For thrills on the road and great looks, it's hard to beat the Audi S5.

This brilliant performance coupe has a 4.2-liter V-8 engine that makes 354 horsepower and 325 pounds-feet of torque.

Photo by Audi (ENLARGE)

Audi S5

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You'll shift the six-speed manual transmission effortlessly.

With a car this fast, you want to know that the brakes are up to their task, and indeed they are.

As is always the case with Audi, the interior is beautiful. The dashboard controls are laid out wonderfully.

There is a panoramic sunroof that tilts up but doesn't open, allowing more light into the cabin. The Bang & Olufsen sound system is top quality, adding a nice musical note to your joyride.

On the outside, the sharp-looking radiator grille is gray with chrome trim. The body's lines are aggressive and athletic, and they set this coupe apart from so many others on the road that lack pizazz.

The 19-inch twin-spoke alloy wheels are a nice touch.

The test drive model, which came with a navigation system and technology package, was priced at $58,165.

Speed and luxury are combined in the Audi S5, which has a 4.2-liter V-8 engine that makes 354 horsepower and a Bang & Olufsen sound system.