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The Audi S5 Falls Short In The TTAC Acid Test
I really want a Mercedes Black Series AMG. It’s a practical, sharp looking car, and nothing clears my head like Saturn V quality thrust. But my spouse’s desire to share her dotage with yours truly conspires against it. So, after driving a BMW 6-Series and finding it a bit… sclerotic, I wandered over to my local Audi dealer in search of something slinkier and kinkier. And there she was: a brand new S5 coupe on the showroom floor, shooting me come hither glances. So thither I went. Ah, but did I tarry long enough to take possession of Ingolstadt’s two-door Q-ship?

Walter de'Silva claims the S5 is his meisterwerk. As Walt penned the Gorgonesque Q7, I reckon he’s damning himself with self-praise. Like the TT and Bimmer’s Bangle bungles, the S5 suffers from a surfeit of surfaces: artfully indented panels, swoopy swage lines, blistered wheels arches, chrome window surrounds, a Billy the Big Mouth bass grill, angry eyes headlights (complete with LED mascara) and more. The S5’s basic shape and stance are purposeful, but the “auto emoción” here is nothing more than a hissy fit.

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The Audi S5 Falls Short In The TTAC Acid Test



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quizzquizz - 12/26/2007 3:24:18 PM
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Too bad it was a bit overproduced without any power to justify its existence as an "S" series.

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LexSucksLexSucks - 12/26/2007 3:28:30 PM
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You are 100% correct. Audi always offers the least amount of oomph for the most amount of money. The fact that folks are comparing the S5 against the 335 suggest that the Audi isn't in the league that they are pricing it in.


TimmyGTimmyG - 12/27/2007 6:04:55 PM
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Totally agree with the fact that comparing it to a 3.35ci begs the question "does it deserve the S badge?".

Audi are so used to having an "RS" model up their sleeve that they throw the "S" on any old thing.

And look what they did with the B6 S4.. so soon after released a B7 RS4 (okay, it was a lot pricier, but it made it look very bad in comparison)!


ThaR8DonThaR8Don - 12/27/2007 11:04:08 PM
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All these props for a car that is only .1 seconds faster 0-60 and not even comparing appels to appels. Show us the 335xi numbers on 0-60 compared to the S5. I work for a dealer that carrys both Audi and BMW and I don't personally see it. Audi makes some of the most amazing cars to me. They may not allways put out the fastest car upfront but they have proven in Le Mans they can do it when they feel like it.. It's a great car for the money! Get over it Audi has a winner!


ThaR8DonThaR8Don - 12/27/2007 11:13:37 PM
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oops mispelled apples...lol


JRobUSCJRobUSC - 12/28/2007 12:49:02 PM
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thaR8don, if you work for a dealer that sells both BMW and Audi models you should already know the 335xi is actually quicker 0-60 than the 335i by 0.1 seconds with a manual and 0.2 seconds with an automatic.


JUGNUJUGNU - 12/26/2007 3:42:48 PMView My AgentSpace
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yes i think a V8 powered 350BHP car (S5) shouldn't be compared with the 6 cylinder 300BHP car (335i, G37)

It's suppose to be better. But S5 isn't.

JUGNU


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DaHarderDaHarder - 12/26/2007 9:52:24 PM
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Audi's often appeal to a very different type of driver/buyer than BMW...

I don't believe that the A5/S5 need necessarily be a 'better' overall performer than BMW's offerings, especially given that 'better' often means different things to different people.

Maybe those buyers Audi is targeting consider 'better' to mean...

- 'Better' Styling

- 'Better' Fit and Finish

- 'Better' Ergonomics

- 'Better' Manufacturing Materials

'Better' is simply too subjective a term to use so haphazardly, as 'better' to Me might well not be 'better' to you.


TimmyGTimmyG - 12/27/2007 6:08:41 PM
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DaHarder: you've got to admit though, Audi have very overtly been aiming for performance credibility with their recent models, so one would think with an S model they are trying to impress people looking for performance.


ChipChip - 12/26/2007 4:23:08 PM
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There is a white S5 with Mustang Brown interior that has been at my local Audi dealer for a few weeks now. I finally popped in to check it out, and the salesmen was practically begging for me to purchase it....

I drove it, was totally unimpressed, my 335i is quicker and feels much more agile and is a whole lot more fun to drive.

Not to mention, my car was 7 grand cheaper and came with free maintenance.

I think this car is certainly a step up for Audi, but its still lacking in certain areas that would prevent me from actually buying one.

Several people that day also remarked how similiar the coupes design was to my E92, especially because both cars were parked next to each other and painted white.

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ThierryHenry14ThierryHenry14 - 12/26/2007 4:51:45 PM
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1. The review had way too much metaphors. I thought I was back in English class for a second there...

2. I think that the S5 is a great car, and of course, it is definitely not as quick and crisp as a 335xi, mainly because its a BMW... :) But I think that the S5's pricing and performance is definitely something that I question.

3. I would still buy it because I think its a great looking car and its extremely well built.

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chewychewy - 12/26/2007 9:24:12 PMView My AgentSpace
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The S5 is quicker than the 335i in all categories.


theoptimisticpessimisttheoptimisticpessimist - 12/26/2007 4:57:12 PM
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Whats with the goofy sunroof, BMW 6er has the same problem.

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AudiphileAudiphile - 12/27/2007 1:39:22 AM
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The shape of the S5/A5 roof will not allow a fully retracting sunroof. The 6-series BMW might have the same problem.


theoptimisticpessimisttheoptimisticpessimist - 12/27/2007 12:09:10 PM
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Oh please, the 911 has a sunroof.


DaHarderDaHarder - 12/26/2007 9:40:19 PM
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Jay Shoemaker often comes across as little more than the Dennis Miller of automotive journalism.

Note to Mr. Shoemaker anyone can use a thesaurus, the key is to know your audience and use said reference wisely...

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AudiphileAudiphile - 12/27/2007 2:47:28 AM
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I am too tall to fit into either the Audi S5 or the BMW 335i coupe. As I do not have a dog in this fight, I think I can objectively evaluate these two splendid cars.

The S5 is often described as a GT, while the 335i seems to have a more sporty character. However, the Audi and the BMW are very closely matched in terms of actual performance. (The reviews in "Car & Driver" and "Road & Track" make this clear.) Surprisingly, the BMW can almost match the Audi's acceleration numbers, even though the Audi has a 54-hp advantage and a better power-to-weight ratio. The BMW has much better gas mileage than the Audi as well. (Apparently BMW is being very conservative with the hp and torque ratings for that twin-turbo 3.5-liter six.) The Audi would have the handling advantage in bad weather. One could purchase the 335xi if one wanted to improve the BMW's bad-weather capability, but that car would not accelerate or handle as well as the S5.

There is nothing really wrong with the 335i's exterior styling, but here the S5 wins hands down.

The Audi's interior design, materials, and fit and finish are better than the BMW's, even though there is nothing really wrong with the Bimmer's interior. The Audi has a larger trunk, but the BMW has more rear-seat headroom. (That said, someone as tall as me - 6'4" with a long torso - would not be comfortable in either car's rear seat.)

If both cars were comparably equipped, the BMW would be a few thousand dollars cheaper. However, I wouldn't think a $4-5,000 price difference would mean much when shopping for cars this expensive. That goes double when one is considering cars like these two, where emotions play such a large role in the final purchase decision. These cars are sport coupes, not refrigerators.

So there you have it. No "slam dunk" victory for either car. Six of one and half-dozen of the other. Decide which vehicle is more appealing or better meets your needs, and make your purchase decision accordingly. I don't think you would be disappointed with either one.







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JRobUSCJRobUSC - 12/28/2007 12:51:15 PM
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except the 335xi is quicker than the 335i.


AudiphileAudiphile - 12/29/2007 1:27:54 AM
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Where did you hear that, JRob? The 335xi is heavier than the 335i, so I don't see how the AWD 335 would have better dry-surface acceleration. Also, the 335xi would have more weight over the front wheels, thus its handling would be adversely affected as well.


ChipChip - 12/29/2007 3:22:44 PM
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Audiphile-

Im a 335i driver. The car puts so much power down to those rear wheels, that the addition of AWD makes it a little quicker, (because the 335i doesnt have a Limited Slip Differential), there is a brief moment before the wheels gain traction and you can take off. The AWD just puts the power down RIGHT NOW.

If youve driven a BMW with the turbo six, you'd understand.

The 335xi is faster than a 335i.....that my friend is a fact.


TimmyGTimmyG - 12/27/2007 6:15:57 PM
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amazingBimmer: I am very pro-BMW and know they are the leader of the 3 mainstream German manufacturers in terms of handling.

But Audi have achieved more recently against Merc in that segment with the RS4 and R8. I love the C63, but the reviews I've seen show it has too much power and not a good enough chassis to handle it (what chassis could handle that much power??)

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GermanNutGermanNut - 12/27/2007 11:28:54 AM
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engine or chassis firepower???? somebody just conveniently fails to mention the forthcoming RS5, the RS6, the TT-RS, and R8 V10.

Those four cars will show you Audi's lack of engine or chassis firepower, AmazinIdiot.

480 horsepower V8 with Audi's trademark RS magic for the RS5. BMW's M3 is only packing 420 and the RS5 is lighter than the RS4 remember that one.

580 horespower, twin-turbo V10 and again Audi's trademark RS magic for the RS6. The sedan version of the RS6 has been tested unofficially as 0-60 in 3.6 seconds. The BMW M5 has only achieved 4.1 as its best time.

350 horsepower 5 cylinder for the TTRS to take down the Z4M roadster.

500 horsepower NA V10 for the R8, which will propel the V10 model to 60 in the mid 3-second range.


What say you, Moron???


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GermanNutGermanNut - 12/27/2007 11:32:55 AM
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Answer me this amazinIdit: Why don't you EVER post on an Audi R8 article?

I ask that you attempt to bash Audi's R8, and in the process of doing so, look like a fool on another article that I will post where the Audi wins a comparison test against such cars as the Porsche 911 C4S, Aston Martin V8 Vantage, Jaguar XKR, BMW M6 etc....

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tattedtwicetattedtwice - 12/27/2007 2:43:58 PM
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This dude it about as credible as any president with the last name bush. I take the word of anyone who openly admits to wanting something as overrated and underwhelming as a black series, with half of a half of a grain of salt.

His assessment is pretty much the exact opposite of almost every credible review written about the S. Even in this week's Autoweek, the article completely contradicts his. Where he says the design elements come across as a "hissy fit," AW says it's "absolutely fantastic." Where he disses the interior, AW calls it "nearly as impressive (as the exterior)". Where he says the seats are a "disappointment," AW says they're "some of the best available."

They also find the MMI operation intuitive, and praised the tranny and the car's handling; once again, things this geek knocked. Bottom line, if I had his article in print, it wouldn't even be worth wiping up dog vomit.

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LexusLexus - 12/27/2007 6:41:13 PM
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The title of the article read "The Audi S5 Falls Short", that all everyone up here need to know. For car that cost to up to $60k, it pathetic. The even the regular 335i beat this thing. Just imagine what an M3 could do to this car?



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1evlaudi1evlaudi - 12/28/2007 1:01:36 AMView My AgentSpace
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I am still amazed at the ignorance, the blindness and the bias of some of you guys, to name a few, Lexus and amazing bimmers.

I said that before, regarding the S5, this is not a competition to the M3 and this is barely a competition to the 335i. This is more something in between the 335i, the M3 and the 6 series.
The 6 is too much of a luxo-barge and the 3 series is too much of a "boyracer" image, so Audi decided to try to fill the gap in between.

If you, fanboys, can't see and appreciate that, then you should not call yourselves car enthusiasts. Anyway, what car enthusiast has the handle "lexus"
Because there is surely no enthusiasm in this brand...
Lexus= Looser, Explain U S*ck

Anyway, I agree with Tattedwice, this guy oesn't know s*%t about cars, and voices his opinion, but with no knowledge, no fact finding and in total opposition of most of mainstream automotive magazines.

SO WHO CARES BUT AGENT 009, TRYING TO START ANOTHER FLAME WARS.

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c36amgc36amg - 12/28/2007 6:35:25 AMView My AgentSpace
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well its better looking than a 6 series at least.

I WOULD RECOMMEND ALL OF YOU TO BUY A SL or A CL klasse. It will provide solutions to all of your problems. ;)

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0to600to60 - 12/28/2007 5:36:26 PM
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I like it and would choose it over the 335 coupe. It just looks better. However I havet driven it.

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