2012 Audi S5 — Full Specifications
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The 2012 Audi S5 is a coupe offered with 2 engines (3L 6-cyl supercharged, 4.2L 8-cyl). Its most fuel-efficient configuration returns around 24 mpg (UK) / 20 mpg (US EPA) combined, with 20–24 mpg (UK) across all configurations. Owners often keep a Audi S5 workshop manual to hand for servicing and repairs.
Compared with the 2011 Audi S5: Fuel economy is essentially unchanged at around 24 mpg (UK) combined. The engine line-up listed by EPA is unchanged.
Full Specifications
| Engine (most efficient) | 3L 6-cyl supercharged |
|---|---|
| Engine options | 3L 6-cyl supercharged · 4.2L 8-cyl |
| Transmission (most efficient) | Automatic (S7) |
| Fuel Type | Premium Gasoline |
| Powertrain | Conventional |
| Drive | All-Wheel Drive |
| Body Style | Coupe |
| Passenger Volume (EPA) | 84 cu ft (2,379 L) |
| Luggage Volume (EPA) | 12 cu ft (340 L) |
| Fuel Economy (UK) | 24 combined / 20 urban / 31 extra-urban mpg |
| Fuel Economy (US EPA) | 20 combined / 17 city / 26 highway mpg |
| CO₂ Emissions | 276 g/km |
| EPA Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $4,100 (15,000 mi/yr, US prices) |
Engine & Transmission Options
EPA lists 3 configurations for the 2012 Audi S5 across 2 engines (3L 6-cyl supercharged, 4.2L 8-cyl). Combined fuel economy ranges from 17 to 20 mpg (US), or 20 to 24 mpg (UK), depending on engine, transmission and drive. The headline figures at the top of this page describe the most fuel-efficient configuration.
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG (UK) | MPG (US) | CO₂ g/km | Fuel cost / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3L 6-cyl supercharged | Automatic (S7) | All-Wheel Drive | 24 | 20 (17/26) | 276 | $4,100 |
| 4.2L 8-cyl | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 23 | 19 (16/24) | 291 | $4,350 |
| 4.2L 8-cyl | Manual 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 20 | 17 (14/22) | 325 | $4,850 |
MPG (US) shows combined, with city/highway in brackets. Highlighted row = the configuration used for the headline figures. Source: US EPA fueleconomy.gov.
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 84 cubic feet (about 2,379 litres) and luggage volume at 12 cubic feet (about 340 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures; they are measured differently from the boot capacity numbers UK manufacturers quote.
Owner Essentials for the 2012 Audi S5
Running Costs: 2012 Audi S5
Covering around 8,000 miles a year in a 2012 Audi S5 at 24 mpg combined, expect roughly 1,515 litres of fuel annually — multiply by your local price per litre for a cost estimate. For US owners, the EPA estimates about $4,100 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration (15,000 miles, national average prices). Work out exact fuel costs with the fuel cost calculator on 247Calculators.
Convert between MPG and L/100km with the unit converters on 247QuickTools. Not sure what tyre size fits? 247TyreCheck explains tyre sizing.
Only need this car occasionally? See our buy vs rent comparison.
2012 Audi S5 Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
No NHTSA crash-test rating is on record for this model year. The NHTSA rates only a subset of vehicles each year; you can browse every rated vehicle on our NHTSA Safety Ratings hub.
Recalls & Owner Complaints (NHTSA)
NHTSA lists 1 safety recall campaign that include the 2012 Audi S5 (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Fuel system (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
- Fuel system — campaign 15V019000, reported 20 January 2015. Risk: A fuel leak in the injection system in the presence of an ignition source, increases the risk of a fire.
Owners have filed 10 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 Audi S5. The most-reported areas are Air bags (8), Electrical system (1), Power train (1).
Used-buyer checklist for the 2012 Audi S5
Based on where NHTSA recalls and owner complaints cluster for this model year, these are the areas worth checking before you buy:
- Fuel system (1 recall campaign) — Ask whether any fuel-pump or fuel-system recalls were completed, and watch for hard starting or stalling.
- Air bags (8 owner complaints) — Confirm any air bag inflator or module recalls were completed — enter the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Electrical system (1 owner complaint) — Test every switch, window, light and warning lamp on a test drive, and ask about battery or alternator replacements.
- Transmission & drivetrain (1 owner complaint) — On the test drive, watch for hesitation, jerking or slipping between gears and ask for transmission service history.
Source: US NHTSA recall and consumer-complaint databases, retrieved 6 October 2026. Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects. Check any vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, and see our guide to checking a used car for recalls.
How It Compares
How does the Audi S5 compare to similar coupes? Coupes in our database average around 25 mpg (UK) combined — this model sits close to that average, within 1 mpg. This comparison is based on 1072 coupes in our dataset.
Audi models in our database average about 27 mpg (UK) combined on their most efficient configuration; the 2012 Audi S5's 24 mpg is 3 mpg below that make average. Its 276 g/km CO₂ figure is 25 g/km higher than the 251 g/km Audi average.
Of the 17 Audi S5 model years we cover, the 2012 ranks 15th for combined fuel economy on its best configuration (24 mpg UK combined, against a high of 29 mpg). See every Audi S5 year side by side.
Last updated: · Data: US EPA (fueleconomy.gov) and NHTSA safety ratings 18 July 2026; NHTSA recalls and complaints 6 October 2026; Wikidata & curated EU catalogue 18 July 2026; European generation and engine data from Wikipedia 7 October 2026
Vehicle data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Always verify with your vehicle handbook or a qualified mechanic. This is a reference tool, not professional advice.
Recommended Accessories for the 2012 Audi S5
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2012 Audi S5 have?
EPA lists 2 engines for the 2012 Audi S5: 3L 6-cyl supercharged, 4.2L 8-cyl. The most fuel-efficient configuration pairs the 3L 6-cyl supercharged with a automatic (s7).
What is the fuel economy of the 2012 Audi S5?
The most efficient configuration returns around 24 mpg (UK) combined, or 20 mpg on the US EPA cycle. Across all configurations the UK combined figure runs from 20 to 24 mpg.
How much does the 2012 Audi S5 cost to fuel per year?
The US EPA estimates about $4,100 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration, based on 15,000 miles of mixed driving and national average fuel prices. Your own cost will depend on mileage and local prices.
Does the 2012 Audi S5 have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 1 safety recall campaign that include the 2012 Audi S5 (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Fuel system (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
What are the most common problems reported for the 2012 Audi S5?
Among the 10 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are Air bags (8 complaints), Electrical system (1 complaint), Power train (1 complaint). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects, and raw counts rise with how many cars were sold.
How much interior and luggage space does the 2012 Audi S5 have?
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 84 cubic feet (about 2,379 litres) and luggage volume at 12 cubic feet (about 340 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures, which are measured differently from the UK boot-capacity numbers manufacturers quote.
Is the Audi S5's fuel economy good for a coupe?
It returns around 24 mpg (UK) combined, against a same-body-style average of roughly 25 mpg among the coupes we track.