2010 Audi S5 - Features Review

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The 2010 Audi S5/Cabriolet offers a long list of standard features and some options that are aimed to please technophiles with more than $50,000 to spend on the two-door.

Edmunds lists the S5's standard features as "19-inch alloy wheels, bi-xenon headlights, a panoramic tilt-up sunroof, tri-zone automatic climate control, rain-sensing wipers, eight-way power front sport seats, leather upholstery, heated front seats, auto-dimming mirrors and a ten-speaker audio system with CD changer and satellite radio."

The 2010 Audi S5 Cabriolet gets the same features as the standard coupe, along with a cloth top that runs up and down in a matter of seconds. Popular Mechanics raves that the "S5 roof opens completely in 15 seconds (7 less than a BMW 335i Convertible) and at speeds up to 31 mph." In order to help fight rushes of cold air when the top is down, Popular Mechanics says Audi has included an "optional three-phase neck-level heating" system that delivers a "strong blast of hot air [that] is nearly impervious to speed."

As for options on the coupe and cabrio, how about a 505-watt high-end system pumping through 14 speakers? "Options include adaptive headlights, Alcantara-trimmed seats, alternative accents (including wood, 'Carbon Atlas' and stainless steel), Bluetooth, keyless ignition, park assist (with a rearview camera), a navigation system with a dedicated mp3 interface, and a 505-watt Bang and Olufsen premium audio system," Edmunds says. MyRide.com notes that the sunroof on coupes is only "designed to tilt for a bit of fresh air," something that definitely does not impress Car and Driver; however, they love the "keyless start" and the "fine-sounding Bang and Olufsen stereo."

According to Car and Driver, performance options on the Cabriolet include a "'sport' differential," which spreads torque from side to side as traction needs change. On both models the Drive Select system is optional; it enables the driver to select steering and suspension settings.

Some find Audi's implementation of its Multi-Media Interface (MMI) a bit maddening. Heating, air conditioning, radio, and navigation are controlled via a knob and a few buttons on the center console just ahead of the armrest. Making changes often involves scrolling through multiple screens of information. As Edmunds reports, "it's still likely to try your patience with its maze of menus and submenus." Cars.com says, "MMI becomes almost second nature with use, but operations like entering an address into the optional navigation system remain tedious even after you've familiarized yourself with the menus." For 2010, things are made a bit easier with voice control for the navigation system.