2018 Audi A5

The A5 coupe retains the classic muscle car haunches it’s had from the beginning. The lines are a bit sharper than those of the previous generation. It takes a sharp eye to notice the changes, though, as the new A5 is certainly an evolution instead of a revolution. That’s what you do when you have a winning formula.

The new A5 Sportback combines elements of the A4 sedan and A5 coupe. It gets the A4’s wheelbase and shares the same look from the A-pillars forward. From there, the roof sits low like the coupe’s, and the hatchback roofline is essentially an elongated version of the coupe’s roof. The rear of the roofline resolves into a lower, sleeker profile than the BMW 3-Series GT, but it isn’t quite as elegant as the look of the A7, which has more room for its lines to play out.

Inside, all A5s sport a classy look with horizontal lines, and low-gloss black plastics offset by leather upholstery, as well as wood or metal trim. Audi integrates technology into the cabin in a natural way, adding its MMI rotary dial control interface with a center screen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster Audi calls its virtual cockpit. Both work well and help create a state-of-the-art look for the cabin that isn’t too confusing or futuristic.

The new turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine makes more power this year, spinning out 252 horsepower versus 220 horses for the last generation. It is mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission in all body styles, but the coupe also gets a 6-speed manual transmission.

The turbocharged engine lacks turbo lag and instead delivers crisp throttle response at any speed. The 0-60 mph sprint takes as little as 5.7 seconds, which is pleasantly quick, but the A5 accelerates in a drama-free manner, with little engine noise and a fairly smooth, quick shifts from the dual-clutch transmission. Shift paddles are standard for those who want to choose their own gear, but they are rather small and plastic.

On the road, the A5 is still biased toward comfort instead of performance, but it is a sporty, fun-to-drive car. The Drive Select system lets the driver choose from Comfort, Normal, Dynamic, and Individual settings for the steering, suspension, transmission, and throttle. Experiment with the Individual modes for each system, and you will likely find a combination that works for you in most driving.

Steering response is sharp and direct, though without much road feel. The handling feels well-balanced in all but the most aggressive moves; drive hard into a bend and it may push forward rather than rotate. The S5 offers a torque vectoring rear differential to help the car rotate, but that isn’t available here. Ride quality is quite comfortable and well-composed.

Those who want more power and sharper handling will have to step up to the 354-hp S5 and especially the 450-hp RS 5. We cover both separately.

All models are outfitted with excellent materials, including soft leather, metallic trim, genuine wood, and soft-touch surfaces most everywhere the driver might touch. We give the A5 a 7 for comfort and quality, adding points for interior quality and a roomy and comfortable front seat. The Sportback’s utility is balanced out by the lack of utility of the other models. (Read more about how we rate cars.)

The A5 Sportback adds 2.4 inches to the wheelbase, most of which is used as additional rear leg room. That makes it comfortable for two passengers 6-foot and under, provided the front seat occupants don’t move their seats all the way back. While the back row does seat three in the Sportback, it will only work for children.

The coupe loses both head room and leg room, and the convertible has flatter, smaller seats. With only two doors, it’s also harder to get into these body styles, and even the Sportback requires a deeper stoop than the norm due to its low roofline.

The A5 coupe has a small 11.6 cubic-foot trunk, and the convertible’s is even smaller at 9.3 cubic feet that diminishes to 7.2 cubic feet with the roof folded away. The Sportback, however, has a generous 21.8 cubic feet of cargo space, and that expands to 35 cubes with the rear seats folded down. Style and utility are a great combination.

Standard safety equipment includes the usual array of airbags, plus dual front knee airbags, a rearview camera, and forward collision warnings with pedestrian detection and automatic emergency braking. Cabriolets lack the the otherwise standard side curtain airbags but add larger side airbags and pop-up rollbars that deploy when a rollover is imminent.

Premium Plus models add front and rear parking sensors and blind-spot monitors with rear cross-traffic alerts.

A Driver Assistance package is offered only for the Prestige models. It adds adaptive cruise control, active lane control, and automatic high beams.

Outward vision is quite good in coupes and Sportbacks, but blocked considerably with the top up in the cabriolet.

Premium features include eight-way power leather seats, automatic climate control, a 10-speaker audio system, a 7.0-inch driver information center screen, Audi’s MMI infotainment system with a 7.0-inch center screen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, HD radio, two USB ports, Bluetooth, a rearview camera, ambient interior lighting, automatic xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights, LED taillights, and 18-inch alloy wheels. The Sportback adds a power tailgate and a panoramic sunroof, while the convertible gets a power soft top.

The Premium Plus adds heated front seats with driver’s seat memory; full LED headlights; heated, auto-dimming, power-folding exterior mirrors with memory; an auto-dimming rearview mirror; Audi Connect Care telematics with roadside assistance, SOS calls, and stolen vehicle locator; voice control; and blind-spot monitors with rear cross-traffic alerts and vehicle exit assist that warns if a car is coming when you open the door.

Opt for the Prestige and you get an alarm; satellite radio; synthetic leather on the center console and door armrests; a Bang & Olufsen sound system; a head-up display; a surround-view camera system; LED interior lighting; the Audi virtual cockpit 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster; MMI with navigation and a touchpad controller; and Audi Connect Prime, which adds Google Earth map views, Google voice search, and access to social media, internet radio, and other local information. Audi Connect requires a monthly subscription for the 4G LTE data, but enables a 4G LTE wi-fi hotspot.

Notable options include an adaptive damping suspension, a cold weather package with heated rear seats and a heated steering wheel, and 19-inch wheels.

Audi's excellent Multi-Media Interface (MMI) has a rotary controller that can be ordered with handwriting recognition for things such as destination inputs. It comes with a 7.0- or 8.3-inch center screen and provides access to audio, entertainment, communications, and more. The system takes some time to master, but it soon becomes intuitive, and it’s always quick to react.

The virtual cockpit is a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster that works with the MMI to provide the driver plenty of information. It has various screen views, including one with a large map right in front of the driver. It is controlled by buttons on the left side of the steering wheel. Again, it will take some time to master, but we find it to be both beautiful and informative.

Those ratings are rather efficient for a vehicle in this class, and they qualify the A5 for a 7 out of 10 in our ratings system.  (Read more about how we rate cars.)