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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  Awesome - 2010 Audi A5
  By cj - December 5 - 10:04 am

  I have only had this car 1 week. The looks, the compliments are too many to count. The ride is very comfortable. The B&O sound is incredible. The engine is very quite and this car does not perform like a 4 cylinder. There is more room inside than you can imagine. The seats are very comfortable. There is a lot of room in the trunk and the two back seats fold down. You can fold the top storage area up to allow more room. Enough room for two golf bags. There is a screen you can attach behind the seats when the top is down to prevent drag.

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  Buy two -- now! - 2010 Audi A5
  By packrfan - December 2 - 11:19 am

  VERY pleased with my A5 Premium Plus! Upgraded nav is much improved - with it and 2.0T, it was easy decision to go with 2010. Easier still was A5 decision - best looking car on the road. Performance is plenty strong enough, turbo can take a little getting used to. Brakes good but grabby at slow speeds. Ergonomics & build quality are also top notch. Back seat access isnt great (not bad - its great for a coupe) but room when in is satisfactory. Mileage is adequate if gentle - its a function of fun: more fun, lower mileage. No question: best awd coupe for <$75k.

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  Incredible Vehicle - 2010 Audi A5
  By TXjohn - November 25 - 11:27 am

  The A5 design is outstanding and draws a lot of attention. Have had several people roll down their windows at a light and ask me about it. The 2.0T engine provides all the power needed and gets exceptional gas mileage... Im getting approximately 27 mpg on highway at more than highway speeds. Comfort: I have the sport package and the extra thigh support is outstanding. Highly recommend it. Plug the IPOD into the Bang and Olufsen system--it rocks. With this car in short supply by dealers.. Audi has a winner. And it just keeps getting better with this manufacturer. BMW and MB-- move over... Audi is HERE.

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  Love it all - 2010 Audi A5
  By JRB - November 10 - 3:29 pm

  Fantastically fun car to drive. 2.0T is an amazing engine that seems like its a lot more powerful than it is supposed to be. The S-line interior is perfection. This car feels special all over.

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  Happy A5 owner - 2009 Audi A5
  By appetites1 - September 27 - 7:43 am

  Have all the toys in this car, have driven 7000 miles to date. Owned many cars in my 50 years of driving and this is by far the best. Enough performance and great quiet and comfort. Very smooth in every way. Getting 25+ mpg with no problems to date. If I could build it myself I would trade the mmi for touch screen nav, make the manual a little tighter shifting, but overall the best ride my wife and I ever had!

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  A great value - 2010 Audi A5
  By Mauricio Rivera - September 7 - 2:59 pm

  This car is much distinguished with cleaned lines and ergonomics. I am very pleased. The car handles very well on wet surface and cornering. The back seat looks small but dont be fooled. It can seat two grown persons comfortably. The 2010 Coupe comes with 4 cylinders for good fuel economy but with the "turbo", you will get enough power on demand to make you smile. Definitely a great buy.

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  Baby Got Back - 2010 Audi A5
  By a. collier - August 22 - 9:53 pm

  What can I say. Baby got back. Love this car. Have had my eye on this for a year now. Was leasing a 2004 Ls430- great car but compared to this, It was nothing but a mom and pop luxury vehicle. This baby momma-Hugs the ground and whips around corners flawlessly, even in the rain. The price has come down on these due to the change in option for v4 2.0 or v6 3.2. Handles well with v4 option for 2010. Have no regrets. Beautiful lines and performance. Great interactive monitor and sound system. Wont disappoint you. The A5 has got serious back-baby.

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  The most fun Ive had driving a car! - 2009 Audi A5
  By Joanne - August 18 - 8:50 pm

  Ive had my 2009 A5 for two months now, and I continue to be delighted every time I take it out of my garage, I feel like a child with a new toy. Im pampered by the amenities such as the excellent back-up camera, the i- pod integration system, the crisp 6- speed shifter, and the amazingly comfortable seats. I love the screen over the sunroof, which allows a little light but not enough to make me squint against the sun. The exterior styling is quietly elegant - the daytime running lights are cooler than I can say, and I love the keyless entry which keeps me from digging in my purse for my keys. I routinely get 33 mpg on the highway.

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  WOW....Love this car!!! - 2010 Audi A5
  By thatguypeter - August 17 - 3:28 pm

  I bought this car 1 week ago and I love driving it. I just got my windows tinted and it makes the car looks really nice. One thing for sure is that it gets a lot of attention and stares from people, if you dont like that...do not buy this car. I love driving this car on the freeway...cant stop putting the petal to the metal...lol...I know a speeding ticket is coming soon. The car came fully loaded except for the Prestige and S package not installed. I love the NAV and Back-Up Cam on this car. Audi really improved the NAV System. Its very easy to use and accurate in getting you to your destination. This car makes it easy to chat with girls! One look and its an easy conversation starter!!

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  Cost $54k, people think it cost $75k - 2009 Audi A5
  By mgd99 - July 13 - 9:07 am

  I held onto my 1998 A4 for 11 years, before getting the A5 S-Line 3.2 MT in early May. I was looking for something sportier, but with the same quattro like 4WD since I live in CT and I like the feel of quattro on a snow covered highway. The A5 has been a dream. The looks and fit of the exterior is exceptional. The interior is remarkable for its price range. The 265HP is completely sufficient to address the 98% of my driving. I got Drive Select and it feels like two different cars in one. Best yet, so few of these on the road and people regularly proffer estimates of $75k. You want a daily driver that satisfies a need for sport without spending a small fortune? This is it.