Critics Consensus
A tech-forward luxury daily driver that impresses with cabin refinement and practical versatility, though it underdelivers on the raw sportiness its S badge promises—best for those who want the prestige and customizable LEDs over genuine track credentials.
7 Reviews
Doug DeMuro gives the 2025 Audi S5 a strong 87.9/100 rating, praising its modernized design, enhanced performance, and impressive tech features. The car excels in practicality with hatchback versatility and foldable rear seats, while the new dual-clutch transmission and boosted 365-horsepower engine deliver better acceleration than its predecessors, complemented by stylish lighting sequences and softer, curvier exterior lines. However, comfort takes a hit in the rear—while outboard passengers get decent legroom and climate vents, the center rear seat is hampered by a "laughable" floor hump that eliminates footroom. The S5 is an excellent choice for buyers seeking a practical, modern sport sedan with strong performance and don't need the smaller RS3.
▶ Watch Review ↗Redline Reviews gives the 2025 Audi S5 Prestige a positive 71/100 OctaneScore, praising its excellent value proposition—starting at $62,700, roughly $4,000-$6,000 less than comparable BMW and Mercedes models—alongside genuinely impressive performance, with 362 horsepower, 0-60 in an estimated 4.0 seconds, and a spacious new design that's significantly larger than the previous generation. The cabin impresses with premium tech features like the programmable panoramic sunroof with independent segments and full OLED tail lights, though the reviewer notes some quality concerns with plastic trim and piano black elements that feel less refined. Notable drawbacks include disappointing fuel economy (22 combined MPG after Audi removed the 48-volt mild hybrid from the US model) and reliability concerns highlighted by cheaper-feeling materials like the new key fob's plastic construction. The S5 is ideal for buyers seeking a sporty, tech-rich luxury sedan that delivers genuine performance and value without the premium price tag of German competitors.
▶ Watch Review ↗SavageGeese gives the 2025 Audi S5 a positive 78/100 rating, praising it as an excellent sport sedan that successfully balances luxury and performance. The car excels in livability and reliability, featuring a larger interior with excellent heated/cooled/massaging seats, premium German materials that rival Porsche quality, and a user-friendly three-screen dashboard with Android-based software and ChatGPT integration. However, the S5 falls short on raw performance compared to competitors—it lacks the efficiency of BMW's hybrid drivetrains and suffers from clunkiness around town due to no electrification, plus pricing climbs into the mid-$70k range when fully loaded. The S5 is ideal for drivers seeking an engaging, luxurious daily driver for back-road enjoyment who prioritize interior quality and tech over track-day capability or fuel economy.
▶ Watch Review ↗Auto Buyers Guide gives the 2025 Audi S5 a positive 68/100 rating, praising its livability and fuel efficiency as standout strengths—the DCT transmission delivers smooth stop-and-go performance while the adaptive suspension balances comfort and handling without compromise. Performance is another major highlight, with the S5 hitting 60 mph in 4.8 seconds, stopping in 101 feet, and using torque vectoring to corner better than most Audi sedans. The main drawback is value, with the S5 starting at $62,700—roughly $4,000 more than the BMW M340i it directly competes with—and a minor note that it carries slightly more front-end weight than comparable rivals. This is the car for buyers who prioritize daily drivability and fun performance over getting the best price in the sport sedan segment.
▶ Watch Review ↗Redline Reviews gives the 2025 Audi S5 Edition One a strong 82/100 rating, praising its bolder design that resembles the A7 Sportback, innovative cabin technology including customizable OLED headlights and digital key functionality, and excellent livability with nearly 23 cubic feet of cargo space and a power opening hatch. The turbocharged V6 delivers impressive performance with 362 horsepower and class-leading 406 lb-ft of torque, enabling 0-60 times around 4.3 seconds, while the S5 achieves solid fuel economy at 19/28 mpg. The main drawback is the $5,000 price increase over last year's model—starting at $62,700—paired with some interior material downgrades like plastic door handles and hard-touch plastics that feel cheaper than the previous generation. This S5 is ideal for buyers seeking a powerful, tech-forward luxury sport sedan who can stomach the premium pricing and don't require cutting-edge interior materials.
▶ Watch Review ↗Redline Reviews gives the 2025 Audi S5 Prestige a strongly positive 77/100 OctaneScore, praising its redesigned interior with the latest infotainment, customizable digital light signatures on both front and rear, and newly enlarged LED/OLED headlights that modernize the design language. The vehicle excels in livability and performance—featuring a 3.0L turbocharged V6 producing 362 hp, adaptive suspension lowered 30mm, and an extra 1.5 inches of headroom—making it a compelling package for luxury-minded enthusiasts. However, the $5,000 price increase over the previous generation raises value concerns, and some cost-cutting is evident in plasticky door handles and interior trim despite premium Alcantara in key areas. The S5 is built for buyers who prioritize cutting-edge tech and performance over aggressive pricing, and who want the BMW and Mercedes competitor experience without paying $70,000+.
▶ Watch Review ↗Throttle House gives the 2025 Audi S5 a mixed review (47/100), acknowledging it as a competent cruiser despite some significant compromises. The S5 excels in livability with excellent ride quality courtesy of adaptive dampers and strong overtaking power, though reviewers note it lacks the thrilling performance you'd expect from a sports car designation. The cabin tech and design take notable hits due to the removal of physical buttons, gimmicky features like customizable tail lights, and a plasticky Audi grille that undermines the S badge's prestige. The S5 is for drivers who prioritize comfort and everyday usability over dynamic engagement, though the loss of tactile controls and premium feel may disappoint those seeking something genuinely "spicy."
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