2016 Audi S5

The S5 is the most high-performance model in the A5 sport coupe lineup. That means that it takes the A5's already luxurious cabin and adds sports seats with bigger bolsters, a flat-bottomed steering wheel, and some trim that presents a more sporting look. But that's not all it adds. Under the hood is Audi's supercharged 3.0L V6 that puts out 333 hp. There is quattro all-wheel drive, selectable adaptive damping, and an available sport differential to put all of that power to the ground.

It's not the newest car in this class, and is unchanged for 2016, but it remains near the top. The cabin is more luxurious than the Lexus RC350 or Cadillac ATS, and the rear seats are both easier to use and have more space. Against the BMW 440i, the Audi has better handling, although it's not quite as luxurious as the Mercedes C450 AMG. Audi's MMI infotainment system is easy to use, and one of the better systems in this group. The available seven-speed dual-clutch automatic is unique in the class, and one of the quickest-shifting transmissions around.

The S5 is available as a coupe or an open top cabriolet. The coupe can have a six-speed manual or the dual-clutch transmission, but the cabrio is dual-clutch only. Transport Canada estimated fuel consumption for the S5 coupe is 13.8 L/100 km city, 9.0 L/100 km highway for the manual and 13.0/8.5 for the automatic, the convertible gets 13.3 L/100 km city, 9.1 L/100 km highway.

The S5 comes in two trims. The base is the S5 Progressiv, and it comes with 19-inch wheels, a sunroof (on the coupe), heated mirrors, automatic headlights and wipers, xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights, and Nappa leather sport seats with heat and power adjustment for the front seats. There is push button start, and Audi drive select to adjust suspension settings, throttle response, and the automatic’s shift points. It has a 10-speaker stereo with satellite radio. Step up to S5 Technik and get a HomeLink garage door opener, blind spot warning, adaptive headlights, heated rear seats, a rear-view camera and a Bang & Olufsen 14-speaker stereo with navigation. The navigation is also available as a stand-alone option on the Progressiv.