The New 2025 Audi S5 Is a Cool Luxury Sport Sedan
Doug DeMuro · 2026-04-07
💡 Quick Take
1. Embrace the new 2025 Audi S5 as the successor to the beloved S4, bringing exciting power and tech.
2. Explore the S5's extensive and quirky lighting features, from welcome sequences to 3D turn signals.
3. Get ready for a unique roof experience with the S5's massive, non-opening glass roof that can switch between transparent and opaque.
4. Understand the model lineup shift: the A4 becomes the A5 sedan, and the S4 becomes the S5 sedan, with Sportback versions continuing alongside.
5. Be aware of the significant price increase for the 2025 S5, starting around $63,000.
6. Note the power bump to approximately 365 horsepower from the turbo V6 engine.
7. Experience the new dual-clutch automatic transmission for quicker shifts.
8. Appreciate the S5's attractive, softer, and curvier exterior design.
9. Get used to the electronic door poppers instead of traditional handles.
10. Discover the backlit, pulsing S logo on the seatbacks.
11. Navigate the massive infotainment screen, but be prepared for climate controls to be fully integrated into the screen.
12. Acknowledge that the gauge cluster configurability has decreased compared to older Audi models.
13. Notice the minimized climate vents, designed to blend into the interior.
14. Find headlight controls integrated into the driver's door panel touchpad.
15. Appreciate the driver-focused interior with nice materials and a flat-bottom steering wheel.
16. Get familiar with the unique switch-like gear selector that frees up center console space.
17. Expect decent, but not huge, rear-seat space, with a rather unusable center seat.
18. Utilize rear-seat amenities like USB-C ports, climate vents, and heated seats.
19. Observe the cool rear door panel lighting that changes color with temperature adjustments.
20. Utilize the foot-activated tailgate opening, signaled by a projected light on the bumper.
21. Enjoy the spacious hatchback cargo area, larger than a traditional sedan trunk.
22. Be aware of the lack of household-style power outlets, only a 12-volt cigarette lighter style is available.
23. Experience a surprisingly engaging and well-balanced driving dynamic, despite lower horsepower than rivals.
24. Appreciate the potent mid-range power delivery of the powertrain.
25. Note a slight improvement in low-speed throttle response compared to the SQ5.
26. Enjoy the S5's quiet and smooth ride, offering a comfortable luxury car experience.
27. Recognize the dual-clutch automatic transmission as a smooth and quick performer.
28. Consider the S5 a worthy successor to the S4, modernizing and improving upon its predecessor.
29. The 2025 Audi S5 scores a 63 out of 100, offering strong tech, design, and driving experience, but rivals may offer more power for the price.
📊 Detailed Explanation
1. Embrace the new 2025 Audi S5 as the successor to the beloved S4, bringing exciting power and tech. The S4 was a fan favorite, and the S5 steps up to fill its shoes, promising a compelling blend of performance and modern features that enthusiasts will appreciate. It's not just a facelift; it's a significant evolution.
2. Explore the S5's extensive and quirky lighting features, from welcome sequences to 3D turn signals. Audi has gone all out with lighting! When you unlock the car, you get a cool welcome sequence for the headlights and a dynamic "dance" for the tail lights. The turn signals are a standout: they're integrated *behind* the tail lights in the rear for a 3D effect, and they sweep across the entire headlight up front. Even the interior gets in on the action with light pipes on the dashboard illuminating the turn signal direction. Plus, you can actually customize the orientation of the welcome light sequence through the infotainment system – how wild is that?
3. Get ready for a unique roof experience with the S5's massive, non-opening glass roof that can switch between transparent and opaque. Forget traditional sunshades! This S5 features a huge glass roof that covers the entire car. Instead of opening, you can control its opacity with a switch, making it clear or frosted. The coolest part? You can even segment it, having parts transparent and others opaque, and even have them light up in alternating patterns. It's definitely a quirky and innovative approach to a panoramic roof.
4. Understand the model lineup shift: the A4 becomes the A5 sedan, and the S4 becomes the S5 sedan, with Sportback versions continuing alongside. This is a bit of a mind-bender for 2025. The A4 sedan is gone, replaced by the A5 sedan, and the S4 sedan is now the S5 sedan. What's even more interesting is that Audi will continue to sell the *outgoing* A5 and S5 Sportback models alongside the brand-new sedans for 2025. So, you'll have two generations and two body styles (sedan and Sportback) of the A5/S5 available, which could lead to some confusion for buyers.
5. Be aware of the significant price increase for the 2025 S5, starting around $63,000. This new S5 isn't cheap. It represents a pretty substantial jump in price compared to its predecessors, the outgoing S4 (around $56k) and S5 Sportback (around $59k). This higher starting price of $63,000 is a key factor to consider when evaluating its value.
6. Note the power bump to approximately 365 horsepower from the turbo V6 engine. While the engine is still a turbo V6, Audi has managed to extract a bit more power, boosting it from around 350 horses to approximately 365. It's not a massive leap, but it's a welcome improvement that helps justify some of the price increase.
7. Experience the new dual-clutch automatic transmission for quicker shifts. The S5 ditches the old torque converter automatic for a new dual-clutch transmission. This change is designed to make acceleration feel quicker and shifts more precise, enhancing the sporty driving experience.
8. Appreciate the S5's attractive, softer, and curvier exterior design. Audi has opted for a more subtle and elegant design for the new S5. Unlike many automakers going for aggressive, sharp lines, the S5 features softer, curvier contours that give it a sophisticated and well-proportioned look. It's a refreshing departure from the overly angular trends in the industry.
9. Get used to the electronic door poppers instead of traditional handles. Forget grabbing a handle to open the door. The S5 uses an electronic popper system. You'll need to reach into a slot and press a button to have the door pop open electronically. It's a modern touch that adds to the car's tech-forward feel.
10. Discover the backlit, pulsing S logo on the seatbacks. Audi continues its lighting theme inside with the S logo on the seatbacks. It's not just printed; it's backlit and actually pulses softly when you get in, creating a cool, welcoming effect that ties into the car's overall lighting strategy.
11. Navigate the massive infotainment screen, but be prepared for climate controls to be fully integrated into the screen. The centerpiece of the interior is a huge infotainment screen. While it's responsive and easy to use, with great Google Maps integration, be aware that *all* climate controls, including defroster, are managed through the screen. There are no physical buttons for HVAC, though frequently used climate controls like heated seats are always accessible at the bottom of the screen.
12. Acknowledge that the gauge cluster configurability has decreased compared to older Audi models. While the digital gauge cluster is good and configurable, it's actually *less* customizable than in previous Audi models. The reviewer misses the ability to have a full-screen map and multiple information displays simultaneously, suggesting that with so much screen real estate, Audi might have felt less integration was needed.
13. Notice the minimized climate vents, designed to blend into the interior. To achieve a cleaner interior look, Audi has made the climate vents, especially the central ones, very small and discreet. This is a trend among automakers trying to hide these functional elements for a more minimalist aesthetic.
14. Find headlight controls integrated into the driver's door panel touchpad. In an unusual placement, the headlight controls are part of an electronic button touchpad on the driver's door panel, alongside controls for mirrors, windows, child locks, and seat memory. It's a bit of an odd spot but contributes to the clean dashboard design.
15. Appreciate the driver-focused interior with nice materials and a flat-bottom steering wheel. Despite the large screens, the interior feels well-appointed with good quality materials. The layout is driver-focused, and the flat-bottom steering wheel adds to the sporty feel, making it a pleasant place to spend time.
16. Get familiar with the unique switch-like gear selector that frees up center console space. The gear selector isn't a traditional lever but a small switch. Pushing forward for reverse, pulling back for drive, and neutral in the middle. This compact design frees up valuable space in the center console for things like cup holders and wireless charging.
17. Expect decent, but not huge, rear-seat space, with a rather unusable center seat. The rear seats offer a decent amount of space for adults, an improvement over previous small sports sedans. However, the center seat is practically unusable due to its lack of amenities and a significant floor hump that compromises legroom.
18. Utilize rear-seat amenities like USB-C ports, climate vents, and heated seats. Passengers in the back aren't forgotten, with two USB-C ports for charging, climate vents, and heated rear seats, along with some basic temperature adjustment capabilities. These are nice touches for a car in this segment.
19. Observe the cool rear door panel lighting that changes color with temperature adjustments. A neat lighting trick in the rear is that the door panel lighting changes color to reflect temperature adjustments – red for warmer, blue for cooler. This is a feature seen in Mercedes-Benz but is a nice addition to the S5's rear cabin.
20. Utilize the foot-activated tailgate opening, signaled by a projected light on the bumper. For ultimate convenience when your hands are full, the S5 projects a small triangular light onto the ground near the rear bumper. This indicates where to swipe your foot to automatically open the hatchback, and the light turns off when you walk away.
21. Enjoy the spacious hatchback cargo area, larger than a traditional sedan trunk. Being a hatchback, the S5 offers a generous cargo area that's more versatile and spacious than a typical sedan trunk. The rear seats also fold down for even more utility.
22. Be aware of the lack of household-style power outlets, only a 12-volt cigarette lighter style is available. A minor disappointment is the absence of household-style power outlets. You'll only find a traditional 12-volt outlet in the cargo area and likely elsewhere, which is less convenient than a standard plug.
23. Experience a surprisingly engaging and well-balanced driving dynamic, despite lower horsepower than rivals. Even though the S5 has less horsepower on paper than its BMW and Mercedes-Benz competitors, it delivers a remarkably engaging and fun driving experience. The steering has good weight, turn-in is sharp, and the car feels incredibly flat and grippy through corners, defying its power deficit.
24. Appreciate the potent mid-range power delivery of the powertrain. While not the most powerful, the S5's engine feels potent and responsive in the mid-range, giving you a strong sense of having a "weapon" under your foot when you need to accelerate.
25. Note a slight improvement in low-speed throttle response compared to the SQ5. The reviewer noticed that the low-speed throttle response, which was a minor criticism of the SQ5, feels slightly more refined and responsive in the S5, making it feel a bit more immediate off the line.
26. Enjoy the S5's quiet and smooth ride, offering a comfortable luxury car experience. The S5 provides a hushed and comfortable ride, making it a pleasant place to be. While not S-Class level of floaty luxury, it strikes a good balance between sporty handling and everyday comfort, with minimal road and wind noise.
27. Recognize the dual-clutch automatic transmission as a smooth and quick performer. The new dual-clutch transmission is a highlight, delivering quick, smooth shifts at both low and high speeds. It doesn't feel clunky or hunt for gears, making it a superior transmission choice in the reviewer's opinion.
28. Consider the S5 a worthy successor to the S4, modernizing and improving upon its predecessor. Overall, the 2025 S5 successfully carries forward the spirit of the S4 while modernizing it with new technology, a refreshed design, and an improved driving experience. It's a great car that's better than what came before.
29. The 2025 Audi S5 scores a 63 out of 100, offering strong tech, design, and driving experience, but rivals may offer more power for the price. The S5 earns a respectable 63 out of 100. It excels in technology, styling, and its engaging driving dynamics. However, its key weakness compared to rivals like the BMW M340i and Mercedes-AMG C43 is its lower horsepower output for a similar price point, which might influence purchase decisions for some buyers.
🎯 Expert Opinion
The 2025 Audi S5 is a fascinating evolution, and frankly, a bold move by Audi. Replacing the S4 with the S5 sedan is a strategic shift, acknowledging the market's preference for sedans over coupes and convertibles, and also the blurring lines between model designations. The continued availability of the outgoing Sportback alongside the new sedan is a masterclass in market segmentation and potentially a way to capture buyers who prefer the older styling or a different body style, albeit at the risk of consumer confusion. This dual-offering strategy is something we've seen before from manufacturers trying to maximize their product lifecycle and appeal to diverse buyer preferences.
The pricing strategy is aggressive. A nearly $7,000 increase over the outgoing S4 is substantial, especially when you consider that its primary rivals, the M340i and C43, offer more horsepower for a similar outlay. This is where Audi is taking a calculated risk. They're betting that the S5's unique blend of cutting-edge, albeit quirky, technology (especially the lighting and the electrochromic roof), its refined and understated design, and its surprisingly engaging driving dynamics will outweigh the raw power deficit on paper. The dual-clutch transmission is a smart choice; the industry has largely come full circle, realizing that a well-executed dual-clutch can offer the best of both worlds – the engagement and speed of a manual with the refinement of an automatic, often surpassing older torque converter automatics in pure performance metrics.
The interior design, dominated by screens, is very much in line with current automotive trends. However, the complete removal of physical climate controls is a point of contention for many enthusiasts and drivers. While Audi has kept essential climate functions accessible at the bottom of the screen, the need to dive into menus for basic functions like defrosting can be a distraction and a safety concern while driving. This is a trend I predict will face increasing pushback from consumers and potentially regulatory scrutiny if it proves to be a significant safety hazard. The reduced configurability of the digital gauge cluster is also a curious decision. In an era of increasing digital real estate, limiting customization feels like a missed opportunity to enhance the driver's experience and information access.
From a driving perspective, the reviewer's surprise at the S5's handling and engagement, despite its power deficit, is telling. Audi has always excelled at creating cars that feel solid, composed, and confidence-inspiring. It seems they've prioritized chassis tuning and driver feedback over outright horsepower in this iteration. This approach can often lead to a more rewarding driving experience in real-world scenarios, where agility and balance are often more crucial than straight-line speed. The mid-range power delivery is key here; for spirited driving, that surge of torque when you need it most is what truly matters.
The "quirks" are what make this car stand out. The lighting sequences, the dynamic roof, the projected footwell light for the tailgate – these are not just features; they are brand differentiators. Audi is clearly aiming to inject personality and a sense of occasion into the ownership experience. The question is whether these unique elements will be seen as charming innovations or unnecessary complications by the broader market. The lack of household power outlets is a minor but noticeable omission in a car at this price point, especially when compared to some competitors that offer them.
Looking ahead, the S5 faces a challenging but potentially rewarding future. Its success will hinge on whether its technological innovations and driving dynamics can sway buyers who are accustomed to prioritizing horsepower figures. The Audi RS3, mentioned as a comparable alternative, offers a more focused performance experience and arguably a more aggressive aesthetic, which might appeal to a different segment. However, for those seeking a more refined, technologically advanced, and subtly stylish sport sedan that prioritizes engaging driving over brute force, the 2025 S5 presents a compelling, albeit expensive, proposition. It's a car that demands a closer look beyond the spec sheet to truly appreciate its character.
Kanal: Doug DeMuro