2017 Audi S5 Coupe new car review

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

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