How the 2019 Audi S5 Sportback Prestige Stands Out

When Audi rolled out the 2019 S5 Sportback Prestige, it wasn’t just adding another badge to its lineup—it was delivering a blend of performance, luxury, and practicality that feels unusually balanced. Below, we peel back the layers of this four‑door coupe, from the turbocharged heart to the cabin tech, and see why it still turns heads three years later.

Powertrain: A Turbocharged Symphony

The S5 Sportback’s engine is a 3.0‑liter V6 equipped with a twin‑scroll turbocharger, crank‑shaft‑mounted exhaust, and direct injection. It produces 354 hp and 369 lb‑ft of torque, and the surge feels smoother than many V8 rivals.

• 0‑60 mph: roughly 4.8 seconds with the quattro all‑wheel‑drive system.
• Transmission: Seven‑speed S tronic dual‑clutch, quick shifts and a manual‑plus mode for purists.
• Fuel economy: EPA‑rated 20 mpg city / 28 mpg highway, decent for a performance coupe.

What’s interesting is the way the torque curve flattens after 2,000 rpm, giving you usable punch for everyday driving without the need to constantly hunt the rev range. The quattro system, with its sport differential, distributes power in a way that feels both confident and subtle—no wild oversteer, just a planted feel.

Exterior Design: Sporty Yet Subtle

At first glance, the Sportback’s silhouette resembles a traditional sedan, but the sloping roofline and the signature Audi single‑frame grille whisper “performance”. The Prestige trim adds a few visual upgrades:

• Gloss black exterior mirrors and window trim.
• 21‑inch 5‑spoke alloy wheels with a machined face.
• LED daytime running lights that blend into the bumper design.

One tiny gripe owners sometimes mention is the rear‑window angle, which can make rear‑seat headroom feel a touch cramped for taller passengers. Still, the cargo space—about 23 cubic feet with the rear seats up—wins points over most rivals.

Interior Comfort: Luxury Meets Driver Focus

Step inside, and you’re greeted by a cabin that feels more like a private lounge than a sports car. The Prestige package brings genuine leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a panoramic sunroof that adds a sense of openness.

Technology Highlights

• MUI Navigation: MMI touch response with a 10.1‑inch display, natural‑voice control, and optional virtual cockpit.
• Audio: Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system with 13 speakers, delivering crystal‑clear highs and a surprisingly full bass.
• Driver Aids: Adaptive cruise control, lane‑keeping assist, and a traffic jam assist that handles stop‑and‑go situations.

The key takeaway is that everything is designed around the driver. The steering wheel sits low, the instrument cluster tilts slightly toward the eyes, and the shift paddles feel solid without being overly aggressive.

Handling Dynamics: The Quiet Performer

On winding roads, the S5 Sportback Prestige reveals its character. The adaptive sport suspension can be set to three modes—Comfort, Auto, and Sport—each altering damping rates and steering feel. In Sport mode, the car feels noticeably tighter, with reduced body roll and a sharper steering response thanks to the electronic power steering’s quicker feedback.

Even though it’s a heavier four‑door, the chassis balance remains near‑perfect. The front‑biased weight distribution (about 53/47) combined with the quattro system means the car feels planted whether you’re taking a corner at 70 mph or cruising on the highway.

Practicality: A Rare Blend

Many performance coupes sacrifice rear‑seat comfort and trunk space; the S5 Sportback Prestige tries to keep both. The rear seats fold flat at a 60/40 split, expanding cargo capacity to roughly 56 cubic feet—enough for a weekend bag or a set of golf clubs.

Fuel‑tank capacity sits at 19.6 gallons, giving a respectable range for daily commutes, especially when paired with the efficient driving modes that curb throttle response for city traffic.

Ownership Considerations

Maintenance costs are in line with other Audi models: oil changes every 10,000 miles, brake pads lasting around 30,000 miles, and the usual quattro differentials needing periodic fluid swaps. The infotainment system has seen a few software updates since launch, smoothing out the occasional lag reported in early 2019 models.

Resale value holds relatively well—Audi’s brand cachet and the rarity of a Sportback in this segment keep depreciation slower than some German rivals. Certified pre‑owned options often come with extended warranties, making it a more attractive buy for those hesitant about long‑term upkeep.

Final Thoughts

If you’re hunting for a car that can sprint from a stop, hold its own on twisty roads, and still carry a grocery run without cramping your elbows, the 2019 Audi S5 Sportback Prestige remains a compelling choice. Its blend of power, technology, and everyday usability defies the typical trade‑offs you see in performance coupes. Sure, the rear‑seat headroom isn’t class‑leading, and the price tag reflects its premium positioning, but for drivers who value a refined driving experience without sacrificing practicality, this Audi still makes a strong impression.