THIS AUDI CHANGES EVERYTHING
Teresas View
Marketing Department Columnist
Teres's View
I have been looking forward to driving the Audi S5 since it was announced that the German manufacturer would add the high-performance model to its lineup. So when this vision arrived in my driveway I couldn’t wait to take it for a spin. The first time I put my foot into it, my only thought was, “I’m so getting a ticket in this car.’’
A couple of years ago, Johan de Nysschen, executive vice president of Audi of America, posed a question to a group of automotive journalists seated around a dinner table. What would it take, he wondered, for Audi to surpass BMW and Mercedes in cachet? There was the standard harrumphing and convoluted discourse. In the end, it turned out that Audi already had a pretty good idea of the answer. It has to do with style and power.
For a decade, Audi has set the standard for automotive style, taking elegance to its natural zenith somewhere in the design heavens and introducing the world to the concept of interior “atmospheres.’’
The new S5 coupe is the embodiment of those efforts. Slotted between the charismatic Audi TT coupe and the exotic R8 mid-engine super car, the S5 offers stunning good looks and a powerful driving experience for a reasonable starting price of $50K.
Red leather Recaro seats complement an all-black interior that features tasteful splashes of brushed aluminum. Other accents, such as wood, “Carbon Atlas’’ and stainless steel, are available options. Fit and finish is above reproach.
The single trim level should be called “Everything’’ because Audi throws the luxury feature book at the S5. Standard features include a panoramic sunroof, rain-sensing wipers, push-button emergency brake, heated front seats and a 10-speaker audio system. The three-zone climate system allows separate settings for the driver, front passenger and rear seating area. On the options list are adaptive headlamps, upgraded seats, keyless ignition, park assist, navigation and a dedicated iPod interface. A 505-watt, 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system is also available. Standard safety features include six airbags, stability and traction control, daytime running lights, tire pressure monitor and anti-lock brakes with brake assist.
Compared to its sibling, the more sedate A5, the S5 cranks the dial to 11 on the sport-o-meter with a stiff, but not too stiff sport suspension, precise steering and a 60/40 weight distribution that lends incredible balance, especially on twisty roads.
As for power, well most journalists are pegging the S5’s dash from 0-to-60 mph at 4.9 seconds – just 0.5 seconds slower than the R8. Most notably, the S5 remains particularly poised and stable whether in town or on the open road. I never felt like a barely-in-control racehorse jockey.
Yes, I have a few niggling criticisms. First, the tester did not sound an alarm when I climbed out of the coupe leaving the key for the keyless ignition behind in the cabin. Second, with the driver’s seat in the far forward position (so my stubby legs could reach the accelerator), I couldn’t get my bum past the small space between the heavily-bolstered seat and the steering wheel when attempting to exit the car. May I suggest an automatic seat adjustment that moves the seat back for better ease of access?
P.S. The auto gods smiled upon me twice. I had a wonderful week with the S5 and somehow, I never got that ticket.
What Is It?: The 2008 Audi S5 is a four-passenger, two-door, high-performance coupe. The single trim sells for just over $50K with destination charges.
Back Seat: The A5/S5 is the first four-seat coupe Audi has offered since 1991. While there’s room for more than just a purse, the sloped roofline means vertical space is limited.
Fill ’er Up: The S5 has expensive tastes. She likes the premium fuel. The EPA rates fuel economy as 14 mpg city and 21 highway.
Cheat Sheet: Audi is a member of the Volkswagen family.
So, Where Are Ya From?: Like all Audis, the S5 is built in Germany.
