Audi’s S5 Coupe 3.0T a teutonic rapid transit machine.
Audi’s A5 Coupe for 2016 is a sporty enough model in the German automaker?s stable in its own right, but the S-line version or Audi S5 Coupe serves up an even more potent offering. in the S5 Sports Coupe. The S5 adds a little beast to the beauty factor. The racy coupe is the epitome of style with substance, from its familiar grille up front to the twin dual exhaust tips aft.
2016 Audi S5 Coupe 3.0T Quattro
Though in the guise of a Coupe, the S5 actually seats four, but in more of a 2+2 format. It sits low to the ground and evokes a sleek persona from virtually every angle. The LED lights that outline the lower headlamp line render the S5 instantly recognizable as an upscale Audi model, in addition to providing a unique image. Blend all that with the Singleframe? egg-crate grille-work, integrated fog lamps in their own individual housings, and slick five-stylized V- spoke alloy wheels shod with performance rubber, and the overall look completely envelopes one with emotion. Everything about the Audi S5 is alluring, but beauty is only skin deep, or is it?
Beneath the dramatic exterior lies equally beautiful or alluring mechanical componentry. The car’s generous wheelbase afforded engineers the capability of positioning the engine further aft, which reduces forward mass, resulting in minimized understeer potential. The differential sits further forward, placing the output shafts on the front axle?s centerline. The Torsen diffs torque distribution is calibrated to deliver 40 percent of the car’s motive force up-front and 60 percent in the rear, resulting in the all-wheel-drive vehicle feeling more like a rear-wheel-drive vehicle in terms of handling characteristics.
Power for this sleek S5 performance Coupe comes from a 3.0-liter DOHC, 24-valve V6 with an Eaton R1320 Supercharger and FSI direct fuel-injected engine that produces 333 horsepower in a range from 5,500-6,500 rpm, while developing 325-pound-feet of torque from 2,900-5,300 rpm. Motive is geared to all four wheels through a seven-speed S tronic automatic transmission via Audi’s quattro permanent all-wheel-drive system.
The V6 emits a noteworthy rumble from its dual exhaust pipes, though for my taste, it could be even more raucous, delivering an even greater audible pleasure. The S5 is capable of scooting from 0-60 mph in 4.9 seconds, with the top speed electronically limited to 155 mph.
2016 Audi S5 Coupe 3.0T Quattro Interior
The S5’s interior provides exceptionally supportive seats along with driver-oriented switchgear and push-button start/stop. Also included as part of the S5’s operational controls, is Audi’s MMI system, which is similar to BMW’s i-Drive, but much more user friendly. The parking brake is electronically activated and prevents unintentional launches.
Technology in the 2016 Audi S5 Coupe 3.0T Quattro
My test Audi S5 Coupe wore an Ibis White exterior finish and featured a Black and Magma Red fine Nappa leather interior. The base sticker was set at $54,100, while options such as the technology package with CD/DVD player with HD radio, Audi MMI Navigation plus with voice control, Parking system with a rearview camera, Audi Connect with online services and Audi Side Assist; The Fine Nappa Leather interior; Quattro with the Sports Rear Differential; Audi Adaptive Damping Suspension; and Destination charge which bumped the final total to $61,275.
2016 Audi S5 Coupe 3.0T Quattro Summary
Beholding the Audi S5 at the very least stuns the senses from virtually all angles. It is actually part of the Audi A5 stable, and while It doesn’t shout to grab one?s attention, it does command nearly everyone?s admiration in passing. It is both elegant and sexy. A Black Optic Plus Package is available for the S5 for 2016, which includes new 20-inch alloy, wheels, and Black exterior mirror housings. The RS5 coupe and cabriolet are no longer in production.
Driving impressions are at the top of the chart. The stealthy Coupe accelerates rapidly while negotiating through the gears in either direction smoothly and positively. The S5 is also extremely agile on an autocross course, though not quite up to the same level as the Audi R8. The suspension is well planted, thanks to the car’s quattro all-wheel-drive system and low stance, with only minimal body roll during excessive maneuvers and tossing about. Switching off the Electronic Stability Control (ESP) allows playfully stepping the rear end out at will, which provides great fun on a closed course, but is not recommended on the street, where the long arm of the Law may frown upon such activity. In an emergency situation, the electromechanical parking brake can be activated to assist in bringing the car to a halt.
Audi’s Drive Select feature allows drivers to modify throttle and steering response, along with shock stiffness and transmission shift points in a fraction of a second. The driver may choose from Comfort, Dynamic and Automatic modes, and there is an individual setting that may be selected in the MMI interface. The Sport differential settings are incorporated into this system. In the Comfort mode, the focus is on eliminating the effects of abrupt weight transfer, and while in the Dynamic mode, the emphasis is placed on assisting the S5 in rotating through challenging scenarios.
The S5 definitely is essentially a Rapid Transit Coupe – one that also manages to exude a high level of luxury amenities. It is, without doubt, a performance machine to aspire to that delivers a great deal of driving pleasure.
| Base Price: | $54,100. |
| Price as Tested: | $61,275. |
| Engine Type and Size: | 3.0-liter, DOHC, 24-valve V6 with Eaton R1320 Supercharger/FSI direct fuel injection. |
| Horsepower (bhp): | 333 @ 5,500-6,500 rpm |
| Torque (ft./ lbs.): | 325 @ 2,900-5,300 rpm |
| Transmission: | Seven-speed S tronic automatic. |
| Drive Train: | Longitudinally mounted front engine / quattro permanent all-wheel drive system with sport suspension calibration |
| Suspension: | Front – 5-link front suspension with upper and lower wishbones, and stabilizer bar. Rear – Independent Trapezoidal link with the resiliently mounted subframe and anti-roll bar. |
Brakes: Dual-circuit brake system with diagonal split, ESP with electronic brake force distribution EBD, ABS; brake assist with tandem brake booster; ventilated discs front and rear.
Tires: Pirelli Cinturato P7 245/40 R18 mounted on five-stylized ?V?-spoke alloy wheels.
Wheelbase:108.3 inches
Length Overall:182.7 inches
Width:79.5 inches with mirrors.
Height:53.9 inches
Curb Weight:4,045 lbs.
Fuel Capacity:16.1 gallons
EPA Mileage Estimates:18-mpg city / 28-mpg highway
Drag Coefficient:0.31
0 – 60 mph: 4.9 seconds – Top Speed: 155 mph electronically limited
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