Oh yes! Saving the best for last on a tantalising flit across a handful of near deserted Targa Tasmania stages up the east coast of the island state, it is now Drive's turn to slide aboard the S5 Coupe ? the performance weapon of the Audi A4/5 arsenal, until the RS5 arrives?
Instantly, the S5 feels and sounds more urgent and forceful. Maximum power of 260kW from the all-new turbo 3.0-litre V6 comes at the top of the rev range, between 5400 and the 6400rpm red line. But such is the profusion of peak torque starting from a measly 1370rpm and available through to 4500rpm that the driver can let the inherent urge do the heavy lifting.
There no turbo lag either, due in part to the twin-scroll turbocharger slotting inside the 90-degree vee, ensuring a shorter path for the gas flow.
The S5 is enormously good fun due to its precision at turn-in, and aplomb in the transition back on to the gas, with no appreciable fuss. It mere grips up and accelerating?quickly?
Hooked up to the quick-changing, paddle shifting eight-speed tiptronic automatic transmission and quattro, the all-new S5 Coupe can reach 100km/h in just 4.7secs - or 0.2 sec faster than its predecessor. Being 60 kg lighter than the older S5 is a factor here.
Our test S5 included the $2950 optional sport differential on the rear axle that can dish out even more torque to the wheel with the most grip. The feeling you get is that it is effectively 'pointing' the car into the apex of a corner.
After a brief flit through the Drive Select modes, we fixed on Dynamic for a blurry-swift swift carriage along some snaky tarmac sections.
In this mode, the throttle response is instant, the steering more commanding, the tiptronic reacts with shift points higher in the rev range, and the firmed-up adaptive suspension still retains the suppleness needed to not over react to bumps and imperfections in the surface. Love the deep growly noises from the four pipes, too, especially on the urgent upshifts.
Around town, or merely cruising along, the Auto or Comfort modes are probably a better alternative. Just that bit smoother.
Ditching the former S-tronic dual-clutch gearbox for an eight-speed torque-convertor transmission ? a concession to the greater torque the new engine is delivering - hasn't hurt the quality of the driving experience, or the fun factor.
In some ways it's better, certainly in slow-speed situations like parking.
Belting along a pleasant stretch, it's generally well mannered, except in manual mode it occasionally wants to upshift before you really want it too. A small niggle.
While the S5 is more about its engine than bling, its cabin gets the quilted leather seats splashes of real carbon fibre and aluminium and other S touches to leave the owner with the sense that he is being pampered for the extra money.
Which brings up to the subject of?
For those interested in economics, there is a compelling value argument in a segment where money isn't always discussed in polite company.
Skyrocketing Australian home prices are in the news lately, but, conversely, the S5 Coupe confirms that cars have never been cheaper in real terms.
The first-generation S5 Coupe introduced here in late 2009 was priced near $135,000, later dropping to $122,615.
The all-new second-generation S5 Coupe, improved in every way ? with its punchier and more fuel thrifty V8 turbo engine, more advanced safety and infotainment features, sharper dynamics, and slightly more spacious cabin - carries an estimated $10,000 more equipment and is priced at $105,800. A veritable steal.
Surely some enthusiasts who have been seriously considering the 185kW A5 Coupe will now perhaps contemplating stretching an extra $24K and order an S5.
2017 Audi S5 Coupe price and specifications
Price: $105,800 plus on-road costs
Engine: 3.0-litre V6 turbo petrol
Power: 260kW at 5400-6400rpm
Torque: 500Nm at 1370?4500rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto, all-wheel drive
Fuel use: 7.5 L/100km combined
6 Comments
DJM61 | 2017-03-23 21:12:33
The positives: Eight-speed auto; $105K (reduced price); 60 kg lighter; adaptive suspension ride. The negatives: fugly unpainted lower front, excessive creasing of bonnet and sides (probably for the USA tastes); 185kW A5 Coupe probably all that anyone needs except it has DSG; Dieselgate.
dcim45 DJM61 | 2017-03-24 02:02:26
The bonnet looks like a leftover from an old Chrysler Crossfire
Herman the German Car Lover | 2017-03-24 23:34:38
The V8 in the original S5 is a glorious engine, I will never forget a very fast drive from New York City to Providence with a colleague in his company provided S5 via I95 and some lesser inhabited roads in CT. It was a manual, great car, thoroughly worked that day! Sorry Audi, an S5 needs a V8, not a turbo V6.
SayWhatNow | 2017-03-25 01:27:25
Why would anyone buy anything from this mob of absolute LIARS? Also, that car is noisy, slow and STINKS. Buy a Tesla Model S for the same dollars and get a far superior car.
CJsview | 2017-03-25 15:24:38
Fugly indeed? It was never going to be easy to improve the last iteration of the A5. I'm sticking with my current A5 and waiting for the new 3 series bmw.
Fangbone | 2017-03-25 16:35:15
@ SWN. Tesla Model S a far superior car? From one long term review - 'squeaky brakes, several rattles, worn-looking leather, and a driver?s seat that rocks on its mounts as evidence that our Model S has lost more luster than most of the vehicles that endure our long-term test regimen. ?It just doesn?t feel solidly screwed together,?' Electric is the future - but the future is not here yet.