The automotive world is full of interesting niches, but few are as compelling as the four-door coupe. A few months ago, it was noted that the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe outsells other 4 Series variants. After spending a week with the sleek 2018 Audi S5 Sportback, it’s easy to understand why. This car takes the already appealing Audi S5 and injects it with a dose of extra style and everyday usability. It’s more visually striking than the traditional A4 or S4 sedans, and the inclusion of a hatchback significantly boosts its practicality. With four doors, it effortlessly handles passengers and cargo, eliminating the awkwardness of accessing the rear seats in a two-door coupe. For anyone considering an Audi from the A4/A5/S4/S5 range, the 2018 S5 Sportback emerges as a particularly attractive option, blending performance with panache.
The Allure of Diesel-Like Power and Sportback Design
Pros
Striking Aesthetics: Audi’s Sportback design language is undeniably captivating. The previous generation A5 Sportback, unavailable in the U.S., was a design highlight, and the larger A7 continues to be a head-turner. While the sharper headlights from the S4 sedan might offer a slightly more aggressive front fascia, the 2018 S5 Sportback truly shines in profile and from the rear three-quarter view. The 19-inch wheels and vibrant red brake calipers on the test model further enhance its sporty appeal, adding to the visual drama.
Exhilarating Sound Profile: Audi has sometimes been criticized for the muted exhaust notes in their performance models. However, in the 2018 S5 Sportback, especially when switched to Dynamic exhaust mode, a pleasingly raspy and warm sound emanates from the rear. This sporty S model delivers a sonorous soundtrack that complements its performance capabilities, a welcome departure from typically subdued Audi acoustics.
Potent Performance and Engaging Drive: Driving the 2018 S5 Sportback evokes a similar feeling to the S4 sedan previously tested – a sense of eagerness and relentless forward motion. This car is genuinely quick, offering sustained and impressive acceleration. While accessing peak thrust requires a deliberate push of the throttle, once in the powerband, the 354 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque readily available from the turbocharged engine provide ample power for the car’s 3,900-pound weight. The 2018 S5 Sportback encourages spirited driving and promises to remain engaging even on extended, dynamic journeys.
Exceptional Interior Environment: The cabin of the 2018 S5 Sportback is a testament to Audi’s interior design prowess. The overall design, material selection, and build quality are all outstanding. While personal preference might lean towards brushed aluminum trim instead of the faux carbon fiber in the test car, the contrasting black and gray dashboard and center console beautifully complement the supportive red leather sport seats. Even in the notorious Los Angeles traffic, the comfortable and quiet interior of the 2018 S5 Sportback provides a serene and enjoyable space, making even prolonged commutes a pleasant experience.
Cons
Steering Feedback Deficit: One area where the 2018 S5 Sportback falls short is steering feel. Even in the Dynamic driving mode, the steering effort remains too light and lacks crucial feedback from the road. While there is a sense of weight in the steering wheel, it’s accompanied by a noticeable absence of genuine communication and connection. This trend of diminished steering feel is becoming increasingly apparent in Audi models and is an area needing improvement for driving enthusiasts.
Redundant Central Screen: Audi’s Virtual Cockpit system is widely praised for its innovation and functionality. However, with the Virtual Cockpit providing a wealth of information directly in the driver’s line of sight, the secondary screen in the center of the dashboard feels somewhat redundant. In the Audi Q7, the smaller central screen can be retracted, creating a cleaner dashboard and potentially improving forward visibility. Implementing this retractable screen functionality in other Audi models, including the 2018 S5 Sportback, would be a welcome refinement.
Competition from Within and Without: The most direct competitor to the 2018 S5 Sportback is arguably the Audi S4 sedan. The S4 offers essentially the same performance and features, and while it sacrifices the Sportback’s sleek roofline, it gains slightly more rear-seat headroom. Furthermore, positioned at a similar price point to the S4, the 2018 S5 Sportback also finds itself competing with traditional sports sedans like the Mercedes-AMG C43 and Alfa Romeo Giulia. However, buyers prioritizing rear passenger space are likely not primarily shopping within the compact sports sedan segment anyway, making the 2018 S5 Sportback’s unique blend of style and practicality a compelling proposition for a specific type of buyer.
Competitive Set
- Audi S4
- BMW 440i Gran Coupe
- Mercedes-AMG C43
Photos: Steven Ewing / Motor1.com
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