The Audi R8. It’s a dream car for many, a symbol of automotive passion and high performance. But what if your budget doesn’t quite stretch to supercar territory? Enter the 2013 Audi S5, a sports coupe that delivers a thrilling driving experience without the stratospheric price tag. This isn’t just a consolation prize; the S5 stands on its own merits as a compelling blend of performance, luxury, and everyday usability.
The 2013 model year marked a significant refresh for the S5, with the most noticeable changes gracing its front end. Audi sharpened the design with redesigned headlights and a new front fascia, injecting a dose of modern aggression. The LED running lights are a particular highlight, distinctive yet undeniably Audi, contributing to a more assertive and focused look – exactly what you want in a performance coupe built for brisk acceleration and confident handling.
The 2013 Audi S5 is a head-turner. It consistently draws admiring glances and positive comments. People are struck by its low, wide stance, and the overall visual appeal is undeniable. While it may not command the same attention as an R8, the S5 possesses a sophisticated elegance that resonates with car enthusiasts and casual observers alike. Audi masterfully sculpted the proportions of this car. The long hood, short trunk lid, and sleek roofline create a classic coupe silhouette. The sport-tuned suspension, lower than its A5 and A4 siblings, combined with 19-inch wheels and low-profile tires, completes the athletic stance.
The refreshed front fascia and LED running lights of the 2013 Audi S5 coupe, showcasing its assertive and modern design.
Despite its low-slung appearance, the 2013 Audi S5 offers surprisingly generous headroom for both the driver and front passenger. The rear seats, however, are where practicality takes a slight backseat. While not as cramped as some might suggest, rear passenger space is definitely at a premium. Families with young children might find it a squeeze, especially with car seats. Legroom can be tight for adults, particularly taller individuals. However, for shorter trips or occasional use, the rear seats are functional. Importantly, the 2013 Audi S5 compensates for limited rear passenger space with excellent cargo versatility. The rear seats fold down, expanding the trunk into a substantial cargo area. This makes the S5 surprisingly practical for weekend trips, easily accommodating skis, luggage, and other gear – a level of practicality that its more exotic R8 sibling can only dream of.
The sleek profile of the 2013 Audi S5 Quattro coupe, highlighting its long hood, short deck, and sporty stance.
Stepping inside the 2013 Audi S5 reveals a sporty and refined cabin. The interior is a testament to Audi’s renowned design and material quality. The S5 Prestige model boasts a flat-bottom steering wheel, a feature shared with the R8, further emphasizing the car’s sporting intentions. This steering wheel is not just aesthetically pleasing; it feels fantastic in hand, with a smaller diameter that enhances the sense of connection to the road. The paddle shifters for the 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission are well-sized and intuitively placed, encouraging driver engagement.
The interior of the 2013 Audi S5, showcasing the sporty flat-bottom steering wheel, refined dashboard design, and premium materials.
Perhaps the most significant and debated change for the 2013 Audi S5 was the engine. The high-revving 4.2-liter V8 was replaced by a 3.0-liter supercharged V6. While some purists mourned the loss of the V8’s soundtrack, the V6 brings its own set of advantages. The trade-off is a shift from the naturally aspirated V8’s visceral roar to the more refined and consistent power delivery of a supercharged engine, coupled with improved fuel economy. However, the 3.0-liter V6 is far from sonically disappointing. It produces a pleasingly sporty sound, arguably even better than some competitors in its class. Furthermore, Audi’s Drive Select system allows for customization of the exhaust note through valve control, enabling drivers to fine-tune the auditory experience.
Under the hood of the 2013 Audi S5 lies a powerhouse: the 3.0-liter supercharged V6 engine. This engine delivers an impressive 333 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 325 lb-ft of torque at 2,900 rpm. This translates to brisk acceleration and ample power across the rev range. In performance testing, the S5 demonstrated its capabilities, achieving a 0-60 mph time of just 5.11 seconds at a mile above sea level, even in cold January conditions with winter tires. This impressive figure is remarkably close to the manufacturer’s claimed 4.9 seconds under ideal conditions. Launch control, easily engaged through the Audi Drive Select system, optimizes acceleration, making quick launches accessible and repeatable.
The 3.0-liter supercharged V6 engine of the 2013 Audi S5, producing 333 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque.
Handling is another area where the 2013 Audi S5 excels. Equipped with the optional Sport Differential, the S5’s handling prowess is elevated to near-supercar levels. The Sport Differential effectively mitigates the understeer often associated with front-biased all-wheel-drive systems like Audi’s Quattro. By actively distributing torque to the outside rear wheel during cornering, it enhances turn-in and provides a noticeable improvement in agility and balance. The driver can feel the system working, particularly when powering out of tight corners. The S5’s handling is genuinely exceptional, placing it among the best in its class, even rivaling higher-performance vehicles. Despite the sporty suspension and 19-inch wheels, the 2013 Audi S5 manages to strike a remarkable balance between performance and daily driving comfort. The ride is firm yet compliant, absorbing road imperfections without sacrificing handling precision. However, some drivers might desire a slightly heavier and more direct steering feel, especially in dynamic driving situations.
While the engine downsizing might suggest weight savings, the 2013 Audi S5 remains a substantial machine, weighing in at 3,924 pounds with the dual-clutch transmission. The supercharger adds its own weight, offsetting the lighter V6. However, the smaller engine does contribute to a slightly improved weight distribution, with the engine mass positioned closer to the front axle, which is beneficial for handling dynamics.
The competitive landscape for the 2013 Audi S5 is intriguing. It occupies a unique position, straddling the line between entry-level luxury coupes and higher-performance models. This places the S5 in a somewhat ambiguous yet advantageous position, competing with a broad spectrum of vehicles in terms of both price and performance.
| 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 illustrates the S5’s positioning. Depending on options and trim levels, the 2013 Audi S5 can be cross-shopped against a range of competitors, from the BMW 335ix and Mercedes C350 4Matic at the lower end to the BMW M3 and Mercedes C63 AMG at the higher end of the performance spectrum.
On the TFLcar scale of automotive recommendations, the 2013 Audi S5 Quattro coupe S-tronic earns a resounding Buy It! Even with a fully optioned price tag, the S5 represents exceptional value. It’s a stunning sports coupe that seamlessly blends daily drivability with track-ready performance. The efficient yet potent V6 engine and the refined 7-speed transmission contribute to impressive fuel economy, achieving near-unbelievable figures for a performance car. The 2013 Audi S5 is truly an “everyman’s R8,” offering a taste of Audi’s high-performance DNA in a more accessible and practical package.
The distinctive LED taillights of the 2013 Audi S5 coupe, a signature design element.
A front three-quarter view of the 2013 Audi S5 coupe, emphasizing its sporty stance and updated front design.
A closer look at the driver-focused cockpit of the 2013 Audi S5, highlighting the dashboard layout and controls.
A side profile shot of the white 2013 Audi S5 coupe at sunset, showcasing its elegant lines and coupe silhouette.
A detailed view of the 3.0-liter supercharged V6 engine in the 2013 Audi S5.
