Almost perfect

The S5 makes a comeback in its 2021 guise with a mild facelift, some added features and the same thrilling performance, quite possibly being the near perfect sportscar alternative

- Abhik Das

There seems to be an emerging trend of sorts, especially for India which previously would only get a top spec sedan or its full blown sporty alternative. What with the current economic slowdown, manufacturers now seem to realize that there is a substantial market for the mid-level sporty sedan. Enter the S5 Sportback. Audi’s re-entrant for India and a possible competition to the recently launched BMW M340i.

The new for 2021 Audi S5 Sportback is essentially a facelift so there are only subtle changes to the exterior. The front end now gets a slightly wider grille, the LED headlamps have been reworked and the air-dams on the lower bumper look sportier, in-line with the RS models. The side remains unchanged and highlights the clean coupe lines while the rear sees reworked LED tail lights. Audi will also offer you an optional Black styling package that makes it hard to tell it apart from an RS5.

Inside, a prominent change is the missing MMI controller for the 10.1-inch touchscreen. The 12.3-inch virtual cockpit remains but wireless charging and wireless Android Auto or Apple CarPlay are disappointing omissions. However, the S5 Sportback does have the Audi smartphone interface to seamlessly integrate your Apple or Android phone functions.