Overview & Reviews

Audi is known for its understated and modern approach to luxury and design. The Audi A5 certainly falls under that description, but infuses a whisper of alluring curves in a shapely form to set it apart from the rest. Inspired by the company's 2003 Nuvolari grand touring concept, the A5 is a slightly less practical but much sexier two-door alternative to mainstream luxury sedans. It boasts a standard fuel-efficient turbocharged engine, all-wheel drive, a refined interior and plenty of standard or optional luxury features.

It's an overall package that's hard to ignore and as an added bonus, more enthusiastic drivers can enjoy all of these positive attributes along with a significant performance increase in the Audi S5.

Current Audi A5
The Audi A5 coupe and convertible (cabriolet) is mechanically related to the A4. It is powered by a fuel-efficient turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder (2.0T) that produces 220 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual is standard, with an eight-speed automatic optional. A key advantage for those who are subject to slippery weather conditions is the A5's all-wheel drive, which is standard on the coupe and optional on the Cabriolet. With a 40/60-percent front-to-rear power split, the Quattro system provides a close approximation of a rear-wheel-drive car's crisp handling dynamics along with the superior grip of all-wheel drive.

Those who value sophisticated design as much as performance will feel right at home in the Audi A5. The curvaceous silhouette, distinctive Audi one-piece grille and shapely tail end team up to create an extraordinarily appealing look. The Cabriolet may not have a retractable hardtop, but its insulated soft top lowers quickly and prevents the car from having an unflatteringly large rump like most hardtop convertibles.

Inside the A5's handsome four-place cabin are first-rate interior materials along with multi-adjustable front seats that offer daylong touring comfort along with ample support during spirited driving. The back offers seating for two, though most folks can expect a fairly tight fit. The coupe's reasonably sized trunk offers 12.2 cubic feet of space, and the rear seat flips down to accommodate even more cargo. The Cabriolet's trunk is reasonably sized for a convertible at 10.2 cubic feet and, unlike with retractable hardtops, that space remains the same top up or down.

In reviews, we found the 2.0T engine to be more than enough to motivate this slinky sport coupe. Dynamically, the A5 is more like a grand touring coupe than a slick-handling sport coupe, with an emphasis placed on ride comfort. Buyers can add the optional sport-tuned suspension to sharpen the handling, though this admittedly comes at the expense of ride quality.

Overall, the Audi A5 is a solid choice even with tough competition such as the BMW 4 Series and Infiniti Q60, as well as the coupe-only Mercedes-Benz C-Class. But anyone desiring a coupe or convertible that provides a pleasing blend of style, performance and all-wheel-drive security would do well to check out the A5.

Used Audi A5 Models
The A5 was introduced for the 2008 model year as a coupe only, with a 3.2-liter V6 as the lone engine choice. The six-speed manual was standard and the six-speed automatic was optional. The following year adaptive cruise control and the Audi Drive Select system debuted. The cabriolet and 2.0T engine were introduced for 2010, as were a revised MMI electronics interface and navigation system.  

For 2011 the V6 was dropped and the six-speed automatic was replaced with an eight-speed unit. A styling refresh took place the following year, when available WiFi capability and a switch from hydraulic to electric power steering assist also took place. Apart from having slightly less power (211 hp versus 220 hp) and a few minor differences in standard equipment, these latter-day A5s are similar to the current version.

User Reviews:

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  Worth It - 2011 Audi A5
  By Mike - December 5 - 2:00 am

  Wow! I wanted a nice refined coupe to transition to from my 97 4Runner as my daily driver to ease my commute, and I am over the moon with this car. Initially I had some worries about Audis spotty quality record, but the past 2.5 months have been reassuring. The 2.OT has more than enough pep for me right now, the interior is museum- quality, and the exterior design is drool-inducing. 99.9% of the amenities are well thought out and well implemented. Fuel economy with premium fuel is a bit less than I hoped (22mpg mixed, but as high as 29 on a clear hwy) given everything else this car has, I have had NO twinges of buyers remorse. I look forward to another 15+ years with this car.

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  A Head Turner Without Question - 2011 Audi A5
  By Rory - December 2 - 2:00 am

  A tried and true BMW owner for the last 8 years, I decided to look at other options after I found the BMW dealers in my area arrogant and overpriced. I researched a number of Audi models including S4, A5 and S5. Being a cabriolet and performance fan, I was intrigued by the S5 Cab. Audis do not have a hardtop, so I was immediately turned off and then considered the coupe instead, as noise was a factor. I eventually settled on the A5 coupe with a premium package. Aside from the S package, this is the only upgrade you can get in Canada. However, this car is a pleasure to drive, it has more power than I thought, and is beautifully appointed both from a technology and aestetics perspective.

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  First 3 months with my 2009 A5 - 2009 Audi A5
  By Larry - November 23 - 2:00 am

  Initially I was looking at either BMWs or Lexus but very happy I found this 2009 A5. I wanted a car that looks nice, has great value and fun to drive. I get two to three compliments a week in my red A5. It has many features that are worth having like the B&O stereo (a must) and the blind- spot alert LEDs on each side-view mirror. The voice-prompt feature also works extremely well when changing the audio input and nav commands. The car handles very well and is quick, especially in the Sport mode. The doors open wide so easy to get in/out of the comfortable seats. The air- conditioning systems works very well and is quiet. The trunk and the sunroof are surprisingly large.

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  My first car =) - 2010 Audi A5
  By 1stcar - November 14 - 2:00 am

  I got this car on my birthday and its the talk of my High school! Fun to drive LOVE the MMI. Has a lot of get up and go! Awesome stereo and beautiful interior

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  The Car Everyone Wants - Literally - 2011 Audi A5
  By trakkarclay - November 14 - 2:00 am

  Has to be one of the most spirited 4-cylinder cars on the road. It prefers to drive fast with lots of torque to bring in the turbocharger. However, when driving residential it is a bit sluggish off the line. It feels like it starts in 3rd to save gas. If you have the Sport package, you can put it in tiptronic mode and shift the gears, which gives it more pick up.

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  So Far So Good - 2011 Audi A5
  By Andy - November 7 - 1:00 am

  I took delivery of the car two days ago and have enjoyed every minute in it. I look forward to starting the engine every morning. The car is VERY smooth, tightly assembled, well appointed, and really just a well built automobile. We looked at BMW, Volvo, & Lexus. The A5 won us over. Fun to drive, looks great outside & in, car is full of features and even plenty of room for a 4 yr old.

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  Ex Beamer Adict - 2010 Audi A5
  By Jim - November 6 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car primarily for its looks. At least once, usually twice a day, I am approached by strangers admiring the car. It rides somewhat more comfortably than the five 3 series I have owned. I got the S-line and love the wheels and handling. A 3 series will out accelerate and out handle but never out cool the A5. Buy this car if you appreciate refinement over edginess. I love it.

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  Loving the Prestige Package - 2011 Audi A5
  By Johnny - October 20 - 2:00 am

  Ive driven this car over 900 miles in three days, and its great. I have gotten hundreds of compliments on it and enjoy driving it. The gears are very close together, the system recommends that the car be in sixth gear at 50 mph. Not a lot of compartment storage in the front for miscellaneous items. I ordered the light gray interior from the factory, but it looks beige. I should have gone with black.

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  Pimp ride - 2010 Audi A5
  By Kangster - October 6 - 2:00 am

  I cannot imagine a better car for my needs. Surprisingly large trunk. Style is killer lots of comments by folks in my office building. There was a sunroof rattle and pass. side window air leak that needed to be repaired. Oil consumption is about 1 quart every 4500 miles, so you need to fill it between the 10k oil change intervals after 5k miles. Car is comfortable, navigation and voice control work nicely. When you fill out satisfaction/quality surveys you feel Audi has designed to satisfy all respects of it. For example the steering wheel material feel is tremendously satisfying, and I never thought of this until I bought this car. 36 mpg 90% highway and 28 mpg local roads.

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  Drop Dead Gorgeous Ride - 2011 Audi A5
  By hla26v - September 11 - 2:00 am

  Third Audi that we have owned in the family (99 A8, 97" S8) This vehicle is quite different. I purchased it for my wifes birthday. I am trying something completely new. I am giving her no opinion on the car, I am letting her do the grading and such. I give it all 10s because I researched out for 6 months. And I know Audis. It sits on the fence between MB & BMW. It has the best of both of their worlds. Excellent vehicle.