Audi A5:In 2008, Audi introduced the A5, a high-end sports coupe. For the 2010 model year, the company continued its legacy of producing coupes and convertibles, which began with the Coupe Quattro in the 1980s, by adding a soft-top convertible option. The German automaker didn’t provide the Sportback option, a low-slung five-passenger sedan with a large, roomy trunk opening, until the most recent version debuted in 2018. Building on the popularity (and platform) of the smaller A4, Audi crafts the 2023 A5 with an abundance of flair and clever engineering.
A few new features for the A5 for 2023 include matrix-design LED headlights and standard 18-inch 5-double-spoke design wheels for all three body types (coupe, sedan, and convertible). A redesigned S-line exterior with wood trim, sports front seats, and lighted door sill inlays is available for the Cabriolet. Not only does the top-tier Prestige trim come with a Bang & Olufsen sound system with 3D sound, but the Premium Plus variation also gets one as standard.
With so many different body types available, the A5 competes with a broad range of vehicles; nevertheless, its primary competitors are the Mercedes-Benz C-Class (which provides a conventional sedan, coupe, and convertible), the Lexus IS sedan, and the RC Coupe. Audi undercuts Mercedes and BMW on pricing, yet neither the IS nor the RC is less expensive. Like these other companies, Audi also provides more powerful models, such as the S5 and the rare RS5. However, they’re less extreme than the V8-powered IS-F and RC-F, Mercedes-AMG C64, or BMW’s M4.
Unless you choose the Sportback, which adds a milder engine choice—a base 40 TFSI with 201 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque—A5s are fitted with a turbo 2.0-litre four-cylinder motor producing 261 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. Fuel efficiency, power, and performance are comparable to the entry-level 4 Series, IS, and C-Class vehicles. The S5 has a powerful 349-hp V6 and noticeably more excellent acceleration than the M4 or IS-F, but it is comparable to the mid-range BMW M440i vehicles. Customers will require the 444-hp RS5, only available as a coupe or Sportback, for that speed.
All A5s have all-wheel drive (AWD), and the engine choices for the A5 and S5 provide comparable fuel economy results. At 28 mpg overall (24 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway), the Sportback variant performs somewhat better than the coupe and convertible. The Mercedes-Benz C300 and BMW 330i achieve combined fuel economy ratings of 29 mpg and 30 mpg, respectively. The S5 and RS5 models saw fewer numbers, although not nearly as much as its powerful AMG, M, and -F competitors. With limited coverage for four years or 50,000 miles and a powertrain warranty with the same conditions, Audi’s warranty is typical for its class.
Although the Audi A5 lacks the top-tier luxury of the Mercedes-Benz or the agile thrill of the BMW, it makes up for its unique charms and is a more fashionable and contemporary car than the RC. Like Simone Biles, the A5 is an excellent all-around performer who excels in almost every task despite several rivals having more talent in certain areas. The A5 is your best bet if you’re looking for a smooth, reliable driving experience with an exquisitely crafted cabin devoid of extra details. Whether it is a convertible, coupe, or sedan, this elegant vehicle offers a good combination.
Performance: Audi A5
There are two powertrain choices for the A5, both of which use a 2.0-liter inline-four turbocharger. The 40 TFSI is the first car in the lineup, with 236 pound-feet of torque and 201 horsepower. With a smooth increase to 261 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque, the 45 TFSI is the second. The A5 comes standard with the more potent option, whether a coupe or a convertible. All of them use a seven-speed gearbox that powers all four wheels.
The A5 pairs better with the 45 TFSI than the 4 Series and C-Class. The engine of the BMW 4 Series has the same displacement but produces 294 lb-ft of torque instead of 255 horsepower. The Mercedes-Benz C-Class has one more pound-foot of torque than the 4 Series but has almost identical figures. These three German automakers have perfected the art of precise handling and uncomplicated driveability without hesitating. You can’t go wrong with any of them, albeit Mercedes-Benz’s coupe and convertible are from the C-Class from the previous generation, not the one that will be released in 2022.
Look at the S5, Audi’s mid-range performance variant of the A5, which is available as a sedan, convertible, and coupe for additional power. The 3.0-litre V6 turbocharged engine in the S5, which also has all-wheel drive, produces 349 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. It is mated to an eight-speed automated gearbox. This year,
With its 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 engine that produces 444 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque and a blistering 3.5 seconds for the zero-to-60 run, the RS5 is the ultimate A5 experience. The RS5, which lacks a convertible option, lacks the extreme edge of the BMW M4 Competition, the V8-powered AMG C 63 S Coupe, the IS-F, and the RC-F. However, it is still reasonably quick. Although the new package for competition is attractive, it also increases the starting price to almost $90,000.
Fuel Efficiency: Audi A5
Every A5 has all-wheel drive, and the fuel economy of the two engine choices is comparable. At 28 mpg overall (24 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway), the Sportback variant performs somewhat better than the coupe and convertible. In contrast, the 2.0-litre engines of the Mercedes-Benz C300 and BMW 330i are the same. In this combination, the 330i achieves a combined fuel economy of 30 mpg, while the C300 comes in second with 29 mpg. Direct comparison shows Lexus cars get between 2 and 3 mpg less than Audi models on average.
Although the S5 and RS5 are expected to have inferior gas economy, it’s not as severe as you may assume. The S5 Sportback and coupe get 24 mpg, while the bulkier convertible gets 23. This is slightly less than the Mercedes-AMG C43 coupe and convertible or comparable IS and RC variants than their BMW M440i counterparts.
With a combined fuel economy of 21 mpg, the RS5 variants outperform the M4, IS-F, RC-F, and Mercedes-AMG C 63 S coupe by 2 to 3 mpg.
Driver assistance and safety:
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awards the 2023 Audi A5 Sportback and coupe a five-star overall rating, while the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) rates it as a Top Safety Pick+. Although there is little data from either agency for the convertible model, it is reasonable to presume that the crash structures and overall safety equipment of the two vehicles are comparable.
The only limited suite of driver-assist technology available on base A5 models includes lane departure warning and forward collision prevention; adaptive cruise control is standard on higher trim levels and is an extra $2,500 convenience package. Upgrade to the Premium Plus trim for a surround-view camera system, lane-keeping assistance, and blind-spot detection with cross-traffic warnings.
A clever automated parking system and a head-up display are also features of the top-tier Prestige trim. We would like to see Audi provide more of these items as standard equipment in the future, and the A5 loses some points for not having them.
Coziness & Space:
The A5’s inside is elegant and athletic, with cosy seats that can be adjusted to fit drivers of different heights thanks to a thigh extender. Audi doesn’t compromise car quality, and the A5 is better off. A comfortable sanctuary is created by the soft materials used on the dashboard and door panels, and the leather-wrapped steering wheel exudes luxury.
While the seats in BMW and Mercedes-Benz are as luxurious as those in the A5, the A5’s headrests are not as rigid as those in the Lexus IS. While the rear seat is seldom a significant factor in coupes and convertibles, the A5’s rear confines are more critical than those of the tight-fitting RC and tighter than those of the BMW 4 Series. They are also about the same as those of the C-Class two doors. At the same time, the more upright rooflines of the IS and C-Class aid in headroom; the 4 Series Gran Coupe has somewhat greater rear seat space than the A5 Sportback. However, none of the rear seats in these vehicles are exceptionally roomy.
Infotainment: Audi A5
Audi’s decisions for the A5 and other vehicles show that the firm is forward-thinking in technology. The driver’s side thin-film transistor liquid crystal display offers abundant information and a highly configurable, high-resolution screen. The premium Bang & Olufsen audio system in the A5 sounds good, providing crystal-clear music and enough programmable options to satisfy even the most discriminating audiophile.
A 10.1-inch infotainment screen and a brilliant 12.3-inch digital driver’s display are neatly integrated into the dashboard, and there are two well-positioned USB outlets up front. The A5’s system is compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and wireless charging with signal boost is available on higher trim levels.
Storage & Cargo Space:
Although the Sportback has 22 cubic feet of storage space behind the rear seats and 35 when folded, the coupe’s 10.9 cubic feet of trunk capacity may surprise you. It also has fold-flat rear seats. In contrast, the BMW 4 Series has 12 cubic feet, while the Mercedes-Benz C-Class car has 12.6 cubic feet. Compared to the A5, S5, and RS5 Sportbacks, the 4 Series Gran Coupe has less room behind the back seats but more overall (45.6 cubic feet). Nevertheless, neither a Mercedes-Benz nor a Lexus counterpart exists, nor is there a M version of the 4 Series Gran Coupe.
Unfortunately, Audi’s tiny storage areas don’t compensate for comparative disadvantages regarding total capacity. There is space for improvement since the console and cupholders are so small.
Design: Audi A5
Soft-touch materials complement textured metals and leather in the A5’s interior design to create a chic, contemporary atmosphere. Tall drivers may find the manual thigh extension on the chairs handy. However, the rear seat may be too narrow for long-legged individuals to comfortably fit in, particularly in the coupe and convertible models.
The A5 excels outdoors, with sweeping, sophisticated lines that match or surpass its rivals. Although the coupe and cabriolet models resemble muscle cars in many ways, they are much more aesthetically pleasant than the 4 Series’ bulbous front. They are well-balanced and athletic without being too dramatic. The Sportback’s sloping back end and each model’s softly curved front create a unique silhouette on the street, making the A5 an undeniably opulent vehicle.
Is the Audi A5 of 2022 Worth It?
The A5 is offered in three trim levels for 2023: Prestige ($56,095), Premium Plus ($50,795), and Premium ($45,195, including a $1,095 destination tax). However, the pricing shown is for the Sportback. If you choose a coupe, the cost increases by at least $2,100, reaching $47,295 for a Premium model. Suppose you choose a convertible. The cost increases by $8,800, or $53,995.
The more style you want, the more it will cost you; nevertheless, the same applies to BMW and Mercedes-Benz, which are much more expensive. Compared to the base-model IS and RC, these entry-level A5s are far more pleasurable to drive and hold their own against their German competitors.
Audi upgraded the Premium Plus model this year by adding a Bang & Olufsen high-end audio system, previously available only with an A5 Prestige. This improvement makes the mid-level Premium Plus trim the clear winner, especially when combined with the addition of brighter LED headlights, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and a surround-view camera system. At MSRP, there’s a $5,000 difference between the standard Premium and a level above.
Although the S5 is more expensive—it begins at $56,395 for the coupe or Sportback and $64,495 for the cabriolet—it is still somewhat cheaper than the BMW M440i counterparts and offers a perfect balance of amenities, speed, and elegance. The C43 coupe and convertible from Mercedes-AMG are much more costly ($63,650 and $73,300), making the S5 a pretty good value.
Starting at $76,995 for the coupe and $77,295 for the Sportback, the RS5 has much higher pricing points. The M4 Competition and AMG C 63 S versions may provide more thrill than the Competition package, which costs over $90,000. While it’s not nearly as fast in a straight line, the Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing is also more track-focused.
How Much Does Audi A5 Insurance Cost?
The wide range of A5 models means that insurance prices might vary significantly. The average yearly Premium for an A5 Quattro Prestige Sportback in all 50 states is $2,806 for a typical 30-year-old female driver with a spotless record. The ultra-hot RS5 costs $4,612, while the S5 variant reaches a total price of $3,416.612. But the same is true of Mercedes’ and BMW’s AMG and M versions. The pricing of the standard A5 is $3,143, the BMW 430i xDrive is $3,234, the Infiniti Q60 is $3,234, the Mercedes-AMG C 43 Coupe is $3,533, and the Lexus RC 350 F-Sport is $3,244.
Audi A5 Generations
Second Generation
2018-present
With its 2018 redesign, the A5 has welcomed the Sportback as a new group member. 2018 Audi upgraded the A5 with a new infotainment system and more sophisticated driver-assistance options, such as the digital Virtual Cockpit display. Audi notably increased the output of their 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine, which produced 252 horsepower in 2018.
First Generation
2008-2017
When the A5 was first introduced, it was only offered as a sports coupe. It had two engine options: a 3.2-litre FSI (fuel-stratified injection) V6 with 265 horsepower and 330 lb-ft of torque, or 240 horsepower, and a 2.7-litre TSI (turbo-stratified injection) V6 with 190 horsepower. 2011 Audi updated the A5 with additional driver-assistance systems and Bluetooth connection. 2009 saw the release of the A5 Cabriolet, which was a 2010 model.
Verdict
The elegant Audi A5, now in its sixth year of production, is just as well-built and attractive as ever. Known for its sleek, stylish, and spotless interiors, Audi draws inspiration from fashion experts for the A5 and its sportier sibling, the S5. All models are available in coupe, cabriolet, and sporty Sportback sedan forms; however, the most aggressive RS5 is limited to the latter two. Turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engines power the A5 and S5, the latest offering genuine speed, while the RS5 is equipped with a powerful V6. You don’t need to go far for a chic, modern driving experience to avoid the cosmetic debate surrounding the BMW 4 Series.
