Five-Point Inspection: 2013 Audi S5

Ditching the V8 this year for a supercharged six, Audi’s S5 sport coupe still delivers thrills, albeit in a slightly different way than before.

Starting at $50,900 when equipped with a manual transmission, our tester was equipped with the S tronic automatic, pushing the base price up to $52,300.

It’s the subject of this week’s Five-Point Inspection, where AutoGuide.com takes a jot-note look at five standout points about the car. Click the arrow below to read on.

Premium doesn’t replace practical. This is, perhaps, something Audi should take note of. Simple touches like skipping a plain-Jane connection should be enough to agitate even the most carefree accessory buyer.

Yes, you can plug an iPhone in, but it requires a cable that won’t be found in everything from a Walgreen’s checkout aisle to the Apple section of a Best Buy.

While it’s difficult to complain about a supercharged all-wheel drive coupe, that’s the starting note for this week’s Five-Point Inspection.

The two buckets Audi offers in the S5 are a commanding presence. They’re comfortable and well bolstered, but at a $50,000 starting price, they seem lacking.

Greater adjustability like being able to widen or narrow those side bolsters would be appreciated, especially while taking a spirited corner.

There’s adjustable thigh support, but it’s manually controlled. While that isn’t a big deal overall, it defeats the purpose of having preset seat configurations.

Here’s the issue you’ve all been waiting for: This is the first year without a V8.

Audi sent the 3.0-liter supercharged six-cylinder to the coupe in its stead — the same engine as was available in last year’s S5 Cabriolet.

You lose 21 hp, but it has just as much torque, only earlier. While the supercharged six loses ground to the now-extinct engine at higher rpms, you’ll be hard-pressed not to smile when all 325 lb-ft launch you up a hill.

No, it’s not last year’s V8, but that’s far from enough to make the S5 something to ignore.