2009 Audi S5 - Automobile Magazine

The S5 is another Audi product-in addition to the A5 and the R8-that one feels compelled to caress, if only visually. Audi designers really know how to evoke an emotional response with their designs. The red leather covering the seats is not my taste, but it suits this car and gives the S5 an extra bump in the sport direction. I am disappointed to see that Audi has given in to peer pressure and gone to both a starter button and a "key-fob-as-key. " There is something so satisfying about turning a key to start an engine as opposed to pushing a button. The last time we had an S5 in the office, I loved the way it looked but was disappointed in the way it drove. It had the old-school Audi brittle ride, and the handling wasn't anything special. Now that I've spent a bit more time with the S5, I can say that I like the car more than before but it still comes off as more of a cruiser than a sports car. The engine sounds pretty good and the car offers fabulous traction in the ever-changing weather conditions of February in Michigan. Still, the engine never really comes alive, and I don't like the overly quick variable-ratio steering. Source: www.automobilemag.com