Considering a replacement for my Audi S5

316kmph · 23rd April 2023, 23:50

I have been using an Audi S5 (current gen) as my second car for the past 5.5 years. I am considering a new car in it's place.

I love my Audi, fast and stylish car, quite practical for using every other day - good ride quality for a sporty car, spacious, well equipped, not too big for the city, big boot, usable and easy to live with power output. While ground clarence is just about liveable, just another 10mm would have made it flawless, as of now I clear 8 out of 10 speed bumps.

My daily driver is an S400d and we have a GLC 300 and Crysta for most runabouts in the house.

With this car, I expect to do a dozen Sunday drives and may be a couple of road trips each year, besides using it once or twice to go to work each week. Usage may increase with practicality.

I am considering a BMW M2 manual, Taycan Cross Turismo 4S (I find this beyond what I want to be spending, but not necessarily out of bounds, if exceptional), BMW X3 M40i (as practical as performance could get), Porsche Cayenne (getting expensive by the year), wait and buy Porsche Macan EV next year or any other choice, you recommend.

Sahil · 24th April 2023, 13:41

I would pick the M2, it will be the only car in the list that will be MORE fun than your S5.

I personally don't like the looks of the new m2 in pics, especially the rear. But if you can live with that, its a no brainer!

You already a GLC and Innova for practicality and boot space whereas the S400 for comfort. The S5 is the one you bought from your heart and not your mind, the M2 is pure heart and soul!

lamborghini · 24th April 2023, 16:16

I agree with Sahil : polarizing looks aside, the M2 seems to be a brilliant option!
The others on the list like the X340i, Cayenne, macan, etc. Are good all rounder but don't have that appeal to replace the S5 - maybe something to keep in mind for when the GLC is due for replacement as they could be good tourers for the family.

The biggest advantage of the M2 is the availability of a manual. The size, the gearbox, and the power - it has all the makings of a fun Sunday car! Probably one of the last before moving on to EVs.

jono213 · 28th April 2023, 15:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by 316kmph

I love my Audi, fast and stylish car, quite practical for using every other day - good ride quality for a sporty car, spacious, well equipped, not too big for the city, big boot, usable and easy to live with power output. While ground clarence is just about liveable, just another 10mm would have made it flawless, as of now I clear 8 out of 10 speed bumps.

If you want a car that matches or even comes CLOSE to your current ride, the new M2 is the way to go, especially in that dream manual spec, I can positively say that you would be right at home with it.

Cheers!

ferrarirules · 28th April 2023, 18:19

Voted for the Porsche Taycan. You already have ICE cars, why not to go for something futuristic and not make your new car outdated in coming 5 years

I will suggest also look at BMW i4. That will also be fun to drive, 340 PS power, 0-100km/h - 5.7 seconds.

Vasanth · 29th April 2023, 12:02

With above options I’ve voted for BMW M2.
With its compact size, it will be blast to drive.
You’ve not mentioned you exact budget.
If I was in your place I would go for a used/almost new Porsche 718 Cayman or Boxster. BMW is nice but Porsche is even better when it comes to thrills and spills.

Straight6_N54 · 29th April 2023, 12:11

M2. That Engine + Manual (if you are ok with Manual trans), Last of this era most likely. Personally though couldn't connect with manual gear-box in high-end engines. The second hand is taken off the steering , 50% steering control is off and in cities clutch is a headache. Drove a 911 manual, swore never a manual sports car.

ashish22 · 30th April 2023, 01:43

The Audi S5 is not an easy car to upgrade from as not only its performs very well but it also looks exceptional with it’s coupe styling and swooping lines!

I had the pleasure of owing an S5 B9.5 gen and had it for an year but then the ultimate performance bug bit me and i exchanged it for probably the last unit of RS7 sold by Audi India before it got discontinued!

The S5 was such a lovely machine that even today I sometimes miss having it in the garage especially the compact size when you compare it to the mammoth size RS7.

That being said i think out of all the options shortlisted by you M2 definitely makes most sense but you would have to digest its looks and ride quality over the very forgiving ride offered by the S5. Do TD the current gen RS5 as well just for the heck!

No way can you stretch your budget and consider the new Merc AMG E53 Cabriolet, M4 Competition or the Audi e-tron GT?

Boringrider · 30th April 2023, 02:09

Voted for others. My pick would be the Jaguar F-Type with that big ol' V8 engine and if you want to go real bonkers on the budget, Porsche 718 GT4 RS would be my suggestion.

The Jag is a looker and has the performance and exhaust note to keep you happy. Would suggest to add that to the list

SNA411 · 17th May 2023, 21:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by 316kmph

With this car, I expect to do a dozen Sunday drives and may be a couple of road trips each year, besides using it once or twice to go to work each week. Usage may increase with practicality.

How about this TN registration 911 GT3 listed on BBT?
https://www.bigboytoyz.com/used-luxu...-1-detail-page

Or this AMG GT if you are not too fussy about registration state.?
https://www.bigboytoyz.com/used-luxu...ts-detail-page

Tvk1991 · 21st May 2023, 17:05

The best option to consider at this point is the BMW M2 Manual.
The GC is is similar to Audi S5.

If you can extend your budget a little bit consider the pre-owned 911 (2015-2020).

d_payne · 2nd July 2023, 18:58

Alright! I can contribute here. I've just moved on from my S5 - it is still in the garage but has found a nice home and am about to receive my replacement. My thinking process has slightly changed over the last 2 years of owning this S5.

1. You are bang on about the GC. It is laughably bad. What you could do is install a KW Hydraulic lift kit - will be around 4-6L all in - which will make the car fully liveable. This option is there for you if you truly love the looks of the S5. The presence that car has on the road is very very difficult to match, it is an out and out looker.

2. For an occasional drive car though, I find the S5 a bit lacking. The steering is too safe, too easy, and there just isn't enough play in the handling with the awd being very safe too. With a limo and a suv in the house, I'd urge you to look at something even more impractical.

The M2 Manual is right up there, IMO. What a car!
The Cayenne in S trim, the X340i are good options but again too safe for an occasional drive.
I'd urge you to take a look at a lightly used 718 or even a well spec'ed 981 GTS (there are less than 10 in the country)
The Macan GTS should be in your list as well, instead of the Taycan, this is after all the last fun ICE car you may own

Even if you don't take these options, here's a small cheat sheet for you. You won't find anything much faster than that S5 in a straight line, so you need:
- better handling or more fun for handling
- more analog
- something that will make you smile with how mad it is every time you take it for a spin
- design has to match or overcome that S5

I ended up with an extremely well spec'ed and loved 987.2 Cayman, with the above logic.

View Poll Results: What's your pick to replace an Audi S5
BMW M2	41	50.00%
Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo 4S	11	13.41%
BMW X3 M40i	16	19.51%
Porsche Cayenne	7	8.54%
2024 Porsche Macan EV	3	3.66%
Any other	4	4.88%
Voters: 82. You may not vote on this poll

23rd April 2023, 23:50	#1
316kmph BHPian Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Chennai Posts: 148 Thanked: 184 Times	Considering a replacement for my Audi S5 I have been using an Audi S5 (current gen) as my second car for the past 5.5 years. I am considering a new car in it's place. I love my Audi, fast and stylish car, quite practical for using every other day - good ride quality for a sporty car, spacious, well equipped, not too big for the city, big boot, usable and easy to live with power output. While ground clarence is just about liveable, just another 10mm would have made it flawless, as of now I clear 8 out of 10 speed bumps. My daily driver is an S400d and we have a GLC 300 and Crysta for most runabouts in the house. With this car, I expect to do a dozen Sunday drives and may be a couple of road trips each year, besides using it once or twice to go to work each week. Usage may increase with practicality. I am considering a BMW M2 manual, Taycan Cross Turismo 4S (I find this beyond what I want to be spending, but not necessarily out of bounds, if exceptional), BMW X3 M40i (as practical as performance could get), Porsche Cayenne (getting expensive by the year), wait and buy Porsche Macan EV next year or any other choice, you recommend. Last edited by 316kmph : 23rd April 2023 at 23:58.
	(7) Thanks

24th April 2023, 13:41	#2
Sahil Distinguished - BHPian Join Date: May 2004 Location: Bombay Posts: 6,293 Thanked: 7,611 Times	Re: Considering a replacement for my Audi S5 I would pick the M2, it will be the only car in the list that will be MORE fun than your S5. I personally don't like the looks of the new m2 in pics, especially the rear. But if you can live with that, its a no brainer! You already a GLC and Innova for practicality and boot space whereas the S400 for comfort. The S5 is the one you bought from your heart and not your mind, the M2 is pure heart and soul!
	(12) Thanks

24th April 2023, 16:16	#3
lamborghini Distinguished - BHPian Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Mumbai Posts: 6,117 Thanked: 5,768 Times View My Garage	Re: Considering a replacement for my Audi S5 I agree with Sahil : polarizing looks aside, the M2 seems to be a brilliant option! The others on the list like the X340i, Cayenne, macan, etc. Are good all rounder but don't have that appeal to replace the S5 - maybe something to keep in mind for when the GLC is due for replacement as they could be good tourers for the family. The biggest advantage of the M2 is the availability of a manual. The size, the gearbox, and the power - it has all the makings of a fun Sunday car! Probably one of the last before moving on to EVs. Last edited by lamborghini : 24th April 2023 at 16:19.
	(7) Thanks

28th April 2023, 18:19	#5
ferrarirules BHPian Join Date: Aug 2017 Location: Faridabad Posts: 719 Thanked: 2,530 Times	Re: Considering a replacement for my Audi S5 Voted for the Porsche Taycan. You already have ICE cars, why not to go for something futuristic and not make your new car outdated in coming 5 years I will suggest also look at BMW i4. That will also be fun to drive, 340 PS power, 0-100km/h - 5.7 seconds.
	(1) Thanks

29th April 2023, 12:02	#6
Vasanth BHPian Join Date: Dec 2019 Location: Kannur Posts: 139 Thanked: 571 Times	Re: Considering a replacement for my Audi S5 With above options I’ve voted for BMW M2. With its compact size, it will be blast to drive. You’ve not mentioned you exact budget. If I was in your place I would go for a used/almost new Porsche 718 Cayman or Boxster. BMW is nice but Porsche is even better when it comes to thrills and spills.
	() Thanks

29th April 2023, 12:11	#7
Straight6_N54 BHPian Join Date: Dec 2020 Location: Cochin Posts: 36 Thanked: 93 Times	Re: Considering a replacement for my Audi S5 M2. That Engine + Manual (if you are ok with Manual trans), Last of this era most likely. Personally though couldn't connect with manual gear-box in high-end engines. The second hand is taken off the steering , 50% steering control is off and in cities clutch is a headache. Drove a 911 manual, swore never a manual sports car.
	() Thanks

30th April 2023, 01:43	#8
ashish22 BHPian Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Gurgaon Posts: 598 Thanked: 100 Times View My Garage	Re: Considering a replacement for my Audi S5 The Audi S5 is not an easy car to upgrade from as not only its performs very well but it also looks exceptional with it’s coupe styling and swooping lines! I had the pleasure of owing an S5 B9.5 gen and had it for an year but then the ultimate performance bug bit me and i exchanged it for probably the last unit of RS7 sold by Audi India before it got discontinued! The S5 was such a lovely machine that even today I sometimes miss having it in the garage especially the compact size when you compare it to the mammoth size RS7. That being said i think out of all the options shortlisted by you M2 definitely makes most sense but you would have to digest its looks and ride quality over the very forgiving ride offered by the S5. Do TD the current gen RS5 as well just for the heck! No way can you stretch your budget and consider the new Merc AMG E53 Cabriolet, M4 Competition or the Audi e-tron GT? Last edited by ashish22 : 30th April 2023 at 01:46.
	(2) Thanks

30th April 2023, 02:09	#9
Boringrider BHPian Join Date: Jul 2022 Location: Chennai Posts: 43 Thanked: 157 Times	Re: Considering a replacement for my Audi S5 Voted for others. My pick would be the Jaguar F-Type with that big ol' V8 engine and if you want to go real bonkers on the budget, Porsche 718 GT4 RS would be my suggestion. The Jag is a looker and has the performance and exhaust note to keep you happy. Would suggest to add that to the list
	(1) Thanks

21st May 2023, 17:05	#11
Tvk1991 BHPian Join Date: May 2023 Location: Chennai Posts: 36 Thanked: 75 Times	Re: Considering a replacement for my Audi S5 The best option to consider at this point is the BMW M2 Manual. The GC is is similar to Audi S5. If you can extend your budget a little bit consider the pre-owned 911 (2015-2020).
	(1) Thanks

2nd July 2023, 18:58	#12
d_payne BHPian Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Mumbai Posts: 180 Thanked: 210 Times	Re: Considering a replacement for my Audi S5 Alright! I can contribute here. I've just moved on from my S5 - it is still in the garage but has found a nice home and am about to receive my replacement. My thinking process has slightly changed over the last 2 years of owning this S5. 1. You are bang on about the GC. It is laughably bad. What you could do is install a KW Hydraulic lift kit - will be around 4-6L all in - which will make the car fully liveable. This option is there for you if you truly love the looks of the S5. The presence that car has on the road is very very difficult to match, it is an out and out looker. 2. For an occasional drive car though, I find the S5 a bit lacking. The steering is too safe, too easy, and there just isn't enough play in the handling with the awd being very safe too. With a limo and a suv in the house, I'd urge you to look at something even more impractical. The M2 Manual is right up there, IMO. What a car! The Cayenne in S trim, the X340i are good options but again too safe for an occasional drive. I'd urge you to take a look at a lightly used 718 or even a well spec'ed 981 GTS (there are less than 10 in the country) The Macan GTS should be in your list as well, instead of the Taycan, this is after all the last fun ICE car you may own Even if you don't take these options, here's a small cheat sheet for you. You won't find anything much faster than that S5 in a straight line, so you need: - better handling or more fun for handling - more analog - something that will make you smile with how mad it is every time you take it for a spin - design has to match or overcome that S5 I ended up with an extremely well spec'ed and loved 987.2 Cayman, with the above logic.
	(6) Thanks