Unparalleled Luxury Meets Powerful Performance: The New Sports Sedan for Discerning Grown-Ups

The 2025 Audi S5: Still the Sports Sedan for Grown-Ups

It’s official: Audi has dropped the "4" from its iconic naming scheme, and the compact executive sedan is now just known as the Audi A5. But don’t worry, the S5 treatment remains, and I spent a week behind the wheel of the 2025 Audi S5 to see if it still reigns supreme as the ultimate sports sedan for grown-ups.

The Basics

At its core, the Audi S5 is all about delivering a premium experience without sacrificing performance. For the 2025 model year, Audi has carried over the same turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, generating 349 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. This powerplant, mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission, puts the S5 firmly in the "quick but refined" category.

The S5 no longer features traditional quattro all-wheel drive; instead, it’s gone to a front-biased system with a rear axle torque-vectoring system to maximize handling and traction. Expect spirited acceleration and a smug, confident demeanor as you carve through twisties and cruise down the autobahn.

Design: Elegant Evolution

The exterior of the 2025 S5 has undergone significant styling updates, with more prominent creases, sharp new lines, and – you guessed it – those new LED headlights. Overall, the design is less busy and more refined than the outgoing model, effectively translating the Audi design DNA.

Inside, the story’s the same: sumptuous materials, rich finishes, and a sleek new design language. Passengers will appreciate the attention to detail, from subtle LED ambient lighting to carefully tuned ergonomics.

Performance: Still Up-to-Task

Out on the road, the 2025 S5 impresses with its characteristic agility and poise. Power delivery is smooth and rapid, with the obligatory slight lag from the turbos. The S5 never feels overwhelmed, yet never feels underpowered – an excellent balance for its size and weight.

All-weather traction is similarly exemplary, thanks to Audi’s innovative front-biased all-wheel-drive setup and rear axle torque vectoring. The S5 navigates wet, cold, or dry surfaces with unflappable confidence.

Verdict: Evolutionary Refinement

Despite significant changes, the 2025 Audi S5 has maintained its status as a benchmark for compact luxury performance sedans. More than ever, it excels as a refined and polished driving experience, carefully crafted to appeal to – dare I say it – the grown-ups.

What are your thoughts on this refinement? Share your S5 experiences or tips at [email protected].

Related Reviews and Articles

• The Evolution of the Audi A4: From Humble Beginnings to Luxury sedan of the Future
• A First Look at the New Audi A5
• How the Audi A4 Compares to Other Compact Luxury Sedans
• A Comparison of Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz’s Compact Luxury Sedans