2025 Audi S5 Prestige Edition 1 Review: Performance, Exterior, Interior, Features and Real World Feel

front and side view of 2025 Audi S5 Prestige highlighting sleek body lines and alloy wheels

2025 Audi S5 Prestige

For more than 15 years, the Audi S5 has carried the role of a sporty two door alternative to the popular Audi S4 sports sedan. With the arrival of the all new third generation model, Audi has taken a major turn by discontinuing the A4 and S4 nameplates entirely. The brand now continues its compact sporty luxury sedan lineup with only A5 and S5, offered in a single body style, the four door Sportback, although the Sportback name is no longer used officially.

Engine and Performance

The main reason enthusiasts consider the S5 over the A5 is the power upgrade under the hood. Audi continues with its well known 3.0L turbocharged V6, mounted longitudinally.

Key Engine Highlights

  • 3.0L DOHC turbocharged V6

  • 362 hp

  • 406 lb ft torque

  • 7 speed dual clutch transmission (replaces the previous 8 speed ZF)

  • Quattro all wheel drive standard

  • 0 to 60 mph claimed in 4.3 seconds (likely closer to 4.0 sec real world)

  • Top speed limited to 155 mph

  • Curb weight: just under 4,300 lb

Audi removed the 48V mild hybrid system for the US market, although it remains available overseas. The dual clutch improves performance response, but efficiency takes a small hit because of the missing mild hybrid assist.

Fuel Economy

ConditionMPG
City19
Highway28
Combined22

Fuel tank size is just under 15 gallons, giving roughly 320 miles of range on premium fuel.

The V6 sounds noticeably better than the 4 cylinder A5, with more character and a deeper tone. Even with the soft rev limiter, the S5 delivers a satisfying exhaust note.

Exterior Design and Dimensions

Audi says the S5 is built on its PPC (Premium Platform Combustion) architecture, which is the last new internal combustion platform before the brand goes fully electric. Its styling has become sharper, more dynamic, and far more aggressive than the previous A5 and S5 models.

Front Design

  • Full Matrix LED headlights

  • Eight selectable DRL signatures

  • Dynamic LED indicators

  • Large S5 specific front fascia with bronze accents (Edition 1 exclusive)

  • Textured single frame grille with copper hexagonal inserts

  • New Audi rings and S badge (smaller than before)

Side Profile

The S5 has grown in every direction.

DimensionMeasurement
Wheelbase114 in
Overall Length190.4 in
HeightIncreased by 1.5 in
WidthSlightly wider

Although the S5 is larger now, it is not wider than the A5, and lacks flared fenders.

Edition 1 Exclusive Wheels

  • 20 inch alloy wheels

  • Matte neody finish

  • 245/35 R20 Pirelli P Zero summer tires

Brakes

  • Front: 14.2 in

  • Rear: 13.8 in

  • Red calipers with S logo

The Prestige trim adds adaptive suspension, but no rear wheel steering.

The panoramic roof is a highlight. It does not open, but it features six dimmable segments that frost and defrost electronically.

Rear Design

  • OLED tail lights with eight signature options

  • Full width LED light bar

  • Blacked out badges (Edition 1)

  • Quad exhaust tips

  • Sporty rear diffuser

Audi no longer uses the coupe or convertible. The S5 is now sold only as a four door hatchback.

front view of 2025 Audi S5 Prestige showing aggressive grille and LED headlights
Front profile of the 2025 Audi S5 Prestige showcasing its bold grille and sharp LED lighting.
front and side view of 2025 Audi S5 Prestige highlighting sleek body lines and alloy wheels
Front and side profile of the 2025 Audi S5 Prestige showing its aerodynamic silhouette and stylish wheels.
side profile of 2025 Audi S5 Prestige showcasing coupe-like stance and sharp character lines
Side profile of the 2025 Audi S5 Prestige highlighting its sleek, performance-oriented styling.
side and rear view of 2025 Audi S5 Prestige featuring LED tail lights and sporty rear bumper
Side and rear profile of the 2025 Audi S5 Prestige with stylish LED tail lights and bold rear styling.
rear view of 2025 Audi S5 Prestige highlighting LED tail lights and dual exhaust design
Rear profile of the 2025 Audi S5 Prestige with modern LED lighting and sporty rear bumper.

Boot Space

The increase in size brings a major advantage: cargo room.

ModeVolume
Standard22.6 cu ft
With Rear Seats Folded33.8 cu ft

This makes the 2025 S5 one of the most spacious cars in its class. The power liftgate is standard. There is no spare wheel, but Audi provides a tire kit and usable underfloor space.

Interior Quality and Features

Audi’s new generation interiors follow the brand’s Digital Stage Cockpit layout. The 2025 S5 features a large dual screen setup with improved tech, updated materials, and more comfort features.

Key Interior Highlights

  • RS Red premium Nappa leather seats

  • Diamond quilting with contrast stitching

  • 12 way power seats with heating, cooling and massaging

  • Three interior themes available (Black, RS Red, Grey Blue two tone upcoming)

  • Alcantara door inlays

  • Real carbon fiber trim

  • Bang & Olufsen premium audio

The new key fob looks premium but feels lighter and has more plastic than the previous generation.

Steering and Displays

  • Flat top and flat bottom wheel

  • New Audi 2D logo

  • Touch sensitive steering buttons

  • 11.9 inch digital cockpit

  • 14.5 inch center display

  • Passenger side digital display

  • AR head up display

The digital cockpit no longer shows full screen GPS like before, but navigation appears on the main screen or the passenger display.

Infotainment Features

  • Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

  • YouTube app

  • Built in Alexa

  • Built in Google Maps

  • Car settings including selectable headlight and tail light signatures

  • Configurable ambient lighting

Comfort Technology

  • Three massage types with three intensity levels

  • Heated and cooled seats

  • Climate control with digital menu

Camera and Safety

  • 360 degree camera

  • Augmented reality HUD navigation

  • Auto parking sensors

  • Rear camera washer

  • Cross traffic auto braking

  • New drive modes (selector mounted next to the shifter)

interior of 2025 Audi S5 Prestige with steering wheel, digital instrument cluster, infotainment system, and center console screen
Interior view of the 2025 Audi S5 Prestige showcasing the steering wheel, digital displays, and premium dashboard layout.
front seats of 2025 Audi S5 Prestige showing premium upholstery and sporty bolstering
Front seats of the 2025 Audi S5 Prestige featuring sporty bolstered seats and premium materials.
second row seats of 2025 Audi S5 Prestige offering comfortable seating and premium upholstery
Second-row seats of the 2025 Audi S5 Prestige with ample space and premium finishes.

Driving Position and Build Quality

The S5’s step in height is low, as expected from a sporty sedan. The door closes with a solid thud. Material quality is generally excellent on top surfaces with leather and soft touch panels. Some lower plastics and piano black trims feel cheaper and attract fingerprints, but overall build quality remains high.

The seating position is supportive and sporty. The ventilated seats work well even at higher temperatures. Visibility is good, and adjustability of the electric steering makes it easy to find a perfect driving position.

Final Verdict

The 2025 Audi S5 Edition 1 Prestige successfully blends performance, practicality, and technology in a package that feels modern and stylish. The turbocharged V6 offers strong power, the upgraded interior adds comfort and luxury, and the new digital cockpit introduces more customization than ever.

Audi’s decision to discontinue the coupe and convertible may disappoint some buyers, but the larger dimensions, expanded boot space, updated technology, and refined styling help the new S5 stand strong in the compact luxury performance space.

If you want a sporty luxury sedan that balances daily comfort with strong performance, the new S5 continues to be a compelling choice.

Audi S5 Edition 1 Prestige FAQs

What makes the new Audi S5 different from the A5?

The new Audi S5 stands apart from the A5 with a stronger 3.0L turbocharged V6 engine, upgraded brakes, adaptive suspension, and Audi’s quattro all wheel drive as standard. It also features unique exterior details like a larger front fascia, bronze accents, OLED tail lights, and a sportier rear diffuser with quad exhaust outlets.

How much power does the 2025 Audi S5 produce?

The 3.0L turbo V6 produces 362 horsepower and 406 pound feet of torque. This is a significant jump from the A5’s four cylinder and higher than the previous generation S5 output of 349 horsepower and 369 pound feet of torque.

How quick is the new Audi S5?

Audi claims a 0 to 60 mph time of 4.3 seconds. Based on previous testing, real world times are expected to be closer to four seconds. The top speed is electronically limited to roughly 155 mph.

Did Audi remove the mild hybrid system in the US model?

Yes, the US version no longer includes the 48V mild hybrid system. Audi says this change was based on customer preference, although it may be related to cost cutting. The removal slightly reduces efficiency, but performance remains strong.

What is the fuel economy of the 2025 Audi S5?

The S5 is rated at 19 mpg in the city, 28 mpg on the highway, and about 22 mpg combined. It has a fuel tank just under 15 gallons and can cover around 320 miles on premium fuel.

How has the size changed compared to the previous S5?

The latest S5 is longer and taller than before. It now measures 190.4 inches in length with a 114 inch wheelbase. It is also slightly wider and about 300 pounds heavier than the A5 that was tested earlier.

What interior features stand out the most?

The cabin includes red RS grade Nappa leather seats with heating, cooling, and massage functions. It has a flat bottom steering wheel, an 11.9 inch digital cockpit, a 14.5 inch touchscreen with Google built in, a premium Bang and Olufsen audio system, and a panoramic roof with dimmable glass segments.

Does the new Audi S5 offer good cargo space?

Yes, the liftback design provides 22.6 cubic feet of cargo space, which can expand to around 33.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Audi claims it is best in class and more spacious than rivals like the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe and Mercedes AMG C43.

What transmission does the 2025 Audi S5 use?

The previous 8 speed automatic has been replaced with a 7 speed dual clutch transmission. It improves performance response, although efficiency slightly drops due to the missing mild hybrid system.

What exterior lighting technology does the S5 offer?

The car includes full matrix LED headlights with eight selectable daytime light signatures. The rear features OLED tail lights with matching selectable signatures and dynamic indicators.

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