COUNTERPOINT
STEVE SPENCE
Is it overstatement to say this is the first Audi that’s as rock solid and heavy—a sense of buttoned-down mass—as a Mercedes? It’s slick and low slung, resulting in close quarters inside, but the sense of luxury is winning, as is the delivery of its considerable power, which comes without any turbo roughhousing. A peek-in suggests no rear legroom, but a five-foot-four adult fits nicely in back. It’s a wonderment in every way save its sticker, which will likely add to its exclusivity.
TONY SWAN
This car is likely to suffer versus an all-out road warrior such as the ’08 BMW M3. The clash is inevitable; Audi cites the brashest of Bimmers as the S5’s key competitor, and I’d be surprised if the M3 didn’t trump the S5 in every objective test category. But so what? The S5 may not be as quick on its feet as the M3, but it’s gorgeous inside and out, makes lovely noises, and seems almost incapable of making a misstep in fancy dancing. For many, that will be more than enough.
STEVE SPENCE
Is it overstatement to say this is the first Audi that’s as rock solid and heavy—a sense of buttoned-down mass—as a Mercedes? It’s slick and low slung, resulting in close quarters inside, but the sense of luxury is winning, as is the delivery of its considerable power, which comes without any turbo roughhousing. A peek-in suggests no rear legroom, but a five-foot-four adult fits nicely in back. It’s a wonderment in every way save its sticker, which will likely add to its exclusivity.
TONY SWAN
This car is likely to suffer versus an all-out road warrior such as the ’08 BMW M3. The clash is inevitable; Audi cites the brashest of Bimmers as the S5’s key competitor, and I’d be surprised if the M3 didn’t trump the S5 in every objective test category. But so what? The S5 may not be as quick on its feet as the M3, but it’s gorgeous inside and out, makes lovely noises, and seems almost incapable of making a misstep in fancy dancing. For many, that will be more than enough.