2008 Audi S5 Road Test Video

By Edmunds Video Productions | Published October 14, 2009

3:15 min

2008 Audi S5 With the 2008 Audi S5, the technoid visionaries of Ingolstadt have finally realized what sells: speed and style. The S5 is set apart from the conventional A5 coupe by a painted radiator grille, more aggressive bumpers, silver-painted outside mirrors, and four oval tailpipes. Not to mention a 354-horsepower, 4.2-liter V8 engine. Overall, this is a car that makes its luxury statement with color and chrome, a look that sets it apart from its German counterparts, the BMW 6 Series and Mercedes CLK. But the change doesn�t stop there. Audi engineers have reconfigured the basic chassis architecture, and the result is a whole new road feel for an Audi. On the skid pad, the S5 feels easily balanced as it hits 0.91g, which is a tick more than the Audi RS4 sedan achieves. The S5 balances nicely on its 19-inch tires through the slalom as well, recording a speed of 68.6 mph, slightly less than the RS4 sedan. Audi's 4.2-liter V8 delivers a 0-to-60 mph number of 4.9 seconds and sends the S5 through the quarter-mile in 13.3 seconds at 104.6 mph. Its standard 17-inch discs bring the car to a halt from 60 mph in just 110 feet. But the Audi S5 is up to more than just showy test track numbers. It's meant to travel enormous distances at high speed, undeterred by the character of the road or the nature of the weather. Audi achieves something new with its all-wheel-drive system here. Instead of simply adding a dimension of reassuring stability, it energizes the S5. The S5 feels poised and alert, completely different than an A4 sedan or even an RS4. On the inside, the S5 rejects conventional German austerity for a warm, expressive look, and everything feels good to the touch. Audi has managed the transition to mobile electronics with far more flair and good sense than its competitors. The navigation screen is high in the dash and the Audi MMI system has an intuitive, user-friendly interface. For decades, Audi has been an artistic success in the U.S., but large-scale commercial success has eluded them. Though the A5 and S5 will likely generate relatively modest sales numbers, their bold, inviting style might just contribute to a much broader success for the Audi brand as a whole.