Test drive

Audi S5, road test of the 367-horsepower hybrid sports car

Sporty performance and lightweight hybrid solutions, with a brilliant V6 and advanced technologies to combine sportiness and comfort.

by Giulia Paganoni

24 April 2026

2' min read

Translated by AI

Versione italiana

2' min read

Translated by AI

Versione italiana

The new Audi S5 is a high-performance offering within the A5 range, embodying the brand's latest vision of electrified V6 engines. Available in saloon and Avant variants, the model can already be ordered in Italia with prices starting at €86,450, rising to over €98,000 for the richer configurations.

Audi S5, le foto della sportiva dei quattro anelli
Photogallery19 foto

Sportivity, efficiency and technology in one.

The objective is clear: to offer a car that combines sportiness, efficiency and technology in a single solution. In this context, the presence of the 48 Volt mild-hybrid system represents a fundamental element, helping to reduce consumption and emissions without compromising performance. The result is a transversal car, designed as much for everyday use as for more dynamic driving.

Aesthetically, the S5 is distinguished by a strong and muscular styling language. The front is characterised by the large single-frame grille with three-dimensional structure, flanked by sharply cut light clusters. The pronounced wheel arches, a clear reference to the historic Audi Ur-four, underline the model's sporty vocation, while the taut and proportioned lines lend impetus to the silhouette. The saloon variant adopts a coupe-style sloping roofline, while the Avant retains a more versatile stance without sacrificing dynamism. At the rear, the horizontal light band and split exhaust tailpipes reinforce the car's presence on the road. The cabin follows the same philosophy, with a modern layout dominated by Audi Digital Stage and high-quality materials.

True sports performance

Under the bonnet pulses the V6 3.0 TFSI, the technological heart of the car, capable of delivering 367 bhp and 550 Nm of torque already at low revs. This configuration guarantees prompt and progressive delivery, with a 0-100 km/h sprint covered in just 4.5 seconds. The engine is mated to the 7-speed S tronic automatic transmission, which ensures quick and smooth gear changes. Supporting this is the mild-hybrid system, which integrates an electric motor capable of delivering up to 24 hp and an additional 230 Nm. This system enables energy recovery during braking and allows short electric driving phases, especially in urban areas or when manoeuvring, helping to contain consumption and emissions without affecting the driving experience.

According to the manufacturer, fuel consumption and emissions in the mixed cycle are 7.5/7.9 l/100 km and between 166 and 180 g/km of CO2, depending on the body.

How is he behind the wheel

At the wheel, the Audi S5 expresses a balanced character between sportiness and comfort. The quattro all-wheel drive ultra intelligently and predictively manages torque distribution between front and rear, ensuring maximum traction at all times. The rear sports differential contributes to improved agility, especially when driving into and out of bends. The dynamic plus driving mode further accentuates the dynamic behaviour, favouring the rear axle and making the car more responsive and engaging. The chassis, with high torsional rigidity, works in synergy with the multilink suspension and low stance, while the progressive steering offers precision and sensitivity. Despite the sporty character, comfort remains high and modulated thanks to the Audi drive select system, which adapts the car's response to different driving conditions.