Hey everyone! Today, we're diving deep into the 2018 Audi S5 Sportback – a car that's got a reputation for being a real head-turner. If you're in the UK and thinking about getting one, or just curious about what it's like, you're in the right place. We're going to break down everything from the engine and performance to the interior, technology, and overall driving experience. So, buckle up, because we're about to take a comprehensive look at the S5 Sportback!

Overview of the 2018 Audi S5 Sportback

Alright, guys, let's kick things off with a quick overview. The 2018 Audi S5 Sportback is a sleek, stylish, and practical four-door coupe. Audi really nailed the design with this one, blending sporty aesthetics with everyday usability. It's got that signature Audi elegance, but with a touch of aggression that hints at the performance lurking beneath the surface. This model year brought a refresh to the S5 lineup, with some key updates that made it even more appealing to the UK market. We're talking about improvements to the engine, technology, and overall refinement. The Sportback design is a major plus, offering a spacious cabin and a generous boot – perfect for everything from daily commutes to weekend getaways. In essence, the S5 Sportback aims to be the perfect all-rounder, and we're going to see how well it succeeds. It sits in a competitive segment, battling it out with rivals like the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe. So, does the 2018 Audi S5 Sportback have what it takes to stand out? Let's find out!

This isn't just about looks, though. Audi has always been known for its build quality and attention to detail, and the S5 Sportback is no exception. Inside, you'll find a premium cabin with high-quality materials, comfortable seats, and a host of tech features. Under the hood, you've got a potent engine that delivers exhilarating performance. The S5 Sportback is designed to be a car you can enjoy every day, whether you're cruising on the motorway or tackling twisty country roads. Its combination of performance, practicality, and style makes it a compelling choice for anyone looking for a premium sports car in the UK. The 2018 model is a sweet spot, as it represents a great balance of features and value, before the later, more expensive models hit the market. Now, let's delve into the specifics and see what makes this car tick.

Key Features and Highlights

• Performance: A punchy turbocharged engine provides brisk acceleration and a thrilling driving experience.
• Design: The Sportback body style offers a sleek, coupe-like profile with the practicality of four doors and a spacious boot.
• Interior: A premium cabin with high-quality materials, comfortable seats, and advanced technology features.
• Technology: Equipped with Audi's latest infotainment system, driver assistance systems, and connectivity features.
• Practicality: Four doors and a large boot make the S5 Sportback suitable for everyday use and family trips.

Performance and Driving Experience

Alright, let's get into the good stuff – the performance and driving experience of the 2018 Audi S5 Sportback. Under the hood, you'll find a 3.0-liter TFSI V6 engine, which is the heart and soul of this sporty beast. This engine is a powerhouse, producing a healthy amount of horsepower and torque, which translates to impressive acceleration. You can expect to go from 0 to 60 mph in a matter of seconds, making it seriously fun to drive. The engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, which offers smooth and responsive gear changes. Whether you're cruising on the motorway or tackling twisty roads, the transmission always seems to be in the right gear, providing a seamless and engaging driving experience.

One of the standout features of the S5 Sportback is its quattro all-wheel-drive system. This system provides exceptional grip and stability, especially in challenging road conditions. It helps you stay planted on the road, giving you confidence when cornering and accelerating. The quattro system is a real game-changer, making the S5 Sportback feel incredibly composed and balanced. The suspension is also finely tuned, striking a great balance between comfort and sportiness. It soaks up bumps and imperfections in the road, while still providing precise handling and minimal body roll. This means you can enjoy a comfortable ride on long journeys, while still having the confidence to push the car in the corners. The steering is another highlight, offering precise and direct feedback. It gives you a good feel for the road and allows you to place the car exactly where you want it.

Overall, the 2018 Audi S5 Sportback delivers a fantastic driving experience. It's quick, agile, and engaging, with a comfortable ride and excellent handling. The quattro all-wheel-drive system and well-tuned suspension provide a level of confidence and control that's hard to beat. It's a car that's equally at home on the daily commute and on a spirited weekend drive. The sound of the engine is also worth mentioning – it produces a sporty and engaging note that adds to the overall driving pleasure. It's not just a fast car; it's a car that's genuinely enjoyable to drive, offering a perfect blend of performance and everyday usability. The driving dynamics are what truly set the S5 Sportback apart, making it a standout choice in its class.

Engine Specifications and Performance Figures

• Engine: 3.0-liter TFSI V6
• Power: Approximately 354 bhp
• Torque: Around 369 lb-ft
• 0-60 mph: Roughly 4.5 seconds
• Top Speed: Electronically limited to 155 mph

Interior, Design, and Technology

Now, let's move inside the 2018 Audi S5 Sportback and take a look at the interior, design, and technology. The interior is where Audi truly shines, offering a premium and well-appointed cabin that's a pleasure to spend time in. The design is sleek and modern, with high-quality materials used throughout. You'll find leather upholstery, soft-touch surfaces, and brushed aluminum or carbon fiber trim, depending on the specification. The seats are supportive and comfortable, providing excellent bolstering to keep you in place during spirited driving. The driving position is also excellent, with a wide range of adjustments to ensure you can find the perfect setup.

The dashboard is well-laid-out, with a clean and uncluttered design. The infotainment system is integrated seamlessly, with a crisp and clear display. The 2018 model features Audi's MMI (Multi Media Interface) system, which offers a range of features, including navigation, smartphone integration, and a premium sound system. It's easy to use, with intuitive controls and a responsive interface. Audi has also included a range of advanced technology features, such as a virtual cockpit, which replaces the traditional instrument cluster with a digital display. This display can be customized to show a variety of information, including navigation, driving data, and entertainment details. It's a really cool feature that adds to the overall tech-savviness of the car.

Beyond the tech, the interior is designed with practicality in mind. The Sportback design provides ample space for both front and rear passengers, and the large boot offers plenty of storage space. This makes the S5 Sportback a versatile car, suitable for everything from daily commutes to family trips. The build quality is excellent, with everything feeling solid and well-made. You won't find any rattles or squeaks, and the materials feel durable and luxurious. The attention to detail is evident throughout the cabin, from the stitching on the seats to the design of the air vents. Overall, the interior of the 2018 Audi S5 Sportback is a standout feature, offering a premium and comfortable environment that's packed with technology and designed for everyday usability. It's a place you'll enjoy spending time in, whether you're driving or just relaxing.

Infotainment and Connectivity

• MMI System: Audi's intuitive infotainment system with a central display.
• Smartphone Integration: Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for seamless smartphone connectivity.
• Navigation: Integrated navigation system with real-time traffic updates.
• Sound System: Premium sound system for an immersive audio experience.
• Virtual Cockpit: Digital instrument cluster with customizable displays.

Practicality and Everyday Usability

Alright, let's talk about the practicality and everyday usability of the 2018 Audi S5 Sportback. While it's a sporty coupe, the Sportback design makes it surprisingly practical for daily life. The four-door configuration makes it easy to get in and out of the car, and the rear doors provide good access to the back seats. This is a big advantage over traditional coupes, which can be a pain for rear passengers. The rear seats themselves offer decent space for adults, making the S5 Sportback a viable option for carrying passengers. Headroom is generally good, and legroom is adequate for most people. The boot is another strong point, offering a generous amount of space for luggage, groceries, or whatever else you need to carry. The hatchback design makes it easy to load and unload items, and the rear seats can be folded down to create even more storage space.

Another aspect of practicality is the fuel efficiency. The 3.0-liter engine is surprisingly efficient, especially considering the performance it offers. You can expect to get reasonable fuel economy on both city and motorway driving. This means you won't have to break the bank to keep the S5 Sportback on the road. The car is also equipped with a range of driver assistance systems, such as parking sensors, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. These systems make driving easier and safer, especially in busy traffic. They can help to reduce driver fatigue and prevent accidents. The S5 Sportback is also comfortable to drive, with a smooth ride and a quiet cabin. This makes it a great car for long journeys, as well as for daily commutes. The suspension is well-damped, absorbing bumps and imperfections in the road, and the cabin is well-insulated from wind and road noise. Overall, the 2018 Audi S5 Sportback is a practical car that's easy to live with. It offers a great combination of performance, style, and everyday usability, making it a versatile choice for anyone looking for a premium sports car. The Sportback design truly shines here, providing that extra level of practicality that many competitors lack.

Dimensions and Storage

• Boot Space: Generous boot capacity, suitable for luggage and everyday items.
• Rear Passenger Space: Decent legroom and headroom for rear passengers.
• Ease of Access: Four-door configuration for easy entry and exit.

Safety Features and Driver Assistance Systems

Safety is a top priority, and the 2018 Audi S5 Sportback is packed with features designed to keep you and your passengers safe. Audi has always been at the forefront of automotive safety technology, and the S5 Sportback is no exception. It comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features and driver assistance systems. Standard safety features include airbags throughout the cabin, electronic stability control, and anti-lock brakes. These systems work together to help prevent accidents and protect occupants in the event of a collision. You'll also find features like Audi pre sense basic, which prepares the car for a potential collision by tightening the seatbelts and closing the windows. Audi pre sense city is another crucial safety feature, which can detect pedestrians and vehicles in the road and automatically apply the brakes if a collision is imminent. This system can help to prevent accidents or mitigate the severity of a collision.

The S5 Sportback also offers a range of advanced driver assistance systems to make driving easier and safer. These include adaptive cruise control, which automatically maintains a set distance from the vehicle in front, and lane departure warning, which alerts you if you drift out of your lane. There's also blind-spot monitoring, which warns you of vehicles in your blind spot, and park assist, which helps you to park the car in tight spaces. These driver assistance systems are designed to enhance your driving experience and reduce the risk of accidents. They take some of the stress out of driving, especially in busy traffic. The S5 Sportback has received excellent safety ratings from independent testing organizations, demonstrating its commitment to safety. The combination of passive and active safety features makes it a safe and secure choice for drivers in the UK. The focus on safety is another reason why the 2018 Audi S5 Sportback is such a well-rounded car.

Safety Ratings and Awards

• Euro NCAP: High safety ratings, reflecting the car's strong performance in crash tests.
• Driver Assistance Features: Comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems.

Value for Money and Competition

Let's talk about value for money and the competition the 2018 Audi S5 Sportback faces in the UK market. When considering the price of the S5 Sportback, it's essential to factor in the combination of performance, luxury, and practicality that it offers. It's a premium car, so the price tag reflects that, but you get a lot for your money. Comparing it to its main rivals, the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe, the S5 Sportback holds its own. It often offers a compelling package, with a strong engine, a stylish design, and a well-appointed interior.

One of the key advantages of the S5 Sportback is its quattro all-wheel-drive system. This provides superior grip and handling, especially in wet or snowy conditions, making it a great choice for UK drivers. The BMW and Mercedes-Benz also offer excellent performance, but the quattro system gives the Audi a slight edge in terms of all-weather capability. The S5 Sportback often represents good value because it offers a great blend of features for its price. You get a high-performance engine, a luxurious interior, and a practical body style, all in one package. When comparing it to other cars in its class, it typically offers competitive pricing, and the running costs are also reasonable, given the car's performance. Audi's reputation for build quality and reliability also contributes to its value proposition. You can expect the S5 Sportback to be a dependable car, with a long lifespan. The resale value is usually good, which means you'll get a good return on your investment when you decide to sell the car. Overall, the 2018 Audi S5 Sportback offers excellent value for money. It's a premium car that delivers on all fronts, providing a great driving experience, a luxurious interior, and a practical body style. It competes well against its rivals and provides a compelling choice for anyone looking for a sporty coupe in the UK. When you consider all the factors – performance, practicality, features, and running costs – the S5 Sportback offers a strong value proposition in its segment.

Competitor Comparison

• BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe: Direct competitor with similar performance and features.
• Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe: Another premium competitor offering a luxurious experience.

Reliability and Maintenance

Reliability and maintenance are crucial considerations when buying any car, and the 2018 Audi S5 Sportback is no exception. Audi has a generally good reputation for reliability, and the S5 Sportback is typically seen as a dependable car. However, like any vehicle, it's essential to keep up with regular maintenance to ensure it runs smoothly and reliably. The 3.0-liter TFSI engine is known for its durability, but it's important to follow the recommended service intervals. This typically involves oil changes, filter replacements, and spark plug changes at specified intervals. Audi recommends using genuine parts and adhering to the manufacturer's guidelines for maintenance. This will help to keep the engine in top condition and prevent any potential issues. The quattro all-wheel-drive system is also a robust and reliable system, but it's important to have it checked periodically to ensure that it's functioning correctly.

The eight-speed automatic transmission is generally reliable, but it's important to have the transmission fluid changed at the recommended intervals. This will help to maintain the smooth operation of the transmission. The suspension components, such as the shocks and struts, may need to be replaced over time, depending on the mileage and driving conditions. It's important to inspect these components regularly to ensure that they are in good condition. The interior of the S5 Sportback is well-built and durable, but it's still important to take care of it. Regularly cleaning and protecting the leather upholstery and other interior surfaces will help to keep them looking their best. The technology features, such as the infotainment system and driver assistance systems, are generally reliable, but they may require software updates from time to time. Audi dealerships can perform these updates. Overall, the 2018 Audi S5 Sportback is a reliable car, but it's essential to follow the recommended maintenance schedule to keep it in top condition. Regular servicing will help to prevent any potential issues and ensure that the car remains dependable for years to come. Choosing a well-maintained car will provide a more enjoyable ownership experience.

Common Issues and Servicing

• Regular Servicing: Adhere to Audi's recommended service intervals for optimal performance.
• Maintenance Costs: Consider the costs of servicing, parts, and potential repairs.

Conclusion: Is the 2018 Audi S5 Sportback Right for You?

So, is the 2018 Audi S5 Sportback right for you? After taking a comprehensive look at this car, we can confidently say that it's a fantastic option for anyone in the UK looking for a premium sports coupe with a practical edge. The S5 Sportback offers a compelling combination of performance, style, and practicality. The 3.0-liter engine provides exhilarating performance, with brisk acceleration and a thrilling driving experience. The quattro all-wheel-drive system ensures excellent grip and stability, making it a confidence-inspiring car to drive in all conditions. The Sportback design provides the practicality of four doors and a spacious boot, making it suitable for daily use and family trips. The interior is a real highlight, with high-quality materials, comfortable seats, and advanced technology features. The infotainment system is user-friendly, and the driver assistance systems make driving easier and safer. The S5 Sportback also offers good value for money, especially when compared to its rivals. It's a well-equipped car with a strong performance, luxurious interior, and practical body style.

If you're looking for a car that's fun to drive, stylish, and practical, the 2018 Audi S5 Sportback is definitely worth considering. It's a versatile car that can handle everything from the daily commute to weekend adventures. It's a car that's equally at home on the motorway and on twisty country roads. If you're looking for a car with a more traditional coupe design, you might want to consider the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe or the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe. However, if you value practicality and versatility, the S5 Sportback is a clear winner. The Audi S5 Sportback is a great choice for those who want a sporty coupe that is also practical and luxurious. Overall, the 2018 Audi S5 Sportback is a top-notch car that offers a great driving experience, a luxurious interior, and a practical body style. It's a car that's sure to impress, and it's a great choice for anyone looking for a premium sports car in the UK. If you're in the market for a sporty, stylish, and practical car, the S5 Sportback should be at the top of your list. It is a car that truly delivers on all fronts, providing a driving experience that is both exhilarating and enjoyable.

Final Verdict

• Overall: A highly recommended premium sports coupe with excellent performance, practicality, and style.