The 2025 Audi S5: A Major Shift as It Swaps Quattro for Front-Biased Power

Audi has made headlines with the unveiling of the highly anticipated 2025 S5 sedan, and not just for its sleek, modern design but for a significant change under its hood. The iconic Quattro all-wheel-drive system, recognized for its robust performance, has been replaced with a more economical front-biased all-wheel-drive variant.

Breaking Tradition

Traditionally, Audi’s Quattro system utilized a Torsen center-locking differential that distributed 60% of power to the rear and 40% to the front, delivering a balanced and responsive driving experience. For years, this setup has excelled in performance-oriented vehicles, ensuring stability and traction regardless of road conditions.

However, as the automotive industry evolves, so too do the technologies and systems that power our vehicles. In recent years, Audi has shifted its focus towards enhanced efficiency, utilizing a system called “Quattro with ultra technology” in its less powerful ‘A’ models. This system prioritizes front-wheel drive until wheel slip is detected, which then engages an electronically controlled clutch pack to distribute power to the rear wheels, albeit not exceeding 50% torque to the rear axle. While this change was well-received in lower-tier models, the real concern arose with its application to the new S5—until now, a hallmark of performance.

What This Means for the 2025 S5

The new S5, also known as the “B10,” incorporates this Quattro Ultra system. While Audi’s shift towards a more adaptable system seems practical, many purists are voicing their discontent. The all-wheel-drive system’s modifications enable the S5 to be a more efficient performer, reducing carbon emissions significantly, but at the potential cost of driving feedback and engagement that has long defined Audi’s sporting sedans.

Under the hood, the S5 boasts a 3.0-liter V6 engine producing 362 horsepower, featuring a new seven-speed dual-clutch S-Tronic transmission specifically designed for the Quattro Ultra system. In contrast, its predecessor, the S4, maintained an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission that was often praised for its balance between performance and comfort.

Performance Impressions

Even with the introduction of the Quattro Ultra system, the S5 is still positioned as a performance-oriented vehicle. Audi claims that the S5 will retain confidence-inspiring handling capabilities, demonstrating how the Ultra system can adapt when needed. Nevertheless, driving enthusiasts are wondering if the shift towards front-biased power will dilute the rich driving experience they’ve come to know and love.

Critics speculate that while the S5 may maintain competitive performance numbers, the feel could be substantially different. Traditionalists argue that the very essence of what made the S5 special is being altered, as the rear-wheel bias provided immersive driving dynamics that are now traded for fuel efficiency.

Should Fans Be Worried?

Despite the concerns, it is essential to recognize that many vehicles on the market today have successfully implemented systems similar to Audi’s Quattro Ultra. For examples, the Volkswagen Golf R and Audi’s own manic RS3 continue to deliver thrilling experiences despite using front-biased layouts in their setups.

Moreover, adopting a more efficient powertrain does have its benefits. For daily driving, the Quattro Ultra system can lead to improved fuel economy, though enthusiasts will likely be watching closely to see how it affects performance during spirited drives.

The End of an Era

With this significant shift, Audi is clearly signaling its intent to evolve rather than stand still. Although many enthusiasts lament the loss of the “old school” Quattro system, it's worth considering that adaptations in technology are part of automotive growth.

Audi enthusiasts are undoubtedly torn over this new direction. They know that the S5 will nearly always prioritize front-wheel capabilities unless truly pushing the limits, leading to a mixed bag of emotions surrounding this revered badge. Ultimately, we can only see how the new S5 holds up against its competition and its predecessors as it hits the roads in the coming year.

As we wait, Audi faithfuls everywhere are pondering this very question: have we witnessed the end of an era, or merely the beginning of a new one?