2023 Audi Coupe quattro

Jack R. Nerad | Jun 28, 2022

Like many automakers, Audi is using 2023 as a year of catching up as it works through supply-chain issues and uncertain demand. What is not disputable is Audi's commitment to battery-electric vehicles (BEVs). In the past 18 months, the German premium brand introduced multiple new E-tron models, including the Audi E-tron GT, RS E-tron GT, Q4 E-tron, and Q4 Sportback E-tron.

2023 Audi Coupe quattro

Audi says it expects to have more BEVs on sale in the United States than any other luxury-brand manufacturer by the end of 2022. The company's executives expect additional availability of Audi E-tron GT, RS E-tron GT, Q4 E-tron, and Q4 Sportback E-tron. Audi has said it plans to achieve net carbon neutrality by 2050.

At the same time Audi is ramping up its BEV offerings it also continues to enhance its conventional gasoline-powered fleet of vehicles. The most exciting Audi model available for 2023 is the next-generation RS 3 sedan, the high-performance sibling of the new Audi S3.

Equipment changes and package upgrades are prevalent across the Audi 2023 portfolio. Changes to individual model lines are listed below in alphabetical order.

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2023 Audi Coupe quattro

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Overview

You might have to squint to tell the 2023 Audi S5 coupe and cabriolet high-performance models from their standard-issue A5 counterparts. The meaningful differences hide behind the S5’s nose. Every S5 gets a 349-hp turbocharged V-6 with an eight-speed automatic transmission, a substantial leap from the A5’s 261-hp turbo-four. Audi’s Quattro all-wheel drive is standard equipment, and so are a pair of burly six-piston front brake calipers. Although the S5 is more bite than roar, its subdued exhaust note is a change of pace in a segment with a lot of buzz and thunder. The guts of the S5 are fashionable and they complement its accurate and predictable helm. The coupe and cabriolet body style lack the passenger space of the four-door S5 Sportback (reviewed separately), but all three share available tech like Audi’s Virtual Cockpit display, a large infotainment touchscreen, and a Bang & Olufsen audio system. The S5 isn’t quite as quick as more aggressive options such as the BMW M340i and Mercedes-Benz C43, but it’s nonetheless engrossing to drive, and it will fit the needs of those seeking a balance of comfort, sporty performance, and tasteful style.

Where This Vehicle Ranks

What's New for 2023?

The S5 gets additional standard equipment for 2023, though most updates are to optional appearance packages. The S5 Coupe receives the Bang & Olufsen sound system for its mid Premium Plus trim. The Black Optic package has been replaced by a Black Optic Plus package that now includes black rocker sills, rear spoiler, exhaust tips, and darkened Audi badges. Adaptive cruise control is now included with the available Convenience package. An optional Audi Sport interior is new for 2023 and gives the inside of the S5 a black interior with red stitching and RS carbon trim bits. Finally, the Chronos Gray replaces the Quantum Gray paint option.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

The Audi S5 Premium Plus coupe is the one we’d pick. For as much fun as convertiblesare, in the S5’s application, the cabriolet is slower and adds an extra $8100 at every trim level. The Premium Plus trim is a good balance of options and price, one that includes standard equipment such as Audi’s Virtual Cockpit display, blind-spot monitoring, passive keyless entry, a heated steering wheel, a 360-degree camera, wireless charging, and more leatherette surfaces throughout the cabin. We'd coat our S5 in distinct District Green paint and choose the Black Optic package (20-inch wheels on summer tires and black exterior trim). We also like the racier look of the carbon-fiber interior accents, and we'd be remiss if we didn't maximize our S5's performance with the S Sport package. It adds sport-tuned adaptive dampers, a torque-vectoring rear differential, and red brake calipers.

    Engine, Transmission, and Performance

    All S5s come with the same 349-hp turbocharged V-6 engine, an eight-speed automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive. Thanks to its launch-control system and all-wheel-drive traction, the last S5 coupe we tested delivered solid acceleration in a class of quick alternatives. In our testing, it went from zero to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds. Despite the additional weight, the convertible S5 cabriolet that we tested was still plenty quick, hitting 60 mph in 4.8 seconds. Both titillating two-door S5s we tested were equipped with the optional 19-inch performance tires and the S Sport package, which adds a torque-vectoring rear differential and adaptive dampers. As equipped, our test cars sported firm but still compliant rides. The coupe also came equipped with the Dynamic Steering option, which quickens the steering the more the wheel is turned from center. We found the system uncommunicative and unpredictable; we recommend against it and that you stay with the standard fixed-ratio steering setup.

    Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

    With a potent turbocharged V-6 and standard all-wheel drive, one might expect the S5 coupe and cabriolet to have not-so-great fuel economy. However, the fixed-roof version gets an EPA-estimated 24 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway—choosing the convertible reduces the city and highway ratings by 1 and 2 mpg respectively. We tested both body styles on our 75-mph highway fuel-economy route, which is part of our extensive testing regimen, and the coupe earned 30 mpg while the cabriolet earned 32 mpg. For more information about the S5's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.

    Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

    The S5's interior is marked by soft-to-the-touch, expensive-feeling materials, high-quality fit-and-finish, and a user-friendly design. Both driver and front-seat passenger are treated to comfortable and roomy power-adjustable seats, while rear-seat riders are left with the bare minimum of acceptable space. Those in need of more rear-seat room should look at the four-door S5 Sportback, which has a longer wheelbase and offers more room for rear passengers. The S5's interior starts with a conservative but modern dashboard design that's pieced together with laser-tight precision. Additionally, every S5 includes luxuries such as front seats with heating and massage functions, three-zone climate control, and push-button start. In our testing, the S5 coupe held as many carry-on suitcases as the last 440i coupe we tested, making it one of the top rated in its segment. Meanwhile, the convertible swallowed as many carry-ons in its trunk as the C43 cabriolet. Additionally, the S5's comparatively low lift-over height and wide trunk opening make loading items into the cargo bay an easy affair.

      Infotainment and Connectivity

      Every S5 is outfitted with Audi's latest infotainment software, which is displayed on a high-mounted 10.1-inch touchscreen. The system also can be operated via voice recognition and steering-wheel controls, but the intuitive rotary controller on the center console has been nixed. Along with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, the S5 can be equipped with a slick-looking 12.3-inch fully digital gauge cluster, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a 705-watt Bang & Olufsen audio system.

        Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

        The S5 coupe and convertible have a suite of available driver-assistance gear, but few features are standard. For more information about the S5's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:

        • Standard automated emergency braking
        • Available blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert
        • Available adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go technology

        Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

        The S5's warranty is average for the class, but it doesn't offer complimentary scheduled maintenance like other automakers such as BMW.

        • Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
        • Powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
        • No complimentary scheduled maintenance

        Specifications

        SPECIFICATIONS

        2018 Audi S5

        VEHICLE TYPE
        front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 4-passenger, 2-door coupe

        PRICE AS TESTED
        $68,550 (base price: $59,975)

        ENGINE TYPE
        turbocharged and intercooled Miller-cycle V-6, aluminum block and heads
        Displacement
        183 in3, 2995 cm3
        Power
        354 hp @ 6400 rpm
        Torque
        369 lb-ft @ 1370 rpm

        TRANSMISSION
        8-speed automatic with manual shifting mode

        DIMENSIONS
        Wheelbase: 108.8 in
        Length: 184.7 in
        Width: 72.7 in
        Height: 53.9 in
        SAE volume: F: 52 ft3 R: 35 ft3
        Trunk volume: 12 ft3
        Curb weight: 3942 lb

        C/D TEST RESULTS
        Zero to 60 mph: 4.3 sec
        Zero to 100 mph: 10.9 sec
        Zero to 140 mph: 25.4 sec
        Rolling start, 5-60 mph: 5.6 sec
        Top gear, 30-50 mph: 2.8 sec
        Top gear, 50-70 mph: 3.5 sec
        Standing ¼-mile: 12.9 sec @ 107 mph
        Top speed (gov ltd, mfr's claim): 155 mph
        Braking, 70-0 mph: 150 ft
        Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.94 g

        FUEL ECONOMY
        EPA combined/city/hwy: 24/21/30 mpg
        C/D observed: 21 mpg

        c/d testing explained

        More Features and Specs

        How many Audi Coupe Quattro were made?

        The Audi Coupe Quattro was offered in the U.S. for the year 1990 from mid-year 1989 to mid-year 1990 (only 1,750 units). Under the hood, it had a naturally aspirated 20-valve 5-cylinder 2.3-liter engine making 164 hp (166 ps) and 157 lb-ft (213 Nm) of torque.

        What replaced the Audi Quattro?

        Audi Quattro.

        Does Audi make a 2 door coupe?

        Here are all the Audi coupe models currently sold in the US: Audi A5, S5, and RS5: The cheapest 2-door Audi coupe in the lineup, it is offered in three different configurations.

        How fast is the Audi Quattro?

        Performance.