Compare the2022 Audi S5VS 2021 Polestar 1

The Audi S5 has standard driver and front passenger side knee airbags mounted low on the dashboard. These airbags helps prevent the driver and front passenger from sliding under their seatbelts or the main frontal airbags; this keeps them better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. Knee airbags also help keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The Polestar 1 doesn’t offer a front passenger side knee airbag.

When descending a steep, off-road slope, the S5’s standard Hill Descent Control allows you to creep down safely. The Polestar 1 doesn’t offer Hill Descent Control.

Both the S5 and the Polestar 1 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, all wheel drive, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, post-collision automatic braking systems, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, rearview cameras, available blind spot warning systems, around view monitors and rear cross-path warning.

For its top level performance in all IIHS frontal, side, rear impact and roof-crush tests, and its standard front crash prevention system, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety grants the S5 the rating of “Top Pick” for 2017, a rating granted to only 205 vehicles tested by the IIHS. The Polestar 1 has not been tested, yet.

There are over 15 times as many Audi dealers as there are Polestar dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the S5’s warranty.

Both the S5 and the Polestar 1 have a standard automatic start/stop engine feature to stop unnecessary fuel waste and pollution at stop lights and heavy traffic. All S5s have a standard disable switch for the system, so a driver can keep the engine from shutting off when the vehicle stops temporarily.

To lower fuel costs and make buying fuel easier, the Audi S5 uses regular unleaded gasoline (premium recommended for maximum performance). The Polestar 1 requires premium, which can cost 20 to 55 cents more per gallon.

The S5 stops much shorter than the Polestar 1:

The S5 has a standard space-saver spare tire so you can replace a flat tire and drive to have the flat repaired or replaced. A spare tire isn’t available on the Polestar 1; it requires you to depend on roadside assistance and your vehicle will have to be towed.

The front and rear suspension of the S5 uses coil springs for better ride, handling and control than the Polestar 1, which uses torsion bars in the rear. Coil springs compress more progressively and offer more suspension travel for a smoother ride with less bottoming out.

The Audi S5 may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 1000 to 1350 pounds less than the Polestar 1.

As tested by Car and Driver while under full throttle, the interior of the S5 Prestige Coupe is quieter than the Polestar 1 (75 vs. 80 dB).

Because it has more passenger and cargo room, the EPA rates the S5 Coupe a Subcompact car, while the Polestar 1 is rated a Minicompact.

The S5 Coupe has 12 cubic feet more passenger volume than the Polestar 1 (84 vs. 72).

The S5 Coupe has 2.8 inches more rear headroom, 11.8 inches more rear legroom and 1 inch more rear shoulder room than the Polestar 1.

The S5 Coupe has a much larger trunk than the Polestar 1 (10.9 vs. 4.4 cubic feet).

The S5’s standard rear seats fold to accommodate long and bulky cargo. The Polestar 1 doesn’t offer folding rear seats.

The engine in the S5 is mounted longitudinally (North-South), instead of sideways, as in the Polestar 1. This makes it easier to service and maintain, because the accessory belts are in front.

Heated windshield washer nozzles are standard on the S5 to prevent washer fluid and nozzles from freezing and help continue to keep the windshield clear in sub-freezing temperatures. The Polestar 1 doesn’t offer heated windshield washer nozzles.

Optional air-conditioned seats in the S5 Premium Plus/Prestige keep the driver and front passenger comfortable and take the sting out of hot seats in Summer. The Polestar 1 doesn’t offer air-conditioned seats.

The S5 has a standard center folding armrest for the rear passengers. A center armrest helps make rear passengers more comfortable and it can provide a boundary between children. The Polestar 1 doesn’t offer a rear seat center armrest.

The S5 has standard massaging front seats in order to maximize comfort and eliminate fatigue on long trips. Massaging seats aren’t available in the Polestar 1.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the Audi S5 Premium Plus/Prestige has a standard wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. The Polestar 1 doesn’t offer wireless personal charging.

The S5 Prestige’s Park Steering Assist can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, with the driver only controlling speed with the brake pedal. The Polestar 1 doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

The Audi S5 comes in coupe, convertible and four door hatchback bodystyles; the Polestar 1 isn’t available as a convertible or four door.