Tested: 2025 Audi S5 Is a First and a Last

The 2025 Audi S5 marks a significant shift in Audi's strategy for its premium-compact segment, retiring the A4 and consolidating its body-style offerings. Gone are the days of multiple variants; the S5 now stands alone as a sleek four-door hatchback. This shift reflects a broader strategic reorientation as Audi prepares for an electric future, making the S5 the last of its kind on the new Premium Platform Combustion architecture. With a body that's larger in nearly every dimension, particularly in length and wheelbase, the S5 embodies a more spacious and modern design language.

Inside the new S5, innovation meets luxury with a sweeping curved screen that stretches across the dashboard. This integrates an 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.5-inch central touchscreen, offering a wide array of controls and displays. While the new setup is less configurable than before, it emphasizes ease of use and a sleek, minimalist aesthetic. Despite these advancements, the interior ambiance doesn't quite reach the opulence of some rivals like the Mercedes C-class. However, the extended wheelbase does provide a more accommodating rear seat, transforming it from cramped to comfortable, a significant improvement for taller passengers.

Under the hood, the S5 comes equipped with a robust turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 engine, delivering 362 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain represents a modest but noticeable increase over its predecessor, with Audi opting for a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission in place of the previous eight-speed. The result is a car that accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.9 seconds, demonstrating its athletic prowess on the road. Furthermore, despite its power, the S5 manages a commendable 25 mpg in combined driving scenarios, showcasing Audi's commitment to efficiency.

The S5's driving dynamics continue to impress, thanks to its sports suspension and optional adaptive dampers. These features allow for a tailored driving experience, with modes ranging from Comfort to Dynamic. The car exhibits excellent body control and agility, especially in tight corners, where it feels balanced and composed. However, the steering remains a point of contention; it lacks the feedback and weight that driving enthusiasts crave, even in its most aggressive setting. This muted steering response somewhat detracts from the otherwise engaging driving experience.

Audi's decision to phase out coupe and convertible versions of the S5 might disappoint some, but the single body style simplifies the lineup and focuses on what the S5 does best: being a versatile and sporty four-door. The new design language, both inside and out, will likely appeal to buyers looking for a fresh, modern take on a classic formula. As Audi transitions towards electrification, this new S5 stands as a testament to the brand's ability to innovate within the constraints of traditional internal combustion technology.

As this latest iteration of the S5 rolls into dealerships, it carries with it the weight of Audi's combustion-engine legacy. While future models will undoubtedly embrace electric powertrains, the 2025 S5 ensures that the brand's performance heritage is celebrated one last time. Its arrival is not just a farewell to a particular era of engineering but a celebration of what Audi has achieved with its combustion engines. For enthusiasts and new buyers alike, the 2025 Audi S5 offers a compelling blend of style, performance, and innovation, marking a fitting close to this chapter of Audi's storied history.