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Audi S5: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 4, 2026
The Audi S5 is a performance-focused luxury car sold over its history as a coupe, convertible, and practical four-door model. It is known for strong acceleration, standard all-wheel drive, a polished cabin, and everyday comfort.
The S5 has consistently been the quicker, sharper member of the A5 family without giving up daily usability. It began as a V8 coupe, later broadened into convertible and Sportback forms, and has relied on V6 power in more recent generations. Across those changes, premium interiors and standard all-wheel drive have remained central to its character.
Strengths
- Standard all-wheel drive has been a defining part of the S5 throughout its history.
- The S5 mixes quick acceleration and sharper responses with the comfort needed for everyday driving.
- Its cabin emphasizes premium materials, while newer versions add large digital displays and modern smartphone features.
- The four-door versions add useful cargo flexibility without abandoning the S5’s performance focus.
- The redesigned 2026 S5 makes 362 horsepower from its turbo V6.
Who it's for
The S5 suits someone who wants sports-car pace and responses in a luxury car that is still comfortable enough for commuting and longer trips. It also makes sense for shoppers who value all-wheel drive and, depending on the used model year, want anything from a stylish two-door to a more useful four-door.
Audi S5 lineup
Premium is the entry point and suits shoppers who mainly want the S5’s core performance and all-wheel-drive formula. Premium Plus is the middle ground; in recent years, it has typically bundled more driver-assistance and convenience equipment. Prestige sits at the top for buyers who want the broadest equipment package, though the exact extras vary by year.
Audi S5 generations
From 2009 to 2026, the S5 spans three generations. The current 3rd Generation — B10/PPC arrived for 2025, following the 2nd Generation — B9/B9.5 (2018–2024).
3rd Generation — B10/PPC (2025–Present)
This redesign turns the U.S. S5 into a four-door hatchback-style sedan that takes over the old S4 sedan’s role. It uses a new platform, a 362-hp turbo V6, standard AWD, a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic, and a screen-heavy cabin.
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2026
The screen interface is updated, a physical steering-wheel scroll wheel returns, and a new Dynamic Plus drive mode is added.
2025New generation
Fully redesigned on a new platform as a four-door hatchback-style sedan, with a stronger turbo V6, a new transmission, and a new digital cabin.
2nd Generation — B9/B9.5 (2018–2024)
The second-generation S5 uses a turbocharged V6, an 8-speed automatic, and standard AWD. It was sold as a coupe, convertible, and four-door Sportback, then received refreshed styling and a touchscreen-based cabin for 2020.
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2024
Adaptive cruise control, active lane assist, parking sensors, and a heated steering wheel become standard across the lineup.
2023
Matrix-design LED headlights become standard across the lineup.
2022
Carbon Atlas interior trim becomes standard; the rest of the lineup largely carries over.
2021
Wireless Apple CarPlay and lane departure warning become standard, with added driver-assistance equipment on Premium Plus models.
2020Mid-cycle update
Refreshed front and rear styling arrives with a new 10.1-inch touchscreen system.
2019Trim changes
A new entry-level Premium trim joins the Coupe and Sportback lineups.
2018New generation
Fully redesigned with a turbo V6, an 8-speed automatic, a more modern cabin, and Coupe, Cabriolet, and Sportback body styles.
1st Generation — B8/8T/8F (2008–2017)
The original S5 began as a V8-powered coupe, with a supercharged V6 convertible joining later. A substantial 2013 update revised the styling and cabin, changed the steering system, and moved the coupe from V8 power to the supercharged V6.
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2017Trim changes
Parking sensors, a flat-bottom sport steering wheel, and Competition Plus exterior trim become standard; the core design and V6 carry over.
2016
Bang & Olufsen premium audio becomes standard across the lineup.
2015
The lineup carries over with only minor color and option adjustments.
2014
Selectable steering, throttle, and transmission settings become standard across the lineup.
2013Mid-cycle update
Refreshed exterior and interior styling arrives, along with a new steering system and a switch from V8 to supercharged V6 power for the coupe.
2012Trim changes
The V8 coupe and supercharged V6 Cabriolet carry over with only minor equipment adjustments.
2011Trim changes
Premium Plus models gain a standard auto-dimming interior mirror with a compass.
2010Trim changes
The Cabriolet joins the lineup with a supercharged V6 and dual-clutch automatic, while the coupe keeps its V8.
2009
The V8-powered coupe carries over with mostly optional-equipment updates.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the Audi S5.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Audi S5 a sports car or a luxury sedan?
It is a performance-oriented luxury car built for speed and daily comfort. The body style depends on the era: used S5s include coupes, convertibles, Sportbacks, and the newer four-door hatchback-style sedan.
Does the Audi S5 come as a hybrid?
No. The Audi S5 has been a gas-powered performance model. Recent versions use a turbocharged V6, while older examples used either a supercharged V6 or, in early coupes, a V8.
Does every Audi S5 have all-wheel drive?
Yes. Every S5 covered here has Audi's quattro system, which means all-wheel drive. It helps the car put its power down and adds confidence in wet or wintry conditions.
Is the Audi S5 practical enough for daily driving?
Yes. The S5 combines strong performance with a comfortable, polished cabin. Four-door Sportback and newer sedan versions are especially practical; the latest car seats five and has 22.6 cubic feet of cargo room.
Which Audi S5 body styles have been offered?
The body style depends on the model year. Early S5s were coupes and convertibles. The 2018–2024 generation added the four-door Sportback, while the redesigned 2025-and-newer US model is a four-door hatchback-style sedan.
How different are the Audi S5 generations?
They are meaningfully different. First-generation cars include V8 coupes and supercharged-V6 models. The 2018–2024 generation uses a turbo V6 and spans three body styles. The 2025 redesign becomes a four-door sedan with a new transmission and screen-heavy cabin.
What engines has the Audi S5 used?
The S5 has used three main engine setups. Early coupes had a 354-hp V8, while the convertible started with a 333-hp supercharged V6. The coupe adopted that V6 for 2013, and the 2018 redesign introduced a turbo V6. The latest version makes 362 hp.
Audi S5 Reviews
What owners are saying about the Audi S5.
4.5
Audi S5
(775 reviews)
“The Audi S5 is both a comfort and sports car. It has high innovative technology and out performs many other sports cars in its class.”
“My S5 performs beautifully. It is extremely well-built and safe. Exterior and interior styling is top notch. Very reliable. Quattro is a must-have.”
“Stylish vehicle with ample power. Comparing to my previous vehicle, gas range is disappointing.”
“The Q5 is a wonderful SUV. Beautified in styling and wonderful in performance. It is truly Audi's Best SUV to date. My Husband reviews cars and strongly gave this car 5-Stars.”
“Great car but need to know the details of the options. Things you might think of standard such as active TPM were not included in this premium vehicle. I also do not like that you can't turn the door locks to stay locked when put into park. Immediately unlock when in park is unsafe.”