Audi A5 S5 (2007 - 2017) S5 Quattro Coupe 2d Tip Auto (2008/58) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

That I'm not doing badly for myself, that I appreciate quality engineering and whilst I want a rapid machine, I am sensible enough to drive one that wont try to kill me at every opportunity!

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

Very comfortable, extrodinary performance when you exploit it and in the main, envious (but in a nice way!)

Would you buy this car again and why?

Not this particular car as I dont tend to buy the same thing twice. However I wouldnt hesitate to recommend someone else buy into the enjoyment I have everyday. You really do want to take the long way to work!!

What are you likely to buy next?

There is talk of an RS5 version, with twin turbo's and more power..... my name is already down for one!

Type of dealer you bought from?

Franchise

Did you buy this car new?

Yes

What price did you pay?

£48,000

When did you buy the car?

September 2008

Did you get a good deal and why?

Being a longstanding customer with the dealer (this being my 12th car from them) I can honestly say I didnt really get a discount, but understand the reasons why as they dont want to de-value the S or RS brand. This doesnt mean I was unhappy, just appreciative of their honesty, hence my repeat custom

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Incredible performance allied with drop dead looks and that wonderful V8 engine note!

What was the dealer like?

The dealer was, as always, very helpful. The amount of cars I personally buy from them helps with the first name terms approach, but they are just genuinely nice chaps to deal with and as excited as I was about getting me the car!

What's it like to drive?

Obviously its incredibly quick, in Sport mode frighteningly so! The handling is very assured and the quattro is a real fail safe on this car. It appears quite happy to be floored out of a roundabout without any BMW back end heroics, although I'm sure if you turned the traction control off (which I dont, its an expensive toy!!) it would become much more playful. The level of comfort is also second to none, far better and more comfortable than the interior of a BMW M3 (its sort of natural rival) and in my opinion a far more interesting place to sit. You really get a sense that your money was well spent!

What's it like to park?

Very easy, not the smallest car dimension wise in the world, however the parking sensors make life very easy. I opted for the parking display sensors rather than the camera, as I had one of those on my previous Range Rover and despite being quite a novelty at first, I never found it made parking any easier.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Nothing at all, but then I have only had it 8 days!

What's most practical about your car?

Not sure you would call an S5 practical in the true sense of the word, however for what it is and does (supercar performance in which you can fit 4 people), its unbeatable. So much better looking than the new M3, more road presence, doesnt look like a rep-mobile with bigger wheels!!

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

The AMI i-pod connection allied with the Bang & Olufsen hi-fi upgrade, sounds immense! Oh, and the fact its tiptronic, I cant understand the appeal of a manual when this can be driven sedately (well, relatively!) in normal mode, then it gets angry in Sport and tried to headbutt the horizon when you play with the paddle change on the steering wheel! A car with this amount of raw power deserves two hands on the wheel at all times, and its so much more relaxing to appreciate it without having a clutch to contend with!