Audi 2021

Audi 2021

In the world of entry-level luxury sports sedans, the 2021 S5 Sportback delivers competitive results on our test track but falls short of its share-driving rivals. The Sportback is sandwiched between the softer A5 Sportback and the RS5 Sportback Rocket Ship. Under the hood of the S5 Sportback is a turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 with 349 horsepower, which is sent to all four wheels via the Audi quattro all-wheel drive system. It ultimately failed to excite us in the same way that the Mercedes-AMG C43 and BMW M340i do. The S5 Sportback offers more practicality than those sports sedans, thanks to the cleverly compact hatchback; The one-piece tailgate opens to reveal a large cargo area, making it a more functional alternative to the coupe and convertible sibling.

Audi 2021

The S5 Sportback gets more features as standard on various models and packages for 2021. All S5 trims get Audi’s smartphone interface with wireless Apple CarPlay, lane-departure warning, and integrated roadway payments transmission as standard equipment. A heated steering wheel and front and rear parking sensors are now included in the comfort package, which already includes keyless ignition, blind spot monitoring and heated side mirrors. The Premium Plus trim level adds adaptive cruise control with lane-keep assist and a top-view camera as standard for 2021. The higher-level Prestige gets heated rear seats as standard for 2021.

We’ll go with a mid-level Premium Plus model which, after adding more standard features for 2021, appears to offer a nice balance of extras for the price. Items like a 12.3-inch digital gauge-screen, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, integrated navigation, passive entry, a wireless smartphone charging pad, leather upholstery, front seat massage, and front and rear automatic emergency brakes are all standard. The only options we can be proud of are those that boost performance. The Black Optic package (black exterior livery, 20-inch wheels and performance summer tires) and S Sport package (red brake calipers, adaptive dampers and a torque-guided rear differential) bring enough upgrades to dramatically improve the S5’s handling; It doesn’t hurt that these packs make the car look cooler, too.

Engine, transmission and performance Audi 2021

The 3.0-liter turbocharged V6, which is more powerful and more torquey than the supercharged engine that came in the last generation of the S5. It accelerates quickly from a stop, and overtaking other drivers on the highway is easy. While the Mercedes-AMG C43 tracks a 4.1-second sprint from zero to 60 mph, the last S5 we tested still managed a sprint of 4.3 seconds. The eight-speed automatic transmission works admirably, but its preference for starting second gear when at rest exacerbates the engine’s pre-turbo lag and makes the S5 sleepy off the mark.

Click the Drive Select switch from comfort mode and in dynamic or automatic mode, however, the S5 Sportback comes alive, and leaves the line passionately in first gear. Likewise, the transmission is reluctant to downshift in rest mode. Again, switching to Dynamic or Auto largely corrects this problem. Our test car was equipped with the optional 19-inch performance tires and the S Sport package, which includes a torque-guided rear differential and adaptive dampers. Combined, these parts provide the S5 Sportback with a powerful yet forgiving ride and great cornering grip.

2021 Audi fuel economy

The EPA estimates that the 2021 S5 Sportback will gain 20/27 mpg city/highway. Those numbers are lower than the previous model year when the Audi was rated at 21/30 mpg. While we didn’t test the 2021 S5 Sportback on our real highway fuel economy route, the last we evaluated returned 33 mpg during this test.

Interior, comfort and cargo Audi 2021

The interior of the S5 Sportback features high-quality materials, first-class fit and finishes, and an eco-friendly design. Despite its low roofline, the sports car is relatively roomy. Those seeking more interior space will be best served by the slower but mechanically identical Audi S4 sedan, which includes approximately 0.5 inches more room for rear-seat passengers.

Every S5 Sportback features luxury such as front seats with heating and massage functions, three-zone climate control, sunroof and passive entry with push-button start. Thanks to its hatchback body shape, the Sportback is impressively versatile and has one of the most spacious suitcases in its segment. We put six hand luggage in the back with the rear seats raised and 16 with the seats folded. Cabin storage space for small items like phones and sunglasses is limited, which is average for a class.

Information, entertainment and communication Audi 2021

The S5 Sportback comes standard with a 10.1-inch touchscreen display, which replaces the 8.3-inch center display. The new system is still available with built-in navigation and wireless device charging, but it no longer includes a rotary console in the center console that was more intuitive than touch inputs. Standard features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, voice control, Bluetooth phone and audio.

Safety and driver assistance features

The 2021 S5 Sportback has not yet been tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Audi offers several standard and optional driver assistance technologies for all trim levels in the S5 lineup. The 2021 model year sees lane departure warning standard on the S5, and higher trim levels get more standard safety features. Key safety features include:

 Front and rear automatic emergency brakes are standard

 Standard Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Traffic Alert

 Available adaptive cruise control

Warranty and maintenance coverage

The S5 Sportback’s warranty is average for the class, and the free scheduled maintenance period doesn’t last as long as that of a number of other manufacturers, including BMW and Jaguar.

 The limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles

 The powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles

 Free maintenance is covered for 1 year or 10,000 miles

Vehicle Type

Front engine, 4WD, 5-passenger, 4-door hatchback

Engine type

DOHC 24-V-6 turbocharged and intercooler, aluminum block and heads, direct fuel injection

displacement

183 in 3, 2998 cm 3

Energy

349 HP @ 6200 RPM

torque

369 lb-ft @ 1370 rpm

moving in

8 speed automatic

Dimensions

Wheelbase: 111.1 inches

Length: 187.3 inches

Width: 72.5 inches

Height: 54.5 inches

Passenger volume: 91 cubic feet

Payload volume: 22 cubic feet

Empty vehicle weight (C/D est): 4050 lbs

Performance (C/D EST)

60 mph: 4.2 seconds

100 mph: 10.8 seconds

Mile: 12.8 seconds

Top speed (governor limited, MFR claim): 155 mph

EPA Fuel Economy (C/D EST)

Pool/city/highway: 23/20/27 mpg

Base price

premium, $52,895; Premium Plus, $55,395

Price as tested, $61,295

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