Doug DeMuro gives the 2008 Audi S5 a highly positive 80/100 rating, praising it as a cool, desirable vehicle that represents the peak era of naturally aspirated V8s with manual transmissions. The car excels in livability and driving technology, featuring clever touches like an adjustable center console armrest, rear climate vents unusual for a coupe, and adaptive cruise control rare in 2008 manuals, while its 354-horsepower naturally aspirated V8 engine and six-speed manual deliver a true old-school driving experience that outpowers modern turbocharged alternatives. The main drawback is Audi's historically questionable reliability, and the interior contains more cheap plastic in the center control stack than expected, though DeMuro notes this was standard for the mid-to-late 2000s. This car is ideal for enthusiasts seeking a beautiful, driver-focused performance coupe who can accept potential reliability concerns and appreciate the engineering of a simpler, pre-turbo era.