Hey guys, let's dive into the 2019 Audi S5 Sportback Prestige. If you're in the market for a car that blends sporty performance with everyday practicality, this might just be your jam. The "Sportback" in its name isn't just for show; it means you get four doors plus a liftback tailgate, offering way more versatility than a traditional sedan. And the "Prestige" trim? That's the top-tier package, loaded with all the goodies Audi has to offer. So, what makes this particular S5 stand out in the crowd?

Performance and Powertrain

Under the hood, the 2019 Audi S5 Sportback Prestige packs a serious punch. We're talking about a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine that churns out a healthy 354 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque. Yeah, you read that right – 354 horses! This engine is paired with an eight-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission and Audi's legendary quattro all-wheel-drive system. This combo means you get lightning-fast acceleration and superb grip, no matter the weather conditions. Mash the pedal, and you’ll be pushed back into your seat with a satisfying surge of power. The transmission shifts smoothly, almost imperceptibly during normal driving, but it can also deliver quick, crisp shifts when you're feeling spirited. The quattro system is the cherry on top, providing confidence-inspiring stability and traction, making it a blast to drive on winding roads or in less-than-ideal weather.

Driving Dynamics and Handling

When it comes to how it drives, the 2019 Audi S5 Sportback Prestige truly shines. Audi's engineers have done a masterful job of balancing sportiness with comfort. The adaptive suspension, standard on the Prestige trim, allows you to tailor the ride to your liking. Want a cushier commute? Dial it in comfort mode. Feeling like carving up some canyon roads? Switch to dynamic mode, and the suspension firms up, sharpening the steering response and making the car feel more agile and connected to the road. The steering itself is precise and well-weighted, giving you good feedback without being overly heavy. Body roll is minimal, even during aggressive cornering, thanks to the quattro AWD and the well-tuned suspension. It feels planted and confident, making you want to take the long way home just for the sheer joy of driving. It's a car that can be a comfortable cruiser one moment and a thrilling sports car the next, all with the flick of a switch.

Exterior Design and Styling

The 2019 Audi S5 Sportback Prestige is a looker, no doubt about it. The Sportback body style itself is elegant and athletic, with its sloping roofline and hatchback design that gives it a coupé-like silhouette. The S5 model gets sportier styling cues, like a more aggressive front fascia with larger air intakes, a distinctive grille, and S-specific badging. The LED headlights and taillights are sharp and modern, adding to its premium appearance. The Prestige trim often comes with larger, stylish alloy wheels – think 19-inch or even 20-inch wheels – that fill out the wheel wells nicely and enhance its sporty stance. The overall design is cohesive and sophisticated, managing to be both understated and eye-catching. It’s the kind of car that turns heads without screaming for attention, striking a perfect balance between performance aesthetics and luxury appeal. The clean lines and muscular proportions give it a timeless appeal that still holds up today.

Interior Comfort and Luxury

Step inside the 2019 Audi S5 Sportback Prestige, and you're greeted with a cabin that screams luxury and technology. Audi is known for its impeccable interior quality, and this S5 is no exception. The Prestige trim means you get the best of the best. Expect premium materials like Nappa leather seating, brushed aluminum or carbon fiber trim accents, and a general sense of solid build quality. The front seats are supportive and comfortable, perfect for long journeys, and they usually come with heating and ventilation. The ambient interior lighting allows you to set the mood, adding to the upscale feel. Even the rear seats are surprisingly accommodating for a car with this sporty profile, and the generous cargo space, thanks to that Sportback liftgate, makes it incredibly practical for hauling groceries, luggage, or whatever else life throws your way.

Technology and Infotainment

When it comes to tech, the 2019 Audi S5 Sportback Prestige is well-equipped. The centerpiece is Audi's MMI infotainment system, controlled via a rotary dial and buttons on the center console, or increasingly through voice commands and steering wheel controls. The Prestige trim usually includes the larger MMI Navigation Plus system with a high-resolution display that slides out from the dashboard. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration are standard, making it easy to connect your smartphone and access your favorite apps, music, and navigation. Other tech highlights often found on the Prestige model include a premium Bang & Olufsen sound system for an immersive audio experience, a virtual cockpit (Audi's fully digital instrument cluster) that can display navigation, media, and driving information, and a suite of driver-assistance features like adaptive cruise control, lane assist, and blind-spot monitoring. It's a tech-forward cabin designed to keep you informed, entertained, and safe.

Safety Features

Audi doesn't skimp on safety, and the 2019 Audi S5 Sportback Prestige comes with a comprehensive array of safety features. Beyond the standard suite of airbags, anti-lock brakes, and stability control, you get advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). These can include things like: forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, which can help prevent or mitigate frontal impacts; blind-spot monitoring, which alerts you to vehicles in your blind spots; rear cross-traffic alert, which is useful when backing out of parking spaces; and lane departure warning, which helps keep you centered in your lane. The adaptive cruise control system can maintain a set speed and following distance from the car ahead, making highway driving much less stressful. These features work together to provide an extra layer of security and peace of mind for both the driver and passengers, making the S5 a competent and safe choice for daily driving and longer trips.

Practicality and Versatility

What really sets the 2019 Audi S5 Sportback Prestige apart from its more conventional sedan counterparts is its practicality. The Sportback body style, with its five-door configuration and large liftgate, offers impressive versatility. You get the driving dynamics of a sports car combined with the cargo-carrying capacity that rivals some small SUVs. Folding down the rear seats opens up a cavernous space, making it easy to transport larger items like furniture, sporting equipment, or even a small bicycle. This makes the S5 Sportback a viable option for those who need a car that can handle both their daily commute and weekend adventures without compromise. It’s the perfect blend of performance, luxury, and everyday usability, proving that you don't have to sacrifice practicality for a thrilling driving experience.

Conclusion

In summary, the 2019 Audi S5 Sportback Prestige is a truly compelling package. It offers a potent engine, engaging handling, a luxurious and tech-filled interior, and a sleek, practical design. Whether you're looking for a car that's fun to drive on your morning commute, comfortable for long road trips, or versatile enough to handle your active lifestyle, the S5 Sportback Prestige delivers. It’s a premium sports sedan that doesn't force you to compromise, offering a sophisticated and exhilarating experience for anyone who appreciates German engineering and performance.