A year with a 354-horsepower, V8-powered luxury coupe. Sounds good, right? You've read the blogs, now go read the Long Term wrap up and then come back for our Parting Shots to see if the 2009 Audi S5 lived up to the hype.
A very pretty car, but not well suited to the pony-car drivetrain with the lazy V8 and long-throw manual transmission. This car is far happier cruising than cornering, so I'd be happy with a little less motor and a little less tire.
Michael Jordan
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"I enjoyed driving our S5. But for my money I'd get a BMW M3. It's only few thousand dollars more and in return delivers considerably more performance and dynamic precision."
Brent Romans
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The S5 was least Audi-like Audi quattro we had tested to that point. When we first tested it in July 2007, the S5 was the first one that didn't feel like a lead-tipped arrow on the skidpad or slalom course. It actually turned when told to.
The S5 is the most flowing Audi there is. Unlike anything in Audi's lineup--including the RS4 or R8--the S5's design and dynamics are fluid and well matched.
Chris Walton
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This vehicle represents the essence of why Audi is succeeding in a super-competitive market. Aggressive yet refined styling. Sophisticated drivetrain technology. Exceptional interior design and user interfaces. Oh, and a bitchin' exhaust note (not sure if Audi references that last one in sales brochure). Basically, a complete package with little to question or criticize. Audi is displaying these traits across its entire model line, but I think the S5 may be the brand's purest expression of its modern mantra.
Karl Brauer
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Our Audi S5 coupe made subtlety into an art form. From the clean exterior design to the deep, but understated exhaust note, this car was very satisfying on the open road -- in a quiet sort of way.
Erin Riches
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I'm no Audi man - the steering's overly speed sensitive and MMI drives me nuts - but the S5 is just a magnificent car. When Austria wasn't driving it, getting the rare chance to enjoy that luscious V8 for the evening was like coming home to find Jordana Brewster sitting in my living room. My great regret was never getting the opportunity to drive it an extended distance - it would've been the perfect choice for my Vancouver Olympic journey.
James Riswick
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Spending time with the S5 was like spending time with an impossibly glamorous movie star. It looked great, commanded attention, and made you feel special just for being in its presence. It'll be missed.
Warren Clarke
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The Audi S5 is the first coupe I've driven in years that could make me give up the convenience of a sedan.
Kelly Toepke
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It looks like a bar of soap and handles sort of like one, too. Sounds good, but *yaaaawn*.
There's a reason BMWs and Mercedes' are on every corner-- they're better.
Mike Magrath, Vehicle Testing Assistant.
eswalls says:
10:04 PM, 06/ 3/10
420 HP? Try about 350. Come on, Mike!
Mike Magrath replied to comment from eswalls
11:43 PM, 06/ 3/10
*facepalm* I had R8 on the brain.
stovt001 says:
11:54 PM, 06/ 3/10
Sad to see this go. No, it isn't exactly like an M3, but I think that's a good thing. It is a nice alternative for someone looking for something a little different - more style, a subtle, graceful type of performance.
93aero says:
12:03 AM, 06/ 4/10
its alot more refreshing to see these around then all the MB's and BMW's. Regardless of how it performs.
fuhteng says:
07:50 AM, 06/ 4/10
Why was there no Parting Shots for the Genesis or G8?
boxermike says:
09:15 AM, 06/ 4/10
" fuhteng says:
07:50 AM, 06/ 4/10
Why was there no Parting Shots for the Genesis or G8?"
We took a break from Parting Shots through that time period. It's back now, though.
-mm
benson2175 says:
10:57 AM, 06/ 4/10
My dad has been an automotive technician for thirty years. He's worked on all kinds of cars. When asked what's the worst one, he doesn't hesitate; Audi. But he does admit they are beautiful. In that way they're kind of Italian.
fuhteng says:
01:10 PM, 06/ 4/10
@Mike, I would have really liked to see the Parting Shots for those two in particular since they seemed to be so well liked by the IL crew. Damned.