Yes. The 2013 Audi S5 is a fast car by mainstream standards, delivering brisk acceleration and confident highway performance.
The 2013 S5 spanned two powertrains: an earlier 4.2-liter V8 in the pre-facelift models and a later 3.0-liter supercharged V6 after Audi refreshed the line. Both configurations share quattro all-wheel drive and a chassis tuned for sporty handling, making the model quick in everyday driving as well as on longer stretches. This article examines how fast the car is, what versions were offered in 2013, and what that means for performance-minded buyers.
Performance by engine and year
Below are the main engine options that powered the 2013 S5 in common markets, along with typical acceleration figures and drive systems.
- 4.2L FSI V8 (pre-facelift S5, available in early B8 models): about 354 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque, paired with quattro all-wheel drive. 0–60 mph is typically around 4.8–5.0 seconds depending on the transmission and configuration.
- 3.0L TFSI V6 supercharged (facelifted B8.5 S5 from 2013 onward in many markets): about 333 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque, paired with quattro and a performance automatic. 0–60 mph is usually about 4.7–4.9 seconds depending on the exact setup.
These figures show that the S5 remained genuinely quick across its 2013 lifespan, with the V6 supercharged variant offering stronger mid-range torque and nearly identical top-end speed due to electronic limitations and gearing.
How the car achieves fast performance
Several design choices help the S5 deliver speed beyond raw horsepower, including drive layout, suspension tuning, and braking capabilities.
- Quattro all-wheel drive provides traction in a variety of conditions, especially during hard acceleration out of corners or on wet pavement.
- Sport-tuned suspension and steering offer precise handling and a confident feel at speed.
- Efficient, fast-shifting transmissions (dual-clutch or performance automatic) help keep the engine in its power band during quick passes or sustained highway overtaking.
- High-performance brakes—often vented discs with strong clamping force—reduce fade during repeated hard stops.
In practice, the S5’s speed comes from a balanced combination of power, traction, and chassis control, not just raw horsepower alone, making it feel fast in both city bursts and open-road cruising.
Real-world considerations for speed and ownership
Owner experiences and professional reviews emphasize that the 2013 S5 is a well-rounded performance coupe rather than a purpose-built speed demon. Real-world speed depends on maintenance, tire choice, weather conditions, and weight from options like quattro and interior equipment.
- Tire selection and condition have a large impact on grip, acceleration, and cornering confidence.
- Regular maintenance on the V8 or V6 is important for sustained performance and reliability.
- Fuel economy will vary, but performance-focused driving typically reduces efficiency compared with a standard A5.
For buyers seeking the absolute quickest variant in the S5 lineup, the exact figure depends on market, equipment, and model year, but the 2013 S5 generally emphasizes strong acceleration and confident road manners over outright race-ready speed.
Bottom line
The 2013 Audi S5 is fast enough to satisfy most enthusiasts, delivering sub-five-second acceleration in many configurations and solid high-speed stability thanks to quattro all-wheel drive and a carefully tuned chassis. It blends performance with everyday practicality, offering sports-sedan-like speed in a stylish, comfortable package.
Summary
In short, the 2013 Audi S5 is a fast car by conventional standards, with two main engine options that push it from brisk daily driving to confident, high-speed highway performance. Its speed comes from a balanced blend of power, traction, and chassis design rather than brute horsepower alone.