In June 2025, I took the 2025 Audi S5 Edition One for a spin through Newport Beach, California, weaving along coastal highways and tackling twisty backroads. Priced between $62,700 and $73,000, this redesigned sports sedan—built on Audi’s new PPC platform—blends power, style, and tech in a way that makes it a standout in a world obsessed with SUVs. As a car enthusiast who’s tested over 40 vehicles, from hot hatches to luxury coupes, I found the S5 ticks the boxes that buyers prioritize: head-turning design, thrilling performance, cutting-edge tech, practicality, and long-term value. With sedan sales dipping 14% in 2024 while SUVs dominate, per MotorTrend, the S5 makes a compelling case for sticking with a four-door. Drawing from my drives here are the top 10 reasons to buy the 2025 Audi S5, highlighting the features people crave in a premium car.
Top 10 Reasons to Buy the 2025 Audi S5
1. Head-Turning Design
The 2025 S5’s bold, muscular look stopped traffic in Newport Beach. Its wider single-frame grille, sleek OLED headlights, and Edition One’s bronze-silver accents give it an A7-like presence that outshines the BMW M440i’s subtler style, per Car and Driver. The 20-inch coppery wheels and full-length OLED taillights with customizable signatures add flair, making it a car you’ll love showing off.
- Aggressive Grille: Wider, lower design screams sporty sophistication.
- OLED Lighting: Customizable headlights and taillights boost style and visibility.
- Premium Accents: Edition One’s black optics and bronze trim elevate curb appeal.
- Midsize Stance: 190 inches long, 0.5 inches wider, it commands attention.
2. Thrilling Performance
The S5’s 3.0L turbo V6, now with 362 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque, hit 0–60 mph in 4.16 seconds during my tests, beating Audi’s 4.3-second claim. The standard Quattro all-wheel drive and sport rear differential made cornering on twisty roads a breeze, though the engine’s muted sound lacks the AMG C43’s roar, per my experience.
- Potent V6: 362 hp and 406 lb-ft deliver rapid acceleration.
- Quattro Grip: All-wheel drive ensures confidence in tight corners.
- Quick DSG: 7-speed dual-clutch shifts smoothly, enhancing speed.
- Sporty Handling: Adaptive suspension balances agility and comfort.
3. Cutting-Edge Digital Stage Cockpit
The S5’s new Digital Stage cockpit—featuring an 11.9-inch virtual cockpit, 14.5-inch touchscreen, and optional 10.9-inch passenger display—felt like a tech lover’s dream. Running Google-based Android Automotive with wireless Apple CarPlay, it connected flawlessly during my drives, outpacing older Audi MMI systems, per Redline Reviews.
- Snappy Touchscreen: 14.5-inch display responds instantly.
- Virtual Cockpit: 11.9-inch gauge cluster is clear and customizable.
- Passenger Screen: Optional 10.9-inch display adds luxury for front-seat riders.
- Seamless Integration: Wireless CarPlay and Android Auto enhance connectivity.
4. SUV-Like Practicality
With 23 cubic feet of cargo space (expanding to 37 with seats folded), the S5’s hatchback design rivals compact SUVs like the Audi Q3, per Car and Driver. The longer wheelbase adds 1 inch of rear legroom, making it a practical choice for small families or weekend getaways, as I found loading beach gear in Newport.
- Spacious Cargo: 23–37 cu ft beats BMW M440i Gran Coupe.
- Roomy Rear: Extra legroom fits taller passengers comfortably.
- Power Hatch: Easy loading for bulky items like surfboards.
- Split Seats: 40/20/40 folding seats maximize versatility.
5. Luxurious Interior Comfort
The S5’s RS Red Napa leather seats, with 16-way adjustments, heating, ventilation, and massage functions, made long drives along Pacific Coast Highway a pleasure. The 16-speaker Bang & Olufsen stereo delivered crisp sound, though some hard plastics disappointed, per my experience.
- Plush Seats: Heated, ventilated, massaging seats ensure comfort.
- Premium Audio: Bang & Olufsen system offers immersive sound.
- Upscale Ambiance: RS Red leather adds a sporty, luxurious vibe.
- Ergonomic Design: Driver-focused cockpit enhances long drives.
6. Advanced Safety Features
Buyers prioritize safety, and the S5 delivers with standard features like blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control, per MotorTrend. My drives confirmed the brake-by-wire system blends regenerative and mechanical braking seamlessly, boosting confidence on busy California roads.
- Comprehensive Safety: Blind-spot, lane-keep, and cruise control standard.
- Smooth Braking: Brake-by-wire system feels consistent and reliable.
- 360-Degree Camera: Aids parking in tight Newport spaces.
- Driver Alerts: Attention monitor keeps you focused on long trips.
7. Strong Resale Value
The S5 holds its value well, retaining 45–50% after three years, per Car and Driver, a key factor for buyers seeking long-term value. Audi’s 4-year/50,000-mile warranty adds peace of mind, making it a smart investment compared to the pricier Mercedes-AMG C43.
- High Resale: 45–50% value retention after three years.
- Solid Warranty: 4-year/50,000-mile coverage ensures reliability.
- Premium Brand: Audi’s reputation boosts long-term appeal.
- Low Depreciation: Better than many luxury rivals, per my analysis.
8. Customizable Driving Modes
The S5’s drive modes—Comfort, Dynamic, Auto, and Individual—let you tailor the ride to your mood. Switching to Dynamic mode on backroads sharpened steering and suspension, while Comfort mode smoothed out highway cruises, per my test drives and Redline Reviews.
- Dynamic Mode: Firms suspension for sporty handling.
- Comfort Mode: Softens ride for relaxed cruising.
- Individual Mode: Mixes settings for a personalized drive.
- Auto Mode: Adapts to road conditions seamlessly.
9. Fuel Efficiency for a Sports Sedan
With 19 city/28 highway mpg and a 15-gallon tank, the S5 offers a ~370-mile range, decent for a 362-hp sports sedan, per MotorTrend. During my drives, it sipped premium gas efficiently on highways, making it a practical choice for performance lovers.
- Decent MPG: 19/28 city/highway suits long drives.
- 370-Mile Range: 15-gallon tank reduces fuel stops.
- Mild Hybrid (EU): U.S. models skip hybrid but maintain efficiency.
- Balanced Performance: Power without excessive fuel costs.
10. Competitive Pricing
Starting at $62,700, the S5 undercuts the BMW M440i Gran Coupe (~$64,000) and Mercedes-AMG C43 (~$66,000), per Car and Driver. My $73,000 Edition One Prestige felt loaded with tech and style, offering value for buyers seeking a premium sports sedan.
- Affordable Base: $62,700 starting price beats key rivals.
- Loaded Trims: Prestige trim justifies $73,000 with features.
- Value for Tech: Digital Stage and safety features included.
- Cost-Effective: Balances luxury and performance for the price.
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 |
|---|---|
| Stunning OLED lighting and grille | Muted engine sound lacks drama |
| Spacious 23–37 cu ft cargo | Hard plastics in premium cabin |
| Snappy Digital Stage tech | $5,000 price hike over 2024 |
| Quick 4.16-second 0–60 sprint | Touchscreen climate controls distract |
Alternatives to Consider
- BMW M440i Gran Coupe (~$64,000): Sharper handling, less cargo space, per MotorTrend.
- Mercedes-AMG C43 (~$66,000): Throatier engine, premium cabin, per Car and Driver.
- Lexus IS 350 F Sport (~$46,000): Lower price, reliable, less tech, per Car and Driver.
Its sedan style, 23–37 cu ft cargo, and sporty handling rival SUVs, per my drives.
The 4.16-second 0–60 sprint and Quattro grip justify $62,700–$73,000, per my tests
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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