Audi A5 Coupe (2016-2024) - Engines, performance and drive
Smooth and comfortable, but the A5 lacks the excitement you get from a BMW 4 Series
Just so you know, this is an older review of the 2016-2024 Audi A5 Coupe. If you are interested in information about the latest Audi A5, or news of upcoming Audi models, please follow the links provided.
Despite its sporty coupe looks the Audi A5 is very civilised and refined to drive. It’s based on the same chassis as the A4 saloon and comes with a range of different suspension options which alter the way it drives.
Turn into a corner and the A5 on standard suspension, rather than adaptive dampers, responds more quickly than a BMW 4 Series, plus there’s a little less body roll. Yet the steering isn’t as well weighted as the BMW's, while mild torque steer upsets the front-wheel-drive A5’s composure when powering out of slower bends – four-wheel-drive versions are more planted in similar situations.
Take things easier, and the A5 impresses as a relaxed and refined cruiser. On the standard suspension set-up it’s a little firm at low speed, particularly on optional 19-inch alloys, but go faster and the dampers will do a good job of filtering out road imperfections. Wind noise is also well suppressed, while the tall-striding seventh gear in cars fitted with the S tronic gearbox keeps mechanical intrusion to a minimum.
0-62mph acceleration and top speed
The entry-level engine is the 35 TFSI – a turbocharged two-litre with 148bhp and an 8.9-second 0-62mph time. The same engine produces 201bhp in the 40 TFSI and 0-62mph takes 7.1 seconds. The most powerful petrol engine in the standard range is the 45 TFSI, which produces 261bhp and manages the 0-62mph sprint in 5.5 seconds – thanks in part to its standard quattro four-wheel drive system.
The 35 TDI 2.0-litre diesel makes 161bhp and can hit 62mph from rest in 8.2 seconds, while the 201bhp 40 TDI reaches 60mph in 6.9 seconds with quattro four-wheel drive. All models use the same seven-speed automatic gearbox. It's worth noting that the entry-level Sport trim isn't offered with the more powerful 40 or 45 TFSI petrol engine or 40 TDI diesel.
The top-of-the-range RS 5 is powered by a 2.9-litre V6 with 444bhp – 0-62mph takes 3.9 seconds and top speed is electronically limited to 155mph.
