BEFORE the fire-breathing RS5 arrived in December 2017, Audi’s third-generation A5 range was headlined by the slightly less savage S5, which was asked to fly the performance flag for the model until its big brother arrived.

Now that the RS5 has landed, the S5 plays the role of the performance car for people who wish to retain the day-to-day liveability that does not always come with out-and-out sportscars.

With a turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 under the bonnet and Audi’s quattro all-wheel-drive system, the S5 is no slouch, and stacks up against the likes of the Mercedes-AMG C43 coupe and BMW 440i.

It is also the newest model of the three, with its second-generation refresh heralding new styling, improvements to the cabin and overall refinements to make it a more compelling package.

And a compelling package it is – one that manages to toe the line between daily driver and weekend weapon with aplomb.