2026 Audi S5: A Closer Look

Driving a new Audi is usually exciting. Today, I’ll talk about the new 2026 Audi S5 family. It’s a mix of good and bad, so let’s dive in!

New Platform and Changes

The 2026 A5 and S5 are the first Audis on the new PPC platform. This stands for Premium Platform Combustion. This platform replaces the A4 and S4. From now on, Audi will use odd numbers for cars with gas engines and even numbers for electric cars.

You may wonder, what about the current A5? Well, it will still be there, but it might get a different odd number. There’s still no word on whether we’ll see an all-road version of the A5. It’s all a bit unclear.

What’s Bugging Me?

Even though I’m excited, I have some gripes:

2026 Audi S5: A Closer Look
  • First: There’s a mild hybrid version of the A5 and S5. It gives extra power for quick acceleration and helps save fuel. But, guess what? The U.S. won’t get it.
  • Second: Those cool OLED tail lights? They let drivers customize the light patterns. Unfortunately, they won’t be available in the U.S. either.
  • Third: The Avant models, which are super practical and stylish, won’t come to the U.S. market. That’s a real letdown!

Design and Practicality

Now, let’s talk about the design. The A5 family is a midsize luxury sedan. This new generation is longer and lower than before. It has a flatter front and slimmer headlights. The back is shorter, but it has a big trunk. Surprise! It’s a liftback, which means more practicality.

Behind the rear seats, you’ll find 15.7 cubic feet of cargo space. You can fold the back seats too, which gives you up to 45 cubic feet of space. That’s handy for carrying stuff!

Power and Performance

The model I’m driving is the S5. It has no fake exhaust tips, which is great! The U.S. version will have a 2.0 L turbo four-cylinder engine. This engine gives 268 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. It will come with a 7-speed automatic transmission and Quattro all-wheel drive.

The S5 has a turbocharged 3.0 L V6 engine. It delivers 362 horsepower and 405 lb-ft of torque. It also has a 7-speed automatic transmission and Quattro all-wheel drive. This S5 can go from 0 to 60 mph in about 4.6 seconds!

2026 Audi S5: A Closer Look

While driving, I noticed the S5 has a lot of power. The transmission shifts quickly, and you can use paddle shifters to change gears yourself. However, the brakes feel a bit squishy. I wish they had more engagement. Still, they are predictable and safe.

Driving Dynamics

The new A5 family has better steering and stiffer setups. It can also lower the vehicle by 20 mm. The Quattro all-wheel drive can send all power to the front wheels when needed. During hard acceleration, it can split power between the front and rear axles.

Driving through winding roads in southern France, the S5 felt stable. There was not much body roll, which is nice. It felt planted on the road, especially in wet conditions.

Interior Features

Inside, the layout of the S5 looks nice. The screens are clear and easy to read. The digital gauge cluster is a bit thick at the top and bottom, but it still shows all the important information.

2026 Audi S5: A Closer Look

There’s a big head-up display that is 85% larger. It shows all the info right in front of you. The infotainment screen is pretty intuitive, but it might take some time to get used to. Most controls are just a few clicks away.

There are also neat features, like speakers in the headrests. They provide navigation instructions and phone calls without others hearing your conversation. That’s a cool touch!

Space and Comfort

The front seats are very comfortable and supportive. They have a great range of motion. However, the back seat can be tight for tall people. The sloping roofline and limited leg space might be a problem for some.

But, at least the back seats have warmers, vents, and USB-C ports to keep passengers happy!

Safety Features

The new A5 family will have standard safety features like parking sensors and lane departure warning. If you want more, you can get options like rear cross-traffic alert and adaptive cruise control.

2026 Audi S5: A Closer Look

Pricing and Competitors

Pricing for the A5 and S5 hasn’t been announced yet. Audi expects it to be between the prices of the 2025 A4 and A5 models. The cars will go on sale in spring or summer of 2025.

Some competitors in the midsize luxury sedan market include the BMW 5 Series, Lexus ES, Acura TLX, Volvo S90, Genesis G80, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, the Audi S5 is a fun car. It’s practical and packed with technology. Even if we won’t get the wagon or mild hybrid versions, the S5 still offers a lot. If you want a sporty sedan with tech, check out the Audi S5!

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top