Introduction

The Audi A5, with its gorgeous lines, comes as a coupe, Cabriolet convertible, or practical five-door Sportback. It's for those who want the mechanical virtues of the A4, as under the skin the A5 is mostly the same. 

For 2020, the A5 (like the A4) gets sharper headlights, a slightly bolder grille, and new infotainment system that abandons the console control knob for a touchscreen. 

One thing different about the A5 is that it doesn't use the less powerful version of Audi's 2.0-liter turbo engine. The base A5 engine is the optional A4 engine; that is, a 248-horsepower turbo-4 with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. 

The A5 is quick, but for real speed there is the high-performance S5 and its 349-hp turbocharged V-6. 

Other virtues of the A5 are its responsive steering, its plush but firm ride, a clean interior with high-grade materials, high technology, and its safety. The coupe and convertible are sleek but snug in back; the Sportback solves that, while remaining relatively svelte. 

The A5 Coupe and Sportback are EPA-rated at 24 mpg city, 32 highway, 27 combined, on premium fuel, while the heavier Cabriolet gets 1 mpg less. The S5 is rated at 23/30/27 mpg. 

The latest A5 has earned top marks in every crash test done by the IIHS. The Sportback earned five stars overall from the NHTSA, with four stars in the frontal collision test. Automatic emergency braking is standard equipment in every A5, while adaptive cruise control, active lane control, and other active safety features are optional. 

Lineup

The A5 comes as Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige trims. It's well equipped at every level. Coupes and Sportbacks cost $43,895 to start, while convertibles run $7,000 more and are equipped about the same. 

The S5 with its more powerful V-6 engine starts at $52,895, while the S5 Cabriolet is $61,195 including destination. The Cabriolet soft top can be raised at speeds up to 31 mph. 

The base Premium comes with leather upholstery, moonroof, power front seats, and a 10.1-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The Premium Plus adds a digital instrument cluster and a few active safety features. The Prestige adds a Bang & Olufsen audio system, navigation, adaptive cruise control, a head-up display, and more. 

Walkaround

The Coupe and Cabriolet are stylish, no doubt about that. The surprise might be that the Sportback is even more beautiful. It seems to take the stunning Audi A7 and downsize it. 

The 2020 facelift is subtle, boasting new LED headlamps and a grille that cuts into the bumpers a bit. There are also new wheel designs. Also a number of available colors for the soft Cabriolet top. 

Interior

The A5 cabin is clean, with sharp lines and high-quality materials. We like the classy earthtone colors–rich browns with matte-wood trim–for the leather upholstery. Like the A4, it has a low dash and 10.1-inch touchscreen that rises from it. The latest infotainment system does away with the console-mounted control knob, which we won't miss. 

Even convertibles are quiet thanks to their well-padded soft tops. 

The front seats are comfortable for all sizes, with their power adjustment. The optional sport seats have more bolstering. 

Because of the roofline, not to mention the fact that there are only two doors, entry into the rear seat of the Coupe is difficult. The Cabriolet is better when you drop the top and just hop in. The five-door Sportback again solves this problem, and while you're there it provides a generous 35 inches of leg room. 

The Sportback also wins the cargo contest by about double over the Coupe and Convertible. It has nearly 22 cubic feet behind the rear seat, nearly as much as some crossover SUVs, although not quite as much as the A4 Allroad wagon. 

Driving Impression

Even with a healthy 248 horsepower, you might consider the A5 a cruiser with verve, more than a sport coupe. Call it a modern interpretation of a personal luxury coupe. The steering is light but responsive, while the ride falls perfectly between lush and firm. 

The 2.0-liter turbo-4 engine, mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, is familiar. It works well in the A5, which weighs around 3,700 pounds. The transmission's paddle shifters aren't as slick as they should be, thanks to curious ergonomics, although they function well enough to do rapid shifts with the fast twin-clutch 7-speed. 

The Quattro all-wheel-drive system keeps it well balanced, with good grip on any pavement. The low-profile tires that come on most versions help handling but do not help traction in rain, ice or snow. 

The standard suspension with 18-inch wheels is tuned fairly softly. The optional sport suspension pairs 19-inch wheels with stiffer springs, making the ride sharper but not harsh. 

There are four driving modes: Comfort, Normal, Dynamic, and Custom. The modes in the A5 set steering resistance, throttle mapping, and transmission response. 

If you have the need for speed, look beyond the A5 to the S5. It's powered by a 349-hp 3.0-liter turbocharged V-6 with 369 lb-ft of torque. Tied to an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, it can roar from 0 to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds. There's also an S5 Sportback that hits 60 mph in 4.5 seconds, and an S5 Cabriolet in 4.8 seconds. An available sport package adds adaptive damping and a rear differential for better grip and quicker cornering. A variable steering ratio is also available to tighten up the feel in Dynamic mode. 

Summary

The Audi A5 takes the A4 basics and makes them more stirringly beautiful. It's even more thrilling in S5 trim, especially in super-stylish Sportback spec. 

 

-by Sam Moses with driving impressions by The Car Connection.