No. The 2012 Audi S5 uses a naturally aspirated 4.2-liter V8; it is not supercharged. The move to turbocharged powertrains came later in the S5 lineup, making the 2012 model a high-revving, NA V8 performance coupe.
Engine and performance in the 2012 S5
The 2012 S5 (B8 generation) relied on a 4.2-liter FSI V8 engine that breathed without forced induction. This naturally aspirated setup delivered a characteristic high-rev response and a distinctive exhaust note, paired with Audi’s quattro all-wheel-drive system for improved traction. In this year, Audi prioritized a smooth, linear power delivery over turbocharged or supercharged acceleration.
Key engine characteristics
- Engine configuration: V8, 4.2-liter, naturally aspirated (FSI).
- Induction: No turbocharger or supercharger.
- Drivetrain: Quattro all-wheel drive (typical for the S5 in this generation).
- Power output: approximately in the 340-350 horsepower range, depending on market and calibration.
- Transmission options: availability varied by market, with manual and automatic variants offered in different regions and years.
The combination of a naturally aspirated V8 and quattro helped define the 2012 S5’s character: a refined, sonorous daily driver with strong mid-range response, rather than a car built around forced induction propulsion.
How the engine lineup evolved for the S5 after 2012
In the model years that followed, Audi shifted the S5 toward turbocharged powertrains rather than keeping the V8. A 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 (often referred to as a turbocharged 3.0 TFSI) became the common option in many markets, delivering strong torque and improved efficiency while maintaining the S5’s performance ethos. The 2012 model, however, stands as part of the last wave of S5s with the naturally aspirated 4.2-liter V8 before that shift.
How to verify a used 2012 S5 isn’t supercharged
When evaluating a used 2012 S5, several checks help confirm it is not supercharged and that you’re looking at the NA V8 variant.
- Engine badge and documentation: look for references to a 4.2 FSI V8 and absence of turbo or supercharger indicators in the window sticker and service records.
- Under-hood inspection: you should not see any belt-driven supercharger pulleys or turbocharger plumbing typical of forced-induction setups.
- VIN and engine code: verify the engine code corresponds to the 4.2-liter V8 configuration and not a turbocharged or modified variant.
- Sound and drive characteristics: expect a high-revving V8 character with a linear, natural delivery, rather than the immediate grunt associated with turbocharged or supercharged engines.
If the vehicle shows any forced-induction components or service history indicating installation or modification of a supercharger or turbo system, it is unlikely to be a stock 2012 S5 NA V8 model.
Summary
The 2012 Audi S5 is not supercharged. It relies on a naturally aspirated 4.2-liter V8 with quattro all-wheel drive, offering a refined, high-revving experience. The S5 family moved toward turbocharged powertrains in later years, but the 2012 model remains representative of Audi’s NA V8 era in the S5 lineup. For prospective buyers, a careful VIN check and bonnet-to-bumper inspection can confirm the absence of forced induction and confirm the engine configuration.
Is the Audi S5 turbo or supercharged?
Turbocharged. Expertly engineered tuning boosts the 362 HP engine in the S5, enhanced by a twin-scroll turbocharger nestled within the V for sharp throttle response, great power, and abundant torque.
Which year is the S5 to avoid?
After all, Audi has done a great job making sure this vehicle was incredibly durable and effective, as well as making sure it meets all performance expectations for a luxury vehicle. Rather than list all of the reliable Audi S5 models, we'll just say that you should avoid the 2013-2015 models.
What's faster, M340i or S5?
Power, torque and 0-62mph
That's 0.2sec quicker than the petrol version B9 S4, which is impressive given the S5 is just under 400kg heavier. BMW's M340i, by comparison, has near identical power and less torque but thanks to being almost 200kg lighter, gets to 62mph 0.1sec quicker, in 4.4sec.
Does the 2012 Audi S5 have a supercharger?
The 2007–2012 Audi S5 coupé had a 4.2-litre Fuel Stratified Injection (FSI) V8 engine that produced 260 kW (350 hp), while the S5 Cabriolet and Sportback have a supercharged 3.0-litre TFSI V6 engine producing 245 kW (329 hp) which was shared with the 2010 Audi S4 3.0 TFSI quattro sedan and avant.