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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  Audi Grand Slam - 2010 Audi A5
  By Barnone - August 31 - 2:04 am

  Live in Germany and ordered my 2010 A5 2.0T 6 Speed Prestige in Aruba Blue and Linen Beige Milano Leather. I order the car loaded with the Almond Beige Ash Trim that looks great, and Driver Assist and Drive Select Packages. The leg room beats out the Jag. XF, Corvette, Merc E350 Coupe, and many other I was considering. The 211 horses mated to the Manual 6, is plenty to keep up with the other vehicles on the Autobahn. The ability to simply walk up to my A5 and never touch my key as I drive off, Priceless. I rented the S-Line package before purchasing and can say the seating is definitely more comfortable and an overall better vehicle without it.

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  Sexy - 2008 Audi A5
  By tgeorge - August 26 - 10:30 am

  By far the sexiest car in 2008 and 2 years later still holding its sex appeal. Fun to drive, ahead of the design curve. Turns heads like Kim Kardashian’s backside. The six speed manual has some punch, especially in 2nd and 4th gear at the right speed and RPM. The 19” wheels are sporty yet classy and often get mistaken for aftermarket wheels. The most impressive design feature is the cars stance. There is little overhang, fine European lines and the stance of a muscle car, simply beautiful.

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  2009 A5 S-line - 2009 Audi A5
  By Patrick - August 13 - 12:15 pm

  Exceptional car. Other than having to buy new tires at 17000 miles, Ive had no complaints and a million complements. Good performance, good gas mileage, great handling and outstanding looks. Definitely not another BMW or G-car clone!

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  Great Vehicle - Improved for 11 - 2011 Audi A5
  By PZ-NOLA - July 29 - 9:34 am

  Ordered 5/2010 -- one of the first 11s off the truck. Traded an 07 A4 Cab for this one. Im very impressed with the quality and the additions made to the 11 vs the 10 (i.e. the Premium Plus package now includes an auto dimming mirror not available in 10, the radio presets now display the name and artist without having to go back to the main menu). Its larger, roomier and quieter than the A4. I chose the Teak Brown with Cardamon interior -- new combination for 11 -- stunning! Overall a great car although pricey @ $51k -- but still less than a BMW Cabriolet comparably equipped. MPG equal to sticker estimates with under 100 miles!

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  The Ladies Love It - 2009 Audi A5
  By matt - July 17 - 10:05 pm

  I was stopped one day at a party by a woman who said, "Are you the guy who has the A5 that was parked outside of the cleaners?" The exterior styling is amazing. Its a true head-turner. Nothing like it. I have the windows tinted and the rear badging removed (except the Audi circles) for a stealth look. Its a bit over-priced though. For nearly fifty grand, you get cheap floor mats, only 260 HP, no push button start (that package is another $2,000) no auto folding mirrors, cheap "leather" and an engine that burns about a quart of oil every five thousand miles. Notwithstanding, Audi hasnt imported a lot of these so it wont be like the A4 where you see one on every corner. A blast to drive.

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  Out of the world - 2010 Audi A5
  By mgur1 - June 27 - 8:02 pm

  After driving first 1500 miles decided to Post a comment. The car is fantastic, love every minute of driving, style, performance. Had VW passat 6v, worried if a5 is agile enough with 4 cylinders. No more worries, delivers enough power not to feel a difference. Car just glued to the road, no body roll at all.

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  Sleek, solid, & quick! - 2010 Audi A5
  By joiseyboy - June 24 - 7:50 am

  Ive had my A5 for about a month now, and I really like it. Its a very solid & quiet car (much more so than the BMW 3), and plenty quick. With the turbo 4, I do not miss having a 6 cyl at all, and I am averaging in the high 20s mostly around town. This car is gorgeous inside and out. It looks like a car costing 30 Gs more. The B&O stereo upgrade is well worth it if you are a music lover. Its the best car stereo I have ever had and MUCH better than the Bose units in Infiniti or M- B. I do not find the MMI interface to be too difficult. Yes, it has a few extra steps, but all in all the sound is so good, that I will make the extra effort. High speed stability is amazing. Love it!

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  Go For Quattro - 2010 Audi A5
  By Go for Quattro - June 14 - 11:23 pm

  Dreamed of car since Nov. when seen at auto show. Beautiful car, lots of comments. Only wish I had opted for Quattro. ENORMOUS amount of torque steer and cvt is not very enthusiastic or enjoyable to drive for this price. Wish had test driven quattro more, but in short supply at dealers. Have had top issue from factory not installing hydraulic lines for top appropriately. Otherwise, I love this car. Would have given up some of the fantastic millage for performance and real transmission. Audi missed here and now I cant afford to change. Quattro would have been perfect, as I had opportunity to drive quattro while mine was being repaired. Radio/climate controls take attention from driving

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  What a beauty! - 2010 Audi A5
  By LABabe - June 9 - 6:42 pm

  After driving my 1992 original Lexus coupe that I adored, for 18 years, it was time for a new car, which had to be another coupe. The only one that interested me was the Audi A5, and after driving it there was no question that this was the car for me! Sporty, but not too small, extremely fun to drive, and have only seen maybe two or three others since buying it last year. Cant wait to take it to Big Sur this summer, on a road trip up the spectacular curves of Highway 1.

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  Audi A5 Cabriolet - 2010 Audi A5
  By Guillermo - May 21 - 3:19 pm

  Exceptionally comfortable ride. Handles well in town and on hi-way. Soft top allows golf club storage in trunk with top down or two carry-on bags for weekend travel. MMI intuitive and ergonomically organized. Safe, smooth transition from radio, cd, dvd, nav, phone. Looks great. Engine solid with no sense of gear change in CVT. Not as powerful from a dead stop through an intersection but quick and agile on highway.