2012 Audi S5: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2012 Audi S5 is largely a carryover, with no major mechanical, styling, safety, or technology updates. The main year-over-year change is simpler trim naming: 3.0T Quattro Premium Plus became 3.0T Quattro, while Quattro Premium Plus became Quattro.
About the 2012 Audi S5
1st gen (B8), final pre-refresh year in the U.S. before the 2013 facelift/B8.5 update.
Audi sold the S5 as a stylish all-season grand tourer: faster and more aggressive than the A5, but still polished enough for daily driving. The appeal was the mix of strong acceleration, standard quattro all-wheel drive, a rich cabin, and elegant two-door styling in either coupe or convertible form. Against rivals, the S5 leaned more toward premium comfort and four-season confidence than stripped-down sports-car behavior.
The S5 Coupe is the sharper fixed-roof model, pairing a 354-hp 4.2-liter V8 with all-wheel drive, a sport suspension, and leather sport seats. The Cabriolet has a more relaxed open-air character, with a 333-hp supercharged V6, a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, all-wheel drive, and a power-operated acoustic soft top.
2012 Audi S5 specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Engine | V8, 4.2 Liter | V6, Supercharged, 3.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, 6-Spd Tiptronic | Auto, 7-Spd S Tronic |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 16 mpg | 17 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 24 mpg | 26 mpg |
| Horsepower | 354 hp | 333 hp |
| Torque | 325 lb-ft | 325 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 12.4 cu-ft | 12.3 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 31.7 in | 31.9 in |
| Seats | 4 | 4 |
| Doors | 2 | 2 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||
| Alarm System | ||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||
| Alloy Wheels | ||
| Fog Lights | ||
| Power Moonroof | ||
| Power Retractable Soft Top | ||
| Navigation System | ||
| Premium Audio | ||
| Satellite Radio | ||
| Smartphone Interface | ||
| Heated Front Seats | ||
| Leather Seats | ||
| Rear Window Shades | ||
| Ventilated Front Seats | ||
Frequently asked questions
What changed on the 2012 Audi S5 compared with the 2011 model?
The main change for 2012 is simpler trim naming. The underlying coupe and Cabriolet largely carry over, with no significant changes to their engines, styling, safety systems, or chassis.
Does the 2012 Audi S5 Coupe still have a V8?
Yes. The 2012 S5 Coupe retains its 354-hp 4.2-liter V8 and standard quattro all-wheel drive.
Does the 2012 Audi S5 Cabriolet use the same engine as the coupe?
No. The 2012 S5 Cabriolet uses a 333-hp supercharged 3.0-liter V6, while the coupe has a 354-hp 4.2-liter V8.
Is the 2012 Audi S5 the refreshed model?
No. The 2012 S5 is the final pre-refresh U.S. model year of the first-generation B8. The styling and mechanical refresh arrived for 2013.
Is the 2012 Audi S5 a major upgrade over the 2011 model?
No. The 2012 S5 is not a major upgrade over the 2011 model. Aside from shortened trim names and minor feature-content adjustments, it carries over the same core design and powertrains.