Driven: Is the Audi S5 Avant the last great petrol estate?
May 12, 2025 by Darren Cassey
Car changing is a big deal
The world鈥檚 looking to electric cars more and more, making models like the Audi S5 Avant a dying breed. Reviews editor Darren Cassey investigates whether you should hold off switching to zero-emission motoring one moment longer鈥
The S5 Avant is Audi鈥檚 attempt to maintain the appeal of petrol performance in a world that鈥檚 rapidly transitioning to electric vehicles. It鈥檚 a fast estate car, which is becoming an increasingly rare thing, though excellent alternatives such as the BMW M340i Touring and the Mercedes-AMG C43 Estate, as well as Volvo鈥檚 T8-badged plug-in hybrid models, mean there are choices to be made.
The S5 Avant enhances the regular A5 Avant with sporty styling cues. These include larger air intakes, a lowered stance, and distinctive LED headlights. The overall design is refined rather than ostentatious, which will appeal to those who prefer a more subtle performance aesthetic.
Inside it鈥檚 characteristically Audi 鈥 high quality with Alcantara accents for a sporty feel. It鈥檚 exclusively offered in the high-specification 鈥淓dition 1鈥 trim, which includes features such as premium leather seats and a Bang & Olufsen sound system. However, this does make it one of the more expensive options in its class.
The dashboard features multiple screens, including the central screen, a digital instrument display for the driver, and an additional screen for the passenger. While this creates a very modern feel, you might find the number of screens somewhat overwhelming.
Front occupants have ample room, though storage could be improved 鈥 all of the cubbies you鈥檇 expect exist, but none are particularly spacious. Rear passenger space is generous, comfortably accommodating taller adults on long journeys, and there鈥檚 plenty of room for bulky child seats.
The boot offers a decent 448 litres of capacity, and its square shape facilitates easy loading. However, the BMW M340i Touring offers more boot space overall.
The S5 Avant is powered by a 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine producing 367hp, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox and all-wheel drive. While not the most powerful of the alternatives mentioned here, it delivers strong enough performance. You鈥檙e certainly not left disappointed.
On the road, the S5 Avant is both comfortable and refined. It absorbs bumps effectively, even with the sporty suspension, and remains quiet and composed on the motorway.
While an electric car might offer smoother urban driving and quicker initial acceleration, the S5 Avant鈥檚 petrol engine provides a satisfying surge of power and an appealing soundtrack, particularly when you鈥檙e having fun on a twisty road, revving the engine to the red line in every gear. It strikes a good balance between comfort, refinement, and driving enjoyment.
With a starting price of around 拢70,000, the S5 Avant is a significant investment, and running costs will be considerable. However, if you鈥檙e seeking a fast, practical, and sophisticated estate car with the driving pleasure of a properly sorted petrol performance car, the S5 Avant is a compelling choice. An EV might be cheaper to run, but few are quite so enjoyable to drive.
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