Select a year
- Highs Stylish design, smooth ride, upscale interior.
- Lows So-so power delivery, handling tuned more for comfort than sport, short on cargo space.
- Verdict The A5 is handsome and luxurious, but it lacks the driving dynamics of Audi's sportier models.
Overview
Audi launched its A5 two-door coupe and convertible for the 2008 model year as sporty-looking models to complement its popular A4 sedan. The A5 was then treated to a mid-cycle refresh for 2013. It’s more than just a two-door A4, with its longer wheelbase, a new front suspension design, and repackaging of the engine, transmission, and steering rack for better weight distribution, as well as more precise steering feel. The 108.3-inch wheelbase allows for decent rear-seat space for two, and the longitudinal chassis design allows for more elegant proportions than FWD rivals with transverse engines.
What's New for 2017?
The previously optional S Line Competition Plus package is now standard on the A5 Coupe and Cabriolet (convertible). This includes enlarged front air intakes, a distinctive body-colored rear trunk lip spoiler, S Line fender badges, gloss black side sill blades, and aluminum door sills with S line badging. A5 models also come standard with front and rear parking sensors and a three-spoke flat-bottom sport steering wheel with shift-paddles (for automatic transmission-equipped cars). There is also a new optional Convenience package with heated front seats, driver’s seat memory, advanced keyless entry, and auto-dimming exterior mirrors. A Black Optic package includes gloss-black exterior trim and 19-inch Audi Sport 10-spoke wheels with gloss-black finish.
Pricing
Original MSRP:
- Coupe: $42,150
- Cabriolet: $49,550
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The A5 comes with a 220-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and is available with a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission in the coupe, while the convertible comes only with the automatic. Power is good enough but not as exciting as hoped for a sporty model. Suspension, steering feel, and throttle settings can be changed with the Audi Drive Select system, which includes Sport, Comfort, and Economy modes, as well as personalized driver settings. The Comfort setting allows a smooth ride over even bumpy roads, while the Sport mode tightens up the chassis for quicker, more satisfying cornering. In the end, the A5 is more about style than sport, a handsome, relaxed coupe and convertible that are content to leave road athletics to the Audi S5 and RS5 models.
Fuel Economy
EPA fuel-economy testing and reporting procedures have changed over time. For the latest numbers on current and older vehicles, visit the EPA’s website and select Find & Compare Cars.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Audi has long been the benchmark for premium interiors in terms of material quality, fit, and finish, and even the base A5 rivals slightly more expensive competitors from Mercedes-Benz and BMW in this department. Standard features include leather seats with power adjustment, dual-zone climate control, upscale metal trim, and a refrigerated glovebox. Add-ons include heated seats, keyless entry, a rearview camera, and sport seats. The interior is configured in the classic 2+2 style, and thanks to the 108.1-inch wheelbase, which is on the large side for a sports coupe, rear-seat legroom and elbow room are fairly comfortable, though tall people will not want to stick around for long rides. Trunk space in the coupe is a skimpy 12.2 cubic feet, and the convertible knocks off another two cubic feet.
Infotainment and Connectivity
A ten-speaker Audi Concert stereo system with CD player, MP3 capability, auxiliary input, and and SD card slot is standard. Options include the MMI Navigation+ system, a 7.0-inch color screen with console-mounted control knob, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, a 505-watt Bang & Olufsen audio system with 14 speakers (12 speakers in the Cabriolet), and satellite radio.
Safety Features and Crash Test Ratings
For more information about the Audi A5’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.
Warranty
Some older vehicles are still eligible for coverage under a manufacturer's Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program. For more information visit our guide to every manufacturer's CPO program.
