AUDI S5 Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

Sophisticated, a real head-turner with a classy-sporty design, powerful and refined are the words the describe the 2016 Audi S5.

Available in coupe or a convertible body style, both versions were offered with two trim levels: Premium Plus and Prestige.

While the Premium Plus offered lots of comfort equipment such as tri-zone automatic climate control, heated power front sport seats and driver memory functions, it lacked one of the most desired feature, Bluetooth audio streaming. With the S5 being around for quite some time, it still kept the Audi’s proprietary digital music interface that became a bit dated. Bluetooth audio could be added with the optional Technology package for extra cost.

Other features with the base model included 18-inch alloys, xenon headlights, LED running lights and LED running stoplights, keyless entry and keyless go, driver memory functions, a premium Bang & Olufsen audio system, Bluetooth connectivity and a 6.5-inch display.

Stepping up to the top-of-the-range, the Prestige trim level added adaptive headlights and included the Technology package that came with Bluetooth streaming audio, a navigation system, a larger display, front and rear parking sensors, a rearview camera and a blin-spot monitoring system.

Many other features were bundled into packages such as the Driver Assistance package, the Black Optic package and the Comfort package.

Other stand alone options offered included 19-inch alloys, a sport differential and adaptive suspension.

In 2012, Audi refreshed its coupe and brought the S5 performance model with big improvements on the S range of vehicles. While the pre-facelift version had a 4.2-liter V8 engine, now it has a supercharged V6. Power is kept at respectable values for its class with 333 hp. The biggest gains are on the fuel consumption, though, where the figures are lowered with 20% compared to its predecessor.

As part of the mid-generational refresh, the S5 undergoes some major front-end changes including a complete redesign of the headlights - this means new DRL's, a brand new grille loosely based on the 2012 Audi A6 grille, and new fog lamps. Audi has also introduced a new rear diffuser that appears to be more cosmetic than the one found on previous models.

Like any other performance model, the S5 is offered with the quattro all-wheel-drive system. Performance is good for its segment with a 0-100 kph acceleration time of 4.9 seconds and a top speed limited at 250 kph.

Inside, there are many changes to the MMI infotainment unit, which now includes Google Earth images with selected Internet connectivity via an on-board SIM-card. Other subtle improvements are done on the dashboard and the seats, which are bolstered at a higher level. As usual in the S5 coupe, the rear seats are not so large, but good enough for passengers under 1.65 m (5.4 ft) high.

When Audi confirmed that it will launch a sport-coupe vehicle in the premium segment, the world was thrilled and, in 2007 it did it. And it did something more by adding the S5 version.

The Audi brand was built on two main pillars: the all-wheel-drive Quattro system and the Audi Coupe from the early '80s. A car that was famous on the World Rally Championship due to its all-wheel-drive system. Over time, it evolved with the introduction of the Audi Coupe B3 (1988 – 1996). After that moment, the only coupe vehicle from Audi was the TT, in the compact segment.

The 2007 Audi S5 featured a slightly modified bodywork of the A5 Coupe. Its front singleframe grille with silver surrounding and aggressive front apron was matched by the rest of the car. A sloped cabin resembled the Audi Coupe style, but more rounded. Like its notorious ancestor, it featured a trunk lid that was opened without the rear window. In the back, the four rounded exhausts were peaking under the rear bumper, with a wide diffuser between them.

Inside, the cabin featured a 5 seating configuration with bucket-seats in the front and a bench in the rear with the split-folding seatback. The dashboard featured an instrument cluster and the infotainment screen under the same roof. The low seating position was typical for a sports car.

Under the hood, the Audi engineers managed to fit a 4.2-liter V8 engine mated to a standard 6-speed manual or six-speed Tiptronic automatic. It was all-wheel-drive and had a 50:50 weight distribution.