2018 Premium Plus S5 Review
05-10-2019, 02:16 AM
#1
AudiWorld Senior Member
Thread Starter
2018 Premium Plus S5 Review
Hi, everyone! I've had my S5 for about a year and a half now and I wanted to share my opinion of the car with everyone. This review will be pretty balanced, I think. I'll break it up into sections and if anyone has any questions, please let me know. I have a 2018 Premium Plus S5 with everything on it except for the cooled seats in Navarra Blue. I have a US spec vehicle, so my topics of discussion are only on a US spec car.
- Exterior
The exterior of the car is beautiful, I think. The car is aggressive and flies under the radar at the same time. I know beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but I think the S5 is one of the cleanest designs right now. I love the way it looks. Everything is subtle yet sporty. Could it be a bit more aggressive? I think so, but does it look good enough while not attracting too much attention? Yes. The S5 does not scream "Look at me!" and I appreciate that. It is very elegant all while also having a sporty look and feel.
- Lighting
The lights on the S5 are fantastic. The LED lights have a very nice wide team pattern and with the low beam lights coded on with high beam, they light up the road and them some when the high beams are on. I do have two major gripes with the headlights. 1.) headlights is that they are not adaptive and do not turn with the steering wheel. 2.) The cornering lamps that turn are are barely noticeable or turn on really late. Audi's main competitors, BMW and Mercedes both offer this feature.. I live in an area where deer love to come put and play at night and I have very curvy roads. I would like to see what's around the bend before I get there. I don't know if it is just me but they cornering lamps are either really dim or just turn on really late. They help when I am turning into my driveway, but they are barely noticeable when I'm turning at an intersection.
- Wheels
Love the 19's. They look amazing even though the car seems to shed brake dust. I wash the wheels and I have to wash it again the next day. Kind of annoying.
- Exhaust
The car sounds absolutely fantastic.I prefer it over the C43 AMG. I turned off the sundaktor and I have no complaints. I wish the exhaust was a smidge louder as it would add to the sporty experience. I also wish there was more of an experience and more crackles and burbles. You get nothing when you're below 4,000 RPM.
- Transmission
The transmission on my S5 is very good. You will hear a lot of people complain about the infamous delay or lag which I do not have and have never had. What I do experience is the transmission holding on to gears too long or letting the revs drop too low. The car sounds like it is about to stall at times. Audi needs to work on tuning the ZF 8 speed. I have now driven a multitude of cars with this transmission and none of them exhibit this behavior. Other than that, shifts are crisp and actually quick. Overall, no complaints. I'm averaging 24.7 MPG with a mix of highway and city.
- Interior
The interior of the S5 is all Audi. The cabin is made of great high quality materials and the leather is great. There are a few places where I think Audi could have stepped it up a little like the dash. Audi's two main competitors both offer a faux leather contrast stitched dash. Would really add some 'oomph' to the cabin. I have yet to sit in the G20 3 series so I cannot comment on how well it stacks up against that but what I can tell you that it wipes the floor with the F30 and it is not even a comparison. I don't hear a single rattle in the car a year and a half later. It is amazing.
- Technology
The S5 offers a host of technology. I do think Audi is lagging behind just a little bit in terms of lighting technology and maybe a little in the infotainment area. The MMI never understands me and trying to use the Nav system is a process and entering in an address takes a little bit of time. I do love how simple it is to navigate and use though. Everything is pretty easy to find and logically placed. I do have an issue when I try to pair my iPhone XS Max though sometimes. It won't connect and I have to toggle Bluetooth on and off for it to connect. Another technological piece that I think Audi needs to add is direct TPMS. In 2019, not knowing what my tire pressure is without having to measure all four individually is inexcusable. If BMW and Mercedes are able to do it, I'm pretty sure Audi has the means to do it as well. It's a minimal cost in the grand scheme of things. I also want Auto Hold.
- Suspension / Drive
The suspension on the S5 is absolutely fantastic for a daily driver. Compared to the F30 and the Mercedes in terms of comfort, I don't think it is even fair. The S5 loves eating up the miles and does so without sacrificing the comfort of the passengers. Now, that comes with a a small price. Personally, I think the S5 needs to be a little stiffer especially in Dynamic. I also think the S5 has no right being the same ride height of a normal A5 coupe. The S5 is suppose to be the 'sportier' option. Lower it my 10mm or so to give the S5 that sportier feel. What I am going to complain about though is the fact that the engine is way too far ahead of the front axle and there is simply too much weight over the front wheels. The new diff coupled with the tie into the traction control system has significantly lowered understeer and keep the car neutral, but it is still there. The car really does err on the side of 'comfortable' but I think it might be slightly too comfortable and it actually takes away from from the sportier feel of the S5. I would honestly place the S5 right in-between a BMW 3 series and a Mercedes C Class. My personal preference would like the car to be just a tad more sporty in every mode, but especially Dynamic. The wheel also needs more weight in Dynamic. It is a bit too light for my tastes in that mode.
My biggest complaint is that there is no sense of emotion. You don't get any burbles or any drama. You get a 'fart' in between gear shifts and that's only if you're flogging it. Driving a sporty coupe should be an occasion. I want pops and bangs.
Misc.
This is another gripe of mine. Audi is lagging behind its main competitors in terms of performance offerings from the factory. BMW and Mercedes both have comprehensive performance catalogues for their sportier cars like the M340i and the AMG C43. If Audi doesn't want its customers to go out and buy an aftermarket exhaust for instance, it should offer it. I just don't want to get flagged with a TD1.
-Wrap up
I have been blessed enough to own and drive Audi's competitors and this is a new experience. My mom picked up a 2017 A6 and I was so impressed with it, that I decided I was jumping ship to the Audi as well. I love driving the Audi and every time I park, I look back and I crack a smile. It's a fantastic machine. The driving experience is bliss if you're looking for a car errs more on the side of making sure you're comfortable day to day but has a hint of sporty nature.
Only time will tell if I'll be back in another Audi. My S5 is the best daily driver I have had and I have owned everything from a 328i to a M3 to a short stint in a C450. I'm hoping Audi addresses some of these issues with the upcoming refresh for the coupe and Sportback.
I'm happy to answer any questions if anyone has them.
Hopefully, you found this review somewhat useful.
- Exterior
The exterior of the car is beautiful, I think. The car is aggressive and flies under the radar at the same time. I know beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but I think the S5 is one of the cleanest designs right now. I love the way it looks. Everything is subtle yet sporty. Could it be a bit more aggressive? I think so, but does it look good enough while not attracting too much attention? Yes. The S5 does not scream "Look at me!" and I appreciate that. It is very elegant all while also having a sporty look and feel.
- Lighting
The lights on the S5 are fantastic. The LED lights have a very nice wide team pattern and with the low beam lights coded on with high beam, they light up the road and them some when the high beams are on. I do have two major gripes with the headlights. 1.) headlights is that they are not adaptive and do not turn with the steering wheel. 2.) The cornering lamps that turn are are barely noticeable or turn on really late. Audi's main competitors, BMW and Mercedes both offer this feature.. I live in an area where deer love to come put and play at night and I have very curvy roads. I would like to see what's around the bend before I get there. I don't know if it is just me but they cornering lamps are either really dim or just turn on really late. They help when I am turning into my driveway, but they are barely noticeable when I'm turning at an intersection.
- Wheels
Love the 19's. They look amazing even though the car seems to shed brake dust. I wash the wheels and I have to wash it again the next day. Kind of annoying.
- Exhaust
The car sounds absolutely fantastic.I prefer it over the C43 AMG. I turned off the sundaktor and I have no complaints. I wish the exhaust was a smidge louder as it would add to the sporty experience. I also wish there was more of an experience and more crackles and burbles. You get nothing when you're below 4,000 RPM.
- Transmission
The transmission on my S5 is very good. You will hear a lot of people complain about the infamous delay or lag which I do not have and have never had. What I do experience is the transmission holding on to gears too long or letting the revs drop too low. The car sounds like it is about to stall at times. Audi needs to work on tuning the ZF 8 speed. I have now driven a multitude of cars with this transmission and none of them exhibit this behavior. Other than that, shifts are crisp and actually quick. Overall, no complaints. I'm averaging 24.7 MPG with a mix of highway and city.
- Interior
The interior of the S5 is all Audi. The cabin is made of great high quality materials and the leather is great. There are a few places where I think Audi could have stepped it up a little like the dash. Audi's two main competitors both offer a faux leather contrast stitched dash. Would really add some 'oomph' to the cabin. I have yet to sit in the G20 3 series so I cannot comment on how well it stacks up against that but what I can tell you that it wipes the floor with the F30 and it is not even a comparison. I don't hear a single rattle in the car a year and a half later. It is amazing.
- Technology
The S5 offers a host of technology. I do think Audi is lagging behind just a little bit in terms of lighting technology and maybe a little in the infotainment area. The MMI never understands me and trying to use the Nav system is a process and entering in an address takes a little bit of time. I do love how simple it is to navigate and use though. Everything is pretty easy to find and logically placed. I do have an issue when I try to pair my iPhone XS Max though sometimes. It won't connect and I have to toggle Bluetooth on and off for it to connect. Another technological piece that I think Audi needs to add is direct TPMS. In 2019, not knowing what my tire pressure is without having to measure all four individually is inexcusable. If BMW and Mercedes are able to do it, I'm pretty sure Audi has the means to do it as well. It's a minimal cost in the grand scheme of things. I also want Auto Hold.
- Suspension / Drive
The suspension on the S5 is absolutely fantastic for a daily driver. Compared to the F30 and the Mercedes in terms of comfort, I don't think it is even fair. The S5 loves eating up the miles and does so without sacrificing the comfort of the passengers. Now, that comes with a a small price. Personally, I think the S5 needs to be a little stiffer especially in Dynamic. I also think the S5 has no right being the same ride height of a normal A5 coupe. The S5 is suppose to be the 'sportier' option. Lower it my 10mm or so to give the S5 that sportier feel. What I am going to complain about though is the fact that the engine is way too far ahead of the front axle and there is simply too much weight over the front wheels. The new diff coupled with the tie into the traction control system has significantly lowered understeer and keep the car neutral, but it is still there. The car really does err on the side of 'comfortable' but I think it might be slightly too comfortable and it actually takes away from from the sportier feel of the S5. I would honestly place the S5 right in-between a BMW 3 series and a Mercedes C Class. My personal preference would like the car to be just a tad more sporty in every mode, but especially Dynamic. The wheel also needs more weight in Dynamic. It is a bit too light for my tastes in that mode.
My biggest complaint is that there is no sense of emotion. You don't get any burbles or any drama. You get a 'fart' in between gear shifts and that's only if you're flogging it. Driving a sporty coupe should be an occasion. I want pops and bangs.
Misc.
This is another gripe of mine. Audi is lagging behind its main competitors in terms of performance offerings from the factory. BMW and Mercedes both have comprehensive performance catalogues for their sportier cars like the M340i and the AMG C43. If Audi doesn't want its customers to go out and buy an aftermarket exhaust for instance, it should offer it. I just don't want to get flagged with a TD1.
-Wrap up
I have been blessed enough to own and drive Audi's competitors and this is a new experience. My mom picked up a 2017 A6 and I was so impressed with it, that I decided I was jumping ship to the Audi as well. I love driving the Audi and every time I park, I look back and I crack a smile. It's a fantastic machine. The driving experience is bliss if you're looking for a car errs more on the side of making sure you're comfortable day to day but has a hint of sporty nature.
Only time will tell if I'll be back in another Audi. My S5 is the best daily driver I have had and I have owned everything from a 328i to a M3 to a short stint in a C450. I'm hoping Audi addresses some of these issues with the upcoming refresh for the coupe and Sportback.
I'm happy to answer any questions if anyone has them.
Hopefully, you found this review somewhat useful.Last edited by -=Hot|Ice=-; 05-10-2019 at 02:50 AM.
05-10-2019, 06:52 AM
#2
AudiWorld Member
That seems like a well balanced and honest write-up. Interesting read. I am with you on some points, like the tech. That fixed dash screen is outdated, I'm sure the next major refresh will adopt the same design as the new A6, e-tron and upcoming Q3. I also feel that the dynamic S mode could sound a little more angry. And I agree with you on the finish of the dash...that should have been covered in stitched leather. But I am mostly with you on the overall experience: this car is a sublime machine.
05-10-2019, 01:35 PM
#3
AudiWorld Senior Member
Thread Starter
That seems like a well balanced and honest write-up. Interesting read. I am with you on some points, like the tech. That fixed dash screen is outdated, I'm sure the next major refresh will adopt the same design as the new A6, e-tron and upcoming Q3. I also feel that the dynamic S mode could sound a little more angry. And I agree with you on the finish of the dash...that should have been covered in stitched leather. But I am mostly with you on the overall experience: this car is a sublime machine.
05-10-2019, 02:41 PM
#6
AudiWorld Member
Good write up. I have some similar thoughts in many areas about my '19 S5 coupe. Coming from a Golf R, manual, I knew I was going to have to adjust to no third pedal, but the automatic in this car is very good IMO, and I've had no complaints about the transmission really. The ride is so much more sophisticated than my non-DCC Golf, and the suspension overall is superb. I do run the 18" wheels though because where I live the roads are super horribad, and 19" are really iffy. I still may break down next year and get some 19" wheels and better tires (the stock Contis are not very good, again IMO, and are one of the few low spots for me) and keep the 18" wheels for winter.
And yes, my freakin' Golf had a hidden backup camera that was very very good. Why this car, which costs somewhat more shall we say, doesn't have a similar feature (or for that matter adaptive lighting--Audi, what were you thinking???) is beyond me. But the interior is wonderful, and even though the coupe is certainly not terribly practical (I didn't want or need practical), I can still fit a reasonably large dog in the back with a dog hammock/seat protector!
And yes, my freakin' Golf had a hidden backup camera that was very very good. Why this car, which costs somewhat more shall we say, doesn't have a similar feature (or for that matter adaptive lighting--Audi, what were you thinking???) is beyond me. But the interior is wonderful, and even though the coupe is certainly not terribly practical (I didn't want or need practical), I can still fit a reasonably large dog in the back with a dog hammock/seat protector!
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05-10-2019, 10:45 PM
#9
AudiWorld Senior Member
I played with the new style screens on the A7 at the dealer. I don't like it at all, I much prefer being able to control it with the ****. The only thing the new screen has going for it is slightly higher resolution and that it's bigger. I'm actually really glad I got the car before they redesigned it. Same with the new style headlights with the e-Tron or A7-like notches. Sometimes new isn't better.
05-11-2019, 03:40 AM
#10
AudiWorld Senior Member
I doubt we have to worry much about the new interior language making its way into the mid-cycle refresh (they're not going to overhaul the entire interior for a mid refresh). We'll probably see it on the b10 generation (enough years away to where I most likely will be looking to give up the car anyways).
