Yannis

Verdict
Would I buy an S5? Yes. It’s a pretty car and a convincing grand tourer. The new suspension hugely improves ride quality, the steering feels alive, and four-wheel drive gives the Audi a real-world edge over its rear-drive rivals.
The transformation of Audi ride and handling shows that the MLB approach is a confident step in the right direction. With this flexible chassis as a foundation, it’s no surprise Audi talks of dominating the premium world.

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YoUhimhER

what's wrong with this, it looks like the presses are receiving two totally different cars!!!!

south

Thanks for that. Anyway you forgot to mention the writer of that article: Georg Kacher who's accidentally one of the best known autobild journalists...

Best regards, south

Yannis

Ireally didn't knew that. Anyway what's wrong with AutoBild journalists?

Yannis

Let's see what another journalist has to say about the A5:

I'm just back from driving Audi's new A5, and I have to say I rather liked it. Unsurprisingly on such events the journalists discuss their thoughts among each other and, more often than not, there's a general consensus regarding people's thoughts on the car. I'm not averse to disagreeing with the general view though, and the A5 is the perfect example.

I've heard and read many complain that the A5 is prone to understeer, is lacking in feel and rides badly - and I'd contest all of these comments. Every example I drove was nicely balanced, neutral in its stance - unless pushed to extremes where it does inevitably understeer - and rides decently enough too. As to feel, the steering actually has some, and that's something that's not been true of most of Audi's products for many years.

However what most people seem to be complaining about is that it's not a BMW 3 Series coupe. And surely that's the point? Sure, I know that the BMW is a superior driver's car, but for the majority of drivers - those unconcerned with power oversteer - the A5 will delight with its poise, performance and, crucially, its quality. I'm a big fan of the BMW, as are you given you voted it your MSN Car of the Year, but the A5's a hugely desirable proposition because it's not a BMW. And I think most of my colleagues have forgotten that...

-Kyle Fortune-

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RICHBOY

Nice read Yannis thanks!

YoUhimhER

may be he is suggesting that autobild journalists are biased toward audi?

Bruce

The S5/A5 seems to be one of those "controversial" vehicles which falls victim to schizophrenic road tests. Some people think it's boring, other think it's great

While I personally have not driven an A5 or S5, I believe I can safely say I'd enjoy it. Further to that, I love the exterior and interior design.

EnI

It's no doubt A5 is one of the best Audi's of that size ever. Including the drive.

Why some journalists are bitter & bitching? Because they compare Audi to BMW & MB: and most cases (also in A5 case) Audi proves to be less dynamic as BMW, and less comfortable as MB. Why? Because it's Audi, and not BMW or MB! It's a compromise between luxury and sport. Jack of all trades, master of none.

Nothing wrong with that.

But ... I guess some people's expectations were just too high. It was the same case with Lexus IS: everybody expected (because it was advertised so) a 3er killer, but nothing as such happened. A great car was born, but definitely no 3er killer. I guess it's the same case with A5: excellent car, but no 3er coupe killer (like some have expected).

Sunny

Except two things - One, Audi should stop making tall claims on how they are going make cars more dynamic than BMW, they just end looking stupid when they can't back it up!

Two, sales. In the 3,C,A4/5 segment, more people value sportiness over luxury as 3er sales numbers prove, the same way people value luxury more in the in the S class, 7, A8 segment.