With 362 bhp, the brand new S5 is not any specific step up from earlier than. The outdated S4 had 349bhp earlier than it acquired a diesel engine and the rival BMW M340i has 369bhp, however, as we’ll see, that is sufficient for a pleasant quick sports activities saloon.

Regardless of being very barely underpowered and a complete lot heavier, the S5 was about as fast in a straight line because the BMW M440i xDrive we examined in 2021. As much as 80mph they’re solely a tenth of a second aside in all metrics, with the BMW barely forward at autobahn speeds. A time of 4.3 sec. 0-62 mph makes this a really fast automotive, and it is laborious to see the necessity for extra efficiency.

The best way the S5 deploys its energy is surprisingly refined. Audi may have made this automotive shout much more about itself, however we’re glad it did not, as a result of not everybody needs the sort of bravado that the upcoming RS5 is more likely to provide.

In on a regular basis motoring, the V6 is remarkably clean and quiet. Setting the drive mode to Dynamic frees up a bit extra exhaust noise, but it surely stays civilized always.

No less than contained in the cabin, the engine would not precisely sound like a V6. As a substitute, its sonic character is nearer to the M340i’s straight six, all clean and breathy. It would not appear actually synthesized both, with a touch of mechanical thrash coming in at sure rpm.

The hybrid system provides new dimensions to this powertrain, resembling the power to float round city or crawl ahead in heavy visitors with out the engine losing gasoline. Because the automotive solely has 24 bhp, it takes a really gentle proper foot to maintain the engine off, however it may be a enjoyable recreation to play.

Because of the pretty giant battery, the S5 can cowl affordable distances with out revving the engine. The automotive additionally emits a slight whine throughout acceleration and restoration, which supplies it a contact of character. Oddly, there is no strategy to monitor the battery’s state of cost, which precluded low-SoC testing. Subjectively, we didn’t detect a lower in efficiency.

The engine runs by means of a seven-speed dual-clutch automated and we want Audi had caught with an eight-speed torque converter automated. The twin-clutch unit has no vital benefit in shift pace, and though the sleek engagement of the electrical motor can save the gearbox’s blushes at low speeds, the motor can lurch a bit when downshifting or when immediately referred to as upon. It is usually accompanied by an audible clatter.

Sometimes, when switching between gasoline and electrical energy, we seen some squealing noises, as if one of many energy sources wasn’t partaking correctly. This promising new drivetrain idea may clearly do with a bit extra fine-tuning.