Audi A5


The Audi range had been lacking a classic four-seat GT coupe. The new A5 now fills this gap with a beautifully elegant, exclusive model, which embodies the marque's DNA. Test drive in Italy.

In the small world of premium coupes, things are ticking over nicely at 12,000 units per year. You don't have to be a Nostradamus to foresee that the new Audi A5 will immediately and effortlessly find its place here, alongside the BMW 3 Series coupe.

In more colloquial terms, one immediately feels like saying that the Audi A5 is a "real knock out". On the shores of Lake Garda, which is very popular with German tourists, it took a good five minutes for the crowd to disperse from around the vehicle! Gelato in hand, I waited quietly to one side.

Walter Da Silva, now design boss for the Volkswagen group, doesn't hesitate to call it "the most beautiful car I have ever designed". Width, power and elegance dominate the general aesthetics of the model, which will appeal to senior executives, although not so much to fans of sportiness. The single frame grille, emblematic of the new Audi design, is combined with very elaborate and particularly successful trapezoidal headlamps, which feature LED strip daytime running lights. The compact rear highlights the impression of quiet power.

Inside, I easily find my bearings (particularly thanks to the good proportions of the leather-sheathed steering wheel), with the entire cockpit being angled towards the driver. All the controls and the centre console displays are easy to read - there is no problem with instrument legibility, at least in daylight.

There's no doubt about it - this is a GT made for travelling. There is elbowroom and legroom, and a high roof; you can breathe. I will spare you the blurb about quality of materials and high-level finish of the assembly - that is the least that one can expect of Audi and the premium coupe sector. The only slight criticism - a recurring one throughout the automobile industry (all marques included) - is that the dreary shades leave an impression of gloominess, which is a shame in a car that is dedicated to driving pleasure and whose silhouette is all about dynamism.

Music lovers will appreciate the audio system designed by Danish specialist Bang & Olufsen. 4th-generation iPod (or USB key) owners will be able to purchase the Audi Music Interface (?200), which makes it possible to control content of the personal stereo via the central computer and multifunction steering wheel.

Equipped with a 455-litre boot and four individual seats, the Audi A5 perfectly fulfils its GT role. The metre-wide boot can hold a golf bag: this is effectively a car for senior executives fond of golf and weekends away at luxury hotels. The Audi A5 does not start with a conventional key, but with an electronic key inserted in the dashboard and a start/stop pushbutton. This intelligent key communicates with the car's onboard network and stores information such as mileage or warning messages, thereby facilitating after-sales servicing. As an option, the "advanced key" system identifies the key bearer, unlocks the doors and makes it possible to start by merely pressing the start/stop button.

For the launch of this new coupe, Ingolstadt has worked on a new generation of more dynamic chassis and optimised mass distribution (55/45% as opposed to 61/39% on an Audi A4) to the benefit of increased agility and driving pleasure. This is immediately confirmed during the test drive, with what is probably the most popular engine (at least in terms of sales.), the V6 3.0 TDI, flexible and smooth, never struggling, with its high torque and free revving.

UK prices range from ?30,175 to ?33,410 OTR, which is quite reasonable compared to the price of the S5, powered by a colossal 4.2 litre V8 with 354 PS, and available in one single version costing ?39,725!

All in all, the new Audi A5 coupe should, as we said earlier, easily make a name for itself in the premium coupe segment. It is, perhaps, lacking the slightly quirky or radical touch that makes the Audi TT, for example, so original.

Audi abandoned the luxury sport coupe market more than fifteen years ago, but now aims to shake it up again with its new A5. In 1991, when the company discontinued its Quattro Coupe, a ground-breaking car that was among the first high-performance vehicles to include all-wheel-drive, other automakers happily and capably filled the void. The new A5 enters a much more competitive landscape than the one it left more than a decade back; it's now filled with appealing entrants such as the BMW 3 Series Coupe, Infiniti G37 and Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class.

The A5 is one of the latest vehicles in Audi's product offensive designed to woo buyers and stoke loyalty with a variety of niche products. Even if the new A5 can't erase the memory of more than ten years of abandonment, its good looks and reasonable price make it worth cross-shopping against more long-running competitors.

Like the BMW 3 Series Coupe is to the 3 Series Sedan, the Audi A5 is positioned above the A4 in Audi's growing lineup. At 182.3 inches long, the A5 is slightly longer than the 181.1-inch-long 3 Series Coupe and about an inch shorter than the Mercedes CLK. The A5 is powered by a 265-hp 3.2-liter V6 engine, while the more performance-oriented S5 receives a 350-hp 4.2-liter V8. Both engines are used in other Audi models.

The higher-performance S5 reaches dealers first, coming this fall at around $52,000. The A5 won't hit the market until the first quarter of 2008, most likely in March. Its base price of around $40,000 could be worth holding out for, but those who yearn for ultimate performance and handling will prefer the S5.

Exterior

If it's attention you crave, the Audi A5 delivers. With a wide and low stance, wheels pushed to the corners and a stretched-out wheelbase, the A5 draws onlookers.

The overall form is modern and substantial, thanks to the A5's wide shoulder lines, high beltline and massive trapezoidal front grille that is framed by unique, optional LED daytime running lights. As part of an optional Adaptive Light package, the sixteen LEDs are serious eye candy. Below the headlights are the front fog lamps, tastefully trimmed in chrome.

The sportier S5 shares the A5's athletic styling, but its lower front fascia looks more aggressive.

The A5's back end, with its small but interesting details, does not disappoint. For instance, rather than tack on a strip of composite material to create a spoiler, the rear edge of the trunk lid subtly kicks up to benefit aerodynamics and preserve a clean aesthetic. The A5's distinctive LED taillights ensure that the attention garnered by the A5 during the day continues all through the night.

The Audi's chief designer, Walter de'Silva, who was also responsible for the Q7, the new TT and current A6, says that the A5 is the most beautiful vehicle he has ever designed. It strikes a balance between timeless elegance and dramatic flair, a combination that should serve it well in this mature segment where restraint is usually favored over flash.

Interior

Audi's interior designers must be descendants of fine watchmakers: They share an obsession for extreme precision and detail. Little touches like rubberized vent controls, satin-finished engine start button and knurled aluminum on the Multi Media Interface (MMI) control knob exemplify this engineering mentality.

These details add up to make the Audi A5's interior a rewarding space for any trip, long or short. Audi's familiar MMI controls most interior functions with a large rotary knob and thoughtfully chosen buttons on the center console that manipulate menus displayed on a 6.5-inch screen in the middle of the dash.

A six-disc CD changer is located in the center console area just below the central air vents. And below that are A/C controls, which are easy to operate, even with gloves on.

A thick, three-spoke steering wheel feels perfectly sized and is easily adjustable thanks to its manual tilt and telescoping feature. The gear shifter is well placed, but is awkwardly tall with surprisingly long throws. An adjustable armrest alleviates the awkwardness of the shift lever's height, though not entirely.

For a coupe, the A5's rear seats are surprisingly accommodating for two passengers. The A5 also has plenty of storage, from the compartments in the doors to the ones on the center console, which are perfect for a wallet or cell phone. Two cup holders in the front are big enough to fit huge lattes, but will obstruct the armrest.

Large outside mirrors are a welcome change from the small ones found on the 2007 A4 and A8.

Optional on the A5 is a truly phenomenal Bang & Olufsen premium sound system. Fourteen speakers are powered by a ten-channel amplifier that pumps out 505 watts. It should cost less than the $6,300 system on the A8.

Compared to the Bose system in the Audi S4, the A5's B&O setup will blow you away with clear mid-range and heart-pounding bass. Plus, the B&O speakers look classy and modern with aluminum surrounds.

The A5's 16.1 cubic feet of luggage space is remarkable, considering that the 3 Series holds just 11.1 cubic feet and the CLK just 10.4.

Performance

Though sufficiently powerful for everyday driving, the A5 doesn't necessarily feel like a high-performance coupe - for that, there's the S5. But those unwilling to cough up the S5's $12,000 premium will still get a quick vehicle with the A5.

Its 265-hp V6 with 243 pound-feet of torque propels the Audi A5 from 0-62 mph in 6.1 seconds, slightly faster than the BMW 328i Coupe. A six-speed manual transmission is standard, and buyers can also opt for a six-speed automatic.

Our A5 test vehicle had the six-speed manual. It felt imprecise moving the gears, especially compared to that of the BMW 3 Series.

The A5 comes standard with quattro all-wheel drive, which makes the car safer and more drivable in everyday situations and can improve acceleration at the expense of added weight, complexity and gas mileage. When pushing the A5 through quick turns, it feels heavier and less agile than the BMW 3 Series. But there is little body roll and the A5 stays planted, yet the ride is never harsh.

If you're looking for a more performance-oriented experience and don't want to spring for the S5, then consider the A5's S-Line package, whose stiffer suspension springs and dampers lower the body by 10 mm.

Large 16-inch disc brakes stop the 3,500-pound A5 with confidence. The steering feels direct and benefits from varying degrees of boost, depending on the speed - more boost makes the steering lighter when parking the car, less boost tightens it up when driving fast.

Overall, the A5 is fun to drive without being a chore. A quiet cabin filters unnecessary road noise, but not to the point of completely insulating you from the driving experience, as a Lexus does. The beauty of the A5 lies in its nearly ideal blend of sport and luxury - a trait most modern Audis are known for. It's practical and comfortable enough for everyday driving with enough style and performance to make a statement.

Is the Audi A5 for You?

Buy the A5 if You value subtle, restrained styling; you prefer the all-weather-security of AWD; you're considering the BMW 3 Series or Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class and want something that seems fresher and less ubiquitous.

Keep Looking if You crave all-out performance, in which case the S5 is worth considering; the styling is a bit too subtle for your tastes; fuel economy is a concern.

Who Fits? Front seats should accommodate all body types and sizes comfortably. Two adults will be happy in the rear for short to moderate-length trips, but three will be tight.

Closest Competitors BMW 3 Series Coupe, Infiniti G37 Coupe, Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class, Volvo C70