Audi

A5 Coupe/Cabriolet/Sportback

With attention-grabbing acceleration, the A5 really is an exceptional car in many ways. Its eye-catching lines, top-of-the-range features and exhilarating performance, mean drivers will have every reason to look forward to their next journey.

The good

Streamlining, power and performance

The bad

Initial outlay - stiff competition in premium segment

Tech Specs

Price from

£29,190

Combined Fuel up to

67.3mpg

0-62 from

5.1 seconds

max speed up to

155mph

co2 from

109g/km

Test Drive

Audi A5 Coupe 35 TFSI 150PS Sport S tronic (2021)                        

With powerful styling and a generous range of tech to explore, the two-door Audi A5 Coupe delivers all the performance to match its dynamic good looks and the price is quite attractive too.

The latest A5 Coupe is very much based on the popular A5 saloon, but it features two doors instead of four, along with more muscular design traits. It certainly has plenty of road presence measuring 4.7 metres in length and stretching more than two metres across.

But with its low-slung stance, the dynamism of the car’s styling cannot be ignored. There are striking 18-inch alloy wheels, twin tailpipes, sweeping light clusters, a sunroof and sporty bumpers to complete the look.

Move inside and the clutter-free, yet elegant cabin oozes quality with fine leather upholstery, ambient lighting, soft-touch surfaces and plenty of tech to explore.

Creature comforts include a neat 12.3-inch colour digital instrument cluster behind the steering wheel where all the vital driving data is viewed and it can be personalised to taste.

But the main focal point within the cabin is a 10.1-inch high-resolution infotainment touchscreen from which there is access to the likes of the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, DAB digital radio, navigation and Bang & Olufsen sound system, which was part of the Comfort and Sound Pack that added £1,395 to the cost.

Speaking of cost, the entry-level Audi A5 Coupe Sport that we tested, was priced at £38,080 although a few optional extras saw the final bill rise to £42,830. And that is competitively priced for a premium manufacturer these days.

The car was powered by an efficient 2.0-litre petrol engine delivering 150PS and 270Nm of torque. It could reach 62mph from a standing start in 8.9 seconds, maxed out at 130mph and could deliver a combined 45.6mpg with carbon emissions of 141g/km under WLTP testing.

The performance is not blisteringly fast, but if speed is your thing, there are more powerful engines to choose from in the line-up or the mighty S5 and RS5 models that would certainly deliver the goods.

However our car was no slouch either and cruised with ease on motorways eating up the miles and it also delivered the goods when faced with twisting country lanes where the road holding was assured and its balance impressed through tight bends.

The vehicle felt really composed without being dull and there are drive modes called Comfort, Auto, Dynamic and Individual that change the reactions of the car. The eight-speed S tronic automatic gearbox is perfectly timed, but you can take control of the gear changes via steering wheel paddles if you want.

Special mention to the well-weighted steering and nicely refined handling of this coupe. It was riding on 18-inch wheels which perfectly suited it. Go larger and the ride would get more fidgety and there would be extra road rumble noise to contend with.

Comfort levels within the A5 Coupe are good up front with bags of space to stretch out. There are two seats in the back, but any passengers would have to clamber over the folded front seats to get in or out. And if the front seats are pushed well back, rear leg space is limited too.

The boot can swallow 450 litres of kit and, inside the cabin, there is a lockable glovebox, a central cubby box, cup holders, a wireless charging pad beneath the front armrest, narrow door bins and a deep tray.

Even the entry-level A5 Coupe, as tested, comes with a generous array of safety kit and driver aids, including Pre-sense city that detects vehicles and pedestrians in front of the car. If a collision is likely, the driver is warned and, if the warnings are ignored, the car will automatically brake at speeds of up to 52mph. This is just one of the many safety systems featured as standard.

All in all, the Audi A5 Coupe is a beautifully styled two-door model that is packed with innovative technology and certainly ticks all the right boxes when it comes to handling.

Test Drive

Audi A5 Coupe 40 TFSI Vorsprung S tronic (2019)

Boasting an athletic yet muscular design that is perfectly complemented by its performance capabilities, the latest Audi A5 Coupe, in Vorsprung trim, is guaranteed to put a smile on any driving enthusiast’s face.

When viewed from any angle, this super-sleek two-door model certainly has the ‘wow’ factor and it oozes class thanks to its dynamic front end with a chunky grille, rippled bonnet and sweeping light clusters. There is privacy glass, twin tail pipes, smart alloy wheels and the Audi rings on the rear skirts as a not-so-gentle reminder to the car’s heritage.

Step inside the premium-styled cabin and the A5 Coupe is packed with all the latest infotainment and connectivity technology with a real sporty theme to the design. The fine Nappa leather sports seats are embossed with the letter ‘S’ as is the flat-bottomed steering wheel.

A sunroof allows light to flood into the cabin and the controls, dials and readouts are perfectly positioned for ease of use. On-board techno treats are plentiful with the likes of powered front seats, a Bang and Olufsen sound system, a wireless charger, three-zone climate control, heated seats and lots more besides.

The many features such as sat nav, smartphone access and audio setup are easily controlled via a rotary dial with short-cut keys to various systems, along with a clear high-definition infotainment screen.

Our test car carried a £50,285 price-tag, although a few optional extras saw the final cost creep up to £51,885. It was powered by a 2.0-litre, 190PS petrol engine delivering 320Nm of torque and this was matched to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission which helped the car power to 62mph from a standing start in 7.3 seconds and onto a top speed of 150mph, while delivering a combined 39.2mpg (WLTP) and carbon emissions of 137g/km.

But it’s the manner in which the A5 Coupe performs that is the big news here. It powers effortlessly through the automatic gearbox with steering wheel-mounted paddles for extra driver control. The acceleration is constant and the grip is ultra-assured. It’s a car that eats up the motorway miles with ease then loves to show its true credentials when unleashed on the quieter country lanes with sharp handling and reactions, plus superb steering feedback.

The driver can switch through various drive modes called Efficiency, Comfort, Auto, Dynamic and individual that alter the way the car reacts with Dynamic proving the most fun out on the open road!

As the A5 Coupe is quite low to the ground, you can expect to feel the occasional bump or two, but generally the suspension system does a very good job of ironing out the rougher surfaces along the way.

Being an Audi, there are some clever touches. For example, when you first take your seat, the seatbelt is presented over the shoulder to save you reaching back to find it. A Park Assist system will make you look a complete expert when squeezing into a tight parking space and the really chunky gear lever is another neat feature. The virtual cockpit is also worth mentioning as it can be personalised according to taste. It is class through and through.

Space in the rear seats is somewhat limited although the front seats can easily be folded forward when needed. And storage options are also quite restricted which is pretty standard in the coupe sector. There is a decent sized glovebox, a couple of cup holders and really narrow door pockets that are not very practical at all. On the plus side, the deep boot can accommodate 465 litres of kit.

As one would expect, the car is packed with safety kit making the A5 Coupe a complete package for anyone looking for a two-seater that drives as dynamically as it looks. Admittedly, it’s not cheap but you do get a whole lot of car for the outlay.

Test Drive

Audi A5 and S5 Cabriolet – first drive (2017)

It’s that time of year again the spring is sprung, the evenings are drawing out and there is a glimpse, albeit a slight one, that summer is just around the corner. So it must be the perfect moment to launch a new convertible model.

And that is exactly what Audi has just done. Following hot on the treads of the all-new second generation A5 Coupe and Sportback, the latest A5 cabriolet models offer the very best of open-top motoring – and we Brits simply love the opportunity to get the top down at the first hint of sunshine.

According to the premium German brand, the A5 cabrio has evolved and been built on the strengths of the outgoing model and is new from the ground up. It has shed the pounds so is lighter by 55kgs, it is 47mm longer, 8mm slimmer and has a wheelbase that has increased by 14mm. In addition the car is more fuel efficient.

Once inside, the three-layered fully acoustic hood can be raised in 15 seconds at speeds of up to 31mph and it closes in 18 seconds. And for that little touch of Audi magic, there are microphones in the headrests of the two front seats so that the driver or passenger can enjoy making telephone conversations with the roof down.

The interior has been given quite a makeover and now incorporates all the latest infotainment options along with 30 driver assistance systems. Headroom and shoulder room has been increased and there is an ultra slim profile dashboard with a continuous band of air vents and a 3D inlay that runs the entire width of the dash. Audi’s fabulous virtual cockpit, which allows the driver to alter the display and readouts, is also available as an option.

Standard equipment levels are high with the likes of alloy wheels, twin leather heated seats, LED daytime running lights, Audi smartphone interface, Audi drive select to alter the driving modes, 3-zone climate control and plenty more besides.

The convertible is available with a choice of four or six cylinder engines and can also feature the company’s new S tronic gearbox. Prices range from £35,235 for the entry level A5 Cabriolet up to £51,835 for the all-singing, all-dancing S5 Cabriolet.

We tested out a couple of models on sweeping Warwickshire roads where we were even blessed with a little warmth and above all, no rain. That meant the roof could be lowered, the wind deflector raised and off we popped!

First up was the A5 Cabriolet 2.0-litre TDI 190PS S line S tronic priced at £41,780 (£47,805 with options). This car can reach from 0-62mpg in 8.3 seconds, maxes out at 144mph and according to official figures can deliver a combined 60.1mpg with carbon emissions of 124g/km (on 19-inch wheels).

The first thing to say about the A5 convertible is how beautifully sculpted it looks. There are sharp lines and creases and it looks exceptionally athletic whilst maintaining a certain elegant stance. It’s a car that’s very difficult to walk past without directing an admiring glance towards.

Move inside and the clutter-free cabin is feature rich and looks ultra modern in its layout. Audi has left no stone unturned in its bid to shed the pounds to improve efficiency and even the carpets are made from a lighter material as is the brake pedal which is now formed from aluminium. They may sound like small adjustments but running costs are high on most people’s agenda these days.

Comfort levels within the car are truly excellent and there is room for a couple of adults in the back too with luggage space of 380 litres. The 40:20:40 split-folding rear seats increase that capacity even further.

The test car was powered by a 2.0-litre 190PS diesel engine mated to a 7-speed dual clutch transmission and it performed wonderfully well. On twisting country lanes the road holding was super-grippy meaning it could be pushed into bends with plenty of confidence. The ride was smooth even on the larger wheels and noise levels with the roof raised are kept to a minimum.

The steering is also nice and precise with plenty of driver feedback and the ride comfort levels are high with virtually no body roll.

In busy town centres, the car was a head turner as it cruised along, sashaying its way through the busy traffic and then as soon as the open road presented itself, it simply couldn’t wait to show off to a crowd. The different driving modes mean you can alter the car’s handling and responses, plus paddle shifts allow you to take more control of the gear changes.

Next up was the mighty S5 Cabriolet 3.0 TFSI quattro 354PS Tiptronic priced at £50,350 (£61,190 with options fitted). This model could blast its way to 62mph from a standing start in just 5.1 seconds, redlined at a limited 155mph and it can deliver 36.2mpg on a combined run with emissions of 177g/km.

If it’s an open-top with attitude that rocks your boat, then look no further as the S5 has it all. It looks the business with its dynamic styling, oozes class within the cabin and delivers all the edge-of-the-seat handling you could possibly wish for.

The S5 Cabriolet is a car that can cope with dreary, cold and wet days, but thrives on a heatwave. The acceleration is blisteringly fast and once again, the car is kept firmly on course. This particular model also featured Audi’s all-wheel-drive quattro system for extra grip and it boasted an eight-speed Tiptronic transmission which is super slick and races through the gears. Switch the car into ‘dynamic’ mode for the most brutal ride and handling and when you want a little less excitement there are other modes such as Efficiency, Comfort, Auto and Individual. That said; the car seems happiest in Dynamic along with the driver!

All in all the new A5 and S5 Cabriolet models are a very welcome addition to the Audi 5 line-up. They are beautifully crafted, packed to bursting with techno treats and class-leading safety systems plus they drive like a dream. Now it’s just a case of roll on the summer!

Test Drive

Audi A5 Coupe 3.0 TDi quattro 218PS S line S tronic

With sizzling hot styling and performance capabilities to match the second generation Audi A5 coupe is a super slick alternative to its rival German marques.

The elegant, sporty coupe looks exquisite from every possible angle thanks to its streamlined profile, muscular stance, privacy glass, matrix LED headlight, twin tailpipes and prominent 19-inch alloys.

Audi tailors and equips its interiors exceptionally well and the A5 Coupe is further proof of that fact with its clutter-free, premium-styled and technology-rich cockpit packed to bursting with all the latest infotainment and connectivity features imaginable.

On-board technology at your disposal includes the likes of a pitch perfect Bang and Olufsen 3D sound system, a high resolution colour infotainment screen, heated and electrically-adjustable seats, Audi’s virtual cockpit which enables the driver to personalise the screen’s display to highlight certain information and a row of air vents that stretch the length of the dashboard.

The low-slung sports seats are super-supportive and can be adjusted every which possible to find the perfect driving position and the flat-bottomed 3-spoke leather multi-function steering wheel is a not-so-subtle hint at what’s in store.

The test car was powered by a 3.0-litre 218PS diesel engine mated to a 7-speed dual clutch transmission. It carried a £40,690 price-tag, but in true Audi tradition the optional extras bumped the cost up by an additional £6,735 (you could buy a new Dacia Sandero for the price of those options!). The A5 Coupe could sprint to 62mph from a standing start in 6.2 seconds and redlined at 155mph (the Dacia Sandero can’t quite match those performance stats!). And according to official figures the Audi can deliver combined fuel economy of 54.3mpg with carbon emissions of 127g/km. During my week-long test of the car I was seeing a very respectable average of 46.3mpg.

Audi is a brand that prides itself on its attention to details and one feature that gained my attention very quickly was the metal bar that automatically moves forward to present the driver and passenger seatbelts when the engine is started. It may sound rather inconsequential and trifling but it means you don’t have to lean back to grab at the seatbelt – a truly premium design touch.

And when it comes to performance, the A5 Coupe is an absolute joy to drive delivering all the luxury and comfort associated with the Audi name plus all the dynamism expected from a sporty coupe. In busy town centres the car cruised along with ease weaving effortlessly through the crowds. The all-round visibility was good and parking is made easier thanks to the sensors and reversing camera.

Then out on the faster open roads, the car really comes alive. The road-holding is ultra-grippy with Audi’s quattro all-wheel-drive keeping it firmly planted no matter what the weather is throwing its way. The ride is surprisingly smooth despite sitting pretty low to the Tarmac and the highly-efficient suspension irons out the bumpy surfaces while the cabin remains well insulated against any road, wind or engine noise.

A Drive Select feature allows you to choose from four different driving modes called Efficiency, Comfort, Auto and Individual which alter the car’s handling and dynamics while the option of paddle shifts means you can take more control over the gear changes whenever you want.

However, be warned as the acceleration is very fast through the gears and this is a car that quickly reaches the national speed limit so it’s worth keeping a watchful eye on the speedo.

Comfort levels are good for all occupants and even the duo of back seat occupants benefit from ample space once they have clambered into position. And despite being on larger wheels the ride quality was also high.

One factor worth keeping in mind is the length of the doors. Being a coupe model they tend to open very wide, so take care when parking to allow enough space to get out and back in again when you return to the vehicle.

All in all, the A5 Coupe is up against some fierce opposition with the likes of the Mercedes C-Class Coupe and BMW 4 Series competing for attention, but it’s an excellent car that delivers on all counts – it looks amazing, drives beautifully, is packed with creature comforts and offers competitive pricing and running costs along the way.

Test Drive

Audi A5 Sportback SE Technik 2.0 TDI 177PS

Premium is a word that is too often bandied around by manufacturers who feel they are something a little bit special and oh-to-often come up wanting.

But one company with every right to use the label with ease is Audi and another example of its stylish craftsmanship combined with class-leading technology and engineering is the A5 Sportback.

For this strikingly elegant vehicle is a classic example of all-round packaging from the German marque thanks to its sleek, eye-catching streamlining, beautifully designed and feature-rich interior, plus excellent driving dynamics.

The A5 Sportback looks great from any angle thanks to its sweeping light clusters, honeycomb grille, body-coloured door handles and door mirrors, 18-inch V-spoke design alloys and tinted windows.

The interior is equally impressive with a vast array of top notch techno treats to be explored.

These include an efficient sat nav system with colour screen, Bluetooth connectivity, dual-zone air conditioning, a rear parking camera and sensors and Audi’s impressive multi-media interface which offers access to all the car’s creature comforts in an easy-to-operate manner.

Audi has incorporated the finest leathers and materials to create a comfortable and classy environment for all occupants and thanks to the car’s length, even back seat passengers can stretch out in style. That said, I did find getting in and out of the driver’s seat a little unusual initially as you seem to climb in around the door pillar.

Storage will never be an issue with the A5 Sportback as the boot is truly massive. It’s not that deep, but it stretches quite a distance. It can hold 480 litres worth of luggage and with the 60:40 split-folding rear seats down this capacity increases to 1,283 litres. There are also a number of handy storage compartments throughout the car, including a generously-sized glovebox, deep central bin, cup holders and door pockets.

So the A5 Sportback looks the business, is packed with technology and offers good all-round comfort and refinement. But how does it perform when put to the test?

The answer is remarkably well. The 2.0-litre diesel-driven engine delivers plenty of fizz and there is a constant supply of power on tap as the car moves smoothly and effortlessly through the six-speed manual gearbox.

The road-holding is sublime and tight bends can be attacked and conquered with ease. Even the UK’s appalling road surfaces pose no problem as the vehicle’s excellent suspension system helps it absorb all bumps, dips and potholes along the way.

Another bonus is the quietness within the cabin. Once you close the doors, it’s like you are shutting the world away and even at higher speeds there is very little engine or road surface sound to speak of.

The driver can select from a number of driving modes – auto, dynamic, individual, efficiency and comfort – which alter the car’s handling and dynamics accordingly. Dynamic is the most fun, but comfort or efficiency are most likely going to be the choice of business executives as they clock up the motorway miles.

According to official Audi stats, the A5 Sportback can achieve 61.4mpg and features such as the auto stop/start help it deliver such impressive figures.

But the car is also quite capable of delivering an edge-of-the-seat performance when required with a 0-62mph sprint time of just 8.5 seconds and a top speed of 142mph.

As one would expect, Audi has fitted a comprehensive array of safety features into the car. As well as the more instantly recognisable functions, it also includes an optional Technology Package with features such as adaptive cruise control with braking guard and Audi active lane assist.

All in all, The Audi A5 Sportback is a brilliant executive car with a truly premium feel to it. And the price-tag of £31,175 rising to £35,045 with the options fitted won’t break the bank either.

Test Drive

Audi A5 Sportback 3.0 TDI SE S-tronic

Guaranteed to stand out in any crowded car park, the beautifully crafted Audi A5 is certainly making a great impression on the world of motoring.

Boasting sweeping streamlining and a top notch spec list, the A5 could be the perfect car for the business driver… where initial cost isn’t an issue that is!.

That’s because this gorgeous creature will set you back a staggering £44k and out of that the extras alone add up to £11k, enough to buy a cute city runaround and take the family to Florida for a fortnight.

But if price is not the main issue on your car buying wish list, the A5 is worth every penny.

The quality of design throughout is outstanding and the performance itself can, at times, be mind-blowing.

The Sportback model that I tested is based on the popular A5 coupe, but with a longer and wider wheelbase, it offers extra leg and shoulder room to occupants.

From the second you set foot inside the A5, you cannot fail to be impressed by the technology. There are leather heated seats that are easily adjusted electronically to find the perfect driving position and the controls, dials and levers are easily accessible too.

There are features such as an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, an electric slide and tilt glass sunroof, alloy wheels and the mightily impressive Bang & Olufsen audio system.

Then there is the drive itself, which adds up to sheer class. Through a busy city centre it was both responsive and moved smoothly through the automatic transmission.

Then out on the open road, the 3-0-litre engine delivered ample power and hugged tight bends at speed for fun.

My only criticism – and it’s a small one – was that due to the beautiful streamlined design of the vehicle, visibility through the rear window is a little limited.

As one would expect from Audi, the safety spec is excellent for driver and passengers alike. For example, full-size airbags stand at the ready in case of a frontal collision. A sensor reports the seating position to the control unit so that it can adaptively trigger the belts and airbags. That means the best possible protection for passengers large and small in all types of collisions.

Added to this are numerous other quality features that really prove Audi cares about its reputation for providing some of the safest cars to roll off the production line today.

All in all, the A5 may cause a stir in the finance department, but if you are thinking of splashing out, it’s certainly one to take seriously.

Test Drive

Audi A5 Sportback 2.0 Tdi S line

Sleek, stylish and brimming over with quality, the new Audi A5 is guaranteed to draw attention wherever it goes.

Supplied in Daytona Grey with 19-inch alloys, tinted windows, twin tailpipes and body-coloured door mirrors, the A5 Sportline looks great from every angle and the build quality is just as impressive once you take your seat behind the multi-function steering wheel.

The on-board technology and levels of comfort and luxury cannot fail to impress as you sink into the black fine Nappa leather seats

Creature comforts include cruise control, Audi drive select to choose the driving style to suit your mood and personal preferences, a brilliant sound system with 3G hard drive, DAB radio, CD changer and DVD player, sat nav and a whole host of additional quality features.

Comfort levels are exceptionally high and the two rear seat passengers are treated to ample leg, head and elbow space and are guaranteed to arrive refreshed even after a lengthy run. There is room for a third back seat passenger although space is a tad limited.

Being an S line model, the car also featured specialist badging and a few extra stylish trademarks including matt brushed aluminium inlays, black headlining and sports suspension.

In all honesty, the A5 Sportback oozes class and the performance lives up to the big build up too.

The 2.0-litre diesel-driven engine proved ample power both in and around town and out on the open road.

The six-speed manual transmission is smooth and very responsive and the overall ride is so smooth, it really feels like you’re gliding along.

All-round visibility is good and the rear parking sensors make squeezing into tight spaces a real doddle.

Storage is no issue either as the A5 Sportback ahs a very generously-sized boot and a through-load option too. Elsewhere, there are a number of smaller storage compartments scattered throughout the cabin.

As one would expect, Audi has piled a comprehensive list of safety features into the car, such as anti-lock brakes, electronic brakeforce distribution, electronic stability programme, numerous airbags and even a tyre pressure loss indicator (£75 extra).

All in all, the A5 Sportback is not cheap £31,250 rising to £36,955 with optional extras, but for that outlay you get a brilliant car which is elegant in design and packed to bursting with technology.