Best 2014 Audi S5 Review – Sleek And Stylish

Audi sure knows how to make a sexy car. The 2014 Audi S5 is a prime example of their design prowess, with sleek curves and a stylish look that turns heads wherever it goes. Even though it’s been around for a few years now, the S5 is still one of the best-looking cars on the market. But does it drive as good as it looks?

The 2014 Audi S5 is a sleek coupe/cabriolet with a powerful 3.0-liter supercharged V6 TFSI engine under the hood. The 2014 Audi S5 perfectly slots in-between its siblings, the mainstream Audi A5 and the monstrous Audi RS5. The middle child is beautifully designed and packs a heavy punch on all fronts.

The 2014 Audi S5 came with a few newbies when it was released. The exterior design got a bit of an overhaul regarding lights, front grill, and the same smaller engine used in the 2013 model. Interior-wise, there were a few upgrades as well. Its performance on the road almost outshined all of these aesthetically pleasing additions. Truly a sleek and stylish machine.

The Sleek And Stylish 2014 Audi S5

The 2008 Audi S4 was born with a grumbling 4.2-liter V8; however, the 2013 Audi S5 had a transplant done to it before release. Two cylinders were taken out and replaced by a supercharger. The 2014 Audi S5 – Coupe and Cabriolet models – thus had a 3.0-liter supercharged V6 TFSI engine under the hood.

Kicking out an impressive 333 hp @ 5500 rpm and torque of 325 hp @ 2900 rpm. The other change I could pick up when peeking under the hood was the new Stop-Start Technology that promised greater fuel efficiency. Audi’s Quatro still directs the power to the wheels.

On the road, the 2014 Audi S5 is super-responsive but more subdued than its older brother, the Audi RS5, still a very satisfying experience when working my way through the ref range. The firm suspension kept the car flat through twisting corners and did not punish me on rugged roads. The brake pedal is on the heavy side, which I liked, as it feels more natural and consistent.

The engine, suspension, and tire feedback translate to more driver sensations. When I compare my driving experience when driving a competitor’s car BMW 435i, for example – the S5 felt more alive and responsive. Feedback brings the moment to life imprints the experience in our brain. The 2014 Audi S5 left me with such an imprinted memory.

Audi also found it important to refresh the looks of the 2014 Audi S5. That included a complete reconstruction of the headlights (new LED DRL’s). This model also features a brand-new grille design that reminds me of the 2012 Audi A6 and new fog lamps. At the rear, I found a more aesthetically pleasing new diffuser and refashioned LED taillight design.

Climbing into the car, you know what to expect from Audi. A stylish interior. Instantly you will recognize a few changes, like the center console being fitted with chrome dials and four control buttons for the MMI to operate the system.

Audi’s MMI interface system, to me at least, has always set the gold standard of integrating electronic functions and systems to their vehicles, and with the 2014 Audi S5, this is no exception. The Olufsen sound system, played through ten speakers, was music to my ears!

Four becomes two regarding the console’s side buttons, and a Menu and Car button is added below the MMI control dial, which looks stylish and well-laid out. The flat-bottom steering has a black piano trim and a circular airbag cover on the steering. The trim leather seats are sleek, heated, and fit most body types.

Overall, Audi kept doing the right things when they launched the 2014 Audi S5. When it comes to styling, functional and comfortable design, chassis development, and an engine that screams for attention when hitting 6000 rpm, the 2014 Audi S5 does not disappoint, always reminding you that you are driving a machine.

2014 Audi S5 Specs

2014 Audi S5 0-60 MPH And Top Speed

The 2014 Audi S5 coupe does the 0-60 mph in an impressive 4.9 seconds with a governed top speed of 155 mph. Take the limiter out of the equation, which you can do easily, and saddle up a different beast.

2014 Audi S5 Price

When the 2014 Audi S5 was launched, it was available in the following trim packages:

• Premium Plus Package – Quattro Manual Transmission – $52,000
• Prestige Package – Quattro Manual Transmission – $58,250
• Premium Plus Package – Quattro S Tronic Transmission – $53,400
• Prestige Package – Quattro S Tronic Transmission – $59,650

2014 Audi S5 Fuel Consumption

Audi claims that the 2014 Audi S5 has a fuel consumption output of 18 mpg in the city, 28 mpg on the open highway, with a combined total of 21 mpg. It makes for a pretty impressive reading when comparing similar BMW and Mercedes models and their fuel consumption.

2014 Audi S5 Entertainment

The following comes standard in both the 2014 Audi S4 Coupe and Cabriolet models:

• Audi Concert System: Premium Sound System, CD Player, AM/FM MP3 Radio, Aux Input Jack, SD Card Slot, Bluetooth Wireless Technology, Speed Dependent Volume Control, Sirius Satellite Radio (90-Day Trial)
• Amplifier: 180w
• Speakers: 10
• Audio Theft Deterrent
• Radio Data Systems
• Steering Wheel Controls: Radio Seek-Scan
• LCD Monitor
• Concealed Diversity Antenna

2014 Audi S5: Safety

The 2014 Audi S5 is fitted with the following safety equipment:

• Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
• Side Impact Beams
• Tire Specific Low Tire Pressure Warning System
• Driver & Passenger Side Airbag Head Extension
• Driver & Passenger Knee Airbag
• Dual Stage Driver & Passenger Front Airbags
• Dual Stage Driver & Passenger Seat-Mounted Airbags
• Airbag Occupancy Sensor
• ABS & Driveline Traction Control
• Outboard Front Lap
• Shoulder Safety Belts
• Emergency Braking Preparation
• Emergency Braking Assist
• Electronic Brakeforce Distribution
• Dusk Sensing Headlamps
• Front Fog Driving Lights
• Post-Collision Safety System
• Stability Control
• Remote Anti-Theft Alarm System
• Turn Signal Mirrors
• Emergency Interior Trunk Release

Audi, in general, produces super-safe vehicles. However, the NHTSA has not rated the 2014 Audi S5 as yet. If we look at the safety rating for the 2014 Audi A4, sibling of the Audi S5, we see that the score was a 5 out of a possible 5 when testing the following:

• Front Crash Rating Driver
• Front Crash Rating Passenger
• Side Crash Driver
• Side Crash Passenger
• Rollover

It’s safe to assume that the 2014 Audi S5 will return similar results.

2014 Audi S5 Consumer Reviews

The consumer has spoken; here are some consumer reviews:

•  5.0 Stars – “Beautiful Car! Fun To Drive! Turns Heads! – This is by far the nicest car I’ve ever owned. Ride quality is unmatched, I test drove other high-end convertibles prior to buying this car and the Audi S5 was THE BEST by far! Looks, ride, power, traction, comfort, trunk room, features. This car does not disappoint!!!”

The above review sums up my experience of the 2014 Audi S5. The car fails to disappoint, no matter where you focus your attention. 

Our Verdict on the 2014 Audi S5

As an overall package that includes a stylish exterior and interior design, power, handling performance, add what you want, the 2014 Audi S5 delivers on all these fronts. It was a pleasure to put this sleek and stylish beast through its paces.

Everything that you expect from a mid-range stylishly sporty coupe or cabriolet.

Alfio Capicollo