In June 2025, I took the 2025 Audi S5 Edition One for a spin through the sun-soaked streets of Newport Beach, California, eager to see if this redesigned sports sedan could sway me from the SUV craze. As a car enthusiast who’s driven over 40 vehicles, from hot hatches to luxury coupes, I was thrilled to test Audi’s answer to the BMW M440i and Mercedes-AMG C43, priced at $62,700–$73,000. Since its 2007 debut, the S5 has blended speed and luxury, but its 2025 overhaul—built on the new PPC platform with a punchier V6, sharper design, and cutting-edge tech—promises to lure buyers back to sedans.
My drives, from coastal highways to twisty backroads, revealed a car that’s quick, practical, and tech-packed, but not without flaws. Drawing from my experience this review dives into the S5’s design, performance, interior and tech, practicality, and ownership prospects. With U.S. sedan sales down 14% in 2024 while SUVs soared, per MotorTrend, can the S5 win over enthusiasts? Let’s find out.
Design: Bold, Modern, and Muscular
The 2025 S5 Edition One, in Magnet Gray, turned heads parked by Newport’s beaches. Its wider, lower single-frame grille, sleek OLED headlights, and aggressive bumper gave it an A7-like presence, a departure from the outgoing model’s tame look. The Edition One’s bronze-silver accents and black optics package screamed premium, though I wished the “S” badge said “S5” for clarity. At 190 inches long, 0.5 inches wider, and 1.6 inches taller, it feels more midsize than compact, with a 2.5-inch longer wheelbase boosting interior space.
The 20-inch alloy wheels with a coppery finish and 245/35R20 Bridgestone Potenza tires looked sharp, though all-season options are available. The panoramic glass roof, standard on Premium Plus trims, added flair but didn’t vent, a minor letdown. The full-length OLED taillights with customizable light signatures and quad exhaust tips gave the rear a sporty edge, though the functional diffuser felt more style than substance. In my experience, the S5’s bolder design makes it a standout, but some may find it too flashy compared to BMW’s subtler M440i.
Design Highlights:
- Striking Grille: Wider, lower single-frame grille exudes aggression.
- OLED Lighting: Customizable headlights and taillights add personality.
- Edition One Accents: Bronze-silver and black optics elevate premium feel.
- Midsize Stance: Longer, wider body enhances road presence.
Performance: Quick but Not Thrilling
Under the hood, the S5’s 3.0L turbocharged V6 now pumps out 362 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque, up 13 hp and 37 lb-ft from the last model. Paired with a new 7-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission and standard Quattro all-wheel drive, it hit 0–60 mph in 4.16 seconds during my runs, slightly quicker than Audi’s 4.3-second claim. The sport rear differential, now standard, sharpened cornering on Newport’s backroads, making the 4,300-pound sedan feel nimble.
But the engine’s low redline and muted snarl, even in Dynamic mode, left me wanting more drama, unlike the throatier AMG C43. The DSG shifted smoothly in traffic but felt jerky in Sport mode, with plastic paddle shifters cheapening the experience. The adaptive suspension balanced comfort and sportiness, soaking up bumps on Pacific Coast Highway while staying planted in corners. Fuel economy (19 city/28 highway, 15-gallon tank) gave ~370 miles of range, decent but thirsty on premium gas. In my experience, the S5 is quick and composed, but it lacks the raw edge enthusiasts crave.
Performance Highlights:
- Potent V6: 362 hp, 406 lb-ft deliver 4.16-second 0–60 sprints.
- Quattro Grip: All-wheel drive and sport differential enhance handling.
- Smooth DSG: Dual-clutch shifts slickly in traffic, jerky in Sport.
- Muted Sound: Lacks exhaust drama, even in Dynamic mode.
Interior and Tech: Modern but Imperfect
Inside, the S5’s RS Red Napa leather interior felt upscale, with 16-way adjustable, heated, ventilated, and massaging seats that pampered me on long drives. The new Digital Stage cockpit—comprising an 11.9-inch virtual cockpit, 14.5-inch center touchscreen, and optional 10.9-inch passenger display—ran Google-based Android Automotive with wireless Apple CarPlay. The system was snappy, connecting my phone flawlessly, unlike older Audi MMI setups. The heads-up display with augmented reality was crisp, though less adjustable than before.
However, the climate controls, buried in the touchscreen, were a hassle to tweak while driving, and the piano black trim showed fingerprints. The 16-speaker Bang & Olufsen stereo sounded rich, but hard-touch plastics on the door handles and console felt cheap for a $73,000 car. The flat-bottom steering wheel’s touch-sensitive controls annoyed me, and the plastic paddle shifters felt out of place. In my experience, the S5’s cabin blends luxury and tech but cuts corners on materials.
Interior Highlights:
- Luxury Seats: Heated, ventilated, massaging seats with RS Red leather.
- Digital Stage: Snappy 14.5-inch touchscreen with Google integration.
- Premium Audio: 16-speaker Bang & Olufsen system delivers crisp sound.
- Cheap Plastics: Hard-touch surfaces and piano black trim disappoint.
Practicality: Sedan Space, SUV Rival
The S5’s 23 cubic feet of cargo space (expanding to 37 with seats folded) outshines rivals like the BMW M440i Gran Coupe, per Car and Driver. The power hatch and 40/20/40 split seats made loading gear easy during my beach trips. The taller roof and longer wheelbase added 1 inch of rear legroom (36 inches), letting me sit comfortably behind my 5’8” driving position without ducking, a win for taller passengers.
But the lack of a spare tire (just a 12V battery under the cargo floor) and non-venting panoramic roof were drawbacks. Rear heated seats (no ventilation) and tri-zone climate control were nice, but the middle seat’s hump cramped foot space. The flush door handles with touchpads were slick but finicky with wet hands. In my experience, the S5 offers SUV-like space in a sedan package, but minor oversights limit its practicality.
Practicality Highlights:
- Spacious Trunk: 23–37 cubic feet beats compact sedan rivals.
- Rear Legroom: Extra inch accommodates taller passengers.
- No Spare Tire: Battery storage replaces spare, a hassle for flats.
- Finicky Handles: Flush touchpads struggle with wet hands.
Ownership: Premium Price, Premium Costs
The S5 starts at $62,700, a $5,000 jump from 2024, with my Edition One Prestige hitting $73,000. Maintenance costs (~$800–$1,200/year, per MotorTrend) and premium fuel (19/28 mpg) make it pricier to run than a BMW M340i. Audi’s 4-year/50,000-mile warranty and strong resale value (45–50% after 3 years, per Car and Driver) soften the blow, but insurance for a performance sedan averages $2,000/year, per @AckoDrive. The PPC platform’s newness raises reliability questions, though my test car had no squeaks. In my experience, the S5’s premium ownership costs demand deep pockets, but its tech and space justify it for some.
Ownership Highlights:
- High Price: $62,700–$73,000, up $5,000 from 2024.
- Costly Upkeep: $800–$1,200/year maintenance, premium fuel.
- Strong Resale: 45–50% value retention after 3 years.
- Reliability: New PPC platform unproven but solid in testing.
Top 10 Reasons to Buy the 2025 Audi S5
Top 5 Reasons to Avoid Buying the 2025 Audi S5
Specs Table
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 3.0L turbocharged V6, gasoline direct injection |
| Power | 362 hp at 5,500 rpm |
| Torque | 406 lb-ft at 2,000 rpm |
| Transmission | 7-speed DSG dual-clutch |
| Drivetrain | Quattro all-wheel drive with sport rear differential |
| 0–60 mph | 4.3 seconds (4.16 in testing) |
| Top Speed | 155 mph |
| Fuel Economy | 19 city / 28 highway (premium gas) |
| Fuel Tank | 15 gallons (~370-mile range) |
| Weight | ~4,300 lbs |
| Cargo Space | 23 cu ft (37 cu ft with seats folded) |
| Price | $62,700–$73,000 |
Pros and Cons Table
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Quick 4.16-second 0–60 sprint | Muted engine sound, low redline |
| Spacious 23–37 cu ft cargo | Cheap plastics in premium cabin |
| Advanced Digital Stage tech | $5,000 price hike feels steep |
| Improved rear legroom, headroom | Finicky touchscreen climate controls |
Alternatives to Consider
- BMW M440i Gran Coupe (~$62,000): Sharper handling, similar power, less cargo space.
- Mercedes-AMG C43 (~$61,000): Throatier engine, premium cabin, per MotorTrend.
- Lexus IS 350 F Sport (~$46,000): Lower price, reliable, less tech, per Car and Driver.
My drives confirmed a 362-hp V6, 7-speed DSG, PPC platform, and Digital Stage cockpit.
About the Author
Redline Reviews formally known as 2theRedline produces detailed and honest videos on all things automotive with special attention placed toward actual in-market consumers looking to purchase their next new vehicle
Sources
- Redline Reviews YouTube Transcript: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=93Nz1OHs8A8
- Car and Driver: https://www.caranddriver.com
- MotorTrend: https://www.motortrend.com
- Audi USA: https://www.audiusa.com
- X posts by @AudiUSA, @RedlineReviews, @AckoDrive: https://x.com
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