# Audi S5 — Used Car Buying Guide AutoScout's analysis of the Audi S5 on the UK used-car market. Backed by 33 million DVSA MOT tests, current AutoTrader pricing, and depreciation curves derived from CAP/Glass's Guide data. Live interactive report: https://autoscout.fyi/cars/audi-s5 ## Verdict - **Best value year**: 2020 - **Ideal trim**: Sportback - **Target mileage**: 35,000 –45,000 miles - **Max previous owners**: 2 - **Target price**: £32,595 ## Why this model The Audi S5 Sportback is a fantastic blend of performance, luxury, and everyday practicality. It offers serious pace thanks to its powerful 3.0-litre V6 engine (whether petrol or diesel), combined with Audi's legendary Quattro all-wheel drive for superb grip and confidence in all conditions. The Sportback body style adds a touch more practicality than the Coupe, with four doors and a useful hatchback boot, making it a great choice for someone who wants a sporty car without sacrificing usability. The interior quality is top-notch, as you'd expect from Audi, with premium materials and a comfortable, tech-filled cabin. It's a solid choice if you want a car that can thrill on a B-road but also cruise effortlessly on the motorway. ## What you should pay Based on current UK market data (February 2026), a well-maintained 2020 Audi S5 Sportback 3.0 TDI with around 30,000-50,000 miles typically sells for around £32,595. Prices can vary by a few thousand pounds depending on specific mileage, condition, optional extras, and dealer type. Always aim to negotiate slightly below the asking price, especially for private sales. ## Which trim to buy The Sportback is the sweet spot in the S5 range. It gives you the sleek, sporty looks of the coupe but with the added practicality of two extra doors and a large hatchback boot, making it much more versatile for daily life, carrying passengers, or loading luggage. It doesn't compromise on performance or handling compared to the Coupe, making it the best all-rounder. ## What to check before you buy - DPF issues (diesel models if not driven long distances regularly) - MMI infotainment glitches - occasional suspension bush wear - water pump failures (less common on diesel than petrol but still possible) ## Running costs For a 3.0 TDI diesel, you're looking at fuel costs of around 18-20p per mile, assuming diesel at £1.50/litre and 38-42 mpg. This translates to roughly £1,800- £2,000 for 10,000 miles annually. Road tax (VED) for cars registered after April 2017 is £190 per year, plus an additional £390 'premium car' supplement for five years from the second year of registration (as the S5 was over £40k new), so £580 per year for the first few years. Insurance will be significant, likely in the £800- £1,500+ range annually depending on your age, location, and no-claims bonus. Servicing costs are also higher than average for a performance Audi. ## Key stats - **Fuel Type**: Diesel - **Horsepower**: 342 hp - **Mpg**: 38-42 mpg - **Reliability Score**: Good - **Safety Rating**: 5-star Euro NCAP (2016) ## Trim comparison | Trim | Price new | Price used | Key features | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | S5 Coupe | £48,000 | £31,500 | Quattro all-wheel drive; S Sport suspension; LED headlights | | S5 Sportback | £49,000 | £32,595 | Quattro all-wheel drive; S Sport suspension; LED headlights | | S5 Cabriolet | £52,000 | £34,000 | Quattro all-wheel drive; S Sport suspension; LED headlights | ## Depreciation forecast | Year | Estimated value | Retention | | --- | --- | --- | | 2026 | £32,595 | 100% | | 2027 | £29,000 | 89% | | 2028 | £26,400 | 81% | | 2029 | £24,300 | 74% | | 2030 | £22,600 | 69% | Buying a 2020 S5 means you're letting the first owner take the biggest hit of depreciation. The steepest part of the depreciation curve has already passed, so while it will continue to lose value, the rate of loss will be much slower than if you bought it new. This makes a 3-4 year old S5 a 'sweet spot' for value retention. Total value lost since new: 30.66%. ## Alternatives to consider - BMW M440i Gran Coupe - Mercedes-AMG C43 Saloon - Porsche Macan S --- Source: AutoScout (https://autoscout.fyi). Part of a review of the UK used-car market across 500+ models.