The Audi R8 might be the dream car, but for those seeking exhilarating performance without the supercar price tag, the 2013 Audi S5 emerges as a compelling alternative. This sports coupe isn’t just about thrilling speed; it’s a harmonious blend of everyday usability and head-turning aesthetics, delivering a driving experience that rivals its more exotic sibling in many ways.
For the 2013 model year, the Audi S5 underwent a significant mid-cycle refresh, most notably in its front-end design. The redesigned headlights and front fascia immediately catch the eye, with the striking LED running lights being a particular highlight. These aren’t just visually appealing; they exude a sense of modern Audi character and lend an aggressive edge that perfectly suits a sports coupe of this caliber. This is a car that announces its sporty intentions through its design, hinting at the brisk acceleration and agile handling that lie beneath the surface.
Everywhere the 2013 Audi S5 goes, it garners attention and admiration. Its low-slung, wide stance is frequently commented on, and simple phrases like “What a great looking car!” are common. While it might not cause the same kind of traffic-stopping frenzy as an R8, the S5 undeniably possesses a captivating presence. Audi’s designers have masterfully crafted the proportions, giving it a long, elegant hood, a short, sporty trunk lid, and a sleek, low roofline. The sport-tuned suspension, lower than the A5 and A4, coupled with the striking 19-inch wheels and low-profile tires, completes the picture of a performance coupe that looks as dynamic as it drives.
Despite its low profile exterior, the interior of the 2013 Audi S5 offers surprising headroom for both the driver and front passenger. The rear seats tell a slightly different story, being more compact, but perhaps not as cramped as some reviews might suggest. While it might not be the ideal choice for families with young children in car seats – legroom can be a squeeze for older kids – it’s manageable for shorter trips or for adults under six feet for short distances. For passengers of average height, the rear seats are perfectly adequate for shorter journeys.
However, the practicality of the 2013 Audi S5 shines through with its foldable rear seats. This feature transforms the coupe into a surprisingly versatile cargo carrier. Weekend ski trips become a reality, as the S5 comfortably accommodates skis, equipment, and luggage – a level of practicality that the exotic R8 can only dream of. Imagine the convenience of a sports car that can handle both thrilling drives and real-world cargo needs.
Stepping inside the 2013 Audi S5 is an experience in sporty refinement. The cabin is a pleasant and engaging space to be in, highlighted by the same flat-bottom steering wheel found in the R8. This sporty touch, smaller in diameter and wonderful to the touch, immediately elevates the driving experience. The well-placed and appropriately sized paddle shifters for the 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission further enhance the sporty feel and offer engaging driver control.
Now, let’s address the most talked-about change in the 2013 Audi S5: the engine. The high-revving 4.2-liter V8 is no longer under the hood. In its place is the now-familiar 3.0-liter supercharged V6. This swap might disappoint V8 purists, but the V6 brings its own advantages. While you might miss the raw V8 soundtrack, you gain improved fuel economy and the consistent power delivery of a supercharged engine. Importantly, this V6 is far from bland in the sound department. It’s a genuinely pleasing engine note, arguably even better than some competitors, and the Audi Drive Select system allows for exhaust sound fine-tuning via valve control.
What does “consistent power” truly mean in the 2013 Audi S5? Performance testing reveals impressive figures. Even at a mile above sea level, the S5 clocked a 0-60 mph acceleration time of just 5.11 seconds. This remarkable time, achieved on a cold day with winter tires, is incredibly close to the manufacturer’s claimed 4.9 seconds under ideal conditions. Launch control, easily engaged through the Audi Drive Select system, plays a key role in achieving these numbers, allowing for optimized starts every time.
The optional Sport Differential, a worthwhile addition at a reasonable price, further elevates the 2013 Audi S5‘s handling prowess. It effectively mitigates the understeer often associated with Audi’s front-engine Quattro system. By actively distributing torque to the outside rear wheel during cornering, it creates a noticeable improvement in handling balance and agility. Exiting corners under power becomes a genuinely rewarding experience, with the car feeling remarkably balanced and responsive. The S5’s handling capabilities place it among the best in its class, rivaling even high-performance cars like the R8 V10 in terms of sheer driving enjoyment. Despite its sporty nature, the ride quality remains surprisingly comfortable for daily driving, a testament to Audi’s engineering finesse. However, some drivers might desire a slightly heavier and more direct steering feel, particularly in dynamic driving modes.
While the 2013 Audi S5 might not be lighter than its V8 predecessor, the engine downsizing brings a benefit in weight distribution. The more compact V6 allows for a slightly more favorable weight balance, with the engine mass positioned closer to the front axle line, contributing to improved handling dynamics.
The competitive landscape for the 2013 Audi S5 is intriguing. It occupies a unique space, straddling performance and price points of various competitors. It doesn’t have a direct rival in a singular sense, yet it competes with a range of models, as illustrated in the comparison table:
| Starting Retail Price | City/Hwy MPG | HP / Lb-Ft | 0-60 in Sec. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 Audi S5 | $52,300 | 18/28 | 333/325 |
| 2013 BMW 335ix | $46,800 | 20/28 | 300/300 |
| 2013 BMW M3 | $60,100 | 14/20 | 414/295 |
| 2013 Infiniti G IPL | $53,100 | 19/27 | 348/276 |
| 2013 Mercedes C350 4Matic | $45,200 | 19/27 | 302/273 |
| 2013 Mercedes C63 AMG | $59,800 | 13/19 | 451/443 |
This table highlights the S5’s position: it offers a compelling balance of performance and price, sitting between the more affordable but less powerful models and the pricier, higher-performance variants.
On the TFLcar scale of:
- Buy it!
- Lease it!
- Rent it!
- … or Forget it!
The 2013 Audi S5 Quattro coupe S-tronic earns a resounding Buy It!
Even with optional features pushing the price higher, the 2013 Audi S5 remains a highly recommended sports coupe. It’s a car of versatile character, equally at home as a comfortable daily driver or a thrilling track machine. The downsized engine and efficient 7-speed transmission contribute to surprisingly good fuel economy for its class. Achieving nearly 30 MPG on highway runs and an average of 23.5 MPG in mixed driving conditions is remarkable for a performance coupe. In conclusion, the 2013 Audi S5 is truly an “everyman’s Audi R8,” offering a taste of high-performance thrills in a more accessible and practical package.
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