inch of legroom for passengers in the rear seat, and cargo space under the rear hatch measures around 22 cubic feet with the rear seat in place or around 37 cubic feet with the rear bench folded.
Technology
A 14.5-inch screen sits alongside an 11.9-inch screen to create a single panoramic digital display that covers the area directly in front of the driver, extending all the way past the center point of the dashboard. The smaller screen makes up Audi’s Virtual Cockpit, which replaces traditional gauges with digital readouts. The larger touchscreen unit runs Audi’s Multi Media Interface (MMI) infotainment system, and an additional 10.9-inch MMI front-passenger display is available. AI-assisted and voice-activated Audi Assistant technology is included, and occupants can activate it with the voice command “Hey, Audi” or by using a dedicated button on the steering wheel.
Safety
The 2026 Audi S5 comes standard with a comprehensive package of driver assistance technologies, including adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning with emergency assist, and automatic emergency braking. Also standard is Active Front Assist, a package that includes evasion assist, cornering assist, and front cross-traffic assist. While the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) hadn't tested the 2026 Audi S5 at the time of writing, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awarded it its highest Top Safety Pick+ honor.
Pricing and Release Date
The 2026 Audi S5 is available to order now and, at the time of writing, prices started at $64,595 (all prices quoted include destination) for the base Premium quattro S tronic version, while the step-up Premium Plus, which adds Matrix-design LED headlights and a Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system, started at $67,495. At the top of the lineup is the S5 Prestige at $72,195, equipped with an adaptive damping suspension, the passenger MMI screen, upgraded Nappa leather seats with ventilation and massage, and heated rear seats.
