AUDI S5 2022 What Owners Like What Owners Complain About Real World Tips

What owners like

• Balanced performance: Owners consistently praise the S5 for its strong, smooth power delivery and usable performance in everyday driving. The engine and drivetrain offer a good mix of refinement and urgency without being overly aggressive for daily use.
• Quattro grip and composure: AUDI’s all-wheel-drive system gives the S5 confidence in varied weather and on twisty roads. Many owners cite the chassis balance and predictable handling as one of the car’s highlights.
• High-quality interior: The cabin materials and build quality are frequently called out as premium for the class. Seats are supportive, switchgear feels solid, and the interior looks more expensive than some rivals.
• Styling and presence: The S5’s clean, sporty exterior is popular — it’s aggressive without being flashy. Sportback owners often note the practicality advantage, while coupe and cabriolet buyers like the classic profile.
• Technology and driver displays: The virtual cockpit and digital driver displays are appreciated for clarity and customizability. Owners like the overall tech integration when the MMI/navigation options are included.
• Convertible appeal: Cabriolet owners point to a surprisingly quiet and well-insulated soft-top, along with the fun-factor of open-air driving while retaining much of the S5’s performance character.

Common complaints and drawbacks

• Firm ride (with sport suspension / optional wheels): Several owners note that the S5 can be firm on rough roads, especially if the car is equipped with larger wheels, low-profile tires, or adaptive sport suspension. It’s a sport sedan/coupe compromise — precise but not always compliant.
• Cost of options and ownership: Premium options add up quickly. Maintenance, tires, and brakes are more expensive than mainstream cars, and service at dealer shops can be costly. Expect higher insurance and running costs compared with non-luxury alternatives.
• Infotainment quirks: While many like the tech, some owners report the infotainment and MMI systems can be a bit fiddly, with occasional software glitches or a learning curve to get the most out of the menus and connectivity features.
• Space limitations (coupe / cabriolet): Rear-seat room and trunk space can be tight in the coupe and cabriolet compared with the sportback. Families or taller passengers may find the back seats cramped for long trips.
• Muted engine note for some tastes: The stock exhaust is refined rather than raw; drivers seeking a louder, more visceral soundtrack sometimes add aftermarket exhausts or sport packages to get the sound they want.
• Fuel economy and running cost: Enthusiastic driving and premium fuel requirements mean owners frequently report paying more at the pump than with non-performance models.

Practical real‑world tips (buying & owning)

• Check service history and software updates: Verify regular oil changes and dealer or specialist service history. Ask if the car has received any software updates — Audi periodically issues updates that refine transmission behavior, infotainment, and engine calibration.
• Inspect suspension, wheels and tires carefully: Look for uneven tire wear (which can signal alignment or suspension issues), and check the condition of lowered or aftermarket suspensions if present. Large wheels and low-profile tires are common options that change the ride and future tire costs.
• Test drives in multiple modes: Drive the S5 in Comfort, Dynamic (Sport), and Auto modes to understand how throttle mapping, steering weight, and suspension settings change. Make sure gearshift logic feels consistent across modes and that there are no hesitation or harsh downshift issues.
• Convertible checks (cabriolet): For the cabriolet, test the top’s operation multiple times, inspect seals for wear, and check for signs of water intrusion in trunk and carpeted areas. Verify the mechanism and motor operate smoothly and quietly.
• Confirm infotainment and connectivity: Test Bluetooth, CarPlay/Android Auto, navigation, and the digital instrument cluster. Re-pair phones, play media, and make calls to ensure the experience is reliable.
• Watch for aftermarket tuning or mods: Many S5s are tuned for extra power or modified with exhaust and intake hardware. Performance modifications can change maintenance needs and resale value; demand documentation and make sure the tune was professionally done.
• Consider an extended warranty or certified pre-owned unit: If you’re buying used, CPO or an extended service plan can reduce exposure to unexpected repairs. Luxury performance items like turbos, electronics, and adaptive components can be expensive to repair.
• Budget for consumables: Brakes, performance tires, and premium oil are significant running costs. Factor these into ownership budgeting rather than focusing only on monthly payments.

Practical ownership habits

• Use recommended synthetic oil and adhere to service intervals to protect the turbocharged engine.
• Store the cabriolet with the top up when possible to preserve seals and reduce sun/UV wear.
• Rotate tires regularly and align the car after any suspension work to prolong tire life.
• Keep an eye on brake pads and rotors — spirited driving shortens their life versus commuting use.

Final thoughts

The 2022 Audi S5 remains an appealing option for buyers who want a refined, sporty compact grand tourer with everyday usability and strong chassis manners. Owners frequently praise the balance between comfort and performance, the premium cabin, and the quattro grip. However, prospective buyers should be realistic about ownership costs, the firmer ride in sport setups, and the space limitations of the coupe and cabriolet bodies. A careful pre-purchase inspection, thorough test drives in different modes, and attention to service records will help you buy with confidence. If you value a polished driving experience with a premium feel — and you budget for routine care and options — the S5 continues to be a compelling choice.

FAQs

Is the 2022 Audi S5 reliable?

Generally it’s regarded as reasonably reliable for a performance luxury car when properly maintained. Like all higher-end turbocharged vehicles, routine maintenance and timely repairs are important. Buying a car with full service history or CPO coverage reduces risk.

Which body style should I pick — coupe, sportback, or cabriolet?

Pick the coupe for classic looks and lower weight, the sportback for the best everyday practicality and rear-seat/headroom, and the cabriolet if open-top driving is a priority. Consider passenger needs and trunk space when deciding.

Are there common mechanical issues to watch for?

Owners most commonly report normal wear items (tires, brakes, suspensions) and occasional infotainment or electronic quirks. Confirm oil change history and check for aftermarket tuning. A pre-purchase inspection by an Audi specialist is recommended.

What should I budget for maintenance and running costs?

Expect higher-than-average costs for tires, brakes, and dealer servicing compared with mainstream sedans. Premium fuel and synthetic oil add to ongoing costs. Insurance and tires for performance setups can be especially notable.

Is the exhaust loud enough, or will I want an aftermarket system?

The stock exhaust prioritizes refinement and may feel subdued to enthusiasts. Some owners add sport or aftermarket exhausts to gain a louder, more aggressive note; consider local regulations and warranty implications before modifying.