2013 Audi S5 Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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2013 will go down in history as the year the Audi S5 finally got fully blown. Sorry, V8 fans, there’s nothing to see here—the 4.2-liter V8 we’ve all loved so much is no more, as the S5 coupe adopts the supercharged, direct-injected V6 of the S5 cabriolet.
But is that a downgrade? Well, not so much. If you’re looking solely at the numbers, you’re going to be disappointed. In addition to the 2-piston loss, the 3.0 produces 333 hp—21 fewer than the 4.2—but torque numbers remain identical at 325 lb-ft. Finally some good news. But what the 8-cylinder crew may have missed is that the same 325 lb-ft arrive 600 rpm earlier with the 3.0, all the way down at 2,900 rpm, and those 333 horses stampede at just 5,500 rpm, as opposed to 7,000 in the V8. I’m no mathematician, but I like my power down low in a daily driver. Testers seem to concur so far, and while lamentations for the loss of the V8 are expected, reports are trending that the V6 simply feels more appropriate in a German vehicle. The big V8 was a bit too crass, a bit too American, and the V6 is significantly more efficient, too, with an estimated combined fuel consumption floating over 29 mpg.
Still, the loss of the V8 is sure to cause complaint, perhaps enough to overshadow the adoption of electric steering in the S5 this year. Not that we’d suggest the timing of the two changes are related, plus Audi has been a leader in the electric steering category, with a feel and feedback that best most rivals. This system has been pulled from the A6/7 setup and tweaked slightly, which means it's even better than before. It also means the S5 can gain features like the optional dynamic steering system, which modulates the ratio and can even steer the S5 out of hairy situations, automatically correcting under- or oversteer so your Sunday drive doesn’t end early. If you go for the dynamic steering, you can also splurge for active lane keeping, which will keep you between the lines even if your attention is elsewhere.
After all, you wouldn’t want to mess up the new front end Audi slapped on your S5, would you? A redesigned grille sits in a more aggressive fascia, flanked by sharp new headlight housings with the now-familiar LED tube surrounds. The rear gets the same lighting treatment, but otherwise DeSilva’s design remains mostly un-mangled.
Inside the changes are similarly subtle, but all improvements. The Multi Media Interface (MMI) is simplified with half the buttons of previous iterations, and the newest version of Audi Connect means Google Earth navigation is added with 3D display and a mobile Wi-fi spot, as long as you insert your own SIM card. That means charges for you, and a loss of functionality when you leave a service area, but it’ll simply revert back to normal display in that case.
New steering wheels are stolen from the A6 and A7 and feature gloss black accents. There’s even a flat-bottom option. New aluminum trim ties inside to out, and further button consolidation keeps things clean. That’s what we like to see. Air conditioning controls and displays get white illumination for better visibility, and there’s a list of new upholstery colors and trim options, including aluminum trigon, walnut or natural fine-grain ash.
However, one feature many reviews are glossing over is the addition of the torque vectoring crown-gear center differential and optional sport rear differential from the RS5. You’ll need to check the boxes for the Quattro system and the S-tronic 7-speed transmission to take advantage, however, which will be a point of contention for those of us who still enjoy changing gears manually. If the 3-pedal 6-speed is a necessity for you, you’ll be stuck with the coupe. Cabriolets come only with the dual-clutch S-tronic.
The suspension gets a once-over as well, with revised damping and new mounting locations for the rear control arms, both intended to increase compliance in the rear end with regard to direction changes. Overall, testers haven’t noticed much of a difference, but we sure appreciate the effort.
In all, the S5 was great already, and the 2013 version's a bit better. We’ll hear the cathartic cries and melancholic moans for the V8 that once was for years to come, but some people are never happy. Besides, the RS5 still runs on all 8 cylinders, and it’s only an extra 10 grand or so for each extra piston.
Published May 31, 2022 by Michael Perkins
User reviews for 2013 Audi S5
Write a reviewUser rating:
by lamar s
Dec 02, 2024
Great car, for a great price, back up camera wasn’t working so I got a good deal. Rides smooth and is fast Dec 02, 2024
by Rudy R
May 02, 2024
The car is advertised as no accident, I found the fender and hood misalign on the driver side, the rear bumpers paint doesnt match and the passenger side sill has a dent and paint if flaking. If they advertised this issues I would of never gone out to look at this vehicle May 02, 2024
by Maurice P
Oct 26, 2023
Awesome car. I would love to purchase this car. Oct 26, 2023
User rating:
by lamar s
Dec 02, 2024
Great car, for a great price, back up camera wasn’t working so I got a good deal. Rides smooth and is fast Dec 02, 2024
by Rudy R
May 02, 2024
The car is advertised as no accident, I found the fender and hood misalign on the driver side, the rear bumpers paint doesnt match and the passenger side sill has a dent and paint if flaking. If they advertised this issues I would of never gone out to look at this vehicle May 02, 2024
by Maurice P
Oct 26, 2023
Awesome car. I would love to purchase this car. Oct 26, 2023
by Warren R
Feb 02, 2023
Nicely maintained, I just dont like black seats. Otherwise a beauty!Feb 02, 2023
by ColbyFarmer X
Jul 04, 2022
Awesome drives like a dream. But dude I really expect less? Nope Jul 04, 2022
by Shine C
Jun 22, 2022
Its an experience that one must try
Sweet smooth ride Jun 22, 2022
by Greg O
May 29, 2022
Unbelievable car for the money. Get a 6 speedMay 29, 2022
by Anonymous
Dec 22, 2021
Power and refinement in a single package. Super fun to drive, and I keep going back to it every time I have the choice. Very happy we chose this car. For a 8 year old car, it is surprisingly modern, with good sound and bluetooth. Also planning to update with CarPlay (available aftermarket for ~$300).Dec 22, 2021
by joel t
Apr 23, 2021
Beautiful car. Powerful, elegant, and a pleasure to drive. Apr 23, 2021
by Johnny I
Mar 21, 2021
This car is a perfect mix or luxury and speed. When I see other s5’s pass by I can’t help but smile. The aggressive head lights and clean rear makes this car look amazing. The interior is also so comfortable! The seats are comfy and the stereo is awesome. Mar 21, 2021
by Paul E
Sep 24, 2020
Great car! I have owned audis in the past. They are great cars.Sep 24, 2020
by Jamaal S
Sep 07, 2020
Great! Car in good condition and I recommend anyone Sep 07, 2020
by Alex S
May 16, 2020
I took 2013 Audi S5 for a test-drive. It drives great. Very powerful. And very comfortable.May 16, 2020
by Anonymous
Jan 20, 2015
This is my first Audi I had and I really amazed of how German Audi engineers design their cars it's luxuries and sporty with reliable technology for the 20th century!
I would recommend this car to anyone in a heartbeat, am blessed for having this car Jan 20, 2015
What users have asked
First oil change
Regarding S5 and dirt roads thanks for your answers.I was referring to how the dirt would effect the supercharger. Having had an E-55, 740i, 911 and a couple of others; 530, E300 I know the dirt roads are crappy between the washboard & dust it's not idealic. BTW, how about the first oil change? Audi says do at 5k. Is there any advantage to doing earlier? If so, when. Thanks,
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2013 Audi S5 Pricing
Original MSRP
$50,900 to $65,950Price range
$15,189 to $15,457Average price on CG
$15,189YoY price change
$15,457 to $15,189Trims & specs
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Rear air conditioning: with independent controls · Single rear air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Memory card slot 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: 10 · 180 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Electronic parking brake: auto off · 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 · Door sill trim: aluminum · Door trim: alloy · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · 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: power · Power adjustments: 12
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 3.68 · Limited slip differential: center · Locking differential: front
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 · Mirror color: silver-painted · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated · Window trim: silver
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: coolant temperature warning
Lights
Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: HID · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 12
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: sliding sunshade
Safety
Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Impact sensor: door unlock
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front and rear · 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 · 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
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 · Rear air conditioning: with independent controls · Single rear air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · 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: 14 · 505 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brake diameter: 13.6 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 13.0 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: front center · Center console trim: alloy · Door sill trim: aluminum · Door trim: alloy · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: side mirrors · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · 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: power · Power adjustments: 12
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 3.87 · Limited slip differential: center · Locking 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 · Mirror color: silver-painted · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated · Window trim: silver
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 oil pressure
Lights
Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Auto on · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: auto-dimming
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 12
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: one-touch open/close
Safety
Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system · 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 and rear · 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 · 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: 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
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Rear air conditioning: with independent controls · Single rear 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 · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 10 · 180 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brake diameter: 13.6 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 13.0 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: front center · Center console trim: alloy · Door sill trim: aluminum · Door trim: alloy · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: 2 driver · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): three 12V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: front seatback · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 12
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 3.87 · Limited slip differential: center · Locking differential: front
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 · Mirror color: silver-painted · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated · Window trim: silver
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: coolant temperature warning
Lights
Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: self-leveling · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 12
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Convertible rear window: glass · Convertible roof: power
Safety
Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Impact sensor: fuel cut-off
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: 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
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 · Rear air conditioning: with independent controls · Single rear 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 · Premium Brand: Bang & Olufsen · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 14 · 505 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Electronic parking brake: auto off · 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 · Door sill trim: aluminum · Door trim: alloy · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · 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: power · Power adjustments: 12
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 3.87 · Limited slip differential: center · Locking differential: front
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 · Mirror color: silver-painted · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated · Window trim: silver
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · 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 · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Auto on · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: auto-dimming
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 12
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Convertible rear window: glass · Convertible roof: power
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 and rear · 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: 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