The 2027 Audi S5 Might Be More Fun Than the New RS 5

You would expect someone who just stepped out of the new Audi RS 5 and into an S5 to immediately miss the extra performance of the full-fat RS model. But after spending time with both cars back-to-back, Auditography came away with a surprising conclusion. The updated 2027 S5 might actually be more fun. That’s quite a compliment considering the S5 receives relatively modest changes for 2027.

The biggest addition is the new Dynamic Plus package, which gives the S5 a more aggressive, rear-biased driving character and even allows for controlled oversteer. There is also an updated MMI interface, revised driver display, new driver-assistance features, and a steering wheel that thankfully receives more physical controls. The basic mechanical package remains familiar. The S5 continues with its 3.0-liter turbocharged TFSI V6 and mild-hybrid assistance, seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, and quattro all-wheel drive. But it’s how the S5 feels that makes things interesting.

Do You Really Need the RS 5?

After spending a week with the new RS 5 Avant before driving the S5, Auditography said the less powerful Audi felt more responsive and alive, sounded better, and didn’t feel dramatically slower. The Dynamic Plus package also allows the S5 to rotate its rear end through corners in a way that brings its driving experience surprisingly close to its RS sibling.

Weight undoubtedly plays a role. According to the video, the S5 weighs roughly 400 kilograms (about 882 pounds) less than the plug-in-hybrid RS 5. Then there’s the price. The RS 5 costs roughly 30 percent more. And that is just the upfront cost. Insurance and wear items, are likely to be more expensive on the RS 5 compared to the S5. However, it’s not all praise.

Auditography remains frustrated by some of Audi’s recent interior decisions, including the lack of physical climate controls, the small gear selector, and an instrument display that he believes lacks the character and customization of previous generations. He also wishes Audi did more to visually distinguish the S5 from the standard A5.

Those criticisms make the S5’s underlying goodness almost more frustrating. Here is an Audi that looks good, drives exceptionally well, and becomes even more entertaining for 2027, yet some relatively small details prevent it from reaching its full potential. Still, if your priority is what happens when the road gets twisty, those shortcomings may be easy to forgive.

The RS 5 may sit above it in the hierarchy, but the 2027 S5 makes a compelling argument that more power, more technology, and a higher price don’t always equal more fun.