Bring an Audi S4, wrap it in an enticing fastback package, and introduce a touch of unexpected practicality with a rear hatch; you have the S5 Sportback. Mercedes-Benz lacks a comparable offering, leaving the coupe-style BMW M440i as its sole natural competitor. Despite skeptics attempting to discredit the concept of a four-door coupe, the S5 Sportback presents a compelling argument for this niche. It delivers swift performance and everyday sophistication while maintaining an impressive steadiness.
The 349-horsepower V6 engine, smooth eight-speed automatic transmission, and Quattro all-wheel-drive ensure robust acceleration and unwavering traction in any weather condition. The driving experience is refined, with only minimal tire noise on the highway. The sleek design does come at the cost of a somewhat confined rear seat, and the standard S4’s boxy form provides more spacious accommodations. Nevertheless, there’s an undeniable allure to the 2023 Audi S5 Sportback model.
Table of Contents
What’s Changed for the 2023 Audi S5 Sportback?
For 2023, the Audi S5 Sportback gets subtle enhancements to distinguish it from the prior year’s edition. The Black Optic Plus appearance package introduces additional black features, such as a dark spoiler and exhaust tips. The optional Convenience package now incorporates adaptive cruise control. A new Audi Sport interior package is available for 2023, which brings red stitching and RS carbon inlays to the S5 Sportback’s black interior. Lastly, Chronos Gray replaces the Quantum Gray paint option.
2023 Audi S5 Sportback Review
In our 2023 Audi S5 Sportback review, we delve into the enhancements, powertrain, handling, and how it stacks up against rivals. Is this the luxury car for you?
Powertrain
With a displacement of 3.0 liters, the turbo V-6 showcases impressive power and torque, surpassing the supercharged engine of equivalent size found in the previous S5 generation. It delivers swift acceleration from a standstill and effortlessly handles overtaking on the highway. While the eight-speed automatic transmission performs well, it tends to favor second-gear starts in Comfort mode, which accentuates the initial turbo lag and results in a somewhat sluggish response from the S5 at the beginning. The EPA projects the 2023 Audi S5 Sportback to achieve fuel efficiency of around 21/30 miles per gallon in city and highway driving.
Handling and Driving Impressions
The S models offer a unique personality distinct from the more aggressive RS variants. While the S5 Sportback may not match the excitement and speed of rivals like the Mercedes-AMG C43 or the BMW M440i xDrive, it still boasts a respectable 349 horsepower turbocharged V6 and a 0-60 time of 4.5 seconds, which is more than sufficient for most enthusiasts. Its refined package and comfortable ride quality make the 2023 Audi S5 Sportback a practical choice for everyday driving, proving that sportiness doesn’t demand compromises.
It maintains a balance of compliance, grip, and composure despite lacking some steering feedback. However, it handles well and offers high grip levels. The initial acceleration in Comfort mode might feel a bit sluggish, but for added zest, the S Sport package provides an adaptive sport suspension and sport rear differential that enhance the driving experience. Dynamic steering with variable ratios is accessible on the two high-end variants for quicker responses.
Interior
The interior of the 2023 Audi S5 Sportback boasts premium materials, impeccable craftsmanship, and a user-friendly layout. Despite its sleek roofline, the Sportback offers generous space. If you require more room, the Audi S4 sedan, with the same mechanical underpinnings, provides nearly half an inch of additional legroom in the rear. All S5 Sportback models come equipped with indulgent features like heated and massaging front seats, three-zone climate control, a sunroof, and keyless entry with push-button start. Storage for small items like phones and sunglasses is in line with class norms.
Due to its hatchback design, the Sportback exhibits remarkable versatility, featuring one of the most spacious trunks in its class. The 2023 Audi S5 Sportback leads the lineup, offering 22 cubic feet of storage behind the back seats and an impressive 35 cubic feet when those seats are folded down. This ample space accommodates multiple golf bags or occasional storage items. In fact, we managed to fit six carry-on suitcases with the back seats in the upright position and an astonishing 16 when the seats were folded.
The 2023 Audi S5 Sportback includes a 10.1-inch touchscreen as the standard display, replacing the previous 8.3-inch center screen. While the upgraded system retains built-in navigation and wireless device charging, it has omitted the previously present rotary controller on the center console, which was known for its user-friendly interface. Standard features comprise Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, voice command functionality, and Bluetooth connectivity for both phone and audio.
Which is the best 2023 Audi S5 Sportback Model?
We would opt for the mid-range Premium Plus model, which provides a pleasing array of additional features at an attractive price point. These include a 12.3-inch digital gauge display, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic warning, integrated navigation, keyless entry, a wireless smartphone charging pad, high-quality leather seats, front seat massagers, and automated emergency braking for both front and rear.
The sole indulgences we’d consider are the ones that enhance performance. The Black Optic package, featuring sleek black exterior accents, 20-inch wheels, and high-performance summer tires, and the S Sport package, which boasts eye-catching red brake calipers, adaptive dampers, and a torque-vectoring rear differential, each deliver substantial handling improvements to the S5, not to mention a stylish upgrade.
2023 Audi S5 against the Rivals
Audi S5 vs. Audi RS 5
The Audi RS 5, similar to the S5, represents a continued development of the A5 luxury vehicle. It features a twin-turbo V6 engine with 95 additional horsepower compared to the S5, resulting in enhanced acceleration. Audi has also enhanced the RS 5’s handling, making it suitable for track-day enthusiasts. However, it’s worth noting that the RS 5 comes with a considerably higher starting price of $77,900 and lacks a cabriolet body style option. In summary, for most consumers, the S5 should meet their needs adequately.
Audi S5 vs. BMW M440i
The BMW M440i represents the German manufacturer’s response to the S5 concept. Like its Audi counterpart, the M440i comes in coupe, convertible, and four-door hatchback variants. It boasts a robust six-cylinder engine but with greater potency (382 horsepower). BMW also delivers a more dynamic driving feel compared to Audi, approaching sports car performance and greater powertrain responsiveness. However, the ride comfort falls short, and this elevated experience comes at a higher cost. The M440i’s price begins at approximately $62,000 and goes up from there.
Price
The 2023 Audi S5 Sportback boasts a competitive price point, aligning closely with its BMW M440i competitor. The entry-level S5 Sportback Premium starts at $55,800, while the Premium Plus commences at $59,800. At the pinnacle of the range is the Prestige, priced at $64,200. Please note that these figures exclude the $1,095 destination fee from Audi.
Verdict
The 2023 Audi S5 Sportback continues the legacy of its predecessor, offering a sporty and refined driving experience with great performance and quattro traction. However, it falls short of the excitement delivered by the RS 5, which comes at a significant premium of $20,000+. Equipping the S Sport Package, we believe the S5 Sportback can become an appealing alternative in its class.
The M440i xDrive, while slightly faster and similarly priced, possesses exceptional driving qualities but carries a controversial grille design, potentially a deal-breaker for some. To add some excitement, the S Sport package levels the playing field, making the 2023 S5 Sportback a top choice in its niche. When it comes to cargo space, a closer look at the Audi S5 Sportback reveals more practicality than the M440i. The BMW’s limited practicality and polarizing appearance may place it behind the Audi in many people’s preferences.
