Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
About the 2020 Audi S5
With an overall Carivo score of 7.6/10, the 2020 Audi S5 earns a Recommended rating among the coupes we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Performance at 8.8/10, while Reliability at 6.6/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. We rate reliability at 6.6/10 — below the segment average in our scoring. Budget for potentially higher maintenance costs and check the recall record below before buying. On safety it earns 7.9/10: respectable, if not class-leading — several competitors bundle more driver-assist tech as standard. Check your trim's official ratings at nhtsa.gov.
The 8.8/10 performance score reflects a chassis and powertrain that punch above the segment norm — this is a coupe you choose partly for the drive itself. Technology scores 8.5/10 — one of the stronger tech packages in the segment. Expect a responsive infotainment system, broad smartphone integration, and a solid suite of driver-assistance features.
Priced from $49,632–$65,079, 20 MPG, seating 4, the Audi S5 sits in the premium tier of the coupe category. The value score of 6.8/10 is a red flag — comparable alternatives offer meaningfully more for the same outlay. Shop the segment before deciding. At 6 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Bottom line: Think of the 2020 Audi S5 as the dependable pick rather than the exciting one. Its softer scores in value and reliability are the only real asterisks. Shoppers who value predictability over headlines will be well served.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
How It Ranks Among Coupes
The 2020 Audi S5 ranks #42 of 110 coupes in the Carivo database — better than 63% of the segment. Its 7.6/10 overall score is 0.1 points above the segment average of 7.5/10. Its $49,632 starting price sits close to the segment's median of $47,314.
$0 — 4 campaigns on record; recall work is always free at franchised dealers
Insurance
Varies widely by driver and state — always quote the exact trim before buying
We only print costs we can compute from sourced data (EPA fuel economy, NHTSA recalls). We don't estimate maintenance or depreciation — anyone who gives you one number for those is guessing.
Which S5 Year Should You Buy?
Smart-money pick: the 2017 Audi S5 scores 7.5/10 — within striking distance of the 2020's 7.6 — and starts roughly $5,000 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
Strong safety ratings from NHTSA and independent testers
Engaging driving dynamics with class-leading power and handling
Best-in-class infotainment, driver assistance, and connectivity features
✗ Where it falls short
Reliability scores are mid-pack; some owners report higher-than-expected maintenance needs
Fuel economy at 20 MPG is low — running costs will add up quickly
NHTSA Recalls — 2020 Audi S5 (4 on record)
The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle with our free VIN recall checker.
Tires 26/01/2022 · 22V034000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Audi A5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, RS5 Sportback, S5 Sportback, 2020-2021 A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, A8, Q5, S4 Sedan, S5 Coupe, S5 Cabriolet,…
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Audi RS5 Sportback, 2020-2021 Audi A5 Sportback, and S5 Sportback vehicles. The wiring harness for the rear lights could be missing the anti-abrasion protection in the area of the spare…
Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
Own a 2020 Audi S5 that's been repaired repeatedly for the same problem? It may qualify under your state's lemon law — run the free lemon law check →
Common Questions — 2020 Audi S5
Is the 2020 Audi S5 reliable?
We rate the 2020 Audi S5's reliability 6.6/10 — below the segment average, so budget for higher maintenance. It has 4 NHTSA recall campaigns on record for this model year (details in the recalls section above — repairs are free at dealers).
How many recalls does the 2020 Audi S5 have?
4 NHTSA recall campaigns matched this model and year as of our latest check. Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Is the 2020 Audi S5 worth buying?
It scores 7.6/10 overall, ranking #42 of 110 coupes in our database (better than 63% of the segment). A solid choice for most buyers — compare it against the segment leaders before deciding.
How much does the 2020 Audi S5 cost?
The 2020 Audi S5 starts at $49,632 and ranges up to $65,079 across trims (MSRP when new). At 20 MPG, expect roughly $2,625/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Which S5 years should you avoid?
No standout weak years: across the 12 S5 model years we've scored, every year lands within half a point of the best (7.8/10). Pick on price and condition rather than year.
What problems does the 2020 Audi S5 have?
The documented issues for the 2020 Audi S5 are its NHTSA recall campaigns, which involve: Tires, Suspension, Seats, Exterior lighting (details in the recalls section above; repairs are free at dealers). For wear-and-tear patterns beyond recalls, owner forums are the best source — we only report what federal data documents.
Owner Essentials — Audi S5
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More Audi Reviews
Explore the full lineup of Audi models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.
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