Audi has updated their Premium Platform Combustion to create the new S5, making it longer, wider and taller than its predecessor. Furthermore, its steering response has become more neutral while body control has improved considerably.
Americans will miss out on adaptive matrix LED headlights and taillights with animation features due to American regulations prohibiting such features, according to their manufacturer.
Exterior
The 2025 Audi S5 looks like it should be part of their more sporting models, thanks to its angular lines and muscular front and rear fender flares. While driving it may not be quite as exciting, its beauty is undeniable compared to those found among Audi’s more boisterous high-performance vehicles.
Progressive Red paint color gives this Sportback its signature appearance, drawing attention from onlookers. Furthermore, other hues are available and it comes equipped with the Prestige Package that brings cutting-edge technology and the Black Optic Plus Package which accentuates its sleek exterior styling.
Inside, the Sportback provides an oasis of comfort. Its cabin is finished in high-grade materials such as Nappa leather, Dinamica microfiber, and real metal to rub your fingertips over. Plus, its 10.9-inch central touchscreen provides panoramic views of its surrounding environment as well as convenient interfaces with driver assistance and connectivity technology.
Interior
As is the case with its predecessor, the new Audi S5 provides an enjoyable driving experience in today’s ocean of SUV behemoths. Even with its slightly taller profile, its interior still feels compact and usable.
Well-appointed with plush premium materials throughout, its cabin is comfortable and supportive seats wrap around you to accommodate tuchus and back support. A 11.9-inch digital gauge cluster and standard 14.5-inch central touchscreen provide ample screen space, as does an optional passenger display for wall-to-wall viewing experience.
Audi’s 2025 S5 uses its new Premium Platform Combustion architecture, giving it its larger dimensions of 2.6 inches longer and half an inch wider compared to its predecessor. Furthermore, this car marks Audi’s debut with LED matrix headlights up front that are programmable into 60 segments as well as OLED rear lights that display animations while driving – giving an almost low-res phone-screen-esque experience as you drive along.
Technology
Audi has always placed great emphasis on providing its users with an exceptional user experience, so the 2025 S5 features several driver-oriented technological innovations. A 11.9-inch digital instrument display and configurable central screen, as well as optional 10.9-inch passenger screens can all be controlled through its MMI interface to access various apps and services that Audi provides.
The brake pedal feels much lighter and more natural than in its predecessor S4, and can be driven more aggressively without understeer. Engineers also made sure the rear end remained neutral when being pushed – an amateur driver should find no trouble building confidence with this sedan.
Audi’s European models feature a mild hybrid powertrain designed to shut off its engine during stop-and-go traffic while still enabling engine recuperation during highway driving; unfortunately, this system won’t be sold here due to federal regulations.
Safety
The new S5 stands tall and poised with its lower profile that emphasizes its rear wheel haunches. Furthermore, Audi has achieved an elegant balance between its three-box sedan predecessor and pure fastback S5 Sportback forms by adding roof spoiler and reshaped rear hatch panel features that help create an air of sophistication.
The cabin of this vehicle is spacious and luxurious, featuring luxurious premium materials throughout. Standard features include a digital gauge cluster and 14.5-inch central touchscreen; optionally available is passenger display which gives users their own wall-to-wall screen for navigation, streaming music or videos from downloaded apps and more.
Driving the S5 is enjoyable. Audi’s torque-biasing Quattro system delivers massive grip and plenty of willingness to change direction – without ever feeling artificial or unnatural like its predecessors – even in Dynamic mode with added weight to steering and stiffer damping characteristics. While not revolutionary by any stretch, this approach makes the car feel more usable and capable than ever.