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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  A5-Star Rating! - 2008 Audi A5
  By HermanH - June 27 - 6:12 pm

  Having never owned a luxury car, this is my first and it did not disappoint my idea of what Audi luxury (or any other manufacturer for that matter) is all about. It is also my first production coupe ownership as well (if you dont count my replica kit roadster.) The exterior of the car is in a class all its own. It takes some sports car queues and blends them into the coupe in a way no other manufacturer has done as of late. The main attraction are the LEDs. People stare, point, stay glued to their rear-view mirrors. The stance from the rear is elegant yet very strong with the 255 wide tires! Interior is simply first class for me. My first leather interior. I love this car.

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  People Crash For It - 2008 Audi A5
  By AudiConvert - June 12 - 6:42 pm

  I have owned this car for a couple of months now, and all I can say is wow. Though it is down on horsepower compared to the BMW 335, it completely makes up in looks. Two months ago, I was at a stop light on a main road. A man was too busy looking at my A5, he drove into the car in front of him. I love the fact I got parked in front of the restaurant by valet. I love that I cannot go a night without a compliment, I just love the car.

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  First month update - 2008 Audi A5
  By Franklin - June 11 - 9:57 am

  After a few weeks of ownership, I have learned that the A5 continues to impress, and truly is the beautiful girl whom you can marry and live with. The most amazing epiphany is remarkable fuel efficiency that exceeds EPA estimates of 18 and 27. I have averaged 26 in city, 34 on highway! My weekly trip to Costco also revealed I could transport abundant cargo 3 large boxes of diapers and baby wipes, detergent, gallons of juice, and more.

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  My first impressions - 2008 Audi A5
  By Franklin - May 29 - 12:12 pm

  My first week with A5 reveals its a well-made car. Exterior design appears even much more beautiful in real life than the pictures. Walter de Silva (designer) was right when he says A5 is his best design. Interior design is peerless, controls perfect and intuitive, fit and finish defines fit and finish. Audi design doing in the auto world what Apple computers did in the computer world. Performance of the V-6 is not as robust as the BMW 335i coupe, which was the other car to choose from. However, A5 is powerful enough for everything besides drag- racing.

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  Im in heaven - 2008 Audi A5
  By Chicago Audi Owner - May 28 - 7:09 pm

  Drop dead gorgeous. Da Silva is a genius. This is my first Audi (but coincidentally, this is the 6th among my whole family). Almost bought the 3 series and then saw the A5 was coming out in the states. The outside is absolutely stunning, the inside design is beautiful but ridiculously comfortable. I drive 3 hours a day going to and from work and my commute couldnt be any more fun than it is now. Audis made me a fan for life.

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  Outstanding - 2008 Audi A5
  By Vinny - May 20 - 8:55 am

  All I can say is if you are thinking about buying it and you have the money to do so do it. it is the nicest car Ive owned and I own many cars including BMWs and Mercedes. When you drive down the highway the amount of brakelights you see in the opposite direction as the try to catch a longer glimpse of you is astounding.The car is amazing, I love it!

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  Best Luxury Coup - Audi A5 - 2008 Audi A5
  By Rich - May 17 - 1:59 pm

  The A5 is a truly exceptional car. The finish and fit is perfect. Absolutely no imperfections. The suspension is firm but not harsh with very slight oversteer. It is comfortable, fast, and gets a lot of attention everywhere I go. The fuel economy is better than the ratings indicate. On a recent 1400 mile trip from Ft. Lauderdale to Gainesville GA and back, I averaged 30.85 miles per gallon at 80-85 MPH.

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  Unreal - 2008 Audi A5
  By New A5 Owner - May 5 - 4:18 pm

  Forget turning heads, this car snaps necks. I have only had the car 2 weeks, but there is nothing I am not thrilled with. The value, drive, style and technology are all superior to any other car I considered. I originally wanted an S5, but just cannot justify the extra ~90HP given the fuel economy difference.

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  Almost perfect - 2008 Audi A5
  By houstontechguy - May 3 - 11:06 pm

  I am a huge fan of Audis, and this one takes the cake. Its got a gorgeous body shape (kudos to Walter deSilva), perfect watchmaker-quality interior, and is oh-so-fun to drive. Its not a barnburner like the S5, but its more than adequate for me and will save me a few speeding tickets. Ive had so many second glances, head turns, and people stopping me in parking lots and traffic lights to ask about it. I actually like the fact that theyre very rare and will slowly trickle onto the market over the next 1-2 years. For people who like to blend in the crowd and follow the status quo, then go buy a boring BMW (with crap interior and total crap stereo/tech). This A5 is for me!

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  Best Ive Ever Owned - 2008 Audi A5
  By CTguy - April 27 - 6:53 pm

  This car is truly the first car Ive ever been excited to own and to drive. The exterior design is breathtaking, the interior quality is phenomenal. If youre looking to have adults ride in the back seat, this isnt the car for you (especially if youre tall like I am). MMI much easier to use that BMWs iDrive iPod integration and Sirius satellite makes the 6CD changer almost an afterthought. Cellphone with Bluetooth integrates in seconds. Manual 6 makes the most out of the engine I recommend it over the 6A (the gimmicky faux manual in it isnt that exciting). Trunk is huge, overly large for its class.