Audi S5 B9
2017-2024
The S5 B9 embodies Audi's philosophy of understated performance, delivering serious capability wrapped in elegant styling. It's a car that can seamlessly transition from daily commuting to spirited weekend drives without compromise.
Quick Take
The B9 S5 represents Audi's sophisticated approach to the sports coupe segment, combining luxury appointments with genuine performance capability. Its turbocharged V6 delivers strong acceleration while maintaining reasonable fuel economy and daily usability.
Best For
Key Strength
Tuning Potential
Watch For
Carbon Buildup Issues
The Story
Heritage & Legacy
The S5 lineage began in 2007 as Audi's answer to the BMW M3 coupe, establishing itself as a more refined alternative to its Bavarian rival. The B9 generation marked a shift to turbocharged power while maintaining the model's reputation for all-weather capability and luxury.
Design Philosophy
Audi's designers focused on evolutionary refinement for the B9, sharpening the S5's lines while maintaining its sophisticated presence. The result is a coupe that looks fast even when standing still, with subtle performance cues that speak to enthusiasts without shouting.
The Driving Experience
Engine Character
The 3.0T V6 delivers power in a smooth, linear fashion with strong mid-range torque that makes overtaking effortless. While it may lack the drama of a naturally aspirated engine, it compensates with reliability and real-world usability that flatters drivers of all skill levels.
Chassis Dynamics
The S5's chassis strikes an excellent balance between comfort and control, with adaptive dampers that can transform the car's character at the touch of a button. The Quattro system provides exceptional traction and stability, making the S5 incredibly confidence-inspiring in challenging conditions.
Sound Signature
The turbocharged V6 produces a subdued but pleasant growl under acceleration, enhanced by Audi's sound symposer system.
Strengths & Tradeoffs
Defining Strengths
The 3.0T TFSI engine responds exceptionally well to modifications, with stage 1 tunes easily adding 60+ horsepower. The platform has been thoroughly developed by the tuning community with proven reliability at higher power levels.
Quattro AWD provides exceptional traction in all conditions while maintaining a rear-biased feel. The system seamlessly manages power distribution for both daily driving confidence and spirited performance.
Honest Tradeoffs
Direct injection engines suffer from carbon buildup on intake valves, requiring walnut blasting every 40-60k miles. This is an expensive maintenance item that affects performance if neglected.
The B9 generation introduced numerous electronic systems that can fail unexpectedly. Virtual Cockpit, infotainment, and various control modules have known reliability concerns that can be costly to repair.
Ideal Owner
Perfect for professionals who want a stylish, fast coupe that can handle daily driving duties without drama. Appeals to buyers who prioritize sophistication and all-weather capability over raw emotion.