2018 S5 or 2020 A5 ? (Sportback)

[AnewMadrid]

My budget allows me to choose from a 2018 S5 or 2020 A5.
What do you all think? Older faster car with older tech or updated with new tech but seriously slower?

[OZS5_Kev]

I vote 2018 S5. In Australia tech is no different other than a bigger touch screen which I much prefer the rotary dial in the pre facelift as I dislike touch screens.

Aesthetically there is a difference to front number, grille, lights side skirts and rear diffuser which does make the A5 look more aggressive than the pre facelift A5.


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[AnewMadrid]

Thanks for the vote. I would like a faster option but also like new tech.

[Nox05]

S5, newer tech will only be new but so long. In another 1.5 to 2yrs something else will be different. Get the power and don't look back.

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[theroidee]

You’ll be looking at the bigger screen in your 2020 A5 after been run by a 2018
S5.


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[AHuber55]

My vote goes for the S5. Substantially nicer interior, much faster, and there was a good discussion in the Facebook groups about a guy who was talking about how there were several small ‘budget cuts’ to the 2020/21 Audis that make the older ones nicer in his opinion.

[jhAudi]

Bought an 18 S5 about a month ago. Just took it on an 850 mile road trip. Wish I had bought one sooner. Such a fun/fast car to drive. Presitige package, napa, sports differential, drivers assistance package and more. It's 70 more hp than my last car but feels like 170 more.

[theroidee]

Bought an 18 S5 about a month ago. Just took it on an 850 mile road trip. Wish I had bought one sooner. Such a fun/fast car to drive. Presitige package, napa, sports differential, drivers assistance package and more. It's 70 more hp than my last car but feels like 170 more.

Could be close. There’s a tuner that say hp is close to 400 (397 to be precise) with 93 octane. Torque is similarly more.


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[Sibmets]

Another vote for S5 here!

Agree with things mentioned by others + I might add that S5 will hold it's value better than A5, if maybe that's a factor for You.

Audi A4 B9 3.0 TDi quattro 200 kw

[Valentino S5]

Without any doubt: S5 !

[AnewMadrid]

Man, nobody on the A5 camp.... I appreciate all the feedback and encourage more. Here are some thoughts I had. the S5 has to be significantly heavier than an A5 and yes even with a good tune the A5 will still be down on Raw horsepower significantly but the lighter weight and a nice tune would make it seem more agile?
I haven't had a new ride in years and plan on rocking this one for quite some time. (Im keeping my current A4) I don't know... I'm jaded on the tech as you are actually in the car and all that surrounds you is the tech... but would also like some get up and go in this silicon valley traffic.

[bkkchris]

S5 for sure.

[OZS5_Kev]

Man, nobody on the A5 camp.... I appreciate all the feedback and encourage more. Here are some thoughts I had. the S5 has to be significantly heavier than an A5 and yes even with a good tune the A5 will still be down on Raw horsepower significantly but the lighter weight and a nice tune would make it seem more agile?
I haven't had a new ride in years and plan on rocking this one for quite some time. (Im keeping my current A4) I don't know... I'm jaded on the tech as you are actually in the car and all that surrounds you is the tech... but would also like some get up and go in this silicon valley traffic.

Could I ask what tech you are referring to which the 2020 has that the 2018 is missing out on?

I had a 2020 a4 as a loaner when my 2019 s5 was having its service done and the a4 ‘felt’ cheaper in the cabin for some reason. Didn’t have the sport seats, no alcantara, no leather stitching on surfaces, gloss black rather than textured surface on the centre console etc.


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[AnewMadrid]

Well first the new Matrix Headlights, updated taillights, and refreshed look than MM3 with larger and touch screen and the interior lighting options. I would get the black optics package and sport S-line if I go with A5. This will be a long term car so trying to weigh the benefits..

[yllee]

in the US the 2020 is the last of the b9's, not b9.5? in which case i'd say def the s5. i think they added a wireless phone charger, but otherwise the tech is pretty comparable.

a b9.5 would make a more compelling argument, cuz you'd be getting a mild hybrid system, the touchscreen (worse for general MMI use but IMO better for carplay/android auto), wireless carplay (maybe wireless AA to come since mib3 has 5ghz wifi), integrated toll module if u need that sort of thing, etc

[theroidee]

From what I’ve read about wireless CarPlay, there are many glitches that need to be worked out. That wouldn’t be a must have for me. Plus, you lose audio quality over Bluetooth.


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[AnewMadrid]

From what I’ve read about wireless CarPlay, there are many glitches that need to be worked out. That wouldn’t be a must have for me. Plus, you lose audio quality over Bluetooth.


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I have wireless android Auto in my car now and works great. Wait does the S5 2018 not have Android Auto?

[yllee]

I have wireless android Auto in my car now and works great. Wait does the S5 2018 not have Android Auto?

only has wired android auto. no audi comes with wireless android auto from factory, you'd need an aftermarket head unit. and there's a crowdfunded dongle that i think just started shipping to early backers

[AnewMadrid]

Thanks. Im leaning towards the S5, as the power is calling me... but will see shortly

[Cruz653]

I drove both because I also wanted to make a decision between 2018 S5 or A5. I picked S5, wasn’t even a close comparison after sitting in both and driving them.

[abiley84]

Well first the new Matrix Headlights, updated taillights, and refreshed look than MM3 with larger and touch screen and the interior lighting options. I would get the black optics package and sport S-line if I go with A5. This will be a long term car so trying to weigh the benefits..

If you are talking 2020 A5 Sportback, that did not come with S-Line. It only came with "Design-Line" which is what the 2021 40 TFSI looks like, so you would not get the aggressive new front bumper. S-Line only came on the coupe for 2020. I'd get the S5 because of that. Now 2021, you get the s-line package on the Sportback, and the mild hybrid. If it was a 2021, then you can't go wrong with either IMO. I initially went in for a 2019 S5, but walked away with an A5 instead. Although this was based solely on exterior color, I am completely satisfied with my choice. However, if I were to redo it again in 2021 with the color options offered on both A5 and S5, I would have surely went with an S5.

[Gryphon001]

I have a 2018 S5 Technik/ Prestige... full disclaimer, I still love the car, but some things to consider.

Mine is an early 2018 production, in service date was July 2017. I’ve ran into some issues with rattling, squeeking... etc. Also had an oil leak Ana transmission fluid leak all of which were fixed (after an 11 month process involving 2 dealerships and multiple visits) so if you want the S5 check the in service date and make sure it’s a later production model. The issues I experienced seem to be rare, but a major PITA.

Also... 2017/18 models no longer support google maps and don’t have wireless charging. Hardware apparently doesn’t support new google software or something like that.

I keep my transmission in S most of the time and I average 11.5L/100km or 20-21 mpg with mostly city driving... A5 will naturally be better mileage.

The A5 modified will likely be somewhere close to the performance numbers of the S5. Might be better or slightly less... it won’t have the same feel or sound though.

My suggestion is to try and test drive both... one might speak to you more than the other.


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[DTMLGND]

I drove both because I also wanted to make a decision between 2018 S5 or A5. I picked S5, wasn’t even a close comparison after sitting in both and driving them.

We were in this boat and did same. S5 hands down and considering Prestige/Sport options made the decision easier.

Been a fantastic car, but lease is up end of April and wife has replacement car already. Not planning to keep, but will miss it surely.

Good Luck.

[theroidee]

We were in this boat and did same. S5 hands down and considering Prestige/Sport options made the decision easier.

Been a fantastic car, but lease is up end of April and wife has replacement car already. Not planning to keep, but will miss it surely.

Good Luck.

What did she get?


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[jhAudi]

I have a 2018 S5 Technik/ Prestige... full disclaimer, I still love the car, but some things to consider.

Mine is an early 2018 production, in service date was July 2017. I’ve ran into some issues with rattling, squeeking... etc. Also had an oil leak Ana transmission fluid leak all of which were fixed (after an 11 month process involving 2 dealerships and multiple visits) so if you want the S5 check the in service date and make sure it’s a later production model. The issues I experienced seem to be rare, but a major PITA.

Also... 2017/18 models no longer support google maps and don’t have wireless charging. Hardware apparently doesn’t support new google software or something like that.

I keep my transmission in S most of the time and I average 11.5L/100km or 20-21 mpg with mostly city driving... A5 will naturally be better mileage.

The A5 modified will likely be somewhere close to the performance numbers of the S5. Might be better or slightly less... it won’t have the same feel or sound though.

My suggestion is to try and test drive both... one might speak to you more than the other.


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Had my 18 S5 prestige for just over a month. On a recent 900 mile trip my overall mpg was just under 31 and included plenty of fast driving. Just driving around locally its 24 to 26 mpg in "D" instead of "S" with the mode as Auto. Overall it's about 3 mpg better than the TLX sh-awd V6 I traded in. Wasn't expecting improved mileage given how much fast the S5 is but the Acura was a bit heavy. Pleasantly surprised on how efficient it is with the power it has. Downside is the Acura ran fine on regular gas where I only run 93 octane in the S5.

[DTMLGND]

What did she get?


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She misses MT and will be driving 987.1 Cayman S

[AnewMadrid]

I'm going for the S5, update to follow.

[AnewMadrid]

20210130_161233-01.jpg

[theroidee]

What was/were the deciding factors?


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[abiley84]

Congrats!

[AnewMadrid]

The 2020 A5 does look more modern from the front and back and it felt lighter, but the interior quality wasn't as nice as the S5. However the new MMI is really easy to use on the newer A5. The S5's driving dynamics are different and the A5 just couldn't match it.
I ended up getting a prestige model as I wanted the best tech they had in 2018.
Thanks for all the input, now I need to figure out a wheel package

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Thank you

[Redfield11]

The 2020 A5 does look more modern from the front and back and it felt lighter, but the interior quality wasn't as nice as the S5. However the new MMI is really easy to use on the newer A5. The S5's driving dynamics are different and the A5 just couldn't match it.
I ended up getting a prestige model as I wanted the best tech they had in 2018.
Thanks for all the input, now I need to figure out a wheel package

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Thank you

How has it gone so far for you? I'm in the exact same situation except I care a little less about engine (I only accelerate like a banshee when merging onto the highway) so even more torn between the two.

[AnewMadrid]

How has it gone so far for you? I'm in the exact same situation except I care a little less about engine (I only accelerate like a banshee when merging onto the highway) so even more torn between the two.

Oh man it's great. However I did mod it pretty quick with new springs, rear sway and upper control bar, new wheels and RS5 grill. It would have been cool to have the Matrix lights. Like you at first I didn't think I care about the extra power but once you have it, that torque is worth it all. My only gripe is it's a little tough getting in and out of the car and I'm not a big guy. My recommendation would be get the Prestige model if you go the S5 with all the options they had for whatever year you chose. Also I got CPO but back in January prices seemed to be lower than they are now.

[jhAudi]

Oh man it's great. However I did mod it pretty quick with new springs, rear sway and upper control bar, new wheels and RS5 grill. It would have been cool to have the Matrix lights. Like you at first I didn't think I care about the extra power but once you have it, that torque is worth it all. My only gripe is it's a little tough getting in and out of the car and I'm not a big guy. My recommendation would be get the Prestige model if you go the S5 with all the options they had for whatever year you chose. Also I got CPO but back in January prices seemed to be lower than they are now.

Also bought mine in Jan. Did a search on cars. com nationally yesterday for 2018 S5 prestige coupes with close to the same or lower miles. Only 18 came up and all were $1500 to 6k more now than I paid back then for my CPO which I though was a fair price but not a steal by any stretch (pretty sure not all had the sports diff/napa leather/audi rings/19 inch wheels/all season floor mats). Anyway glad to have pulled the trigger then than waiting for prices to drop. Maybe my search was bad as I expected to see more than 18 nationally with sub 30k miles on them. The car is a blast

[AnewMadrid]

Also bought mine in Jan. Did a search on cars. com nationally yesterday for 2018 S5 prestige coupes with close to the same or lower miles. Only 18 came up and all were $1500 to 6k more now than I paid back then for my CPO which I though was a fair price but not a steal by any stretch (pretty sure not all had the sports diff/napa leather/audi rings/19 inch wheels/all season floor mats). Anyway glad to have pulled the trigger then than waiting for prices to drop. Maybe my search was bad as I expected to see more than 18 nationally with sub 30k miles on them. The car is a blast

Exactly. I'm sure prices will come down but I did a look as well and here in SF Bay, getting a sub 30k and CPO with all the goodies is min 2k more than I paid. The coupe is a little less than the 4 door but yeah you need the sports diff and napa leather.

[Mykel]

Nice choice and color! I faced the same decision and went with an A5, I just wanted the new body style and the black optics plus this had on 2000 miles and was almost $10,000 off list. I just couldn't afford a new S5.

[a2oc]

Same dilemma for me 2 years ago on 2018 a5 or 2018 s5 with 10k more miles. Went with the a5 as I want a stick.

[Teemos]

I went with the A5 Sportback also. Mostly cause insurance was trying to charge me way to much for a S5. After a few mods I'm just as fast if not faster than a stock S5 so I'm happy and saved a ton of money too.