Opinion on what to buy: 2018 S5 Sportback or 2017 S6

[sovietjet]

Greeting all,

I'm new to the site and Audi in general. I've been daily driving a 2008 BMW M3 coupe for the past 8 years, even in the Chicago winters. However life priorities are starting to change and it's also starting to show its age. I need a more practical 4 door car since starting a family will be in the near future. I love my M3 and I would still like to have something sporty. The choices from BMW are somehow not doing it for me, something about the new 4 door M3 doesn't really grab me and the non-M 3 and 5 series are a little too vanilla for me. Plus I think it will be nice to try something fresh and new. I realize a sedan will not match the raw performance of a stick shift M3 coupe, but I have to compromise.

That being said I've been looking extensively at Audi in particular because they are beautifully made cars, very elegant and sleek looking. I've test driven a couple of S6s and all were 2016/2017 models. The S6 had a lot of raw power, luxury, comfort, and it had really nice features and tech (Prestige package) but it had a heavy feel to it when driving. I didn't mind that so much, but I've also been reading around the forums and it seems like maintenance wise it is quite expensive and a real pain to work on because of the twin turbo setup. The fact that people almost expect the turbos to blow at some point, and the associated $8-10k bill honestly scares me. I understand these higher end German cars are not Civics but repairs in the thousands are not my cup of tea. I've never had anything over ~$1000 with my M3. I guess I might be too used to my NA motor (although before the M3 I had a modded WRX). So, I started looking at the S5 Sportback as an alternative because it is in the same price range. I haven't actually driven or seen one in person yet. Here are some questions I have for the S5 SB though:

1) How is the reliability? Do I need to worry about the turbo blowing up? What other big ticket items are problematic on it (if any)? Is the routine maintenance pretty acceptable?
2) Do the rear seats have decent room? Is it a lot smaller versus an S6? Is having a baby seat in an S5 SB practical and easy to fit?
3) Are there good bolt on upgrades for it to bridge the power gap between it and the S6?
4) Is the 3.0 engine in the B9 S5 the same as the one in the C7 A6 except that it has a turbo instead of a supercharger? The reason I ask is that I saw a lot of people praising the A6 engine as pretty reliable and easy to maintain.

I guess I'm looking for some opinions from S5 owners to sway me towards it from the S6, but I'd also like to know if I'm wrong in my initial assumptions

[wwhan]

I had a B8 S4 from 2010 to 2016, then a 2016 C7.5 S6 from 2016 to Dec 2019, then a 2019 RS5 from end of Dec 2019 to now.

There is an issue with the 2013-2017 S6 with turbo oil supply screen getting clogged causing turbo failure. You can read about it here (988 posts): 4.0TT Blown Turbo Poll

1.) The S5 & RS5 3.0T & 2.9T, have not shown any systematic failure modes, so far. I would still change the oil/oil-filter every 5k-10miles.
2.) The A5/S5/RS5 SB rear seat room is OK, but not as roomy as the S6.
3.) There are plenty of bolts available for the S5 (Intercooler, ECU tune, ect..). The mid range torque of the S6 feels stronger, especially with a stage 1 ECU tune, glorious V8.
4.) The design of the 3.0 engine in the B9 S5 is pretty solid & should be low maintenance. The turbo engine turbo 3.0T is difference than the SC 3.0T engine.

The A5/S5/RS5 B9 is much lighter on the feet to drive, more agile and much easier to park, compared to the C7 S6.

I am happy with my move from the C7.5 S6 to the B9 RS5.

06/02/17 Audi News: https://www.audi-mediacenter.com/en/...s-at-audi-8748

Audi SSP 646 -> B9 vehicle electrics & electronics.

Audi SSP 647 -> B9 Infotainment and Audi Connect

Audi SSP 655 -> S4/S5 engine.

[wwhan]

A warranty with no Audi TD1 is best for C7/7.5 S6/S7, unless, one has an extra $10k cash cushion.

On the C7/7.5 S6/S7, some TSBs.

ATU ...Camshaft_4p0T_MC-10150761-9999.pdf: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/20...50761-9999.pdf

Engine difficult to start, turbocharger damaged V8 4.0TFSI 2044640/5 November 28, 2018. ver 5: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/20...53123-9999.pdf

ATU...4.0T slow coolant leak, ATU 2018: TSB_4p0T_coolant_leaks_MC-10138342-9999: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/20...38342-9999.pdf

Hard to start TSB fuel pump: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/20...55649-9999.pdf

If you have a faulty injector, hope it's under warranty, engine out fix.

[303 Spartan]

Welcome!

A few months ago I traded my F80 M3 in on a 2019 RS5 Sportback due to a growing family and really needing to get back into AWD with winter driving in Colorado. Having recently traveled a similar road, hopefully I can provide a little help.

I can relate to the fact that, in your search for a 4-door performance sedan to replace your M3 coupe, BMW's newer lineup isn't very appealing. While BMW has upgraded their interior tech a bit, I still think Audi is a few steps ahead in that department. Even the 2016 - 2018 models have oodles of tech available. In my opinion, you simply get more bang for your buck with a similarly equipped Audi vs a compatible 'M' car.

Before choosing the RS5, I seriously considered a used S6 to replace my M3, as well. The S6 has a crazy amount of straight line power, plenty of creature comfort/features and a lot of room for a growing family. It also does a great job of "flying under the radar", if that's something you're looking for. However, in the end I opted for the RS5 Sportback because I really love the overall styling and current model line tech features. Not to mention, Audi was offering great incentives to move the remaining 2019 RS5's off their lots.

As far as room for a family, the A5/S5/RS5 Sportback has plenty of space to fit a car seat or two. 5 weeks ago, we had our first baby. The RS5 has handled the job beautifully. I can fit the Nuna Pipa infant car seat (with the RELX base) behind the passenger seat, with enough room in front for my 5'4" 110lb wife to sit very comfortably. And the rear cargo area has enough room to fit our stroller and anything else we need to pack in. I actually find it easier to load up the back of the RS5 than my wife's new CX-5.









Technically, the S6 has about 2" more leg room in the back. But I'm not sure how that truly correlates to car seat fitment.

As far as power is concerned, one of the reasons I opted for the RS5 was that it's more of a lateral move from the S6 (stock vs stock). However, the S5 also has plenty of performance upgrade options available to boost it to some very respectable figures.

[flyken74]

I choose 2019 S4 over 2017 S6. From 2015 S5.
Pretty much all the answer about S6 is on first person’s reply.
Only thing that I missed from S6 is that V8 engine sound.
This S4’s V6 never sound good.
My concern on S6 was 3 things.
1. Turbo failure
2. DCT transmission on that V8.
3. Air suspension if it fails.

B9 S4 or S5 interior way better for daily use. Expect some squeaky and plasticky.
S6 has much solid and better structure.
I think it’s much better choice to get S5 w sportsback over S6.
S4 or S5 is still fun car to drive. S6 is not. It just big sedan.

I choose S4 cause of that huge sunroof from S5. It gets so hot with paper thin sunshade. Really.
U must test drive S5 on 90degree sunny day in Chicago.

2019 S5 has black optic package w/ 20” rotor wheels. It’s killer combo.

[sovietjet]

Very helpful replies, thank you everyone!

wwhan - Those are most of the threads I read before which scared me about the S6.

303 Spartan - That was really a great description and it seems you went through the same path. As much as I would love an RS5, it is out of my budget. Still the S5 is great and based on the research I have done a stage 1/2 ECU from APR will give me a really nice power upgrade that will approach RS5 power.

I have some more questions regarding packages.

1) What were the available 2018 packages for the Prestige? From what I can tell they are S-sport package, Driver assistance package, cold weather package, warm weather package, Nappa leather package. Is that it? Any other extra options and features that were available? I see some cars for sale that mention interior lighting package, black optic package, etc but not sure if those were standalone packages or just listed as a feature. The classifieds are rather confusing because they list things both ways.
2) How do I visually identify if a car has a certain package? I see cars for sale which sometimes don't list a lot of information. I've figured out that the warm weather package has totally different seats and the cold weather package has the steering wheel without the flat bottom. But how do I visually identify the S-sport and driver assistance?
3) Does anyone have photos of their "sticker" that actually shows what each of these optional packages includes? Some of the information I find online is confusing. But the sticker is the "official" information for me.
4) The warm weather package seats actually look more comfortable, but are they really? Is it worth searching for that? Because I see very very few S5s for sale with them. Seems like a majority of people did not buy that package. The reason I say that is because first of all they look like "bucket seats" and from my time with my old WRX I remember them not being very comfortable. Second, the headrest is not adjustable and I wonder if that will be a hassle. Third are the side supports, are they adjustable (i.e. can they "spread out" wider or "tighten" to "hug your body" more or less)?

I think I will go test drive a nearby S5 Sportback tomorrow.

[flyken74]

S-sports package can tell by Red brake calipers. It’s must to have.

Full driver assistance package will have small button on the end of where turn signal.
Lighting package is only on Prestige model.
Black optic package only on 2019 model of S5. Not on 2018.
Cold weather package come with round steering wheel heated. U will loose flat bottom. Also heated rear seat.
I haven’t see any S5 with warm weather package. With that u will loose diamond stitched bucket seat that is nappa leather package. which super comfy. Unlike WRX.
And the last is carbon atlas interior and bang&olfsen audio.

[wwhan]

....
I have some more questions regarding packages.

1) What were the available 2018 packages for the Prestige? From what I can tell they are S-sport package, Driver assistance package, cold weather package, warm weather package, Nappa leather package. Is that it? Any other extra options and features that were available? I see some cars for sale that mention interior lighting package, black optic package, etc but not sure if those were standalone packages or just listed as a feature. The classifieds are rather confusing because they list things both ways. ...

You can view the option packages here: 2018 Audi Order Guide, see page 35, 2018 S5

"Below is a link to the 2018 Audi Order Guide. No specific pricing yet, but at least you can see the options:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B07...ew?usp=sharing"

[S3DUDE]

I will pitch in with my opinion and experience. I currently have a 2019 S5 Sportback but I also had a 2013 A6 (same body as the S6 that you are looking). In my opinion the advantages on the S6 over the S5 would be roomier interior in the back seat and straightline acceleration. The current B9 S5 platform is much modern in/out than the already obsolete S6 which is from 2012 if I remember correctly.

Loading cargo on the S5 Sportback is unreal, that hatch opens up like 7 feet high and the loading deck is relatively low so you can virtually fit in things easily. Designs wise the S5 Sportback is just much more appealing, the S6 looks too sleeper.

The engines on the 3.0 TFSI S/C and the 3.0 TFSI turbo are both excellent, the older engine (supercharger) is exceptionally smooth with a very useable power band and a lighting pedal throttle response but the current 3.0 TFSI is significantly faster. how do I know?, well.. my A6 3.0 S/C with APR 91oct tune ran 13.3@105mph and my B9 S5 3.0 turbo runs 12.5@110mph stock .

I think that if you are starting a family and your kids are small the S5 will be a better choice. I am not aware of any major issues with the current 3.0 TFSI, the engine is a great engine but I wouldn't BS you though, the S6 is faster and quicker in a straight line. My S5 weights 3,980 ishwhile the A6 was in the 4200lbs range(the S6 is even heavier).

Lastly, the transmissions. In my opinion the 8 speed ZF auto is the way to go, very robust, shifts very quick and is very smooth, on the other hand the DSG on the S6 is a great transmission but I don't think is a beefy as the ZF.

[Desert Dead]

If you plan on keeping this car as long as you did your M3, you should strongly consider the 6. The 5 is fine for small kids, but taking anyone riding in the backseat for any distance will cause unhappiness.

The Sportback is obviously the cooler car.

Good luck and let us know what you do. Congrats on joining the club.


The married guy with kids who drives an Audi club, that is.

[sovietjet]

Everyone, thank you for all the additional comments and explanations. I spent this week checking out some S5s in my area. Here are my impressions about the 2018 S5 SB:

- The S5 SB feels a bit "sportier" than the S6, even though it is technically slower. Not sure how to explain it really.
- Absolutely amazing throttle response, and shifting. Way better than I imagined an "automatic" will be doing. Still gonna miss my manual, but I'll get used to it.
- The exhaust note when the car starts and runs the first minute or so is awesome, probably better than my M3. It also sounds great when driving in "dynamic" mode, downshifting causes some "pops" out the back which sound amazing.
- The standard front seats were more comfortable than I imagined. The "warm weather package" seats really were about the same. The only difference is that the standard seats flare out a bit more on the sides, and when I rest my right arm on the center console the seat digs into it a bit.
- The rear seats are OK. A little tight on headroom but otherwise not as bad as I thought.
- The trunk is maybe a bit smaller than I imagined, however it still seems big enough for my needs.
- The car itself is lower than I imagined. I like that though.
- The HUD and digital cockpit are awesome.
- I like the little things that aren't advertised much. For example the center console height can be adjusted so your arm rests more comfortably on it. The SD and SIM card slots in the glovebox. The massage feature on the seats. Real time traffic on the navigation. The impressive size of the sunroof. Etc...
- The S-sport, driver assistance, and 19" wheel packages are a must for me after seeing it in person and driving it. Would also love to find one with the carbon fiber and cold weather packages but those are not a dealbreaker for me.
- Colorwise, I'm leaning towards the blue, although that seems like a harder find. I'd be fine with gray as a second choice.

Overall, an impressive car for sure. And I'm definitely leaning towards that now.

[Zed 2.0]

Everyone, thank you for all the additional comments and explanations. I spent this week checking out some S5s in my area. Here are my impressions about the 2018 S5 SB:

- The standard front seats were more comfortable than I imagined. The "warm weather package" seats really were about the same. The only difference is that the standard seats flare out a bit more on the sides, and when I rest my right arm on the center console the seat digs into it a bit.

The B9 S5 SB is pretty much the perfected sporty daily driver in my opinion. Haven't owned the 2017 S6 but I've had an A6 with sport package and an S8. Both drive much "bigger" than the S5 and feel less involving even though the S8 was a monster for sheer speed. I'd recommend the S5 unless your goal is tuning for outright HP, in which case the 4.0TT is hard to beat.

If you're referring to the bolsters sticking out in the above, they are adjustable on the sport seats.

[Dan99]

Greeting all,

I'm new to the site and Audi in general. I've been daily driving a 2008 BMW M3 coupe for the past 8 years, even in the Chicago winters. However life priorities are starting to change and it's also starting to show its age. I need a more practical 4 door car since starting a family will be in the near future. I love my M3 and I would still like to have something sporty. The choices from BMW are somehow not doing it for me, something about the new 4 door M3 doesn't really grab me and the non-M 3 and 5 series are a little too vanilla for me. Plus I think it will be nice to try something fresh and new. I realize a sedan will not match the raw performance of a stick shift M3 coupe, but I have to compromise.

That being said I've been looking extensively at Audi in particular because they are beautifully made cars, very elegant and sleek looking. I've test driven a couple of S6s and all were 2016/2017 models. The S6 had a lot of raw power, luxury, comfort, and it had really nice features and tech (Prestige package) but it had a heavy feel to it when driving. I didn't mind that so much, but I've also been reading around the forums and it seems like maintenance wise it is quite expensive and a real pain to work on because of the twin turbo setup. The fact that people almost expect the turbos to blow at some point, and the associated $8-10k bill honestly scares me. I understand these higher end German cars are not Civics but repairs in the thousands are not my cup of tea. I've never had anything over ~$1000 with my M3. I guess I might be too used to my NA motor (although before the M3 I had a modded WRX). So, I started looking at the S5 Sportback as an alternative because it is in the same price range. I haven't actually driven or seen one in person yet. Here are some questions I have for the S5 SB though:

1) How is the reliability? Do I need to worry about the turbo blowing up? What other big ticket items are problematic on it (if any)? Is the routine maintenance pretty acceptable?
2) Do the rear seats have decent room? Is it a lot smaller versus an S6? Is having a baby seat in an S5 SB practical and easy to fit?
3) Are there good bolt on upgrades for it to bridge the power gap between it and the S6?
4) Is the 3.0 engine in the B9 S5 the same as the one in the C7 A6 except that it has a turbo instead of a supercharger? The reason I ask is that I saw a lot of people praising the A6 engine as pretty reliable and easy to maintain.

I guess I'm looking for some opinions from S5 owners to sway me towards it from the S6, but I'd also like to know if I'm wrong in my initial assumptions

It's simply a matter of size. It took me a while to figure out how the Audi models work. The 4 and 5 models are essentially the same cars except for the body. The 6 and 7 models are essentially the same cars except for the body. Therefore interior size and configuration, engine options and drive train, etc are the same for 4/5 and the same for 6/7. Since the 6/7 cars are bigger than the 4/5 models, they are heavier and this affects performance. Audi compensates for this by sharing engines across model lines in a staggered sort of way. For example, the engine in the A6 is the same as the S5, and the S6 engine is the same as the RS5. Audi uses the same engine across different model lines, but seems to carefully match engines and vehicle weight so that each model up the price chart is slightly faster than the less expensive model, regardless of size. For example, the S6 will be slightly faster than an S5 (tenths of a second), but the RS5 will be faster than the S6 even though they share the same engine.

So the real difference between the 5 and 6 models is size. Personally, I find the 6/7 models to be too big and heavy for my tastes and prefer the 4/5 platform, but I have friends who think my car is too small and they prefer the extra size of the 6/7 models.