Achieving Perfection in Luxury Sports Sedans

The traditional sedan market is shrinking due to a growing preference for crossovers and SUVs. However, some manufacturers, like Audi, are diligently working to sustain the sedan segment. During a recent visit to Nice, France, CarBuzz had the opportunity to test the new Audi S5 Sedan (as referred to in Europe) at its global media launch, ahead of its U.S. release scheduled for late next year.

This model holds significant importance: it is the first among a series of new combustion-engine vehicles built on Audi’s new Premium Platform Combustion (PPC) architecture. Additionally, it marks the end of the combustion-powered Audi A4, as the model will transition to electric in its next version.

First Drive events provide initial impressions of a vehicle within a limited environment and timeframe. The Audi S5 tested was a European model, featuring several features not available in the U.S., including a mild hybrid system. Thus, this First Drive serves merely as a preview of what to expect. Stay tuned to
CarBuzz
for our in-depth Test Drive review following the S5’s U.S. launch.

What Is It: Replacing The Audi S4 Sedan, Continuing The S5 Sportback Lineage

Audi is rebranding its models, with even-numbered names designating EVs and odd numbers representing combustion variants. Therefore, although it carries the name S5, Audi officials assert that it directly replaces the S4, competing against the Mercedes-AMG C43 and BMW M340i. At a glance, the traditional three-box sedan design actually conceals a trunk lid that opens like the previous S5 Sportback, offering a significantly spacious trunk with fold-down rear seats for increased practicality akin to that of an SUV. This model merges aspects from both the S4 Sedan and the S5 Sportback, and while it will be called the S5 Sedan in Europe, it will retain the Sportback name in the U.S. to signify the third generation of the S5 nameplate. Regardless of how this model is categorized, the S4 as we currently know it will soon be discontinued.

The new S5 Sportback is the inaugural model utilizing the PPC architecture, which builds upon the previous MLBevo platform and incorporates a fresh electronic framework shared with Audi and Porsche’s latest electric models.

Design: Redefining The Archetypal Sedan Design

The convenience of the previous S5 Sportback was universally acknowledged, but its sloped roofline often appeared unbalanced. The updated version embraces a more conventional three-box sedan structure, creating a more ‘normal’ appearance—a rare instance where ‘normal’ triumphs, in my view. This vehicle is substantially larger than its predecessors in nearly every dimension, but its well-measured proportions prevent it from appearing bulky or awkward.

The proportions are strategically balanced, featuring a lengthy hood, compact rear, and bold design features like an oversized grille and prominent air curtain guides on the front bumper. The large, 20-inch wheels on the Ascari Blue variant I drove create an illusion of compactness and contribute to the overall harmonious design. Additionally, a notable point is that this car has real exhaust pipes!

There is a common belief that good design often goes unnoticed, and this is true in this case; it is visually appealing yet free from unnecessary clutter. While it doesn’t quite achieve the minimalism of the original S5, it remains attractively designed. However, two features stood out: the latest version of Audi’s OLED head- and taillights, which come with eight customizable patterns that could theoretically change while driving, but due to U.S. regulations, they can only be altered when the car is turned on and off again. U.S. laws also prevent us from experiencing the captivating ‘sparkling’ effect of the taillights or the automatic transition to solid bright lights when someone approaches the rear of the vehicle rapidly.

Let me sidetrack for a moment, as this discussion could fill a separate article. The second notable feature was the door handles, designed as flush cavities with a capacitive release button inside. They felt excellent and provided a memorable first interaction with the vehicle.

Interior: Positively Cavernous Where It Matters

Interior space is relative, depending on the occupant’s dimensions. However, at six feet tall and weighing 180 pounds, I found substantial room both in the front and back seats—enough to comfortably sit behind my own position with extra leg and headroom. The trunk is where this car shines in terms of practicality; the Sportback-style trunk boasts 15.7* cubic feet of space, which expands to 45.9* cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. This feature significantly enhances the sedan’s practicality, which often gets overshadowed by buyers opting for crossovers.

*Based on European specifications; the test vehicle included a mild-hybrid system not available in America, potentially affecting storage capacity. U.S. specifications will be confirmed closer to the launch date.

Interior Technology & Infotainment: Forward Thinking But An Opportunity Missed

Performance: Punchy V6 Meets Dual-Clutch Swiftness

Under the hood of the S5 Sportback lies an evolution rather than a revolution. Rather than adopting a detuned version of the 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 from the RS5, Audi has kept the 3.0-liter V6 from the previous model with some upgrades. These enhancements include variable turbine geometry (VTG) for the turbocharger, a switch to the Miller combustion cycle, and, for European versions, a 48-volt mild hybrid system. The U.S. model, however, will not feature this system, as Audi cites two main reasons:

1. American customers may not be comfortable with the engine autonomously shutting off at highway speeds as part of the mild hybrid’s coasting function, and
2. The start/stop system along with transitions between electric and combustion drive at low speeds has been identified as too abrupt.

While I believe it is important not to shield customers from progress, the second concern is entirely valid. On multiple occasions throughout my drive, the start/stop system harshly reactivated, leading to an uncomfortable engagement when slowing to a stop then accelerating into a lane.

To mitigate this, the U.S.-spec S5 Sportback will forego certain efficiencies in favor of a more traditional start/stop system that promises smoother operation. While it is necessary to drive the U.S.-spec model to ascertain how substantial the improvement is, it is clear the seven-speed DCT we experienced was a noteworthy feature. It is interesting to note that Audi opted not to include the widely used 8-speed ZF automatic; engineers mentioned that with VTG and adjusted fuel mapping, the DCT was more effective at managing the engine’s torque. Thus, it remains to be seen how much of the jerkiness I experienced was attributable to the gearbox versus the mild hybrid system.

Evidently, the engine relies heavily on turbocharging; during high throttle inputs, the turbo spooling could be felt for a moment before the transmission engages and propels the car forward. Even while in sportier modes, featuring lower gear retention in S mode, a delay between throttle input and engine response persisted. This is another area where the ZF torque converter automatic could improve the driving experience by delivering a more seamless power delivery.

Driving Impressions: More Communicative, But Still A GT At Heart

In my thirteen years of automotive reviews, I have rarely heard Audi highlight direct driver connection as a priority. However, this time, that focus seems pronounced. The most notable change pertains to the steering; it remains electronically power-assisted but now features stiff mounts on the steering rack. This adjustment minimizes vagueness and allows some road texture to be conveyed to the driver. The variable geometry rack tightens the steering response as the turn angle increases, enabling the larger S5 Sportback to maneuver efficiently through tight bends.

Despite the improved nimbleness, the car maintains a substantial presence and feels large. A high shoulder line, even with elevated seating positions, creates a blind spot on the passenger-side, complicating tight right turns.

Audi has also toughened other components; they’ve reinforced the axle bearings and made adjustments to the rear axle’s bushings and anti-roll bars. When queried about the need to soften dampers to compensate, Audi’s suspension engineers clarified their recalibrations negated the need for softer dampers. As a result, the ride does not become harsh or abrupt; rather, there is reduced body lean, heightened body control on twisting roads, and increased feedback about the chassis’s behavior beneath the driver.

Audi’s Days Of Understeer Are Over

Audi has successfully fostered a sense of connection; this latest iteration is among the more communicative mainstream models I’ve driven in several years. But how does it handle? The answer is solidly. While the steering plays a role, increased negative camber in the suspension improves grip and provides a more gradual approach to the grip limits. Additionally, the combination of brake-based torque-vectoring with a rear differential was seamlessly integrated into the driving experience. The front of the S5 Sportback responds quickly and accurately to steering inputs.

This is a sizeable vehicle, measuring 190 inches, yet it navigates turns surprisingly effectively. Traditionally, Audis have received criticism for understeering, but this model exhibits a notably more neutral behavior. Although it does not thrive in all-out racing situations—remaining somewhat cumbersome at higher speeds—the S5 can handle aggressive driving up to 80 or 90 percent competency, representing a significant improvement over prior models. An RS variant is on the horizon, and if this S5 serves as its base, it promises to be an exceptional offering.

Conclusion: Less Sedan, More GT – A Winning Combination

In scientific terms, convergent evolution is where unrelated species develop similar characteristics; consider the similarity in body shape between sharks and dolphins. The new S5 Sportback demonstrates this phenomenon within the three-box sedan category, enhancing both style and practicality in its effort to thrive amid the SUV trend.

The design is impeccable, complementing the expected aesthetics of an S5 while delivering a marked improvement in driving performance. The S5 feels sharper and more responsive than its predecessors but exhibits a restrained quality that positions it more as a grand tourer than a pure sports sedan. It represents a comfortable and robust vehicle for long journeys while also being adept for daily commutes.

Overall, this car offers an impressive array of features, although I remain uncertain about the engine-transmission combination, pending testing of the U.S.-spec model without the MHEV system. Nevertheless, the initial feedback suggests that the 2026 S5 Sportback serves as a strong alternative to the AMG C43, combining appealing aesthetics, robust performance, and practicality.

Price could influence many buyers’ choices, but Audi has not yet confirmed specifics. The S5 Sportback, along with the standard A5 Sportback, is expected to launch in the latter half of 2025, with pricing details available closer to that time. However, Audi representatives reported aspirations for a price range similar to the previous model’s base MSRP of $57,900.