2025 Audi S5 Sportback
Our VerdictThe 2025 Audi S5 Sportback is a “do-it-all” luxury liftback: quick, classy, and genuinely useful thanks to its hatchback shape. It’s not the most thrilling sport sedan in the segment, and premium fuel plus premium-brand running costs add up. Still, if you want stealthy speed with everyday practicality, it’s a sweet spot.
Enthusiasts
Budgeters
The Case For
- Strong V6 power with standard AWD
- Hatchback cargo access makes it more practical than it looks
- Premium-feeling cabin and solid daily comfort
Considerations
- Fuel economy is fine, not great, and it drinks premium gas
- Driver-assist and convenience features get pricey if you don’t pick the right trim
- Some reviewers find it competent but a bit “dull” versus rivals
Who It's For
The Audi S5 Sportback is for buyers who want a premium “one-car solution”: quick enough to feel special every day, refined enough for commuting, and practical enough to handle Costco runs or weekend luggage without needing an SUV. The stand-out feature is the liftback layout—rare in this class—paired with a turbo V6 and standard quattro all-wheel drive. It’s a great fit for drivers who like understated style and want speed without living with a stiff, track-focused ride. Inside, the cabin strikes a balance between high-tech "digital stage" layouts and tactile luxury, featuring massaging S-sport seats and the iconic Virtual Cockpit that places navigation directly in your line of sight. While the sloping roofline prioritizes a sleek silhouette over rear headroom, it rewards you with a massive 22-cubic-foot cargo area that expands to roughly 37 cubic feet with the seats folded. Ultimately, it’s a "sleeper" in the best sense—a car that looks right at home at a valet stand but has the mechanical grit to drop a sub-4.5-second 0–60 mph sprint whenever the light turns green.
Choose Your Specification
Premium
$59,195Performance-Focused Base
The Premium trim is the “purest” S5 Sportback: you’re paying for the engine, standard AWD, and the sleek liftback shape without forcing yourself into every luxury upgrade. It includes the core sport hardware plus a comfortable, upscale cabin with sport seats and modern connectivity. It’s ideal if you plan to lease, keep options simple, or you know you’ll use Apple CarPlay/Android Auto for everything instead of built-in navigation.
Premium Plus
$63,095Best Value
Premium Plus is where the S5 Sportback feels “fully baked.” On top of the Premium equipment, it layers in the features most buyers expect in a $60K+ luxury car—particularly the upgrades that make daily driving and parking easier. You get upgraded digital gauges plus a 360-degree camera system, blind-spot warning, and a Bang & Olufsen premium audio system.
Prestige
$65,795Most Luxurious
Prestige is the comfort-and-tech upgrade path for buyers who want their S5 Sportback to feel closer to an executive car—without giving up the fast V6 and AWD hardware. Expect added upscale touches like a head-up display (on the “old” S5 per Edmunds) and rear-seat comfort upgrades such as heated rear seats. It’s the trim for people who do a lot of highway time, frequently drive clients/family, or simply want the cabin to feel special every time they get in.
- You keep the same 349-hp performance, but the car feels meaningfully more premium day-to-day
- Upgraded digital gauges, surround-view (360) camera, blind-spot warning, and Bang & Olufsen audio
- Built-in navigation content becomes easier/cleaner to get at this level, which helps if you drive in weak-cell areas or just prefer factory maps
Trim by Trim
Select your car trims and compare them instantly
| Specification | S5 Sportback Premium | S5 Sportback Premium Plus | S5 Sportback Prestige |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Type | Gas (turbo V6) | Gas (turbo V6) | Gas (turbo V6) |
| Horsepower | 349 hp | 349 hp | 349 hp |
| MPG (City/Hwy) | 20 / 29 | 20 / 29 | 20 / 29 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Cargo Capacity | 21.8 cu ft | 21.8 cu ft | 21.8 cu ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| MSRP (Starting) | $59,195 | $63,095 | $65,795 |
| Car Type | Luxury sport liftback / hatchback | Luxury sport liftback / hatchback | Luxury sport liftback / hatchback |
The Cost of Ownership
The 2025 Audi S5 Sportback's annual ownership costs:
Assumptions: Based on average U.S. driver (12,000 miles/year, fuel price ~$3.75/gal, good driving record).
From Every Angle
Exterior
4.5Sleek liftback, timeless S details
The S5 Sportback’s design is one of its biggest selling points: it’s athletic without being shouty, with the kind of clean shape that still looks premium years later. The flip side of “timeless” is that it’s close to being replaced, so if you want the newest look and latest tech, you may want to cross-shop carefully.
Interior
4.3Premium cabin, tight rear headroom
Audi interiors are usually a safe bet, and the S5 Sportback sticks to that recipe: solid materials, supportive sport seats, and a layout that feels focused on the driver. The front seats and driving position are where you’ll spend your time, and that’s where the S5 delivers. Where it’s less perfect is the back seat: it’s usable, but the swept roof and “sportback” proportions mean it’s best for adults on shorter trips or kids on longer trips.
Safety
4.2Strong IIHS scores, options matter
Crash-test data for the S5 Sportback itself can be tricky to find in a clean, static format, but IIHS provides ratings for the closely related Audi A5 Sportback 4-door hatchback, which shares the same basic body style and era. In IIHS testing/ratings coverage, the A5 Sportback earns Good small overlap results and a Superior rating for its standard pedestrian front crash prevention system (listed as “Pre sense city”).
Fuel Economy
3.5Quick V6, thirsty premium fuel
For what it is—a 349-hp turbo V6 performance luxury liftback with standard AWD—the S5 Sportback’s EPA rating is respectable: about 20 mpg city / 29 highway / 23 combined, and it requires premium gasoline. The bigger issue for most shoppers is cost-per-mile: premium fuel and 23 mpg combined means your annual fuel spend can be meaningful, especially if you drive a lot. If fuel efficiency is a priority, rivals like the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe can post higher combined mpg in some configurations.
Tech & Infotainment
4Clean screens, great phone integration
2025 S5 models come with a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen and that wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, which is exactly what most U.S. buyers want. Premium Plus and Prestige trims can also include built-in navigation access/trials, which matters if you prefer factory routing and integrated vehicle data. Just remember: like many premium brands, some connected features can involve subscriptions down the line—so ask what’s included and for how long.
Performance & Handling
4.2Fast and grippy, not wild
The S5 Sportback’s powertrain is the headline: a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 making 349 hp and 369 lb-ft, sent through an 8-speed automatic and standard quattro AWD. In the real world, that means confident passing power and easy on-ramp speed without needing to wring it out. Testing times vary by outlet, but you’re broadly looking at mid-4-second 0–60 mph capability.
Warranty
3.6Average coverage, no free maintenance
Audi’s factory coverage is competitive but not class-leading. Audi USA lists a 4-year/50,000-mile New Vehicle Limited Warranty and 4 years of 24-hour roadside assistance. The bigger reality check is that ongoing service, tires, and brakes on a performance Audi aren’t cheap—so budget for maintenance even while the warranty is active.
New This Year
- HomeLink buttons move into the rearview mirror, a small but nice daily-use update
- The Convenience Package adds rear USB ports
- MMI Navigation Plus becomes standard on Premium Plus, reducing the need to option-hop for a “complete” tech setup
Cars Similar to 2025 Audi S5 Sportback
Here’s a quick side-by-side look at the 2025 Audi S5 Sportback and its close competitors, the 2025 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe and 2025 BMW i4, to see which one fits you best.
2025 Audi S5 Sportback
2025 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe
2025 BMW i4| Aspect | 2025 Audi S5 Sportback | 2025 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe | 2025 BMW i4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Performance | 349-hp turbo V6 with quick mid-4-sec 0–60 feel; standard AWD traction | More range of outputs; the hot M440i xDrive is quoted at 386 hp and about 4.2 sec 0–60 | EV punch depends on trim: eDrive40 is 335 hp (KBB) and the M50 is much quicker; instant torque feel |
| Tech & Interior | 10.1" screen + wireless CarPlay/Android Auto; Premium Plus adds “must-have” luxury tech like 360 camera and B&O | Strong tech and luxury options; BMW’s interface is newer-feeling to some shoppers, and available driver-assist packages are broad | EV-focused tech and modern interface; strong range info/energy tools, but public charging lifestyle matters |
| Practicality | Big advantage: liftback opening + about 21.8 cu ft behind rear seats (≈35 max) | Still a hatchback shape, but Edmunds lists 16.6 cu ft cargo—less “big-box friendly | Also 16.6 cu ft cargo (per Edmunds), but no gas stops—charging replaces fueling |
| Comfort & Space | Comfortable front seats; rear space is usable but not huge (≈35" rear legroom) | Similar “swept-roof” vibe; great for 2 adults in back, 3 is tight. Cargo is smaller than S5’s | Quiet EV cruising; range and charging strategy matter most for road trips |
| Who’s It For | Drivers who want stealthy speed + real hatch usability in a premium badge | Buyers who want a sharper performance edge and are okay with less cargo utility | Drivers ready to go electric, have home/work charging, and want luxury + EV torque |
| Best Choice For | The Practical Driver The Subtle Professional The All-Weather Commuter | The Speed Seeker The Style Leader The Driving Enthusiast | The Tech Adopter The Home Charger The EV Fan |
Asked & Answered
How fast is the 2025 S5 Sportback in real life?
It’s quick. Expect a mid-4-second 0–60 mph experience depending on conditions; Audi’s own tech-spec sheet lists 4.5 seconds
Is the Premium Plus trim worth the extra money?
For most buyers, yes
Is it a good family car with child seats?
It can work well for a small family. IIHS rates LATCH ease-of-use as Good for the related A5 Sportback and notes the rear seating positions/hardware details, but the sloping roofline means rear headroom can be tighter as kids grow.