Audi A5 Coupe full 9 point review
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Performance
No A5 is short of power. Even the cheapest petrol model – with a 178bhp 2.0-litre engine - gives punchy performance, but you can also have a 208bhp 2.0-litre turbo, a 261bhp 3.2 V6 and a 349bhp 4.2-litre. Topping the range will be the RS5, which hits 60mph in just 4.5 seconds. The cheapest diesel is a flexible 168bhp 2.0-litre, while 187bhp 2.7 and 237bhp 3.0-litre units complete the line-up. You can also choose from manual and automatic transmissions, and front- or four-wheel drive.
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Ride & Handling
The A5 has plenty of grip, and generally remains composed, but if you’re after a thrilling drive, you could be disappointed. The steering feels artificial, and although it turns in crisply, the A5 feels rather heavy. The ride is firm, especially in S Line and S5 models, which shake and bang over rough surfaces. The optional three-mode Drive Select system, which adjusts the suspension and steering settings, doesn’t help much, either.
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Refinement
All the engines are smooth and civilised: the V6 diesel engine sounds more like a petrol unit, and the S5’s cultured V8 is a joy to listen to. Wind noise creeps in at motorway speeds, however, and there are clunks and clatters from the suspension.
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Buying & Owning
The A5 is priced to compete with the 3-Series Coupe. Insurance and leasing costs are low for this type of car, and resale values should be very strong. Four-cylinder versions are impressively economical, and have low CO2 emissions; the V6 models are dearer to run, especially with the quattro four-wheel drive system, but are more cost-effective than many similarly-powered V6 coupes.
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Quality & Reliability
The A5 lives up to Audi’s reputation for interior quality, although there are some tacky plastic door pulls, cheap-feeling switchgear and untextured plastics in the middle of the dash. Audi’s track record for reliability has been disappointing in recent years, but the A5 does look generally solid, and much of its componentry has been tried and tested in the latest A4.
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Safety & Security
From both the passive (seatbelts and airbags) and active (anti-lock brakes and stability control) points of view, the A5 has everything buyers of an expensive, quick coupe would expect, including front and rear ISOFIX child seat mounting points and an alarm. Options on offer include adaptive xenon headlights, lane-departure and blind-spot warning systems, and a rear-view camera.
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Behind The Wheel
The driver's seat is supportive and comfortable, but the A5's offset pedals do nothing for long-distance comfort. It takes a while to get used to the busy dashboard and fussy controls, too, although everything is well placed. The angled rear window and high sides do affect visibility, but it’s no worse than in many saloons, and besides, rear parking sensors are fitted.
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Space & Practicality
Audi describes the A5 as a four-seater – but that depends on who the four are. The rear seats are too cramped for tall adults, as the roofline restricts rear headroom and there’s little leg- and kneeroom. Even kids will find it rather claustrophobic in the back. However, the car does at least have a big boot and folding rear seats for plenty of luggage space, while the wide doors make access to the rear reasonably easy.
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Equipment
You won't want for luxuries in the A5, but there's plenty more you can add to personalise the car, too. Leather upholstery, a concert sound system compatible with MP3 players, climate control, light and rain sensors and xenon headlights are standard. The flagship S5 model has sports seats, bigger wheels and some unique trim details.
A5 used car reviews
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Audi A5 Coupe 2.0 TFSI S/S 211 2dr
There are quicker A5s, but few drivers will feel short-changed by the 208bhp 2.0 TFSI. It's quick, refined, economical and won't hit company drivers with a hefty tax bill.
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