New & Used 2026 Audi S5 for Sale nearChula Vista, CA

Is the 2026 Audi S5 a good car?

The 2026 Audi S5 earns a 6.8/10 from our experts. The standout strength is Form and function at 9/10.

It delivers thrilling dynamics and daily-driver practicality, with a turbocharged V6, standard quattro all-wheel drive, and a Sportback body that adds utility. The trade-offs are clear: the design is uninspired, and the technology can be distracting and frustrating to use.

For used shoppers, that mix makes the S5 appealing if you want performance and versatility in one package. Good and great deals account for 32.8% of listings, which gives you some room to shop selectively.

Is the 2026 Audi S5 reliable?

The 2026 Audi S5 is backed by a strong ownership package, including three years or 30,000 miles of complimentary scheduled maintenance, four-year/unlimited mileage roadside assistance, and complimentary Audi Connect services.

Its turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 and seven-speed dual-clutch automatic are presented as robust, and the car’s performance hardware is substantial. Audi also says the S5’s maintenance coverage should help reduce costs, especially if you lease.

For used buyers, the main long-term risk is that performance-oriented hardware and complex tech can mean higher ownership complexity than a simpler luxury car.

What should I look for when buying a used 2026 Audi S5?

Accident-free inventory is excellent at 99.1% — clean inventory, standard diligence applies.

You should still run a vehicle history report, verify service records, and prioritize a pre-purchase inspection, especially if you’re considering a car with larger wheels, adaptive suspension, or other expensive options. Focus on cabin condition and tech usability, since the S5’s interior surfaces and controls can show wear and frustration quickly.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The cabin presentation is upscale, but the design leans heavily on screens and touch surfaces, and some glossy materials can feel less premium than the rest of the interior. The test car’s Prestige trim added more visual and tech content, so base cars may feel less richly equipped.
• Powertrain: A turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 makes 362 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque, paired with a seven-speed S-tronic dual-clutch automatic and standard quattro all-wheel drive. Audi says it reaches 60 mph in 4.3 seconds, and the car is less fuel efficient than the A5.
• Safety package: Standard equipment includes forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitors, rear cross-traffic alert, exit warning, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, front and rear parking sensors, and a surround-view camera system. The Prestige test car also had Adaptive Cruise Assist with lane-centering, plus top-down and 3D camera views, rear automatic emergency braking, and remote semi-autonomous parking assist.
• Infotainment: Standard tech includes an 11.9-inch digital driver display and a 14.5-inch MMI touchscreen, plus wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, navigation, and an available 10.9-inch front-passenger display. Audi also offers over-the-air-style connected services through multiple trial plans.
• Fuel efficiency: The S5 is rated at 23 mpg combined, and testing returned 22.5 mpg on one route and 21.6 mpg on another.

Which 2026 Audi S5 trim should I buy?

The 2026 Audi S5 is offered in 1 trim level: Prestige.

Here's the short version:

The Prestige is the trim to target if you want the fullest expression of the S5’s tech and comfort features. It brings the richer equipment mix seen in the test vehicle, including the available adaptive air suspension, the front-passenger display, and the more advanced camera and driver-assistance content. If you want the best-value path, this is the trim to focus on because there isn’t a broader trim ladder to climb.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2026 Audi S5?

This looks like a moderate, selective-buyer market, so you can shop carefully without expecting a fire sale.

• Deal availability: 32.8% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 116 listings available.
• Clean inventory: 99.1% of listings are accident-free.

Is the 2026 Audi S5 safe?

The Audi S5 has a long list of standard driver-assistance features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitors, rear cross-traffic alert, exit warning, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, front and rear parking sensors, and a surround-view camera system.

It earns a 7/10 safety score from our experts.

The Prestige trim also adds Adaptive Cruise Assist, which combines adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assist, along with top-down and 3D camera views, rear automatic emergency braking, and remote semi-autonomous parking assist. The lane-centering system can be helpful, but it was not always accurate in testing and could react to old construction-zone striping.

Should I buy a 2026 Audi S5 or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2026 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2026 if:

• 32.8% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is excellent at 99.1% — clean inventory, standard diligence applies.
• Audi brought back familiar controls while adding a new MMI system and complimentary scheduled maintenance.

Consider the 2025 if:

• The 2025 emphasizes performance, cargo space, and a more established redesign.

The bottom line: The 2026 is the better pick if you want the latest ownership perks and a revised tech experience, especially if you value the S5’s performance-first personality. If you’re mainly shopping on price or want a proven prior-year setup, the 2025 remains a sensible alternative.

How does the 2026 Audi S5 compare to the 2026 BMW M4?

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 21, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.