Cross-county road trip? Our longterm 2009 Audi S5 is the choice ride. This is isolation done right--think smooooth, not squishy. The downside of this for driving enthusiasts is that the S5's steering is mute, there's driveline lash from the soft engine mounts and the gearchange could be more precise. As a result, there's a slightly synthetic feel to the helm and the throttle.
The S5 isn't an M3, and that's precisely the point. It trades a bit of sport for an extra helping of refinement, and most people will be just fine with that. It's truly a sweet ride. Just not for me.
Jason Kavanagh, Engineering Editor
desmolicious says:
04:36 PM, 10/26/09
You wouldn't have found that parking spot in Venice on the weekend.
;)
billt9 says:
05:43 PM, 10/26/09
that house needs more windows.
shaddai says:
05:44 PM, 10/26/09
Except for the gas mileage. Tell me they at least changed the gearing up so you're not going 2800 RPM doing 70 MPH like in the B7 S4...
hondacura4 says:
06:39 PM, 10/26/09
I know the older Audi S badged cars were direct BMW M competitors in certain parts of the globe but that has since changed. The RS badged cars are direct BMW M competition as the RS4/5 are more in line with the 335i and that segment of cars.
jkavanagh says:
09:02 PM, 10/26/09
Sharp eye, desmo. Indeed that photo was taken on Sunday morning. Parking usually blows in that area but there were quite a few open spots for some reason.