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:
Showing 91 through 100 of 132.00-
BMW beater... in the winter at least - 2009 Audi A5
By dillon - January 13 - 11:26 pmTraded in 2000 BMW 328i. Had always planned on replacing with another BMW but I havent been impressed with the current designs and decided to make the switch. Looked at a number of cars in this segment but ultimately choose the A5 for the practicality of the AWD, decent MPG, and of course the stunning looks (dont buy this car if you dont like being gawked at). Acceleration and handling are good but there are certainly cars with better. Got to test out the Quattro last month in some serious snow and ice... and it was unbelievable. For me it was all about being able to drive in the winter. If thats not an issue than I think the competition is stiff for the A5.
-
Everything I hoped for, and more - 2009 Audi A5
By Robert - January 8 - 11:19 amAfter drooling for this car for the better part of a year, I finally ordered the car last July. Unfortunately, due to availability issues, I was unable to drive the configuration I ordered (18" tires, M/T). The cars ride and handling easily surpassed my expectations (as well as my previous 2002 A4 w/ sport suspension. Engine is silky smooth, with a light clutch but excellent feedback. The car is extremely quiet, and combined with the Bang & Olfsen radio, just a pure joy to drive
-
best 9 year old car around - 2008 Audi A5
By Chris - November 26 - 11:48 pmbest car Ive ever owned
-
A5 - Nice, not flawless - 2009 Audi A5
By dug - November 15 - 10:14 amI finally traded in my 2001 BMW 330 for this car and although it is a nice car, I miss the BMW just a bit. The long wheelbase makes navigating in tight situations tough and the standard leather feels really cheap. Wish I would have paid for the leather upgrade. Also, wish it came standard with the S-line seats. The standard seats feel a little too flat and make it tough to really have fun with the car. Dont get me wrong, this car is sweet. It is awesome to drive and the performance definitely rivals a BMW. Much cheaper than the 335 coupe too. Really like the technology controls and the B&O sound system rocks. Tough to go wrong. Wish I had more money to buy the upgrades.
-
So far so good - 2009 Audi A5
By GirlAroundTown - November 13 - 6:26 pm2009 A5 S line with all the bells and whistles. My 3rd Audi. Bought after my 1st Benz that I got ripped off from my G35 coupe trade in. Still breaking it though so I will get back after a few months for a full review. Didnt do the drive mode button though...waste of money. Still trying to get used to seat position, havent found perfect yet. Shame it doesnt have as much power as the G37 with the V6. I would have went with the lower powered turbo instead or diesel if an option here in the US.
-
A5: A cult classic - 2009 Audi A5
By drblue - November 10 - 11:06 pmI own an A5 S-Line version in red. I love it after stepping down from a 1997 A8. The car was worth waiting for and it is really a large sport car. This thing handles like a dream, but if it didnt have 19 in wheels with summer tires the ride wouldnt feel so brutal over bad pavement. The combination velour and leather seats are firm and supportive, a good thing for spirited driving. These seats are not as cushy as the A8, but this is a different beast. I like the driving position so much that I have changed my position in other cars to replicate the position. The trunk is only 3 cubic feet less than the A8, this means it is huge (about 16 cubic ft).
-
A drivers car - 2008 Audi A5
By Kent - November 9 - 9:16 amThe Audi A5 is a terrific divers car. While I would prefer a little more horsepower, I love the way the car handles the road. The nav sys needs to be updated, but other than that, the interior of the vehicle is first rate.
-
Trust me--Go manual - 2009 Audi A5
By steve - October 31 - 8:08 pmThis is the most fun car I have ever owned. My last car was a BMW 335 and the power and acceleration of the A5 is just as good. I read some reviews saying this car lacked acceleration power, so I drove test drove both the manual and the automatic. The difference was night and day. For anyone who wants a serious sports car with amazing handling, I would recommend the manual version of the A5- -while the automatic is nice, the manual drives and feels much more like the S5, but about 10K less expensive. I was considering the BMW X6, but the A5 was more fun to drive with much better gas mileage. Seriously, forget the tiptronic--only about $1200 more for auto, but a downgrade in my opinion.
-
2009 A5 The Ultimate Coupe - 2009 Audi A5
By Gulfstream - October 30 - 11:47 amAmazing value. Ive owned a 911Cab, 535i, SL55AMG and CL500 in the past 5 years. Ridiculous yes but I like cars. None of these come close to my new loaded 09 A5 for the dollar. Yes, the SL55 had the power & torque but not the value or the back seat for kids. I also drove the S5 but glad I bought the A5 instead with drive select. Sometimes I want the 911 handling and other times the Lexus sofa. With DriveSelect, its your decsion and it all works! I predict MB, BMW and Lexus will lose market share to Audi over the next few years and rightfully so. "Car of the Year" ...if you can find one.
-
A Big Step Up - 2009 Audi A5
By Adam - October 30 - 10:41 amThis has been a hectic journey. Ten months, and three different A5 orders, I got my Audi. I originally opted for a Deep Sea Blue A5, but I settled for Brilliant Black. All I can say is wow. At just about every stop-light, I will get stares are looks from other drivers.When I go to a restaurant, valet will park me in the front. When I get into my car with the intelligent key, I am relaxed by the Bang & Olufson sound system. In terms of safety, I dont think you can get much better. Rear backup camera, tons of airbags, and sticky tires which prevent me from sliding. Overall, I do not regret going from a 2006 325xi to this car. I highly do not regret leaving the BMW Brand. I am happy I bought it.
