Used Audi A5 S Line cars for sale

What is the Audi A5 S line?

The Audi A5 S line was launched in 2007 as part of the A5 range. The first in a new wave of coupés from the German car makers based on mid-size cars such as the Audi A4 S line, Mercedes-Benz C Class AMG Line and Volkswagen Passat R-Line. It was praised for its dramatic looks, high-quality cabin and interior space. Qualities which different generations of the A5 S line still retain today.

The A5 model range consists of two and four-door coupés, as well as a cabriolet. The S line trim adds cosmetic upgrades such as larger 18 or 19-inch wheels, depending on the generation, and a different body kit, as well as lowered, stiffened suspension that tightens the car’s responsiveness. The A5 is a stylish car, and the S line trim makes it more so, adding some of the visual appeal of the high-performance S5 model – but with lower running costs.

With a sleek, low roof line, the A5’s interior is still spacious and practical – and the five-door Sportback is bigger still, adding more room inside and a large rear tailgate. The boot is comparable in size to the A4 saloon on which the A5 is based.

Audi A5 S line history

There are two generations of the A5 S line: the first launched in 2007 as a two-door coupé, using a design based on Audi’s Nuvolari concept car. The Cabriolet and the four-door Sportback arrived in 2009. From its introduction, the A5 S line’s slick design, precision-engineered cabin and build quality made it a hit, along with a wide choice of trims and engines. The S line trim has always been available and is one of the most popular A5 models.

The A5 S line was launched with four-cylinder and V6 petrol and diesel engines, ranging from a 134bhp 2.0-litre diesel to a 261bhp 3.2-litre V6 petrol. In 2011, the A5 S line received a facelift with a restyled interior and exterior, and new engines were added, including a 3.0-litre supercharged petrol V6 with 268bhp. Audi added the stop-start feature as standard in 2013 and the option of neck-level heating on the Cabriolet.

Audi’s legendary quattro four-wheel drive transmission gives the A5 S line immense grip and traction. Other transmissions include a six-speed manual and a seven-speed automatic, although, since 2019, all A5 S line cars come with automatic gearboxes.

The Mk2 A5 S line arrived in 2016. An all-new car that increased the model’s interior space, it also added clever tech like Audi’s Virtual Cockpit, a customisable digital instrument panel that can display maps and the infotainment system right in front of the driver.

The 2020 facelift added new LED lighting, a touchscreen to control infotainment and vehicle settings and new exterior styling details. The mild hybrid technology added to the A5 S line at the same time helped cut fuel consumption and emissions by generating extra electricity from the engine and storing it in a lithium-ion battery for use in the car’s systems.

Where does the Audi A5 S line sit in the range?

Originally, the S line was the flagship A5 trim level but when Audi launched the Black Edition in 2010, the S line moved to the middle of the range. It now sits above the entry-level Sport. Since launch, the S line has been available with most engines, so there are plenty of A5 S lines to choose from.

The A5 S line has always offered the same desirable mix of upgraded suspension, larger alloy wheels and a distinctive body kit, which is what sets the S line apart from other trims. Inside there are more extras, including sports seats, S line leather upholstery and stainless-steel accents.

What features and equipment does the Audi S line have?

The most noticeable feature of the A5 S line is the exterior styling, which gives the car a sharper, more striking look. S line cars have different front and rear bumpers, with larger air-intakes and honeycomb grilles at the front of the car. At the back, the diffuser built into the lower bumper is different, and there are S line badges on the front wings. Mk1 A5 S lines have 18-inch wheels, and 19-inch wheels were introduced on the Mk2 A5 S line from 2020.

One of the biggest changes over a standard A5 is the lowered sports suspension, which on the Mk2 A5 S line drops the car by 23mm. The car sits closer to the ground, and the suspension is stiffer, which helps to deliver a sportier, more responsive driving experience.

Inside, the cabin gets the S line treatment too. Chunky, supportive Sports front seats are upholstered in a combination of leather and Alcantara, with S line badging and integral headrests. The steering wheel gets perforated leather, while the pedals have stainless steel covers. S line badged door sill trims, illuminated in later models, and privacy glass on post-2020 cars complete the look.