Audi's new S5 packs a 349-horsepower punch from its turbocharged V6, but there's a weighty issue lurking beneath its sleek sheet metal.
The 2025 S5 Sportback tips the scales at a hefty 3,924 pounds. That's not a typo.
The Porsche Problem
Audi's performance middleweight now weighs as much as some full-size luxury sedans.
For perspective, the current Porsche 911 Carrera weighs around 3,400 pounds.
A performance car carrying an extra 500 pounds is like a sprinter wearing ankle weights. Physics doesn't negotiate.
Power vs. Pounds
The numbers tell the story:
- 349 horsepower from the 3.0-liter turbo V6
- 4.5 seconds 0-60 mph (not bad, but not great)
- 155 mph top speed (electronically limited)
- 8-speed Tiptronic transmission routing power to all four wheels
Quattro all-wheel drive delivers grip, but it can't hide physics. The S5's power-to-weight ratio falls short of what true enthusiasts expect from a performance badge.
Practicality as Consolation
The Sportback body style offers redemption through utility.
Fold down the rear seats and you'll find 45.9 cubic feet of cargo space. The sloping roofline houses a practical hatch opening that swallows weekend gear without complaint.
Inside, Fine Nappa leather wraps sport seats with massage function. Red stitching and carbon inlays remind you this isn't just another A5.
But luxury features add pounds. Each convenience comes with a weight penalty.
Efficiency Compromise
The S5's bulk impacts fuel economy.
EPA ratings hover around 20 mpg city and 29 mpg highway. Not terrible for 349 horses, but the weight prevents it from being truly efficient.
Annual carbon emissions reach 7.6 tons according to EPA estimates. The planet notices when you're hauling unnecessary mass.
The Verdict
Audi built a comfortable, practical, and quick luxury car.
They didn't build a sports car.
The S5 Sportback delivers on style and everyday usability. Its quattro system ensures year-round confidence regardless of conditions.
But enthusiasts seeking a true driver's tool will feel the extra weight in every corner. The laws of physics remain undefeated.
For those who value the Audi badge and need space for both passengers and cargo, the S5 Sportback makes a compelling case. Just don't expect it to dance like lighter, more focused machines.
Sometimes you can't have it all. Especially when "all" weighs nearly two tons.
