Audi S5 Sportback 2021 First Drive Review – Classic Sedan With New Cosmetics!

In India, the demand for a mid-level sporty sedan is increasing day by day. Recently, BMW launched such a model, the M340i, and now Audi has launched Audi S5 Sportback. This sports coupe with subtle S badges denote that it is not out RS5. Do you want to know the difference in design, features, specifications and driving experience? Read our review further to know it all!

Audi s5 sportback 2021 first drive review

Audi S5 Sportback 2021 – Design And Style

The S5 Sportback has some standard features over a few years. The 2021 edition has some superficial changes that have brought a lively look to the car! There is a single-piece grille which really gives a mind-blowing appearance to this sedan. The grille is designed with a honeycomb pattern matte black with matte silver inserts. The air inlets have blade surrounds with matte aluminium finish. You can also opt for full black colour with black styling package and there would be no chrome and brushed aluminium finishes. The Matrix LEDs headlights come with adaptive illumination and dynamic turn signals. The tail lamps also are designed with LED.

This new version replaces the18-inch rims to 5-spoke 19-inch rims. The low-profile rubber of the old version has been replaced by 255 section Bridgestone Potenza’s with sidewall height of a 35 mm. The strong shoulder line and the fastback shape is classic and remains as a standard feature of admiration. The rear spoiler balances the fastback shape and together with the sleek LED tail lights, the quad pipes and the rear diffuser, this gives the best look to the rear part of the Audi S5 Sportback.

Audi S5 Sportback 2021 Interiors And Features

The interior side is not so attractive as the exterior. It is less showy and exciting when compared to the outside. The general layout and horizontal theme for the vents gives a very contemporary look. The high-order quality, the pleasant-touch surfaces, the matte Aluminium finished inlays at the dashboard and doors give a premium look. The scheme looks just superb but you can also opt to make it fully black. The seats have mixed shades of grey leather and Alcantara and the door pads have Alcantara surrounding the handle and switches. Its design is a balance between the A5 and the RS5.

The new 10.1-inch multimedia display with touch screen interface is the eye-catcher. It is 10 times faster than the previous interface. The display is smart and clear. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are available for smartphone connectivity. You can also access the various driving modes through the screen. The three-zone climate control can be accessed with physical buttons and knobs and you can just use it without diverting your attention from the road.

There is the Audi’s Virtual Cockpit for the driver to change different layouts for the dials, the size of the navigation screen area, and also search in the information menus. The steering is the flat bottom type with the paddle shifters not on the column but on the wheel. There are buttons to scroll through the menus and to use the phone. The switches of the cruise control are on a separate stalk. The front seats have a 4-way adjustable lumbar support. The back has sufficient knee room and there is enough room to place your legs under the driver seat unless the driver is sitting low. The back-recline angle is apt and under-thigh support is also adequate but the squab could have been a little longer. The headroom would be less for tall persons. There is an optional Bang & Olufsen 19-speaker 755 watt system to give you the fun you need while driving.

2021 Audi S5 Engine and Performance

The powertrain has not changed. The 354hp, 3.0-litre twin-scroll-turbocharged V6 and eight-speed torque-converter automatic best suits this sedan and the Quattro AWD with a 40:60 front-to-rear split for 500Nm of torque. In the dynamic mode, it has the best performance and the steering feels very light. With a loud exhaust note, the sensitive throttle inputs and the gearbox holds the gear for a longer time. The suspension feels more tight despite this particular car not having optional adaptive dampers. The suspension is more alive in the dynamic mode. There’s no launch control but you can easily achieve the claimed 4.8sec 0-100 time.

Riding Experience on the 2021 Audi S2 Sportback

The Quattro AWC defines the handling nature of the car. There is a self-locking differential which splits the torque between the front and rear in a 40 by 60 ratio. This results in rear biased handing of the car. Taking a corner, turn in is quick and could have decent amount of speed via the apex. The rear tucks in easily during exit on full throttle, even if the traction control is off. The Bridgestone Potenzas offer good grip and the breaking traction needs effort. Some squeals could be heard but otherwise, you can have an enjoyable drive. The dynamic mode is stiff and driving on uneven surface is not so difficult. But it is difficult to drive on bumps and potholes. The ground clearance has not been altered to suit the Indian roads. So you need to be careful. The comfort mode is the best for city drives. The suspension has an option of adaptive dampers.

Verdict

The S5 Sportback is a capable and functional. It has 465-litres of luggage space and also there is enough space for four occupants to travel comfortably. It is costly but it is worth that price as it has very advanced features. It has tough competition with the BMW M340i. The Beemer is more powerful with rear-wheel drive which is the one for an enthusiastic driver. As for the S5, it is a fast car which is easy to handle and travel but makes everyone turn their eyes towards it!

Audi S5 Sportback Specifications

Audi S5 Sportback TFSI Quattro
Fuel Type: Petrol
Dimensions (L x W x H) 4765 x 1845 x 1390
Engine: 3.0-litre, V6, turbo-petrol
Power: 354bhp@5,400rpm
Torque: 500Nm@1,370rpm
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Quattro AWD with self-locking center differential
0-100kmph: 4.8 seconds
Top speed: 250kmph

Audi S5 Sportback Price

Rs 79.06 Lakhs (Ex-showroom)

Do you like to have a classic, attractive car with many new innovative features? Then go ahead and make the 2021 Audi S5 Sportback as your own car!

Hope you liked the review. Read all the car and bike reviews of Autogos to keep yourself updated!