2009 Audi S5 Review

The 2009 Audi S5 is Germany's take on the American muscle car; with its powerful yet chic styling, it represents at both the drag strip and on Rodeo Drive.

"With the brand's customary wide-mouth grille flanked by lower air intakes, the S5 is instantly recognizable as an Audi," states Cars.com. The 2009 S5 defines sporty elegance. The hotted-up V-8 version of the A5 coupe introduced two years ago throbs with muscle car power--and especially from the rear, it bears more than a passing resemblance to the coming Chevrolet Camaro, with great proportions, curves, and crests to its sheetmetal. Cars.com details the differences between the S5 and the Audi A5: "Even though the S5's lines are essentially the same as the A5's, a number of subtle cues will tip off informed bystanders to the fact that they're looking at an S model. Details include a revised grille, silver-colored side mirrors, quad tailpipes and unique 19-inch alloy wheels, in addition to S5 badges."

According to Automobile Magazine, "Designer Walter de'Silva declares this to be his most beautiful car yet, and we're not inclined to disagree." Edmunds likes the "elegant design inside and out." The S5 is "one sinister-looking performance coupe," Cars.com says. The 2009 Audi S5's rear spoiler is integrated into the deck lid, and the 19-inch double-spoke alloy wheels mimic the body's flowing lines without being excessive. MyRide.com notes that the "alloys fill the wheel wells," and "a rising lower body crease gives the flanks a bit of added character." To round out the image of this sweet ride, "the low roof line gives the Audi a hunkered-down stance." Kelley Blue Book isn't too keen on the panoramic glass roof, warning, "you may be disappointed by the (large) fixed glass piece that only tilts." MyRide.com remarks that "up front is the familial grille, which sits forward of a power-dome hood and between other signature styling cues," such as the "aggressive horizontal headlight housings." Special S badges complete the look. The tail doesn't exactly pop out at you, but the "trim taillights and a clear fascia design" make for a "subdued" style. Cars.com notes the "LED daytime running lights," which are still rare enough to stand out in the automotive landscape.

Inside, the 2009 S5 sports Audi's typical quality and detailing that other automakers seek but fail to emulate. Car and Driver calls it a "fabulous place." There are plenty of buttons for radio controls and a generous application of aluminum and chrome trim, too, making the interior a little busy. Edmunds says "it's richly appointed," and though Audi's Multi-Media Interface routes most controls through a central control knob, it works better than BMW's iDrive. Cars.com deems the cabin "sporty and elegant" in that "silver-colored trim encircles the gauges and dash vents, and high-end materials like aluminum, carbon fiber and wood are available in addition to the standard piano black accents." Edmunds concludes, "the S5 arguably offers more eye-catching style than all of its competitors put together."