RE: Audi S5: Review

[ORD]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

This car does not have that engine. It has a petrol engine that is trying to be a diesel engine. As Guvernator said:

'The new engine might deliver the numbers but max torque from 1300rpm to 4500rpm mated to an auto slush box, I already know what it's going to drive like and it's not going to be exciting. As someone else said with this kind of power delivery they'd be better of just giving up on petrol and sticking a diesel engine in it.'

It will drive like a diesel but burn 50% more fuel. A bit silly, really, unless the buyer cares about local air pollution (which would be great but I doubt is true).

[PorkRind]

Always Understeering, Dynamically Intert

[purephase]

Disappointing. I'd like to see a review by someone a bit more balanced (like Chris Harris) who actually sees what these cars are trying to do rather than insisting they have to drive like an M3/C63 to be any good.

That said - one thing Audi have got right consistently despite other failings in S4/5 has been the powertrain, and it sounds like even that is missing in this one. The supercharged V6 was a genuinely great engine, and it made my S5 a thoroughly enjoyable point-to-point vehicle, despite the sight vagueness and understeer.

I might sniff round the classifieds for an old shape S4 Avant in decent nick.

[DM525i]

When you look around you on the motorway, traffic jams etc the majority of drivers aren't interested in handling, dynamics etc they want what they perceive to be quality, safety, style, economy, reliability and so on. Audi do these things really well (quality body work apart) and that's what sells. Most folk don't have a clue about car dynamics and couldn't care less as long as their car is safe and predictable. Give it 10-15 years and BMW cars will be just as dull but will appeal to that general driver who is looking for the above.

[purephase]

DM525i said:

When you look around you on the motorway, traffic jams etc the majority of drivers aren't interested in handling, dynamics etc they want what they perceive to be quality, safety, style, economy, reliability and so on. Audi do these things really well (quality body work apart) and that's what sells. Most folk don't have a clue about car dynamics and couldn't care less as long as their car is safe and predictable. Give it 10-15 years and BMW cars will be just as dull but will appeal to that general driver who is looking for the above.

I do tend to agree - but I do think that you have to do a better job in your "halo" models than Audi seem to have managed here. Personally I am the sort of driver who wants good dynamics and handling but is prepared to compromise on those for other aspects of the vehicle in cars whose primary purpose isn't driving entertainment.

Hence I thought the old S4/S5 were a good balance - class leading interior (at the time), great powertrain and tidy design - mated to handling that whilst clearly behind the competition (Jag/BMW/Merc), was still good enough, and even sometimes "fun" in 99% of actual usage.

With the new model apparently lacking both engine and gearbox appeal, and handling/dynamics still not up to scratch - you are left with a car that is all about show, which in the "S" model isn't good enough.

Edited by purephase on Tuesday 21st June 14:34

[PunterCam]

"inevitably goes straight for the hottest S5 version"

Funny, I would've thought anyone interested in cars would've gone home instead. What a boring st heap of a barge.

There is nothing interesting coming out of Germany at the moment, it's all so bland.

[Blackbird425]

Always surprises me how many Audi S4s and S5s I see on the road. Expensive to buy and run, mediocre reviews and sell (or lease) like hot cakes. Not for me.

[superkarl]

Seems to me 99% of people critisising are expecting RS5 traits out of an S5.
It's JUST an S5 people.
Fast tourer at best. Which makes it very good

[Captainawesome]

My present steer is a 2007 S5 with the 4.2 V8 (with non-res milltek). It's not the last word in handling but for comfort, noise and a bit of poke it's great. It's not a sports car so why do people expect it to be????

Personally I think the styling on the new model is a step backwards, seems like they have tweaked for the sake of change.

With a little suspension work you can improve the handling massively. I supposse it depends how keen you are on tinkering with your cars.

[sh33n]

A quarter of all A5 sales will be the S5?? That sounds optimistic in a sea of diesels, that or the current S5 must be as bland for me to completely miss them.

[IJB1959]

I do love the comments of people who take the journalists so seriously! Don't forget they all have an allegiance to one manufacturer or another, who in turn reward them handsomely for doing so. Forget all these supposed 'unbiased' reports and look up actual buyers experiences instead.

[Lowtimer]

IJB1959 said:

I do love the comments of people who take the journalists so seriously! Don't forget they all have an allegiance to one manufacturer or another, who in turn reward them handsomely for doing so. Forget all these supposed 'unbiased' reports and look up actual buyers experiences instead.

Here speaks someone who has absolutely no idea of what he's talking about

[IJB1959]

Lowtimer said:

Here speaks someone who has absolutely no idea of what he's talking about

Lol....probably another journalists pennies worth comment.