Audi S5

The four door coupe shares the suspension, transmission, engine, chassis and the Quattro all wheel drive system with that of S4. Similarities can be seen with other Audi’s both on the outside as well as inside, especially Audi A4. Cabin is designed to fit in four occupants comfortably. The sublime interior styling stands out as S5 gets a slightly premium cabin than the usual Audis in this segment. Equipment aboard are similar to the other Audis, hence nothing exquisite there. Power duties are performed by the 3.0 litre, V6 engine that along with Quattro permanent all wheel drive system and seven-speed S tronic gearbox ensures vigorous performance. Audi isn’t assembling the coupe locally in India, hence the Audi S5 price in India gets additional excise duties mounting up the total cost.

Visibly wider, lower and longer than the A4, Audi S5 has a lot in common with the former. The coupe even shares similarities with the S4. Like other Audis it is large and has a robust road presence. Xenon head lamps in front are not very long or large but it is rather lean featuring LED running lights. The radiator grille is glutted with chrome featuring horizontal chrome bars and Audi’s signature four rings. Lower side of the bumper gets fog lamps with large housings with a hint of chrome around. Bonnet is large, wide and curvy on the edges. The character line running from head lights cluster to rear lamps defined the vehicle’s sporty trait. Chrome finishing is seen around wing mirrors on both sides, window frame too gets a sleek chrome line around. Outside door handles are painted in body colour. Six dual spoke alloy wheels fit well on the fleshy tyres, the gap between wheel arches and wheels is perfect. Rear is styled suavely yet is appears swanky. The curve on the boot lid, wrap around LED tail lights, body coloured bumper and dual tail pipes on either end look good altogether. The roof is low, but it has a slight curve and it merges well into the rear windscreen.

Cabin as mentioned above has space to accommodate four occupants; styling is done tastefully in typical Audi fashion. Interiors are enveloped in dual tone colours, the central console however appears cluttered, even the instrument cluster looks clumsy and the floor console is also feature clad. Flat bottomed three spoke steering wheel is placed for the convenience of driver and comes equipped with a number of buttons. Chrome is used amply inside, among preeminent features Audi’s MMI navigation plus system, driver information system with colour system, storage compartments, 3-zone deluxe automatic air conditioning are included along with various others.

Power comes from the 3.0 litre, supercharged V6 petrol engine with direct injection and mechanical supercharger. Outputting 245 kW between 5500 to 6500 RPM and 440 Nm between 2900 to 5300 RPM, the engine comes mated to a seven-speed S tronic transmission. Drive is sent to all four wheels through Audi’s Quattro permanent all-wheel drive.

The 3.0 litre, petrol engine is not a very frugal motor, claimed mileage for the four door coupe is 12.28 kms in a litre. But given that it is a premium coupe that gets a petrol power house, the fuel economy number is pretty decent.

The vehicle gets dual circuit with diagonally-split brake system with anti-lock-brake system with electric brake force distribution, electronic stabilization control with brake assist and tandem brake booster. Ventilated disc brakes in front and disc brakes at rear are fitted to retard power. Other prominent safety equipment featured in the vehicle comprise of anti-slip regulation, electronic differential lock and electronic stabilization control. Airbags are employed in front for driver and co-passenger; side-bags are available in front and rear along with head-bags.

In terms of performance, the 3.0 litre, supercharged gasoline engine is terrific. The engine accelerates to 100 kmph from stand still within 5.1 seconds. Moreover, there is no turbo lag, Audi’s drive select offers various driving modes including auto, comfort, dynamic, efficiency and individual. However the vehicle comes deprived of adaptive suspension, therefore the change in drive mode will not have much of an affect. Ride and handling is controlled, the all wheel drive system makes things easier.

Agreed that it is a pricey offering for a coupe but inside the cabin there is enough space to seat four adults, moreover it is a practical vehicle for Indian roads and delivers great performance. Cabin apart from offering comfortable room has enough storage space as well and comes equipped with a series of comfort goodies.

The model will go up against BMW M5 in the coupe segment; Audi S5 is a practical sports car for Indian roads that can be driven with ease. On the feature front, both the models are rich; hence the competition is neck to neck.