Audi A5 Summary
The Audi A5 is a luxury small car that offers elegant style, opulent comforts and versatility in a variety of body styles and trims. Choose from the coupe (fixed roof), convertible or hatchback, which come with the choice of automatic or manual transmission. The standard turbocharged four-cylinder engine isn’t the most powerful, but there is a V6 engine available with select models. S-line trims offer sporty suspensions and stronger engines for a more impressive performance. The high-quality interior and range of available models make the Audi A5 a popular choice.
Audi A5 Safety
Standard features in all Audi A5s from its first production year in 2008 include:
- Anti-lock braking system to prevent skidding
- Traction control and Electronic Stability Control to maintain control on slippery surfaces
- Daytime running lights so other drivers can always spot you
- Fog lamps
- Driver and passenger airbags
High-end trim levels and later model years also offer an optional back-up camera for assistance when reversing or parking (2008), blind spot monitoring to detect vehicles just out of sight (2009) and a lane departure alert feature to notify the driver of any veering (2016).
Audi A5 Interior
The Audi A5’s high-quality interior comes with a long list of upscale comforts. The following features are offered as standard in all models:
- Leather-wrapped, adjustable steering wheel
- Leather seats
- Keyless entry
- Power door locks, mirrors and windows controlled with push-buttons
- Front reading lamps
- Rear floor mats
- Power steering
- Illuminated vanity mirrors for driver and passenger
High-end trim levels on 2017 models and onwards also offer heated seats and rain-sensing wipers.
Audi A5 Technology
The Audi A5 comes with AM/FM stereo, a CD player, satellite radio and an MP3 player as standard in all models. Models as of 2012 offer optional Bluetooth capability, and all generations have an optional navigation system and Audi’s Multi Media Interface (MMI) infotainment system—in models from 2017, you can choose between 6.5-inch, 7-inch or 8.3-inch display screen. The MMI system is enabled for voice recognition and smartphone compatibility via Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto®.
The 10-speaker stereo that is standard with all versions from 2010 can be upgraded to a premium Bang & Olufsen sound system. Some drivers find the MMI system on older versions difficult to operate, especially if it doesn’t include the optional navigation feature. However, this was improved in 2018 Audi A5s, which has a more user-friendly interface.
Audi A5 Space
The Audi A5 seats four people—five in the sportback body style—though the back seat can feel cramped. If that’s a concern, the Audi A5 four-door hatchback has extra room at the back. Cargo space is abundant in cars produced before 2018. The Audi A5 convertible has more than most of its competitors with 10.2 cubic feet, while the Audi A5 coupe has 12 cubic feet. The newest generation has slightly less cargo space, though fold-down rear seats offer extra room, with the hatchback model providing an outstanding 35 cubic feet.
Audi A5 Comfort
While the Audi A5's base version isn't as refined as others, the S-line package comes with sport suspensions for more agile handling. Air-conditioning is included as standard in all models, with tri-zone climate control available to adjust temperatures for different areas of the car. Adjustable driver's seat with lumbar support is also available with select trim levels, as well as a sunroof.