We drove the 65,000 Audi S5 Coupe and it's pretty much flawless

Get the Full StoryBenjamin Zhang Business Insider

The second generation Audi A5 Coupe is all new for 2018.

The A5 shares a platform with the highly touted A5 sedan.

Business Insider had a chance to test out a sportier version of the A5 Coupe called the S5.

The 2018 A5 starts at 42,800 while our S5 Coupe test car cost 64,750.

In late 2016, Audi dropped off a brand new 2017 A4 sedan for Business Insider to check out.

After just a week behind the wheel, it became apparent that the current fifth generation A4 is, without a doubt, the most exquisitely executed sedan ever to emerge from Ingolstadt, Germany-based automaker.

The A4's solid driving dynamics, handsome styling, state-of-the-art tech, and luxurious cabin blew us away.

We liked the A4 so much that it finished second only to the Acura NSX for out 2016 Car of the Year award.

Fast forward a year or so and Audi is back with the second generation A5 coupe. It's based on the current A4 sedan, but with two fewer doors and a sleeker body.

Recently, we got a chance to experience Audi's new coupe first hand on the road in and around Atlanta, Georgia.

Our test car turned out to be a sporty S5 variant clad in a striking Daytona Gray Pearl Effect paint job. The A5 and S5 are virtually identical apart from the S5's more powerful engine and a few custom design treatments.

In the marketplace, the S5 is a direct competitor against the BMW 440i xDrive Coupe and the Mercedes-AMG C43 Coupe.

The 2018 Audi A5 Coupe starts at 42,800 while the mid-grade S5 starts at 54,600. Our option heavy 2018 Audi S5 Coupe 3.0T quattro tiptronic test unit costs 64,750.The new Audi S5 is the epitome of understated style.

Benjamin Zhang Business Insider

Audi can certainly make an eye-catching machine. The R8 supercar and the RS7 Sportback come to mind.

But the A5 Coupe and its sportier sibling, the S5, don't fall into that category. Like the A4 sedan on which they are based, the A5 S5 are restrained in their styling.

Don't get me wrong, our S5 test car was exceedingly pretty. But it doesn't wow you or blow you away with its looks. Instead, it requires a closer examination of its subtle lines and to fully appreciate the intricacies of its design.

Under the sculpted sheet metal, the A4 sedan and the S5 both share VW Group's well regarded MLB Evo platform. The same platform also underpins the Audi Q7 and Bentley Bentayga SUVs.

However, the S5 is more than just an A4, with two doors lopped off. Instead, Audi gave it bespoke sheet metal that allows its to stand apart from its corporate sibling.

The S5's interior delivers the quality and style expected of an Audi.

Audi

In recent years, Audi interiors have been an exercise in minimalist chic. It's a design aesthetic that we've come to appreciate here at Business Insider.

The understated feel of the S5's exterior continues inside the cabin. It's attractive and luxurious without verging on the tacky and overdone. The material quality is excellent. We were particularly impressed by the Fine Nappa leather upholstery and metallic inlays.

The heated, power seats provided the front seat passengers more than adequate support while its quilted stitching looks simply amazing.

Audi

See the rest of the story at Business InsiderSee Also:I drove a 40,000 Buick Regal TourX station wagon for a week and it was just as good as most family SUVsThe Tesla Model 3 is good, but it's not perfect here's what needs improvement13 car keys with a captivating designSEE ALSO: We drove a 96,000 Porsche Macan Turbo to see if it's worth the price tag here's the verdict

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