New 2017/18 S5 Driver Feedback

[catso]

IJB1959 said:

TomScrut said:

The soundaktor emulates engine noise more than exhaust (hence why its under the windscreen)

Ah, ok. Still wouldn't want one though.

Indeed, sounds a bit naff to me.

[NickA555]

dufflecoat said:

So, my initial thoughts after 30 miles.

My spec is a Sportback in Flat Black/Black with Virtual Cockpit, Flat Bottom Wheel and Privacy Glass.

Exterior:

• Glad I didnt pay for Metallic, poverty spec Black looks fine to me
• Black with silver mirrors, window trim, dash trim and wheels is perfect contrast. I think blacking it out would look atrocious.
• Wheels sit well in arches, looks a good ride height
• I wouldn't spec Privacy Glass again, not on any colour, even having thought black cars look odd without it. Looks fine either way, but I dont think its good value at £375.

Interior:

• Virtual Cockpit is nice (changed my mind) Turned on Google Earth and used small screen. MMI is very good, even things like reconnecting BT Audio when getting back in car is better than BMW. Also I found the ability to select Primary and Secondary phones very useful. My work phone connects for calls and personal phone connects for Music. BMW did this but didnt remember preference/order which this does. Very neat.
• Stereo sound quality is more than acceptable, not as good as Harmon Kardon I'm coming from in the BMW, but thats to be expected. Audi's optional sound on the S5 certianly not worth the additional cost, the standard system is very good.
• Whole interior is a cut above BMW and Merc
• Not sure massage isnt a gimmick yet, its basically moving the lumbar support up and down automatically.
• Seats are perfect, very comfortable, low enough and adjustable enough to suit all. I like the way it inflates side bolsters to your preset size when you start up.

Drivetrain:

• Dynamic mode makes the sound loud enough, nice rumble with synthetic pops on overrun and downshifts. Anything louder would be chav and out of keeping. (IMHO, I am 40 years old)
• The ride is a little harsher than I expected over lumps and bumps, perfectly livable with. I am coming from BMW adaptive so expect a little spoilt.
• Dynamic Steering setting has a weirdly large dead zone and is disconcertingly vague on intial turn in, I much prefer Comfort. Preferred setting is Dynamic, Comfort, Dynamic in Individual for me
• Very easy to drive very fast, coming from a BMW which took a while to master, I was at 8/10's in this on first drive.
• Thank f87k Audi have sorted out the understeer, feels a world better than my RS3 already. Not pressed on too much yet obviously.
• Gearbox is dim witted at low speeds, changes from 1st to second in particular are lumpy. Same gearbox hardware as the BMW implementation in M135i etc so can only be software here. The rest of the time is mostly well behaved and I dont miss a DCT at all.
• Eco mode is pointless
• It's quick enough
• I'd like to try it with a chip and 400bhp

Excellent write up mate and thanks for taking the time to do it!

[DickiePhitt]

NickA555 said:

dufflecoat said:

So, my initial thoughts after 30 miles.

My spec is a Sportback in Flat Black/Black with Virtual Cockpit, Flat Bottom Wheel and Privacy Glass.

Exterior:

• Glad I didnt pay for Metallic, poverty spec Black looks fine to me
• Black with silver mirrors, window trim, dash trim and wheels is perfect contrast. I think blacking it out would look atrocious.
• Wheels sit well in arches, looks a good ride height
• I wouldn't spec Privacy Glass again, not on any colour, even having thought black cars look odd without it. Looks fine either way, but I dont think its good value at £375.

Interior:

• Virtual Cockpit is nice (changed my mind) Turned on Google Earth and used small screen. MMI is very good, even things like reconnecting BT Audio when getting back in car is better than BMW. Also I found the ability to select Primary and Secondary phones very useful. My work phone connects for calls and personal phone connects for Music. BMW did this but didnt remember preference/order which this does. Very neat.
• Stereo sound quality is more than acceptable, not as good as Harmon Kardon I'm coming from in the BMW, but thats to be expected. Audi's optional sound on the S5 certianly not worth the additional cost, the standard system is very good.
• Whole interior is a cut above BMW and Merc
• Not sure massage isnt a gimmick yet, its basically moving the lumbar support up and down automatically.
• Seats are perfect, very comfortable, low enough and adjustable enough to suit all. I like the way it inflates side bolsters to your preset size when you start up.

Drivetrain:

• Dynamic mode makes the sound loud enough, nice rumble with synthetic pops on overrun and downshifts. Anything louder would be chav and out of keeping. (IMHO, I am 40 years old)
• The ride is a little harsher than I expected over lumps and bumps, perfectly livable with. I am coming from BMW adaptive so expect a little spoilt.
• Dynamic Steering setting has a weirdly large dead zone and is disconcertingly vague on intial turn in, I much prefer Comfort. Preferred setting is Dynamic, Comfort, Dynamic in Individual for me
• Very easy to drive very fast, coming from a BMW which took a while to master, I was at 8/10's in this on first drive.
• Thank f87k Audi have sorted out the understeer, feels a world better than my RS3 already. Not pressed on too much yet obviously.
• Gearbox is dim witted at low speeds, changes from 1st to second in particular are lumpy. Same gearbox hardware as the BMW implementation in M135i etc so can only be software here. The rest of the time is mostly well behaved and I dont miss a DCT at all.
• Eco mode is pointless
• It's quick enough
• I'd like to try it with a chip and 400bhp

Excellent write up mate and thanks for taking the time to do it!

I'll second that. Particularly pleased with your comments about poverty spec black and the gangsta glass as I've gone for the black but saved on the glass. Good to know the stereo isn't pants too.

[IJB1959]

DickiePhitt said:

I'll second that. Particularly pleased with your comments about poverty spec black and the gangsta glass as I've gone for the black but saved on the glass. Good to know the stereo isn't pants too.

Adding to the above: Anyone else on here experienced the awful 1/2 second turbo lag from a standing start at idle?

[dufflecoat]

IJB1959 said:

Adding to the above: Anyone else on here experienced the awful 1/2 second turbo lag from a standing start at idle?

Yes, but I put it down to the gearbox being dim, not the turbo. The turbo doesnt spool until 2k revs or so, so wouldnt be a factor on initial pull away.

[IJB1959]

dufflecoat said:

Yes, but I put it down to the gearbox being dim, not the turbo. The turbo doesnt spool until 2k revs or so, so wouldnt be a factor on initial pull away.

This is what I cannot figure, and thought it must be the turbo as when you accelerate the revs are over 2k, and this does not happen in launch control.

[IJB1959]

Other Drivers.......

Now you have your S5, what is your experience of other drivers on the road? I don't drive like an idiot, and I am considerate to other drivers but other drivers seem to have a problem with the car.

Was driving up the M1 on Wednesday when this total in a Renault clio started driving right up my backside at 80mph, so I thought move over let him pass and bother someone else but no, he pulled over as well and continued to do so. Flashed my brake lights a bit as a warning so he then kept leapfrogging backwards and forwards. Moved over again for the exit lane as I was turning off, he then passed me with a wan*er sign!!

This morning I exited a roundabout on a right hand turn, and a Skoda from the opposite junction then turned left behind me and was about 6" from my bumper beeping the horn for about 100 yards for no reason at all, and until I moved over into a right turning filter lane, they then passed with a finger out the window!

Never had this before, does this car have such a negative effect on people??..has this sort of thing happened to you??

[Polishdominator]

Hehe this things happening when you have a "flash car". I've been abused while driving a lot of times , especially when you overtake them : D

[a13xgh1]

Hi Guys

I've had my S5 Coupe for over 2 weeks now and covered around 500 miles. I adore the car but my only hold up with it is the MPG I am currently averaging at (12MPG)

I would say 95% of the time I am driving in Efficiency mode and I'm not thrashing the pants off it either.

Can anyone post MPG they are currently getting out of their S5 coupes?

On an another note I am thinking of getting the calipers painted by http://www.specialisttyres.com/brakecalipers.htm and wanted to know if the red calipers as an option from factory includes front and rear and emblem on all calipers.

Any help would be much appreciated.

Cheers
Alex

Edited by a13xgh1 on Friday 31st March 11:14

[IJB1959]

a13xgh1 said:

Hi Guys

I've had my S5 Coupe for over 2 weeks now and covered around 500 miles. I adore the car but my only hold up with it is the MPG I am currently averaging at (12MPG)

I would say 95% of the time I am driving in Efficiency mode and I'm not thrashing the pants off it either.

Can anyone post MPG they are currently getting out of their S5 coupes?

On an another note I am thinking of getting the calipers painted by http://www.specialisttyres.com/brakecalipers.htm and wanted to know if the red calipers as an option from factory includes front and rear and emblem on all calipers.

Any help would be much appreciated.

Cheers
Alex

Edited by a13xgh1 on Friday 31st March 11:14

I did not want to pay the extortionate price Audi wanted for the red caliper option, so did them myself for £5.00 using red caliper paint from Halfords. If you spec red calipers, there is a small white S5 logo, but it is hard to see. I masked off the raised part on the front caliper so the logo is still visible. Here is a pic...ignore the Quattro that the dealer put on the rear doors, that is coming off at the weekend.

[IJB1959]

Oh, BTW I average about 20mpg around town, 32ish on a motorway run. 12mpg is pretty severe.

[Justhe-1]

a13xgh1 said:

Hi Guys

I adore the car but my only hold up with it is the MPG I am currently averaging at (12MPG)

Cheers
Alex

Edited by a13xgh1 on Friday 31st March 11:14

-That has to improve, surely..?!

I say start driving it like you stole it to get the engine and drivetrain loosened up ASAP - and let us know if it proves.

If not at least you'll have had fun trying..

[dufflecoat]

IJB1959 said:

Oh, BTW I average about 20mpg around town, 32ish on a motorway run. 12mpg is pretty severe.

12 has to be a typo. If not his car needs to go back.

[jacobyoung74]

Nice work with the caliper paint. Did you have to prime it first or was it just a straight spray on?

I have had my Coupe for 2600 miles now and I started around 16mpg and it's slowly crept up to 22.5mpg. Ito done a mixture of town driving. Thrashing A roads and a few long motorway trips. I can't imagine I'm going to get much better than what it is now. 12mpg seems very low if you are not in dynamic mode... I'd assume a large portion of that is the stop start city/town driving?? Even when I'm Thrashing it through the a roads I don't get those mpgs!

[IJB1959]

jacobyoung74 said:

Nice work with the caliper paint. Did you have to prime it first or was it just a straight spray on?

I have had my Coupe for 2600 miles now and I started around 16mpg and it's slowly crept up to 22.5mpg. Ito done a mixture of town driving. Thrashing A roads and a few long motorway trips. I can't imagine I'm going to get much better than what it is now. 12mpg seems very low if you are not in dynamic mode... I'd assume a large portion of that is the stop start city/town driving?? Even when I'm Thrashing it through the a roads I don't get those mpgs!

It was not sprayed but carefully brushed on (3 coats), although you would never know that as it is completely smooth & glossy.

[Justhe-1]

IJB1959 said:

jacobyoung74 said:

Nice work with the caliper paint. Did you have to prime it first or was it just a straight spray on?

I have had my Coupe for 2600 miles now and I started around 16mpg and it's slowly crept up to 22.5mpg. Ito done a mixture of town driving. Thrashing A roads and a few long motorway trips. I can't imagine I'm going to get much better than what it is now. 12mpg seems very low if you are not in dynamic mode... I'd assume a large portion of that is the stop start city/town driving?? Even when I'm Thrashing it through the a roads I don't get those mpgs!

It was not sprayed but carefully brushed on (3 coats), although you would never know that as it is completely smooth & glossy.

Gonna be a bugger to paint back to std finish when you send the car back though...

[IJB1959]

Justhe-1 said:

Gonna be a bugger to paint back to std finish when you send the car back though...

Na, done it before with an SLK, and they never knew.

[Moods]

I would suggest that for anyone looking to order that they add hill hold assist to their spec. When you come to a stop at traffic lights / junction etc it holds the car whilst in drive with no need to have your foot on the brake. Very convenient for £75 but arguably should be standard on a car in excess of £30k imo.

[va1o]

Moods said:

I would suggest that for anyone looking to order that they add hill hold assist to their spec. When you come to a stop at traffic lights / junction etc it holds the car whilst in drive with no need to have your foot on the brake. Very convenient for £75 but arguably should be standard on a car in excess of £30k imo.

Yeah it's a great feature to have with the electric handbrake, always found it odd Audi don't include standard but VW do

[mactrack]

va1o said:

Moods said:

I would suggest that for anyone looking to order that they add hill hold assist to their spec. When you come to a stop at traffic lights / junction etc it holds the car whilst in drive with no need to have your foot on the brake. Very convenient for £75 but arguably should be standard on a car in excess of £30k imo.

Yeah it's a great feature to have with the electric handbrake, always found it odd Audi don't include standard but VW do

I would definitely agree with this but does anyone think its release is quite jerky. It's just not as smooth a release as the two MK7 VW Golfs we've had.

Edited by mactrack on Friday 31st March 21:24