S5
Introduced in 2007 as a V8-powered 4.2-liter coupe, the Audi S5 gradually expanded from a single performance body style into a broader range of sport-oriented models. The early S5 combined quattro all-wheel drive with more assertive styling and a higher-performance drivetrain than the regular A5. A five-door Sportback joined the range in 2009, followed by a Cabriolet, while the next major model family moved toward V6 engines and newer chassis technology. The 2019 update brought S5 TDI versions to Europe, pairing a V6 diesel with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system and electrically powered compressor. For 2024, Audi substantially repositioned the nameplate: the S5 became available as a Sedan and Avant, powered by a 3.0-liter V6 TFSI with mild electrification. (audiworld.com)
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Variants by year
Make: Audi · Model: S5
11 / 11 versions shown
2024
2016
2011
2009
2007
Audi S5 photos
Model summary
Data from the ScanRacer library, organized to compare versions quickly.
Model introduction
Introduced in 2007 as a V8-powered 4.2-liter coupe, the Audi S5 gradually expanded from a single performance body style into a broader range of sport-oriented models. The early S5 combined quattro all-wheel drive with more assertive styling and a higher-performance drivetrain than the regular A5. A five-door Sportback joined the range in 2009, followed by a Cabriolet, while the next major model family moved toward V6 engines and newer chassis technology. The 2019 update brought S5 TDI versions to Europe, pairing a V6 diesel with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system and electrically powered compressor. For 2024, Audi substantially repositioned the nameplate: the S5 became available as a Sedan and Avant, powered by a 3.0-liter V6 TFSI with mild electrification. (audiworld.com)
History
The Audi S5 appeared in 2007 alongside the new A5 coupe. In its original form, it used a 4.2-liter FSI V8 producing 260 kW, or 354 hp, together with quattro all-wheel drive. This combination immediately separated the S5 from the standard A5: it was not simply a higher-equipment trim, but a performance derivative with dedicated chassis tuning and distinctive exterior details. Early U.S. information identified the car as a 2008 model, with a six-speed manual transmission or an optional Tiptronic automatic depending on specification. (audiworld.com) The range then broadened. Audi presented the S5 Sportback in 2009, adding a five-door body with greater everyday practicality. A Cabriolet also joined the family in the early 2010s. These body styles used a 3.0 TFSI V6 in several markets, while the original coupe remained associated with the V8. The next A5/S5 model family, introduced during the mid-2010s, brought updated styling, equipment, and powertrains. In 2019, Audi refreshed the European coupe and Sportback with the unusual S5 TDI concept: a 3.0-liter V6 diesel paired with a 48-volt electrical system. For 2024, Audi applied the S5 name to the new A5 Sedan and Avant. (audi-mediacenter.com)
Generations
The first S5 family began with the coupe launched in 2007, generally identified by its body style and its place within the contemporary A5 family. Early examples are especially notable for the 4.2-liter FSI V8. The Sportback and Cabriolet arrived later with a different engineering emphasis, using a supercharged V6 in several markets and offering greater everyday versatility. Production timing varied by country, market, and facelift, so the most reliable way to classify these cars is by body style and model year rather than by one universal timeline. (audiworld.com) The second major S5 family followed the A5 redesign introduced during the mid-2010s. Coupe, Sportback, and Cabriolet bodies remained available, but the cars adopted newer styling, more advanced infotainment, and turbocharged V6 powertrains. The 2019 update was particularly significant in Europe: the S5 Coupe and Sportback received a 347-hp 3.0-liter TDI with a 48-volt electrical system and electrically powered compressor. (press.audi.co.uk) For 2024, Audi began another phase. The A5 family took over the upper-mid-size role previously associated with the A4 and introduced the S5 Sedan and S5 Avant on the Premium Platform Combustion. Both used a 270-kW, or 367-PS, 3.0-liter TFSI V6 with MHEV plus technology. (audi.com)
Key differences
The main differences between S5 versions begin with body style. The Coupe emphasizes a low two-door profile, while the Sportback combines a fastback shape with five doors and greater cargo flexibility. The Cabriolet is defined by its folding roof and open-air character. For 2024, the new A5 family reorganized the range around Sedan and Avant body styles: the Sedan uses a conventional three-box layout, while the Avant adds a hatchback and a more practical load area. (audi-mediacenter.com) Powertrains also change substantially by model year and market. The first coupe is associated with the 4.2-liter FSI V8, while later cars primarily used turbocharged gasoline V6 engines outside Europe and a V6 diesel in some updated European models. The 2024 S5 returned to a 367-PS turbocharged gasoline V6 with mild electrification. Transmission choices, equipment, and quattro availability may differ by country, so an accurate comparison should always identify the exact market and model year. (audiworld.com)
Photo recognition
A first-generation S5 can be recognized by its two-door coupe body, the low proportions of the original A5 design, S-specific exterior details, and, on early examples, the 4.2 FSI V8. Cars produced after the Sportback joined the range have a continuous roofline, five doors, and a rear hatch. The Cabriolet is visually distinct through its folding roof and shorter-looking profile when the roof is lowered. (audiworld.com) Later S5 models use sharper body surfacing and more contemporary lighting signatures. European 2019-2024 TDI versions may be identified, cautiously, through their place in the range, exhaust treatment, and S design details, although equipment can vary with trim and options. The 2024 model has a completely new front end and interior and is offered as a Sedan or Avant. Badges, alloy wheels, and silver mirror caps are not conclusive proof of authenticity because they can be changed or retrofitted. The engine code, VIN, and original documentation remain the most dependable identification methods. (audi.com)
Important versions
Notable versions include the 2007 S5 Coupe with its 4.2-liter FSI V8, followed by the S5 Sportback introduced in 2009 with five doors and greater everyday versatility. The S5 Cabriolet provided the open-air alternative within the earlier family. The 2019 European update is especially significant because the S5 TDI used a 3.0-liter V6 diesel producing up to 347 hp, supported by a 48-volt system and electrically powered compressor. In 2024, the S5 Sedan and S5 Avant introduced the new range structure with a 367-PS 3.0-liter TFSI V6 and MHEV plus technology. Exact availability and specifications still depend on the market. (audiworld.com)
The name “S5” follows Audi naming, with its rules and its exceptions. Decode a Audi name
References
- The New 2008 Audi A5 and S5Audi of America
- Audi S5 SportbackAudi MediaCenter
- The Audi S5 TDIAudi
- Audi S5 Avant Technical DataAudi MediaCenter
- https://www.audi-mediacenter.com/en/photos/detail/audi-s5-avant-125128audi-mediacenter.com
- https://uploads.audi-mediacenter.com/system/production/car_motorizations/1399/file_en/101b27385f02d757ef94f1a9115713e7c977cc39/eTD-Audi-S5-Avant-TFSI-270kW_240715.pdf?1721057084=uploads.audi-mediacenter.com
- https://www.audi-mediacenter.com/en/videos/video/audi-s5-sportback-until-2024-footage-3235audi-mediacenter.com
- https://www.audi-mediacenter.com/de/fotos/detail/audi-s5-avant-125108audi-mediacenter.com
Technical specifications
Structured data available for versions linked to this model.
| Version | Power | Torque | Top speed | Drivetrain | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base | 255.2 KW @ 5400 RPM 347 HP @ 5400 RPM 342 BHP @ 5400 RPM | 369 lb-ft @ - RPM 500 Nm @ - RPM | 155 mph (249 km/h) | All Wheel Drive / 8-speed automatic Tiptronic | Diesel |
| Base | 255.2 KW @ 3850 RPM347 HP @ 3850 RPM342 BHP @ 3850 RPM | 516 lb-ft @ 2500-3100 RPM700 Nm @ 2500-3100 RPM | 155 mph (249 km/h) | All Wheel Drive / 8-speed automatic (Tiptronic) | Diesel |
| Base | 245 KW @ 5500-7000 RPM 333 HP @ 5500-7000 RPM 329 BHP @ 5500-7000 RPM | 325 lb-ft @ 2900-5300 RPM 440 Nm @ 2900-5300 RPM | 155.3 mph (250 km/h) | All Wheel Drive / 7-speed automatic | Gasoline |
| Base | 260.4 KW @ 5400-6400 RPM 354 HP @ 5400-6400 RPM 349 BHP @ 5400-6400 RPM | 369 lb-ft @ 1370-4500 RPM 500 Nm @ 1370-4500 RPM | 155 mph (249 km/h) | All Wheel Drive / 8-speed automatic (Tiptronic) | Gasoline |
Frequently asked questions
- What years was the Audi S5 produced?
- ScanRacer's referenced versions cover 2007 - 2024.
- How many Audi S5 examples are documented on ScanRacer?
- 25 published scans from 10 members, with the latest photo added in October 2026.
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