The 2008 Audi S5 keeps shining long after the sun goes down.
I am sitting in a 2008 Audi S5 and thinking about the stuff that makes people happy. Personally, I love putting on a brand-new pair of socks. Fresh out of the package and not stretched out yet, a new pair of socks just feels right. Unfortunately, new socks are only new once.
However, for those lucky few who own a 2008 Audi S5 (like the Quartz Gray Metallic one I am driving around in) you can have that feeling every day...
The Audi S5 is a great blend of style and performance, yet it is not Italian...weird.
Slide into the surprisingly comfortable seats with Alcantara inserts and push the start button. The 4.2L, 354-hp DOHC V8 doesn't roar to life like you would expect, but just sort of wakes up from its slumber. The shift knob for the 6-speed manual transmission fits solidly and comfortably in your hand.
Give the S5 some gas and you are off...not in a flurry of tire smoke and wheel spin, but in a calm and collected movement with a barely noticeable burble from the dual exhaust. The exhaust on the Audi S5 is almost too quiet at times but when you do notice it, it sounds wonderful. A low-end burble that is almost reminiscent of a Subaru WRX STi...weird, I know.
Perhaps the only flaw for the S5 is that the exhaust is too quiet...
You can push this car hard, yet it doesn't let you feel like you are doing so. The quattro all-wheel drive system keeps the car balanced through the curves, the rear spoiler integrated in the decklid keeps the rear end planted, and the S5 brakes and suspension and the 19" alloy wheels keep you moving along quickly and confidently. This adds up to a package that makes the Audi S5 a wonderful touring car. The car does not feel like it is pushing you along that fast, but a quick glance down at the speedometer will tell you otherwise. Just in case you need it, you can always set the speed warning at 150 mph...
The base price for a 2008 Audi S5 is $50,500, so this new pair of socks does not come cheap. You do get a little exclusivity since you see many more BMW 6-series, Corvettes, and Mercedes CLKs than this S5. The vehicle I had the pleasure of testing was equipped with the Audi Navigation Plus, Technology Package, the Bang & Olufsen Premium sound system, and the Carbon Fiber inlays. As tested, this vehicle comes in at $58,490. That is a lot of money, but it might be a small price to pay for the feeling this car will bring you day in and day out. You will be the proud owner of "new socks" every single day...and for me, that is priceless.
See more 2008 Audis at NADAguides.com, where you'll find the most trusted car price information.