The Audi S5 Sportback has always represented a nice middle ground in the automaker's lineup. It slots above the mainstream A5 models but below the full-bore RS5, offering a balance of sportiness and everyday livability. For 2024, Audi is shaking things up by making the S5 Sportback a diesel-only affair in the US, powered by a punchy 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6. We got behind the wheel to see if this oil-burning performance model still hits that sweet spot.

Straight-Line Thrills, Handling Chills
At the heart of the 2024 S5 is a 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 producing a stout 347 horsepower and 700 lb-ft of torque. That prodigious torque figure translates to effortless acceleration, with the S5 Sportback scooting to 60 mph in just 4.9 seconds. The sprint feels even quicker than the numbers suggest thanks to the turbo V6's endless wave of thrust.

That said, the S5 isn't quite as playful as we'd like in the corners. The standard adaptive dampers allow drivers to stiffen up the suspension, but even in its sportiest setting there's more body lean than we prefer. The steering is decently precise but a tad numb on center. Make no mistake, the S5 is reasonably tidy, but rivals like the BMW M340i and Mercedes-AMG C43 feel more lively and athletic on a twisty road.

Upscale Interior With A Few Quirks
As you'd expect from any modern Audi, the S5's cabin is a serious showcase of premium materials and craftsmanship. From the supportive quilted leather sport seats to the metal-trimmed controls, this interior looks and feels properly upscale. We're also big fans of Audi's latest MMI tech interface, with crisp graphics and straightforward menus displayed across the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 10.1-inch center touchscreen.

There are a few ergonomic quirks, however. The sloping rear roofline cuts into headroom for taller passengers, and outward visibility to the rear quarters is quite compromised. We also aren't huge fans of Audi's unconventional gear selector controls, which utilize separate buttons for Park, Reverse, and Drive rather than a conventional PRNDL gate.

The Sensible Performance Choice?
Ultimately, the diesel-only powertrain for 2024 makes the S5 Sportback a bit of an odd duck in Audi's lineup. While the turbo V6's acceleration is genuinely thrilling, the handling lacks the agility of some competitors. And on the flipside, if efficiency is your goal, the plug-in hybrid A5 offerings return superior fuel economy while offering comparable straight-line thrust.

Still, if you crave impressive straight-line performance combined with Audi's trademark premium vibe and a dose of practicality, the 2024 S5 Sportback makes a solid case for itself as a sort of sensible performance choice. Just don't expect it to keep up with the sport sedans once the road gets twisty.

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