In June 2025, I took the 2025 Audi S5 Edition One for a test drive along Newport Beach’s coastal roads, expecting a thrilling sports sedan experience. Priced from $62,700 to $73,000, this redesigned model—built on Audi’s Premium Platform Combustion (PPC)—promises 362 horsepower, a sleek hatchback design, and cutting-edge tech. As a car enthusiast who’s driven over 40 vehicles, I was initially impressed by its OLED lights and spacious cargo. However, after putting it through its paces and digging into feedback from sources like Redline Reviews, The Drive, MotorTrend, and @AudiUSA on X, I found several red flags. With sedan sales down 14% in 2024 as SUVs dominate, per MotorTrend, the S5 needs to stand out, but it falls short in key areas. Here are the top 5 reasons to avoid buying the 2025 Audi S5, based on my experience and what buyers value: performance, usability, value, design, and competition.
1. Muted Performance Lacks Excitement
The S5’s 3.0L turbo V6 delivers 362 hp and 406 lb-ft, hitting 0–60 mph in 4.16 seconds during my tests, faster than Audi’s 4.5-second claim. Yet, it felt underwhelming compared to rivals like the BMW M440i (382 hp, 4.0 seconds), per The Drive. The engine’s muted growl and lack of visceral feedback left me wanting more, especially for a $73,000 sports sedan.
- Tame Sound: V6 lacks the AMG C43’s throaty roar, per my drives.
- Less Punch: Feels less explosive than BMW M440i, per The Drive.
- No MHEV in U.S.: Misses Euro model’s mild-hybrid smoothness.
- Track Limits: Not as engaging for spirited driving, per MotorTrend.
2. Touchscreen-Heavy Controls Are Frustrating
The S5’s Digital Stage cockpit—an 11.9-inch virtual cockpit, 14.5-inch touchscreen, and optional 10.9-inch passenger display—looks futuristic but sacrifices usability. Adjusting climate settings via the touchscreen distracted me on busy Newport roads, and Reddit users on r/Audi echoed this, preferring the B9’s tactile buttons. The system’s complexity can annoy tech-averse buyers.
- Climate Distraction: Touchscreen HVAC controls divert attention.
- No Tactile Feedback: Misses B9’s intuitive rotary knob, per Reddit.
- Learning Curve: MMI software feels overwhelming, per my experience.
- Fingerprint Magnet: Glossy screens smudge easily, per MotorTrend.
3. Premium Price Feels Unjustified
Starting at $62,700, the S5 is competitive, but my $73,000 Prestige trim felt overpriced for what it offers. Hard plastics in the cabin, per Edmunds, and a $5,000 price hike over the 2024 S4, per Redline Reviews, hurt its value. Buyers expect more refinement for the cost, especially with cheaper alternatives like the Acura TLX Type S (~$57,000).
- Costly Trim: Prestige trim nears $73,000, per my test.
- Cheap Plastics: Lower-grade materials disappoint, per Edmunds.
- Price Hike: $5,000 more than 2024 S4, per Redline Reviews.
- Rival Value: TLX Type S offers similar performance for less.
4. Controversial Design Alienates Fans
The S5’s wider grille and OLED lights turned heads in Newport, but its generic look drew flak on Reddit’s r/Audi, with users calling it a “2025 GM vehicle” or less striking than the B9.5. The design feels like a step back from the sleek B9, failing to excite buyers who prioritize standout style.
- Generic Styling: Lacks B9.5’s sharp lines, per Reddit.
- Fan Backlash: Called uninspired by Audi enthusiasts on X.
- Lost Charm: Less distinctive than past S models, per my view.
- Mixed Appeal: OLED lights shine, but grille overwhelms.
5. Stiff Competition Outshines It
The S5 faces tough rivals like the BMW M440i Gran Coupe, Mercedes-AMG C43, and Acura TLX Type S, which offer sharper handling, better tech integration, or lower prices, per Car and Driver. My drives confirmed the S5’s balance but found it less engaging than the M440i’s dynamics or C43’s cabin refinement, making it a harder sell.
- BMW Edge: M440i’s 382 hp and steering outshine S5, per The Drive.
- AMG Refinement: C43’s premium cabin feels luxe, per Car and Driver.
- Acura Value: TLX Type S matches performance at ~$57,000.
- Niche Appeal: S5 struggles to stand out, per my analysis.
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 | 4.5 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 | 22.6 cu ft (37 cu ft with seats folded) |
| Price | $62,700–$73,000 |
Pros and Cons Table
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Spacious 22.6–37 cu ft cargo | Muted engine sound lacks thrill |
| Sleek OLED lighting design | Touchscreen controls distract |
| Quick 4.16-second 0–60 sprint | Hard plastics in premium cabin |
| Strong resale value (45–50%) | Overpriced Prestige trim |
Alternatives to Consider
- BMW M440i Gran Coupe (~$64,000): Sharper handling, 382 hp, per The Drive.
- Mercedes-AMG C43 (~$66,000): Premium cabin, throatier engine, per Car and Driver.
- Acura TLX Type S (~$57,000): Similar performance, lower price, per Edmunds.
Its 362-hp V6 lacks the punch and sound of rivals like the BMW M440i, per my drives.
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
