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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  Fantastic Car - 2010 Audi A5
  By Sae - May 17 - 12:23 am

  The car is amazing. Ample power, smooth, and incredibly sexy. The hottest looking coupe. The admiration from others keep coming. Love the technology in the car, MMI is great. 2010 Audi A5 2.0T 6AT | Brilliant Black/Black w Dark Walnut Trim | Premium Plus | Nav Plus

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  A nice change to the typical coupe - 2010 Audi A5
  By Alan - May 14 - 11:01 am

  I was in the market for a fun car and wanted a coupe. Everyone, and their mother has a 328i, C-class, and G37, all for good reasons. If you want a car thats a complete eye catcher, decent fuel economy, and just fun to get in everyday, this is a great choice. The only thing it lack is a little more power. That is easily fixed with an ECU tune, bringing the car from 211 hp to 240, and 258 tq, to 333 tq. That is is more tq than an S5, and makes the V6 middle option a complete waste of money. My initial ratings are with the car straight from the factory. Since the ECU tune, my I would rate it a 10 for performance and fuel economy.

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  2010 Audi A5 Premium Plus 2.0T Automatic - 2010 Audi A5
  By Brp - May 3 - 12:22 pm

  Rides like a dream, great almost overly-engineered features and gizmos. Takes some getting used to the lumbar support if youve come from a car without one. Hard to get in and out if youre old or big. Otherwise a great car to drive.

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  A5 Premium Plus convertible - 2010 Audi A5
  By drb - May 1 - 6:59 pm

  Thoroughly enjoying wonderful machine with Premium Plus Package and NAV. It handles superbly and is absolutely a pleasure to drive especially for tall people (Im 64"). Incredibly quiet with top closed and the baseline Bose sound system is amazing.

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  Good so far - 2010 Audi A5
  By zark - April 21 - 7:23 am

  Well, my 99 olds Alero blew a head gasket, so I decided to treat myself to this car as a birthday/midlife crises gift. Enjoying it immensely. With the Alero, driving was simply a matter of getting from point a to point b. With this car I take pleasure in driving. I am 62" and appreciate the headroom, about the best in any coupe. Very quiet/low nvh cruising on the highway. Wonderful bang&olufsen stereo. It is not a rocket, but plenty of power. With all wheel drive, it tracks well though I dont toss it around. Still learning to use all the bells and whistles, and there are many.

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  Marriage of Design and Speed - 2010 Audi A5
  By b111ab0n9 - April 19 - 3:24 pm

  They car is amazing. Even though its a 2.0 L engine, the turbo gives it more than enough power to let you have fun while not guzzling the premium gas. The cockpit is well designed too. The designer designed the dashboard not only for the driver, but for the passenger as well. Because I just purchased this vehicle, I cannot say anything about the mechanical issue. As of now, it has been treating me very well. Also, one note is that I bought the "Prestige" and "S-Line" packages for my A5.

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  Just ugraded from my 2000 A4 to an A5 - 2010 Audi A5
  By glenn - April 17 - 10:04 am

  I am loving my new car. I decided it was finally time to replace my old car (2000 Audi A4 Quattro Sports package) which had hit 10 years and 210,000 miles. I was looking to go with a new A4 and took the A5 for a spin and fell in love. Much nicer feel interior. I purchased the Premier plus with Nav/MMI system, upgraded leather seats and a bunch of other options i didnt need but the only way I could find the deep Blue color A5 I wanted within 100 miles was to get them I cant wait until my 1st 1000 miles are up and I can open it up fully, but thus far I am very happy with my purchase. Turns out I am the very first purchaser at a new Audi dealer in Chantilly VA that is associated with the Tysons corner, VA HBL Audi i bought my original A4 from.

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  Another Great Audi - 2009 Audi A5
  By Togs - April 8 - 10:42 pm

  This is my 4th Audi. Ive had 3 A4s (2 wagons and 1 sedan), Lexus RX330 and a 545i as recent cars. The A5 blows them all away. the 3.2 easily competes w/ the 545 V8 and the driving performance is awesome. The system is WAY better than iDrive and the instruments are easy to use. It looks great, drives great and (as usual) is a completely reliable performance vehicle. Not a single issue. Only drawback are the seats. Read a lot about the regular (non S-Line) seats before I bought and still went with the standard seats. Coming from the Lexus, I had a really hard time with back and hip pain in the Audi seats. Tough comparison from a Lexus SUV to a sports car, but wishing for better comfort.

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  What a Car! - 2010 Audi A5
  By kwward1 - March 30 - 3:59 pm

  This car is absolutely phenomenal. The looks, the handling, the acceleration. Oh - did I mention that the B&O stereo is out of this world?

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  Great Convertible - 2010 Audi A5
  By Paul - March 26 - 9:00 pm

  Just picked up my 2010 Audi A5 Cabriolet. I traded in a 2004 A4 Cabriolet. The new car is white with brown interior and brown top. It is a beautiful car and the bonus is a decent trunk as compared to the Lexus, Infiniti, BMW & Volvo hardtop convertibles which have little or no trunk room.