If you’ve been watching the luxury performance market evolve, you’ve probably noticed a trend: most brands are pulling back on variety. And Audi? They’re doubling down on what works — and trimming the rest. The coupe and cabriolet versions of the S5 are gone. For 2025, it’s all about the four-door Sportback. And frankly, that’s just fine.

Because this isn’t a compromise. The 2025 Audi S5 Sportback delivers the kind of real-world performance and luxury most drivers crave — all wrapped in a sleek, hatchback silhouette that blends sport sedan dynamics with actual usability. It’s the kind of car that doesn’t just look fast — it is fast. But it also handles commuting, carpooling, and weekend runs without ever breaking a sweat.

Power and Poise in Perfect Balance

Under the hood, you’ll find a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 pumping out 349 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. It’s paired with Audi’s excellent eight-speed Tiptronic automatic — a quick-shifting transmission that doesn’t feel overly programmed or artificial. Paddles are standard if you want to take control yourself, and the quattro AWD system ensures grip no matter what road or weather you’re in.

Audi claims 0 to 60 in 4.5 seconds, and that sounds about right. But numbers aside, what really makes the S5 shine is how confidently it moves — composed, quick, and balanced. It’s a daily driver that won’t punish you for chasing an on-ramp a little too hard.

Trim Breakdown: Where’s the Sweet Spot?

The 2025 S5 comes in three trims: Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige. If you’re looking for the value play, go Premium Plus. It hits the perfect middle ground with Audi’s Virtual Cockpit, a Bang & Olufsen sound system, surround-view cameras, wireless phone charging, and added safety tech like traffic sign recognition and lane-keeping assist.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Premium ($59,195) – Nicely equipped but lacks the upscale tech features most S5 buyers expect.
• Premium Plus ($63,095) – The smart choice. It bundles key upgrades without breaking the bank.
• Prestige ($65,795) – Adds luxuries like animated lighting, a head-up display, and park assist, but you’re paying for finesse, not performance.

Luxury Meets Subtle Sportiness Inside

Inside, the S5 leans into Audi’s hallmark blend of understated elegance and cutting-edge tech. Materials feel first-class. Fit and finish? Best in class. Standard sport seats offer excellent bolstering without going full track-car aggressive. And with seating for five, plus nearly 22 cubic feet of cargo space thanks to its hatchback design, the Sportback body pays dividends in real-world usability.

Rivals like the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe may edge out Audi in infotainment flair, but the S5’s Virtual Cockpit — a 12.3-inch customizable digital cluster — remains one of the best in the game. The 10.1-inch central touchscreen is sharp and responsive, though Audi’s system is starting to show its age against newer platforms from Mercedes and Genesis.

Efficiency and Everyday Livability

EPA figures aren’t official yet, but expect numbers to mirror the 2024 model: 20 mpg city / 29 mpg highway. That’s on par with rivals like the Mercedes-Benz C43 AMG and Cadillac CT4-V. The BMW M440i xDrive, with its mild-hybrid assist, still leads in the efficiency game — but the S5 isn’t far behind.

And despite its performance chops, the S5 never feels punishing on city streets. The suspension walks the line between firm and forgiving, and cabin noise is hushed even at highway speeds.

Tech and Safety: Well-Equipped, But Not Cutting-Edge

Audi packs the S5 with the safety gear you’d expect — adaptive cruise, forward-collision mitigation, lane-departure warning, and a blind-spot monitor. Step up to Premium Plus or Prestige for extras like rear cross-traffic alert and a head-up display. The S5 hasn’t yet been rated for crash safety, but the closely related A5 Sportback has a five-star rating from NHTSA — and similar structural underpinnings.

S5 vs. the World

Let’s be honest — this is a tight segment. The Alfa Romeo Giulia brings Italian flair and rear-wheel-drive dynamics. The BMW M440i is the benchmark for powertrain tech. And the CT4-V offers Cadillac swagger at a slightly lower price point. But none of them quite match the Audi S5’s balance of poise, polish, and practicality.

This isn’t just a driver’s car. It’s a designer’s car. A commuter’s car. A parent’s car. A little bit of everything — and done really well.

Final Verdict

The 2025 Audi S5 Sportback is a reminder that performance and practicality don’t have to be at odds. It’s athletic without being punishing. Luxurious without being flashy. And while the tech could use a refresh, the driving experience and design easily make up for it.

Looking for a fast, refined, all-weather daily with room to grow? The S5 is still one of the best-kept secrets in the luxury sport sedan world.

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