Audi S5 | Spotted
Old fashioned in the engine bay, but modern enough elsewhere - the S5 looks more appealing now than ever
While it's hardly a new topic, recent discussions have reminded us just how much joy can be derived from a great engine. Think about it, it's hard to conjure up many truly great cars that don't have a brilliant engine, but many an average machine has been made memorable, interesting or even properly desirable with something exciting under the bonnet. Because a sublime chassis might need certain circumstances to really shine, and an excellent piece of design can only be appreciated when not driving. But engine can be enjoyed virtually everytime you turn the key: at idle, under load, through a tunnel, with a good gearchange - even just to look at, if you're lucky.
Furthermore, though not everyone's favourite car brand, Audi has made some fabulous engines over the years. It still does, in fact, the glorious V10 soldiering on in the R8 and the five-cylinder masterpiece set to continue in the next RS3. Problem is, a new Audi is jolly expensive, and not always guranteed to be desirable. The ideal scenario, surely, is the combination of a noteworthy engine, a logical interior and conspicuous good value. That might seem an impossible set of criteria for an Audi; step forward, then the original S5.
Though neither as powerful as the flagship RS5 that followed or as well received as the hallowed B7 RS4 from a few years prior, the S5 presents quite the case study as a used purchase a decade and a bit after launch. The A5 was the first car to use Audi's modular MLB architecture, also underpinning the contemporary A4, A6 and Q5; it's still used for the Porsche Macan, in fact. For the Audis at least, it ushered in an era of interiors that, while today will be lacking in terms of screen resolution and so on, do still make sense. For an S5 like this the familiar MMI arrangement is on the dash rather than the transmission tunnel, but it still appears eminently usable. And how good do those dials look?
Slightly more pertinent is that, for a brief period from launch, the first S5 was available with a 4.2-litre V8 and a manual gearbox. It soon went to supercharged V6 and DSG, in line with the S4 saloon and Avant, and the period of big engines in not-all-that-large Audis was consigned to history. But some were sold, and a few still exist; mighty tempting they still seem, too...
Because this is surely still the best looking A5 - one of Audi's finest mainstream efforts - powered by an eight-cylinder engine that delivers its peak of 354hp at 7,000rpm. With a six-speed manual gearbox. And available here, with less than 60,000 miles and a full Audi service history, for £12,000. Hopefully that appeal doesn't need too much explaining around here.
Yes, it won't drive like an M3, but that was never really the point anyway. An RS5 engine will zing with even greater vigour, though it's automatic only. And, actually, has less torque. A C63 AMG does V8 swagger like nothing else, but it's more expensive. Take the S5 as it is - a stylish, fairly modern Audi with a great engine and a manual gearbox - and it'll be hard not to like. Especially one in such great condition: see the matching Pirellis, decent MOT history and well preserved interior? Those things that it doesn't have, stuff like CarPlay and the Sport Differential and Virtual Cockpit, will put many off the old S5; this powertrain should ensure plenty if interest from a committed clique, though. And you can count us very firmly among them.
SPECIFICATION | AUDI S5
Engine: 4,163cc, V8
Transmission: 6-speed manual, all-wheel drive
Power (hp): 354@7,000rpm
Torque (lb ft): 325@3,500rpm
MPG: 22.8
CO2: 298g/km
First registered: 2008
Recorded mileage: 58,000
Price new: £39,825
Yours for: £11,950
However, brave pills probably necessary.
That would change what is a 15 minute job on an old Ford Escort into half a day.
It is a lot of car for the money though and I can't help fancying one.
Very pretty to look at and typically well built. However the driving experience was a let down for me, never felt like a 350bhp car and just didn't feel that quick.
I knew it would like a drink, you don't buy a V8 S5 and worry about consumption, but 15 MPG around town was a high price to pay for a car of this capability.
Sounded nice though.
Ultimately a let down for me, inferior in every way to the E92 335i it replaced. If you're looking for a quick coupe at this money and age, I'd recommend the BMW.
This brings me to the B8 platform, like all Audi's its not good. No steering feel, numb handling, zero feedback and a total absence of any fun. A stage 1 tune on mine would see 0-60 in the damp in 4 seconds, not that you could feel it. It never excited me. I never drove it quickly as it just fell to pieces and there was no point. Audi make very comfortable, reliable, usable cars but fun and exciting they definitely are not.
Then again none of those is specifically a V8, so I guess it depends how important that is to you.
What's not to like? V8 motor, manual gearbox, all wrapped up in a great looking car. I nearly pulled the trigger on one, but having Read Evo's long term reviews, it was more cruiser than sporty car. Decided against it.
Have to say, the original A5 looks far far better than todays car. But that's been the same with most Audi's recently. Original R8 looks much better than the one we have now.
Very pretty to look at and typically well built. However the driving experience was a let down for me, never felt like a 350bhp car and just didn't feel that quick.
I knew it would like a drink, you don't buy a V8 S5 and worry about consumption, but 15 MPG around town was a high price to pay for a car of this capability.
Sounded nice though.
Ultimately a let down for me, inferior in every way to the E92 335i it replaced. If you're looking for a quick coupe at this money and age, I'd recommend the BMW.
However, brave pills probably necessary.
Not sure you really need brave pills for one of these though. Okay, so it's not going to be cheap to run, but i don't believe they have that many serious issues. It's still an Audi, but it's not exactly vastly complex either.
Very pretty to look at and typically well built. However the driving experience was a let down for me, never felt like a 350bhp car and just didn't feel that quick.
I knew it would like a drink, you don't buy a V8 S5 and worry about consumption, but 15 MPG around town was a high price to pay for a car of this capability.
Sounded nice though.
Ultimately a let down for me, inferior in every way to the E92 335i it replaced. If you're looking for a quick coupe at this money and age, I'd recommend the BMW.
The regular running costs of the S variant (excluding fuel) aren't too bad as a lot of parts are common to the lower spec cars, the step up to the RS has a much bigger cost.
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