The 2020 Audi S5 Sportback emerges as a compelling choice for those seeking a luxury vehicle that seamlessly blends exhilarating performance with everyday practicality. While the high-performance RS5 Sportback exists, the S5 Sportback carves its own niche by offering a more accessible and arguably more sensible balance. After spending a week immersed in the S5 Sportback experience, it becomes clear why this model hits the sweet spot for many drivers.
The S5 Sportback inherits all the desirable traits of its RS5 sibling, including its striking aesthetics, refined comfort, cutting-edge technology, and the undeniable versatility of a hatchback design. Powering the 2020 Audi S5 Sportback is a potent 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine, delivering a robust 349 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. This engine, coupled with Audi’s renowned Quattro all-wheel-drive system and a responsive eight-speed automatic transmission, propels the S5 Sportback from 0 to 60 mph in a brisk 4.5 seconds.
While the RS5 Sportback boasts a quicker 0-60 mph time of 3.8 seconds, this marginal difference becomes negligible in real-world driving scenarios. Unless you frequently find yourself on a racetrack, the 0.7-second gap is unlikely to be a deciding factor. Moreover, a common critique of the otherwise exceptional RS5 is its somewhat sterile driving experience. The raw emotion and visceral feedback often associated with high-performance vehicles can feel muted in the RS5. The 2020 Audi S5 Sportback, while still prioritizing refinement, strikes a more appropriate balance for a mid-tier performance model. The difference in character between the S5 and RS5 feels less pronounced than the gap between a Mercedes-AMG C43 and the more aggressive C63.
A Solid and Sporty Daily Driver
The 3.0-liter V6 engine in the 2020 Audi S5 Sportback is a standout feature. It offers ample low-end torque, and the twin-scroll turbocharger ensures rapid boost delivery whenever needed. Even with spirited driving, fuel economy remains respectable. During a week of testing, which included canyon drives and city errands in Los Angeles, the S5 Sportback achieved 23 miles per gallon, matching the EPA-estimated combined rating.
Opting for the Prestige trim unlocks the optional $2,500 S Sport Package, a worthwhile upgrade for driving enthusiasts. This package includes a sport-tuned suspension with adaptive dampers, which manages to enhance handling without compromising ride comfort on everyday roads. However, the true highlight of the S Sport Package is the sport rear differential. This feature incorporates torque vectoring to the rear axle, working in conjunction with the rear-biased Quattro all-wheel-drive system to make the S5 Sportback feel noticeably more agile in corners. While it doesn’t transform it into a purely rear-wheel-drive experience, it adds a welcome layer of dynamism to the handling. For drivers in colder climates, equipping the 2020 Audi S5 Sportback with winter tires transforms it into a capable and enjoyable vehicle even in snowy conditions.
The Audi Drive Select system offers various driving modes – Comfort, Auto, Dynamic, and customizable Individual. The Individual mode is particularly useful, allowing drivers to tailor the car’s settings to their preferences. A preferred configuration is to keep the chassis in its softest Comfort setting for ride quality, engage Dynamic steering for sharper responses, and leave the engine in Auto for balanced performance. A variable-ratio Dynamic Steering option is also available for $1,500, further enhancing steering responsiveness in sportier settings, although it can feel somewhat light in the default Comfort mode.
The defining characteristic of the 2020 Audi S5 Sportback, mirroring other Audi S models, is its exceptional balance. In Dynamic mode, it’s engaging and fun on winding roads. Switching to Auto mode transforms it into a relaxed and comfortable luxury car, ideal for commuting or everyday errands. The RS5 shares this duality, but its significant price premium of $20,000 over the S5 doesn’t necessarily translate to a proportional increase in driving excitement for most drivers.
Subtle updates for the 2020 model year include refreshed LED headlights and taillights, though these are evolutionary rather than revolutionary design changes. The optional $2,200 Black Optic Package adds visual flair with 20-inch wheels and darkened exterior trim. The Sportback body style remains a standout feature, offering significantly more practicality than the S5 Coupe and Cabriolet without compromising on style. The hatchback configuration provides 21.8 cubic feet of cargo space, more than double the S5 Coupe’s capacity. Fold-down rear seats further enhance versatility for carrying larger items. The Sportback’s practicality makes a strong case against needing a crossover for many buyers.
Inside, the 2020 Audi S5 Sportback features Audi’s latest MIB 3 multimedia system, displayed on a responsive 10.1-inch touchscreen. The system is intuitive, with colorful menu tiles and a logical structure. While it lacks the secondary lower screen found in models like the S6, the physical climate controls are user-friendly and aesthetically consistent with the cabin’s sophisticated design. The standout technology feature remains Audi’s Virtual Cockpit digital gauge cluster, a long-standing favorite for its customization and clarity.
The Prestige trim, while adding a significant $8,400 to the base price, includes a comprehensive suite of features. Standard on this trim are advanced driver-assistance systems such as full-speed adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist, lane-keeping assist, a head-up display, traffic sign recognition, and parking assist. Luxury and convenience features include a Bang & Olufsen premium sound system and wireless phone charging.
A fully equipped 2020 Audi S5 Sportback Prestige reaches a price point of $69,240. While seemingly substantial, this price aligns with competitors like the Mercedes-AMG C43, which lacks the Sportback’s hatchback versatility. For many buyers, a mid-level Premium Plus trim with selected options will offer an ideal balance of features and value. Building a personalized configuration on Audi’s website can result in a well-equipped S5 Sportback for a more approachable price.
The 2020 Audi S5 Sportback excels as a versatile all-rounder, facing primary competition from models like the BMW 440i Gran Coupe and the Kia Stinger GT. While the BMW is aging and the Kia brand might not yet hold the same prestige for some Audi buyers, the S5 Sportback distinguishes itself with its blend of luxury, performance, and practicality. Within Audi’s own lineup, the S5 Sportback presents a compelling alternative to the S4 sedan and even the SQ5 crossover. Ultimately, the 2020 Audi S5 Sportback emerges as the most appealing choice within the S5 range, even surpassing the allure of the more powerful RS5 for its well-rounded nature and everyday usability.
