Why The Audi S5 Sportback Is THE BEST Car For The Money
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 11 ก.ย. 2024
- When shopping for the best all-around car on the market, I consider a few things:
- Must be all wheel drive (living in New England).
- Needs 4 doors (girlfriend has kids).
- Looks and drives great (I attend a large variety of shows and rallies).
- Must have aftermarket support (old habits die hard).
- Needs relatively new technology.
- A sense of luxury and amenities.
I analyzed EVERY option under $50,000 USD before buying the 2018 Audi S5 Sportback. This is my 2nd Audi S5 and I bought them both for the same reason:
NOTHING is a better value for the money.
In this video I'll explain my reasoning.
What are your thoughts? Comment below or message me on Instagram: / jamesmsama .
Please like and subscribe to help support the growth of this new channel!
(I know the ending got cut off the video - sorry!)
Facts! Exactly why I purchased mine from previously owning a 13 S5. It’s practical yet sporty, prestigious, roomy, customizable, and fast when you need it. Not to mention arguably one of the sexiest cars on the road.
Yes! I had an '08 S5 awhile back and totally agree. They've done an amazing job on the evolution and it checks all of the boxes. Thanks for your comment and congrats on a beautiful car!
@Robert Arnal how do you find the maintenance and reliability so far with audi in general (your 2013 and current)?
I'm finally in a place in life where I can comfortably afford an Audi and I have been doing research between Audi, Lexus, and Acura. Again and again everything is pointing me to an S5. I was worried a little about practicality and it being an everyday driver. Thanks for making the video and covering the practical aspect of S5 ownership! I am excited to finally go buy mine!
Totally agree! I just traded in my ‘13 Q7 TDI for a ‘19 S5 Prestige Sportback. I’d driven an SUV for 24 years! Kids are grown and out of the house, so I wanted to get back into a car that drove like a sports car but had space to use for utility if I needed it. The S5 does all of that. I looked at a bunch of other options and I too kept coming back to the S5. I really don’t think there is anything out there that is like for like with it. Love it!
That's awesome! The Q7 is a great looking SUV but yes, totally different driving experience getting into something smaller and more nimble. You've certainly earned the "fun car years" you're enjoying now, great to have you here on this channel Larry!
@@JamesMSama thanks! I will definitely miss the gas mileage the diesel provided though. 500-600 miles per tank of gas.
I'm the owner of a stage 2 Golf R mk7.5. The S5 is on the top of my list over a few of the cars you mentioned as a replacement. Your sentiments are exactly how I feel, so kudos for basically reading my mind.
Others I considered were the m340i, older rs5, older s6, but to your point, tech is a big thing for my daily. The m340i doesn't look as good IMO, although the power and is amazing. Plus I like Audi interiors better. My golf r is quick and fairly loaded, but it doesn't have that V6t presence, and the interior still leaves much space to be desired. I know the Golf R likely handles better, bit I'm willing to trade off. I will also mention that I'm going from a manual golf r. I know going for manual to auto is sacrilegious, even for me but I have a B6 S4 sitting at home that's a manual that scratches that itch. This video is great and it solidified my wanting to go S5
I just bought a 2022 S5. I had a mustang and it was fast but it was missing something. I had a Tesla and it was fast and roomy. But it was missing something. The Audi S5 is that sweet spot.
I had an A4 for 10 years, the car was bulletproof. Even though I loved the car I was so tired of Audi that I had to move away for a couple years, but just ordered an S5 and can’t wait. I find BMW build quality to be behind Audi and Mercedes tend to bore me. S5 is the a real sweet spot!
I totally agree. I've had a B8 for almost a decade now, looking to get something new around that $60k range and I tried to find something non-Audi just to be fair but I can't find anything that compares to the S5 Sportback, maybe I'm too biased but in this price level nothing comes close to the overall package and styling and looks. And on the next level up the A7 dominates it's class as best value lol. Can't wait to get mine next month.
Aaaaand what's the result? How's it working out for ya?
2020 m340i , decent size , great performance and under 50k used and new tech
That's exactly what I told my-self before selling my 13' C7 S6 and buying a 18' S5 SB. I totally agree with every single point that you mentioned. Stage 2 93 lets gooo baby
Hey brotha!! You are great at explaining and love your mindset on why you have chosen Audi s5. Great job
Thanks so much Deon! More videos to come as the weather gets better here again!
Speaking of jaguars I’m actually considering an ipace - checks all the boxes (for me) as an alternative to an s5. Yeah it’s a crossover but it looks really good inside and out (just like the audi) with the added benefit of more ground clearance and lower running costs (being an ev). Weird that these are my 2 finalists for my next car but that’s how it goes…
I owned an S5 2018. Hate to say it, but you butcthered the Steering Wheel with those Big Red Paddle Shifters, and Come on Man, 007 for real? Otherwise Good Video and Content! Enjoy your beautiful S5!
Had a 2020 kia stinger gt1 and just bought a 2022 audi s5 sportback. My kia was fast with some bolt ons I did but the s5 is in another league stock. When I get some bolt ons and tune it will be a beast.
I wish it had remote start.
The S5 and RS5 sportback are in a league of there own because the 4 series gran coupe doesn’t exist anymore. The hatch in the back is so much better than a trunk plus you get that roof line
The ambient lighting is the main reason and deciding factor for me as to why I chose this car for my next , I really wanted a 2018+ Q50 red sport. There are many things that it offers which the Audi can’t compete with , but the Audi definitely has more pros than cons for me compared to a Q50
If it’s the ambient lighting you want make sure you get the prestige edition. Unfortunately only the prestige edition has the ambient lighting (wack imo)
I have a F-Type right now but plan on switching to a S5 Sportback next year!
Getting one today.Will see. Same color.
i've been comparing cars under the same criteria for a while now, and i agree with your choice. love the s5! still on the fence between an older s7 or a newer s5 sportback. kinda want that v8 with the stronic tranny, but this is more practical with better tech. great video!!!
@3:44 I may be in the minority, but seeing a car ~truly utilized~ & the resulting mess actually makes it somewhat real. And that's legit.
Just got a 21 SB and couldn’t agree more with all of your points. Loving it so far!
Fantastic choice! What color did you go with? I love the updates they made after 2020, you got some very cool new features and appearance upgrades.
@@JamesMSama Thanks James. Great videos by the way. I hope to see more!
I went the stroomtrooper route. Ibis white/black interior - prestige with the carbon fiber, black optic, dynamic steering, and s sport packages.
I built out the car so many times on Audi’s website 😂 and finally got lucky when a local dealer here in NJ had one coming in spec’d out exactly how I wanted.
What is the appearance mod list for your car now? It looks great!
You hit the nail on the head. I ended up purchasing a 2018 s5 coupe(single guy) and it's the best bang for your buck vehicle. How do you like your integrated tune? What made you choose them?
I have the same car and agree with everything you said,when I was shopping my choices were the s5(perfect)c43(too many miles for the price)red sport coupe(interior felt too Nissan and might as well get a mustang gt if I get a coupe lol)
But the stinger gt came the closest to getting my attention but being such a new platform and I didn’t know much about aftermarket so I went Audi ,I love the car stock and once my warranty is up it’s great to know there is so much I can do to make it even better
Totally agree! Good call mentioning the KIA, I understand the Genesis is also a solid option. I personally like the Audi brand better than each, but they are worth considering. Obviously you made the right choice. 😅
I’m considering the Genesis G70 only if the maintenance costs are less than Audi’s. I would also prefer having cooled seats, which the Audi doesn’t have
I know this video has been up for a while now, but I too keep coming back to the S5 sportback as a do it all car.
I know it’s not worth comparing to any of the Merc E63s- I don’t think they’re the same category. However what are your thoughts of the S5 compared to either of the 53 models? CLS 53? E53? That’s the only competition I have in my head right now, struggling to pull the trigger! Thanks. Great content!
Howdy and good review! An RS5 with a stage 1 tune and downpipe would put the car around 565-580ish whp(depending on fuel and climate). Stage 2 is supercar killer status. S5’s aren’t killers but they are definitely little brothers to the RS5’s.
I sold this car last year for an actual supercar. The review is about an S5 though, not an RS5.
@@JamesMSama yea, it was an S5 story, we already knew that. My rebuttal is in reference to your “tuned” S5 outworking a stock RS5. Who drives around stock anyway? I’m going for stage 2 in my RS5. As previously stated, S5’s aren’t killers but they look nice.
@mistapoz7412 why is "tuned" in quotation marks when the car was tuned? My comment was based on literally outrunning my friend's RS5. Either way he and I have both moved on to supercars now so not really interested in this platform anymore, but have fun with your stage 2.
@@JamesMSama hey, no worries Bud.
I have s4 3.0tdi quattro absolutely love it power looks and mpg ..410bhp 800Nm with a tuning box fitted. Cost me £42000
Amazing! Talk about bang for the buck! Fantastic machine.
Great choice. Mercedes dont have a 4 door coupe c43. And bmw 4 series gran coupe dont look as good inside and out and the model is more dated as well. Also you can make the s5 look just like rs5 without the fenders. Then get a tune and go RS5 speed category and even faster for alot less money.
Yes! My thought process exactly. Plus neither the C43 or gran coupe are real sport models (meaning AMG or M) so I think the S5 wins there as well.
there is also a 3 series GT, but it still doesn't compare to A5
Widebody makes it a lot different than s5. Used rs5 coupes are below 50k these days so why buy s5
@@shubhammaini9897 they are still like 20k more expensive. I agree the widebody makes it different, but value for money the s5 is better. But if you have the money to spend and want a rs5 its still not a bad deal. They are not that expensive anymore. If you spend too much money on modifying the s5 than the rs5 starts to make more sense.
@@martinmarinov505 I agree. Right now 2018-2019 used prestige s5’s are coming at same price as 40-50k miles 2018 rs5’s but do you think rs5 gives major issues past 50k miles?
Nice review and comparison to BMW 3 series & others, but what I'm looking for specifically is isn't so much the tech, styling, HP, etc., but a direct comparison of the handling. Road & Track and others have lambasted the S5's handling for what should otherwise be a phenomenal car and big bang for the buck. What's the deal? I have yet to drive an S5 but can it really be "that bad" from a handling perspective??
I'm sure by now you made your decision, but I'm coming from an Alfa Romeo Guilia QV, so I figured to take a stab @ your Q. No, it's not a "sweet-handling" car; imo, NO Audi achieves handling brilliance; just too much weight on + forward of the front axle, never mind the stability programmed into the machine. To be sure, it is NOwhere near as responsive as what I've had the last 3 yrs. Then again, I have skateboards that aren't as responsive, so maybe the problem is me? Fair enough. Coming from a car that your/our sources cite as having SUBLIME, phenomenally direct steering + handling... the S5 isn't a good fit. Alas, the R8 probably isn't a good fit, either (haven't driven one, but seems the all-in mid-engined sports car recorded its fastest time ever... by merely "equaling" the sports sedan @ 7:32? Seems a reasonable $150K+ value proposition...).
I do autoX and open-track day my cars; the QV, CTS-V, and S4 all got laps' worth of attention there. I can't tell you how many Bimmers I've tested and not bought, to include the 3 & 5 series of M nomenclature. I want a car that's alive... a car with character. If you want that, do what I once did & go get a Guilia: you won't be disappointed in the absolute directness of how that responds as if it could read your brain. The blatant numbness that is baked into the S5 I bought last week (Nov 22) is overwrought. The turnabout on my test drive proved the car could NOT be steered with throttle and the resultant push was... non-competitive, to say the least, "60/40" rear tire smoke be danged.
Idk if I'll take my S'back out for competition... I'm not keen to give up the fun of the run, after all... but "it's not the same kind of car" keeps ringing out to me. I guess I'll have 1-3 yrs to think it over, whilst reveling in the glory of a crisp, clean interior (the kind you'd take home to Mom) to figure out if it's a speedy luxury-taxi... or if I want to go with a luxurious fast-af-tuned beast. Either way, I figure it's a good predicament to solve lol.
@@soarabove337Did you get the rear differential. I don’t have an S5 but I’ve heard it helps a lot w the understeer.
I'm looking to buying one and I would like to know how reliable is it? Do you have any problems with it? Thanks
Truth!!!
Next time, please use a stand for your camera so the image will be still and not so shakey.
i have an rs5 and i’ve driven an s5 and sure the rs5 is a lot more fun and looks a little more aggressive but the s5 is definitely a much more cost efficient choice
How’s the maintenance though? I daily a Macan Turbo and I’m kinda tired of paying 3x as much $ for oil changes and brakes and everything. I’m at 100k miles now and it’s been superb, no problems, just maintenance costs so much. Is Audi any better?
@@taylor315 similar to porsche but some things are cheaper cuz of warranty
kia stinger GT seems to be the only thing thats truly close in price or cheaper. the interior is worse and boring imo. the power is there for sure, people getting 600+hp performance and space and awd. but they also dont look nearly as good as well. The s5 SB is even better looking then the 2 door I think. they nailed it.
Spot on Sir!!!
Hey! How did you get the side S5 badges near the door black? Is that a wrap or spray? Thanks
Very informative review. when you have 2 child car seats can the wifey still seat in the middle? Looking to trade in the range rover to this sportback. Do strollers fit in the trunk as well? Thnx in advance!
I agree. Have an 18 sportback S5. May need to do the 007 missile button though...
It's definitely a conversation started whenever someone gets into the car!
Oh, and, nice car choice!
@@JamesMSama Thanks..waiting for CPO to end to tune...mainly doing exterior stuff first, as well as IC and air intake...
How’s the maintenance & costs though? I daily a Macan Turbo and I’m kinda tired of paying 3x as much $ for oil changes and brakes and everything. I’m at 100k miles now and it’s been superb, no problems, just maintenance costs so much. Is Audi any better?
Hey, is it safe to do a transmission flush/ change on the 2018 S5? I keep getting different results from different Audi dealerships. I find it strange actually 🤔.
Find a ZF transmission service center near you.. ZF states it needs to be flushed, I would trust the manufacture of the tranny over the car company :),
those black wheels look fantastic on your car. what rims are those? thanks
How much was it ?
So no bmw m340i? I have neither so idk
Great video breaking it down, what size are those rims?
Thanks Dontez! Car has recently sold but these were 20x9, Niche Misano
Are your headlights and taillights tinted and if so what type of film did you use because most tint on headlights look horrible and your look great?
Thank you! Yes they are, the film is by XPEL and was applied by Automotive Elegance in Andover, Massachusetts. I don't recall the name of the film but there are 2 tints available and this was the darker of the two. Hope this helps!
@@JamesMSama Thanks I appreciate it
I want this car
Is that color Quantum Gray ? Great video
Thank you! It's actually Nardo gray.
@@JamesMSama how did you get a nardo?
Facts Bro! I had an 18 S4 now a 18 S5 Sprtbk. It is truly a great car. 034 tune though. lol Got a sub.
Everybody knows convertible cavilar is best bang for the buck
my 2018 s5 makes a very loud ticking noise in the engine does anyone else;s do that?
Have you gotten it checked out? Couple be the direct injection. They make a ticking noise.
I have a Mythos Black B9 S5 Sportback. I love this car! Lmao I Upgraded from an A6. Put an Ecs luft technik intake on it which sounds amazing and I'll have an IE stage 1 otw
Nice upgrade! And Mythos is beautiful on these cars. You'll LOVE the IE tune. Let me know what you think!
m340i
How is the Mainteince and reliability on these vehicles? All my friends that are mechanics are saying to stay clear from them!
I've had it for over a year and have experienced 0 issues. None of my friends who own them have issues, either. But every experience is different of course.
Thanks for the quick response I’m getting a 2018 next year
@@sunilmittoo5659 fantastic! You'll love every second of it, especially if you get it tuned. ;) I'll be putting out more videos about them so stay tuned (no pun intended).
Definitely looking forward to the content you earned yourself a new sub!
Ditch the girlfriend and get a coupe lol
I also have an AMG GTS :)
@@JamesMSama Hell Ya