“The S5 is a sweet ride. The looks, styling, and overall performance just can't be matched by other cars in its price range. Yes, you can get more power and speed, but not the overall experience.”
2018 Audi S5: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2018 Audi S5 is a full redesign and the first U.S. model year of its second generation. Its biggest change is the move to a newer platform, accompanied by a turbocharged V6, an eight-speed automatic, and a thoroughly updated cabin.
About the 2018 Audi S5
2nd generation (B9/F5), first U.S. model year of the redesign across Coupe, Cabriolet, and Sportback.
Audi positions the S5 as the quicker, sharper version of the A5: a stylish luxury car with six-cylinder power, standard quattro all-wheel drive, and an upscale cabin that still works as an everyday driver. Its appeal is the blend of strong acceleration, all-weather traction, polished road manners, and premium interior quality, rather than a stripped-down track focus. Against rivals, the S5 stands out for combining performance with a very tech-forward cabin and multiple body styles.
The S5 comes as a two-door Coupe, a soft-top Cabriolet, or a four-door Sportback. Premium Plus pairs 354 horsepower and standard all-wheel drive with massaging front sport seats and smartphone integration. Prestige adds the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, built-in navigation, surround-view cameras, and a 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
A turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 with 354 horsepower and an eight-speed automatic becomes the standard setup across the S5 range. Standard all-wheel drive continues as part of the S5 formula.
Styling
The Coupe and Cabriolet receive the second-generation body design, while the four-door Sportback joins the U.S. S5 family. The cabin is also completely modernized.
Safety
The redesign brings stronger standard driver-assistance equipment. Premium Plus includes blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, exit warning, and front and rear parking sensors.
Tech
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto become standard with the new infotainment layout. Prestige adds an 8.3-inch center display, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, navigation, surround-view cameras, and 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio.
Structural
The S5 moves to Audi’s newer A5 architecture with an updated body structure.
2018 Audi S5 specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Engine | V6, Turbo, 3.0 Liter | V6, Turbo, 3.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, 8-Spd Tiptronic | Auto, 8-Spd Tiptronic |
| Drivetrain | Quattro AWD | Quattro AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 20–21 mpg | 20–21 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 29–30 mpg | 29–30 mpg |
| Horsepower | 354 hp | 354 hp |
| Torque | 369 lb-ft | 369 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 9.3–21.8 cu-ft | 9.3–21.8 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 32.7–35.1 in | 32.7–35.1 in |
| Seats | 4 | 4 |
| Doors | 2–4 | 2–4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||
| Alarm System | ||
| Automatic High Beams | ||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||
| Active Lane Keep Assistance | ||
| Rear View Camera | ||
| Top View Camera | ||
| Alloy Wheels | ||
| Fog Lights | ||
| LED Headlights | ||
| Panorama Moon Roof | ||
| Rear Spoiler | ||
| Roof Rails | ||
| Head-Up Display | ||
| Navigation System | ||
| Premium Audio | ||
| Satellite Radio | ||
| Smartphone Interface | ||
| Heated Front Seats | ||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||
| Leather Seats | ||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||
| Remote Start | ||
| Ventilated Front Seats | ||
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2018 Audi S5 a new generation?
Yes. The 2018 Audi S5 is the first U.S. model year of the fully redesigned second-generation S5 family, covering the Coupe, Cabriolet, and Sportback.
What engine and transmission does the 2018 Audi S5 use?
The 2018 Audi S5 uses a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 producing 354 horsepower, paired with an eight-speed automatic and standard all-wheel drive. This powertrain arrived as part of the 2018 redesign.
Which body styles are part of the redesigned 2018 Audi S5 lineup?
The redesigned 2018 Audi S5 lineup includes the two-door Coupe, soft-top Cabriolet, and four-door Sportback. The Sportback adds easier rear-seat access and a more practical body shape.
What is the difference between the 2018 S5 Premium Plus and Prestige?
Prestige has the same 354-hp V6 and all-wheel-drive foundation as Premium Plus but adds more built-in technology. Its main upgrades are a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, navigation with a larger center display, surround-view cameras, and a 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system.
Is the 2018 Audi S5 a major update over the 2017 model?
Yes. The 2018 S5 is a full redesign rather than a minor update. It moves to a newer platform and body structure, adopts a turbocharged V6 with an eight-speed automatic, and receives a substantially newer cabin with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
2018 Audi S5 Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2018 Audi S5.
4.5
2018 Audi S5
(239 reviews)
“The performance is not on par with BMW. Acceleration and pickup is somewhat disappointing.”
“If it fits into your budget and you want a vehicle that delivers and commands attention, go for it.”