I got a sprint blue S5 in January. I love it. There are some fantastic high speed and mountain driving opportunities in northern CA where I live. Aside from the amazing looks and interior, the power and handling are superb. The gear box was easy to master and now that its broken in I can experience the full acceleration. I never thought I would say that I have enough power...but too much more and I would get into serious trouble! The most amazing thing about the S5 is the handling. I have pulled more Gs in that car than I ever thought possible in a car of that size and weight. Its simply amazing and I definitely have not had the b**ls to test the limits of cornering, but in a smooth road situation, I expect I never will find those limits. The thing just sticks. I am also in love with the broad band torque. Its great to be able to pass anything going 70Mph or more in 6th gear. The acceleration is remarkably smooth from 0 to 120 which you can get to very quickly! Even though it is supposed to be limited to 130 mph I have had it up to almost 140. At about 130 things start to get a bit lost in terms of road feel, but I think that would be true of many cars in this class. I never felt insecure at any time, even when cornering at very high speeds. If I was routinely driving at those speeds, I would probably tighten up the suspension somehow.

I also drove an 650i, 550clk, and several others, and the S5 was the clear choice for me (and the least expensive of the bunch). I have had no problems so far, except that I think I was supposed to have voice activation and I can't get it to work...I may need new software, but they will check that at my 3500 mile checkup which I need now. I don't have side assist or the ride adjustments, but frankly, I have no interest in those items.

One thing is certain, the car turns a lot of heads, and I have been stopped by at least a dozen people who want to ogle it. Its a nice to have something unique for a while anyway.

I am interested in upgrades, the only ones I have found are a chip upgrade which takes you from 354 to 371 horse power and about as many torque ft-lbs. for about $1K and a 30K MTM supercharger upgrade (440HP, oh yeah). If I cold find a cheaper supercharger I might go for it. I would need to upgrade suspension...I think the brakes are ok because there isn't much of a weight increase. So much for not wanting more power!

Any ideas?

In summary, of all the cars I drove, the S5 was the fastest, raciest, best handling, best looking exterior and nicest interior. About my only complaint is that the dash bezel around the gauges and MMF feels a bit cheap and hollow. I would love to find a carbon fiber version at some point.

By any measure, the S5 is the best car I have ever experienced, and I think a good candidate for the best Audi ever made.

 

Have any pics of your S5?

I'd like to see that blue

Saw an S5 today.. they look pretty good


Now just imagine twin hair dryers on that V8

 

Is it just the perspective or is his fuel door slightly open?

 

haha.. I was looking at that too..

I didn't notice it open on the road but maybe

 

how about we race, see if that s5 can beat my s4 ;]