Audi

Best Catback Exhaust Systems for S5 B8.5 – Ranked

Uncork the 3.0T and let it scream. Here are the top systems to wake up your Audi. Introduction: Let the 3.0T Sing…

Uncork the 3.0T and let it scream. Here are the top systems to wake up your Audi.

Introduction: Let the 3.0T Sing

Audi’s S5 B8.5 (2013–2017) is a refined powerhouse, but straight from the factory, it sounds more like a whisper than a war cry. Its 3.0-liter supercharged V6 has performance on tap, but Audi tuned the exhaust for luxury, not presence.

Let’s change that.

A proper catback exhaust system doesn’t just increase volume. It transforms character. It changes how the car feels at every throttle input—sharper, more responsive, and sonically alive. Combined with downpipes and tuning, a catback is the final piece that turns your S5 into a street-tuned RS5.

This article ranks the best catback exhausts for the B8.5 S5 based on tone, build quality, daily driving comfort, and bang for your buck. We’ve also dropped links to germancarmods.com, Amazon, and AliExpress so you can order your setup with confidence.

What Makes a Good Catback for the S5 B8.5?

Let’s break it down. The ideal catback exhaust should:

  • Enhance tone without overwhelming cabin comfort
  • Flow better than stock (2.5” or larger mandrel-bent piping)
  • Delete the rear mufflers and/or center resonator
  • Use quality materials (T304 stainless steel or better)
  • Fit perfectly with stock or aftermarket downpipes

Depending on your goals—daily driver, track weapon, or weekend noise machine—there’s a system that fits. Let’s get into the rankings.

1. AWE Track Edition – Raw, Loud, and Aggressive

If you want maximum drama, AWE’s Track Edition catback is your answer. This system deletes the rear mufflers and center resonator, producing the most aggressive tone of any bolt-on exhaust for the B8.5.

  • Material: T304 stainless
  • Piping Diameter: 2.5”
  • Sound Profile: Sharp, loud, with tons of blower whine and upshift bark
  • Weight Savings: 15+ lbs over stock
  • Tips: Available in chrome or black 90mm double-wall slash cuts

Pros:

  • Loudest tone without going catless
  • Massive cold-start presence
  • Pair with an X-pipe for more exotic tone

Cons:

  • Cabin drone between 1,800–2,200 RPM (especially DSG)
  • Not ideal for long commutes

🔗 Buy AWE Track Edition – AWE Tuning
🔗 Pair with: Best Downpipes for Audi S5 B8.5

2. ECS Tuning Valved Exhaust – Best All-Rounder

Want volume when you want it—but silence when you don’t? ECS delivers a valved catback system with a remote-controlled actuator that opens up full flow or shuts it down for quiet mode.

  • Material: T304 stainless
  • Piping Diameter: Dual 2.5” with X-pipe
  • Sound Profile: Deep tone when closed, aggressive rasp when open
  • Tech: Includes wireless remote + electronic valve module

Pros:

  • Perfect balance of luxury and aggression
  • Valves allow stealth mode at the press of a button
  • Bolt-on fitment

Cons:

  • Heavier than non-valved systems
  • Higher price point

🔗 Buy ECS Valved Catback – ECS Tuning
🔗 Match with: ECS Luft-Technik Intake

3. Borla S-Type – The Refined Growler

Borla’s S-Type exhaust walks the line between performance and class. It replaces both mufflers with straight-through designs but retains some mid-pipe dampening for a smoother tone.

  • Material: Aerospace-grade stainless
  • Piping: Dual 2.25” (slightly narrower than others)
  • Sound: Deep at idle, punchy under load, minimal rasp
  • Fitment: Flawless. Borla delivers OEM-level install quality

Pros:

  • Clean tone with zero rasp
  • Drone-free driving experience
  • Lifetime warranty

Cons:

  • Not as loud as AWE
  • Tips not as customizable

🔗 Buy Borla S-Type – Amazon
🔗 Link to: Best Spark Plugs for Audi S5

4. AliExpress Custom Catback – Budget Beast

If you’re willing to risk longer shipping times and potential DIY install tweaks, AliExpress actually offers full catback systems for under $500.

  • Material: T304 or T409 stainless
  • Diameter: Usually 2.5” or 3” with X or straight pipe
  • Sound: Aggressive, often unmuffled
  • Build: Varies—some great, some meh

Pros:

  • Insane value for the price
  • Loud and raw
  • Pairs well with other mods (downpipes, resonator delete)

Cons:

  • Limited brand support
  • Install may require adjustment

🔗 Search “Audi S5 B8.5 Catback” – AliExpress

5. Magnaflow Competition Series – Daily-Driven Vibes

Magnaflow’s Competition exhaust is a sleeper pick. It gives the 3.0T a growl without going full-track loud. Great for those who want more sound but don’t want to annoy the neighborhood.

  • Material: Stainless
  • Tone: Bass-heavy low-end, subtle blower whine
  • Layout: Dual straight-through mufflers, resonated mid-pipe
  • Install: Easy bolt-on

Pros:

  • Perfect for tuned dailies
  • No drone, even with downpipes
  • In-stock on Amazon

Cons:

  • Not the loudest
  • No tip finish options

🔗 Buy Magnaflow Competition – Amazon

How They Rank by Sound (Subjective but Tested)

Exhaust SystemVolumeRaspDroneDaily Usability
AWE Track🔊🔊🔊🔊🔊⚡⚡⚡⚡⚠️⚠️😵 Weekend warrior
ECS Valved🔊🔊🔊⚡⚡✅ None😎 Dual-mode master
Borla S-Type🔊🔊⚡✅ None🛻 Comfy + Clean
AliExpress Catback🔊🔊🔊🔊⚡⚡⚡❓ Varies🎲 Budget ballsy
Magnaflow Competition🔊🔊⚡✅ None🧊 Smooth + Street

Install Guide & Tools

What You’ll Need:

  • Jack + jack stands or a lift
  • 13mm/15mm socket set
  • Exhaust hanger removal tool
  • WD-40 or silicone spray
  • Torque wrench

Install Time:

  • 1.5 to 2.5 hours with basic tools
  • DIY-friendly for all bolt-on kits
  • AliExpress kits may need welding or hangar adjustment

Performance Gains: Do Catbacks Add HP?

Short answer: not much by themselves.
But with a tune and downpipes? Absolutely.

With Catback Alone:

  • +5–8 hp
  • Faster throttle response
  • Reduced backpressure

With Stage 2 + Downpipes:

  • +20–30 hp from full system
  • Better cooling and flow
  • Improved blower efficiency

Pair It With These Mods for Full Effect:

✅ Best Downpipes for Audi S5 B8.5
✅ How To Stage 2 Tune Your Audi S5 B8.5
✅ Best Resonator Delete Kit for Audi S5 B8.5
✅ Heat Exchanger Upgrade – Amazon
✅ AliExpress Universal X-pipe

Conclusion: Exhaust Defines Character

If you want your S5 to sound like it looks, a catback exhaust is the way to get there. Whether you want to dominate canyon pulls or just wake up your commute, the right system changes everything.

Our Top Picks:

  • Loudest? AWE Track
  • Best all-rounder? ECS Valved
  • Budget king? AliExpress
  • Refined sleeper? Borla S-Type
  • Chill daily? Magnaflow Comp

Uncork the 3.0T. Let it speak fluently in boost and sound.

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