2026 Audi S5 Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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$63,300 to $70,900

Original MSRP

6.8
of 10

expert review

--

avg user rating

(0 reviews)

Pros

  • Fun to drive

  • Plenty of cargo space

  • Satisfying audio system

Cons

  • Uninspired styling

  • Observed city fuel economy

  • Unintuitive technology

6.8
out of 10
expert review
Look & feel
5/10
Technology
6/10
Performance
8/10
Safety
7/10
Form & function
9/10
Cost-effectiveness
6/10
Photo by Christian Wardlaw. 2026 Audi S5 front quarter view.

Technology overload overshadows brilliant driving dynamics in the 2026 Audi S5.

The S5 is the performance version of the A5, a compact luxury car equipped with a handy Sportback design that offers more utility than a traditional three-box sedan. With the 2026 S5, Audi attempts to right some technological wrongs, returning familiar controls to the car while introducing an all-new Multi Media Interface (MMI) infotainment system with AI-enhanced voice controls. Complimentary scheduled maintenance is a new ownership perk, too.

Verdict: Dull design and distracting technology are the trade-offs for the 2026 Audi S5’s thrilling dynamics and daily driver practicality. Nevertheless, the stealthy anonymity draws from a classic German sports sedan recipe, and buyers can choose not to use certain features.

5/10

For this model year, Audi S5 prices start at $64,595, including a $1,295 destination charge. Our Prestige-trim test vehicle arrived with extra-cost Grenadine Red paint, the Black Optic package, and Audi Beam logo projection, bringing the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) to $75,075, including destination.

Modern Audis trade the sharp, creased, pressed, and professional appearance of their predecessors for softer organic forms and smooth, aerodynamically efficient panels. While the fender blisters that recall the original Audi quattro of the early 1980s remain, it is often hard to tell if they’re present. Hopefully, the bold styling themes of the upcoming Audi Nuvolari sports car will trickle down to the company’s volume-selling vehicles in the future.

For now, the anonymous Audi S5 relies on available digital OLED lighting with eight possible DRL signatures to express some personality. Even with that upgrade, the most compelling design elements on the test car were the intricately spoked 20-inch wheels, which are labor-intensive to clean (ask us how we know).

Open the driver’s door, lean in, and take a deep breath. The S5 smells like a proper German sports sedan, and drivers might well think they’ve stumbled into the electronics department of a big-box store. Here a screen, there a screen, everywhere a screen, screen.

Granted, Audi interiors have traditionally appeared to be more technologically sophisticated than rivals, but historically the company seamlessly integrated the tech with the surrounding design. Here, it essentially is the design, constantly gathering dust, collecting fingerprints, and exhibiting smudges. The car’s gloss black trim and touch-sensing control surfaces don’t help in that regard.

Audi is not alone here, and the S5’s tech array is more appealing than the glued-on iPad look of a Mercedes-Benz C-Class or the ginormous asymmetrical display in the redesigned BMW 3 Series. But when the S5 is fitted with the available front-passenger display, it’s overwhelming, and after a short while, kind of gross.

Normality returns when drivers turn their gaze away from the S5's dashboard. The test car’s black Fine Nappa leather seats with diamond-stitched perforated inserts, robust bolstering, and illuminated S5 emblems look terrific. Unfortunately, we can’t say the same about the quality of some of the glossy plastics covering the lower half of the cabin.

Many of the secondary controls in this car are touch-sensing. For 2026, Audi relented and put useful thumbwheels back on the steering-wheel spokes. We’d also like to see a return of traditional switchgear for the power mirror controls, as the ones in our test car were finicky.

Christian Wardlaw
Published Oct 19, 2026 by Christian Wardlaw
Christian Wardlaw has 25 years of experience reviewing cars and has served in editorial leadership roles with Edmunds, J.D. Power, the New York Daily News, Autobytel, and Vehix. Chris prefers to focus on the cars people actually buy rather than the cars about which people dream, and emphasizes the importance of fuel economy and safety as much as how much fun a car is to drive. Chris is married to an automotive journalist, is the father of four daughters, and lives in Southern California.

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2026 Audi S5 Pricing

Original MSRP
$63,300 to $70,900
Price range
N/A
Average price on CG
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YoY price change
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Trims & specs

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Rear air conditioning: with independent controls · Single rear air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Voice recognition audio system · USB auxiliary audio input · TuneIn internet radio · Internet radio app: Spotify · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 9 · 180 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brake diameter: 14.2 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 13.8 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Center console trim: carbon · Door sill trim: aluminum · Door trim: leatherette · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Foot pedal trim: stainless steel · Interior accents: faux suede · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Adaptive stop and go cruise control: semi-automatic · Ambient lighting: color-adjustable · Assist handle: rear · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Footwell lights: color-adjustable · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: electric · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: paddle shifter · Storage: front seatback · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 12

Drivetrain

4WD Type: on demand · Axle ratio: 4.41

Engine

Battery: maintenance-free

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: integrated exhaust · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: silver-painted · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: lip · Rear spoiler color: black · Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated · Window trim: aluminum

Headrests

Front headrests: integrated · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: Apple Music · Infotainment: Audi MMI Connect · Infotainment screen size: 14.5 in. · Smartphone integration: wireless Apple CarPlay

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: range · Instrument cluster screen size: 11.9 in. · Warnings and reminders: lamp failure

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: automatic high beam dimmer · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 12

Rear Seats

Type: 40-20-40 split bench

Roof

Sunroof: panoramic

Safety

Automatic emergency braking: intersection/junction cross · Camera system: surround view · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: door unlock · Parking sensors: rear · Pre-Collision Warning System: visual warning · Pre-collision warning system: intersection/junction cross · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front and rear · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: 4-way power lumbar · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather · Upholstery accents: faux suede

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Spare Tire

Kit: tire sealant

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lateral links · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with voice recognition · Navigation app: INRIX Traffic · Navigation system: hard drive navigation system · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: myAudi with Audi connect · Smart device app function: engine start · Wifi: hotspot

Tires

Type: summer performance

Tires and Rims

Wheels: painted aluminum

Wheels

Wheel spokes: 5

Windows

Front wipers: speed sensitive · Power windows: remote operation

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Automatic climate control rear air conditioning · Single rear air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Rear side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · Voice recognition audio system · USB auxiliary audio input · IHeartRadio internet radio · Internet radio app: Spotify · Premium Brand: Bang & Olufsen · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 19 · Watts: 810

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brake diameter: 14.2 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 13.8 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Center console trim: carbon · Door sill trim: illuminated scuff plate · Door trim: leatherette · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Foot pedal trim: stainless steel · Interior accents: faux suede · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Active parking system: driver controlled brake, gas and gear selection · Adaptive stop and go cruise control: semi-automatic · Ambient lighting: color-adjustable · Assist handle: front · Autonomous lane guidance: lane centering · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Center console: with lighting · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Footwell lights: color-adjustable · Memorized settings: side mirrors · Multi-function remote: vehicle and key memory · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): USB rear · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: paddle shifter · Storage: front seatback · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 12

Drivetrain

4WD Type: on demand · Axle ratio: 4.41

Engine

Battery: maintenance-free

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: integrated exhaust · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: silver-painted · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: lip · Rear spoiler color: black · Rear trunk/liftgate: sensor-activated · Window trim: aluminum

Headrests

Front headrests: integrated · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: Yelp · Infotainment: Audi MMI Connect · Infotainment screen size: 14.5 in. · Smartphone integration: wireless Android Auto

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: range · Instrument cluster screen size: 11.9 in. · Warnings and reminders: low washer fluid

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: wiper activated · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: auto-dimming

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 12

Rear Seats

Type: 40-20-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof / Sunroof: electrochromic dimmable glass

Safety

Automatic emergency braking: intersection/junction cross · Camera system: surround view · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: front · Dash camera: front recording · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system · Parking sensors: rear · Pre-Collision Warning System: audible warning · Pre-collision warning system: intersection/junction turn · Rear pre-collision warning system: rear-end impact · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front and rear · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: contrast stitching · Upholstery accents: faux suede

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Spare Tire

Kit: tire sealant

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lateral links · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with read function · Navigation app: INRIX Traffic · Navigation system: over-the-air map updates (OTA) · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: myAudi with Audi connect · Smart device app function: maintenance status · Wifi: hotspot

Tires

Type: summer performance

Tires and Rims

Wheels: painted aluminum

Wheels

Wheel spokes: 5

Windows

Front wipers: speed sensitive · Power windows: remote operation

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Rear air conditioning: with independent controls · Single rear air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Rear side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · Voice recognition audio system · USB auxiliary audio input · IHeartRadio internet radio · Internet radio app: Spotify · Premium Brand: Bang & Olufsen · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 19 · Watts: 810

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brake diameter: 14.2 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 13.8 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Center console trim: carbon · Door sill trim: illuminated scuff plate · Door trim: leatherette · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Foot pedal trim: stainless steel · Interior accents: faux suede · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Active parking system: driver controlled brake, gas and gear selection · Adaptive stop and go cruise control: semi-automatic · Ambient lighting: color-adjustable · Assist handle: front · Autonomous lane guidance: lane centering · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Center console: with lighting · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Footwell lights: color-adjustable · Memorized settings: side mirrors · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): USB front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Remote parking assist: smartphone operated · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: phone · Storage: grocery bag holder · Sunshade: side window · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 12

Drivetrain

4WD Type: on demand · Axle ratio: 4.41

Engine

Battery: maintenance-free

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: integrated exhaust · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: silver-painted · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: lip · Rear spoiler color: black · Rear trunk/liftgate: sensor-activated · Window trim: aluminum

Headrests

Front headrests: integrated · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: Google search · Front passenger screen size: 10.9 in. · Infotainment: Audi MMI Connect · Infotainment screen size: 14.5 in. · Smartphone integration: wireless Android Auto

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: range · Instrument cluster screen size: 11.9 in. · Warnings and reminders: lamp failure

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: wiper activated · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 12

Rear Seats

Type: 40-20-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof / Sunroof: electrochromic dimmable glass

Safety

Automatic emergency braking: intersection/junction turn · Camera system: surround view · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: rear · Dash camera: front recording · Impact sensor: fuel cut-off · Parking sensors: rear · Pre-Collision Warning System: vibrating steering wheel · Pre-collision warning system: intersection/junction cross · Rear pre-collision warning system: rear-end impact · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: contrast stitching

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Spare Tire

Kit: inflator kit

Suspension

Driver Adjustable Suspension: ride control · Front Arm Type: lateral links · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear · Suspension control: electronic

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with voice recognition · Navigation app: INRIX Traffic · Navigation system: with voice recognition · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: myAudi with Audi connect · Smart device app function: vehicle location · Wifi: hotspot

Tires

Type: summer performance

Tires and Rims

Wheels: painted aluminum

Wheels

Wheel spokes: 5

Windows

Front wipers: rain sensing · Laminated glass: acoustic · Power windows: remote operation

See all trims (3)