The Audi S-badge was supposed to be the answer to the BMW M-badge...well...uh...in a word, NO. The S5 would flat get dusted and embarrassed by any of the BMW M's I've owned and the F-type Jag would laugh aloud. The S5 feels more luxurious and smooth. More like 330/430 in performance. Sluggish to rev up and acts like you are asking a lot to get up and run. Not ready for a hot-lap on the track like the F-Type that feels like it's jitterey and hopped up on espresso and biting it's nails off to go everytime you start it. The S5 really feels like it just wants to stroll over to the Country Club and look pretty. That's OK but not for the price. There is never enough trunk space in cabriolets for a golf bag, couple tennis rackets fit fine. Handling is very nice and crisp and the steering has a very connected tight feel that almost does what you think, very BMW-esque. The HVAC is not "high volume" and and takes 15 minutes to cool off at 90F+. Not a problem in Munich but definitely a problem in SC. But of course it's a cabriolet, not an A8. Ride is very quiet with almost no noise. Very tied down cabin. The Audi technology and Volkswagen mechanics should also be FAR MORE reliable than my BMW and definitely my Jaguar who all began their slow and steady decline to the grave around that magical 100k and 60k milestones respectively. That said, the BMW technology is just more current. NONE of the Audi Cabriolets have voice command option. Not even the R8!!! Apparently they couldn't figure out where to place the microphone...really?? FAILURE. My $30k Toyota Truck has voice command AND a touch Screen?! The Audi also lack front parking sensors. I guess they figured you can see the front? The interior of the Audi feels more like an LA hillside California ranch with unobstructed minimalist details that are all kind of understated but very modern. I did Pay $25-30k less for my S5 than an M4 and maybe even a little less than a 435 Cabriolet. Maybe that's the lesson here. I just hope I can say the Audi doesn't lose bladder control and leak oil all over my garage and try to Break My Wallet (BMW?) after the warranty runs out. Overall, the BMW is faster and sharper with better technology and the F-type is just hot wet dripping sexy. The only part of the S5 I feel might be a little sexy is the gauge cluster and the grimmacing LED and Xenon headlights. See you around the track...sorry, I meant club.
Car is great but watch out when buying a CPO AUDI. I recently purchased a CPO S5 Convertible I was told that the car was not in an accident the car-fax was clean but when I got home I noticed the front end was misaligned. I ran an auto check and found out that it was in an accident. the dealer took back the car but its now reselling it CPO and acting like its perfect. Initially I thought it was an honest mistake but know I know better. I called Audi to complain but was told that CPO cars can be certified even if they are in an accident. I am fine with that but it should be disclosed to the consumer.
I absolutely love the car!
There are only two items I wish were different. On the piss ant side, I wish the side view mirrors could be stowed electrically like they can be on our Q5. The other is a biggie for me. There are no front parking assist sensors on the S5. I cannot for the life of me understand why it is not standard or at least offered as an option as even A3 cabriolet has them.
The color, Sepang Blue Crystal, is awesome and I constantly get compliments on it. In addition, just as on our Q5, the paint job is FLAWLESS - not a touch of "orange-peel' anywhere.
Finally, short of something like a Lamborghini, this has to be one of the sexiest cars on the road!
July 2016 Update: Since we do most of our longer trips in the wife's 2013 Q5, the S5 Cabriolet has just 12,100 miles to date. The car has run flawlessly, looks showroom new and continues to draw admiring comments wherever I take it.
Worth noting - I cannot get a definitive answer on best tire pressure. When I inflated them to the factory-recommended (sticker and owner's manual) pressure of 39/38psi the ride becomes a little too harsh for my liking. I reduced the pressures to 36psi all around and the ride was better with no perceptible degradation in handing. Also, I wish Audi would come up with a better composition for their brake pads - I bought a pressure washer to deal with the constant accumulation of black brake dust on my wheels - almost as bad as my old Bimmer. I'm not at this point yet but when the Q5 said it needed brake pad replacement - Audi would not turn the rotors! This strikes me as ridiculous and made a simple brake pad replacement job cost over $1,300. I may not go to Audi when my pads need replacement.
Having said all that,I still love my S5 Cabriolet!
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