Frankfurt 2009: Audi S5 Sportback unveiled. No, you can't have this one, either.
by Alex Nunez on Sep 14th 2009 at 7:29PM 
Audi S5 Sportback - Click above for high-res image gallery
If you're annoyed that the Audi A5 Sportback isn't going to be made available in the U.S., you might as well stop reading now, because this will probably be upsetting to you. Audi has just formally announced the S5 Sportback, which, as you likely gathered, kicks things up with the blown 3.0L V6 that's standard kit in the S4, available in the A6, and will shortly replace the V8 as the motivator under the S5 coupe's hood. Quattro is standard, as is the seven-speed S tronic twin-clutch gearbox; a sport differential can be added at extra cost.
Other standard S-car bits include the metallic-finished mirrors, quad pipes, snazzy S-design wheels (dubs are optional), and polished vertical grille slats. Basically, it's the S5 with two extra doors and a hatchback. It's probably a blast to drive, and it demonstrates that you can turn a standard model into a sporty hatch without going all Crosstour.
Power from the six is 333 horses and 324 lb-ft – good for a 5.4-second run to 62 mph (100 km/h) and an electro-nannied 155-mph top end. Audi says that the powertrain's good a smidge over 24 mpg – with whose grandmother behind the wheel, we have no idea. Inside? You know the deal – it's nice. Starting price when it lands in Deutschland Audi stores this spring will be €57,900, demonstrating that more sensible fun doesn't necessarily come on the cheap. Check out a slew of additional pics in the gallery below, and the official flowery-language press release after the jump.
Gallery: Audi S5 Sportback
[Source: Audi]
PRESS RELEASE:
Audi News Frankfurt Auto Show (IAA) 2009
The Audi S5 Sportback – particularly elegant sportiness
* Supercharger and FSI direct fuel injection are a powerful combination
* 245 kW (333 hp), 440 Nm (324.53 lb-ft) of torque and exemplary efficiency
* S tronic and quattro drive standard; quattro with sport differential optional
The abbreviation "S" stands for sports and also high efficiency – characteristic Audi features. The S5 Sportback is the top model of the new Sportback model series. The five-door coupe is powered by a highly efficient, supercharged V6 engine with an output of 245 kW (333 hp). Power is delivered to the wheels via the seven-speed S tronic and quattro drive; the innovative sport differential is available as an option.
The Audi S5 Sportback is powered by a three-liter V6 with a mechanically driven supercharger. The supercharger sits in the 90 degree V formed by the banks of the cylinders and produces up to 0.8 bar of pressure. Two downstream intercoolers lower the temperature of the compressed intake air for improved filling of the combustion chambers.
The six-cylinder unit, which displaces 2,995 cc, embodies the Audi philosophy that performance and efficiency are not mutually exclusive but rather complement each other perfectly. The engine delivers a constant 440 Nm (324.53 lb-ft) of torque between 2,900 and 5,300 rpm. The S5 Sportback sprints from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in only 5.4 seconds (provisional figure) and accelerates up to an electronically governed top speed of 250 km/h (155.34 mph). The spontaneous response, the powerful thrust and sonorous sound make for a thrilling driving experience.
The supercharged V6 unit consumes only 9.7 liters (provisional figure) of fuel per 100 km (24.25 US mpg) on average – a top figure in this performance class.
The leading position of the S5 Sportback is further underscored by its drivetrain technology. The top model comes standard with the seven-speed dual-clutch S tronic transmission and quattro permanent all-wheel drive with a slight rear wheel bias. Optionally available is the sport differential.
The high-end rear-axle differential transfers the forces at the rear axle between the wheels as needed for even greater dynamism and stability.
The Audi S5 Sportback has a sports-tuned chassis. The S-design 18-inch cast aluminum wheels are shod with 245/40 tires. Wheels up to 20 inches are available as options. The black brake calipers are emblazoned with S5 emblems. Servotronic speed-sensitive steering is also standard, with dynamic steering optionally available. A strut brace provides the front section of the car with additional rigidity.
A number of features also provide visual cues to the A5 Sportback's sporty nature. The front blade and the diffuser, the single-frame grille, the air intakes, the sill strip, the spoiler lip at the rear and the four-tailpipe exhaust system all sport an exclusive design. The side mirror housings shine in aluminum look and the xenon plus headlights with LED daytime running lights and rear lights are standard.
Inside, electrically adjustable S-design sport seats covered in Silk Nappa leather, a black or silver headliner and brushed aluminum inlays underscore the dynamic style of the high-end model. The pointers in the instrument cluster are illuminated white, and the color driver information system presents the S5 logo when the car is started. A leather multifunction sport steering wheel with aluminum-look shift paddles and a sport selection switch for the S tronic underscore the sporty aspect of this model. S5 badges adorn the door sill trims, the key, the steering wheel and the instruments.
The luxurious, climate-controlled comfort seats are available as an option. The seat coverings are available in black, brown and three two-color combinations. Inlays are available in carbon, fine-grained birch wood and stainless steel mesh. The metallic structure comprising countless steel fibers feels slightly rough – an extraordinary haptic experience.
The Audi S5 Sportback will be arriving at German dealerships in spring 2010 with a base price of 57,900 euros.
The equipment and data specified in this document refer to the model range offered in Germany. Subject to change without notice; errors and omissions excepted.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
dal20402 7:33PM (9/14/2009)
There's no justice. We don't get this, but we do get the BMW 5-series Grand Truck.
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zamafir 9:05PM (9/14/2009)
I love CAR's review, basically they summed it up by saying 'what does it drive like? the 7 series wagon it is'. sigh.
James 10:55PM (9/14/2009)
I have to agree with you. I'm a HUGE BMW fanboy, and even I can admit that Audi pulled this thing off a lot better than BMW. The profile of this car is great.
Farmboy 1:11AM (9/15/2009)
We also get the Crosstour and the Panamera
Tool 2:22AM (9/15/2009)
This is a REALLY great looking car.
Love the S5 coupe but need a 4-door. Would never buy the A4/S4 . . . but would definitely definitely definitely consider this IF Audi sold the Sportback here in the U.S.
Not sure what these guys are thinking. Bring the Sportback to the U.S.
Alexander 7:36PM (9/14/2009)
Sick ride. Bring it here Audi! I promise to buy one!
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nzo 8:12PM (9/14/2009)
Meh. Looks ok.
Dave 7:48PM (9/14/2009)
Call me ignorant, but how is this suppose to be much different from the A6. I don't imagine in terms of size there being too much of a difference between the A4 and A6 to slot another car in the middle. Plus, I was starting to get the idea that odd number monikers would go to 2 doors instead of 4 doors.
This is also coming by the way from a proud owner of 07 A4. I have had zero complaints with it so far.
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Jamarr 8:02PM (9/14/2009)
A6 = 4 door sedan :(
A5 = 4 door coupe :)
Chris O 8:42PM (9/14/2009)
I think this is a pretty sharp looking car, and it's certainly better than BMW's new 5-door.
I have to agree on the A5/A6 post, though. Why they didn't just make it an a A4/S4 or A4/S6 5-door is beyond me. It's not like there's the amount of pedigree that BMW would have lost if they had made their 3-series coupes into the 2-series (they wanted to do that a few years back, and thought better of it).
Jamarr:
I've never been sold on the idea of hidden B-pillars, and sharply tapered rear rooflines turning a 4-door into a coupe. It doesn't work with the CLS, this, or anything else I've seen.
Venom 9:59PM (9/14/2009)
A6 = the car my father would drive
S5 Sportback = the car I would drive.
That is the difference.
2004m3driver 7:50PM (9/14/2009)
Why not bring it to the US!?
RS5 fastback was going to be my answer to my friends new M3. =/
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auto.design 7:57PM (9/14/2009)
Why does VW keep its best cars in Europe? I want a Scirocco!!!
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Jamarr 8:01PM (9/14/2009)
this ride is SICK!!! Somebody tell BMW they're doing it wrong.
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zamafir 12:53AM (9/15/2009)
audi already did :)
Clippy 7:35AM (9/15/2009)
BMW is not doing it wrong. I really don't understand why people keep comparing 5GT with A5 SB, even though they are both sporting silly tail, they are clearly meant for different audience and are in different size category as well.
A5 Sportback - small sized car based on A4, with default interior and flashy exterior, targetted for young people who still think that impressing others is the most important thing in owning a car, sort of like ricers, just not that radical.
5GT - medium/large sized car based on 5-/7-series, with expensive 7-series interior, legroom and comfy individual seats in the back. Less flashy exterior, targetted at more mature people who understand that they are driving the car from the inside, so it doesn't matter what other people think when you drive by, the only important thing is that you are travelling in luxury.
If i wanted to show off, i would buy Sportback. But i already grew up from that, i'm not 18 with high level of hormones anymore. I'm spending my time inside of the car, so it's interior that matters. And 5GT is far superior in that area. Clearly a different marketing audience, young people vs mature people with family, so stop the silly comparisons. You can compare Sportback to 3-series GT if they ever do that, or 5GT to A6/A7 Sportback of that ever happens. So far it's comparing A4 to 7-series. In any case, i will have Mercedes over these two cheap wannabies anyday, thanks.
Venom 8:04PM (9/14/2009)
Audi is making me so mad.
Why can't we have this car?
Is our money not good enough for them?
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Affalterbach 8:45PM (9/14/2009)
Its actually our safety requirements.
James 9:30PM (9/14/2009)
Ummm... no Affalterbach, I don't believe that's true.
Euro NCAP safety requirements are also quite stringent when compared to American standards.
The real issue is that Audi probably did a cost-benefit analysis comparing what it would cost to import and promote the vehicle, versus what they considered reasonable retail pricing and sales projections and decided it wasn't worth it!
So despite the moans of enthusiasts, this one stays outside the US. :(
audi_arena 9:37PM (9/14/2009)
It has nothing to do with safety you idiot, the crash standards in germany are way higher than ours. The problem is that we pay less for Audi's than any other country in the world. Why would they bother selling it to us when they can selling them in Europe and Asia for almost twice as much?