Skip advert
Advertisement
Car group tests

Audi A5 Coupe

Can mid-life makeover keep two-door at top of its game?

You could easily miss the revised A5 in the endless barrage of new Audis. But the subtle changes are a compliment to a car that’s aged well over the last five years.

The smooth shoulder line and sweeping roof have been left unchanged, while the chunky haunches still provide an athletic appearance. Yet Audi has gently reshaped the bumpers, grille, bonnet and light clusters – and the changes are most noticeable on sporty S line models like ours, where the LED running lights surround the headlamp unit (this is an option on lesser versions).

Advertisement - Article continues below

The S line also gets sports suspension, and when combined with our test model’s £1,270 optional 20-inch wheels, this gives the A5 an eye-catching look. There’s a trade-off, though, as ride comfort is compromised.

Audi claims revisions to the suspension are designed to enhance the ride, so it will be interesting to see if the difference on SE models is noticeable; you’ll be hard pressed to spot an improvement on the S line.

Fortunately, in other areas, the A5 is more cosseting. For starters, there’s less road noise than in the C-Class, plus the cabin is as superb as we’ve come to expect from Audi. Again, the changes inside are subtle – but as the original A5 had upmarket materials, a smart layout and top-notch quality, that’s hardly surprising.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

Qashqai

2018 Nissan

Qashqai

52,849 milesManualDiesel1.5L

Cash £10,900
View Qashqai
5008

2022 Peugeot

5008

46,225 milesManualDiesel1.5L

Cash £18,506
View 5008
Puma

2023 Ford

Puma

67,042 milesManualPetrol1.0L

Cash £12,506
View Puma
EQC

2023 Mercedes

EQC

21,307 milesAutomaticElectric

Cash £26,000
View EQC

Tweaks include the introduction of a simplified MMI system, extra chrome detailing, gloss black trim and revised bezels on the instrument cluster and centre console. But all the basics are spot-on: the dash layout is attractive, the seats supportive and the driving position offers a wide range of adjustment.

Better still, the wraparound effect of the interior design keeps you at the heart of the action, while providing a sense of space.

Advertisement - Article continues below

You won’t appreciate this if you’re sitting in the cramped back seats, but rear legroom is no worse than in the Mercedes. Plus, practicality hasn’t been completely overlooked as the boot offers a 455-litre capacity, while split-fold rear seats are included as standard. Headroom is better than in the Mercedes, too.

The Audi also has an advantage under the bonnet: its 3.0-litre V6 TDI engine has 40bhp more power than the four-cylinder Mercedes, at 241bhp. However, both cars have 500Nm of torque – and this was highlighted at the track, where the Audi was just a few tenths of a second ahead in our in-gear tests.

The A5 was much quicker in the sprint from 0-60mph, though – recording a time of 5.7 seconds – thanks to its quattro four-wheel-drive system. And crucially, on the road the bigger TDI engine delivers its performance effortlessly. It’s quieter and more refined at start-up, too, while the seven-speed dual-clutch S tronic gearbox shifts smoothly in manual and auto modes.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

By combining the excellent engine with a chassis that delivers sure-footed handling, plus weighty steering and taut body control, the A5 is reassuring and satisfying to drive in equal measure. Its steering could provide more in the way of feedback, but the Audi turns into corners more sharply than the C-Class.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Our car was fitted with the £300 quattro rear sports differential, which transfers torque between the rear wheels, and you feel it helping you accelerate out of tight corners with little loss of traction. Keen drivers can also specify the £220 Audi Drive Select system, which allows you to fine-tune power-steering assistance, throttle response and gearshift points.

New to the revised car is an efficiency setting, which configures all the above functions, as well as the climate control, to optimise fuel economy. And it worked with the standard stop-start to help us return a solid 31mpg during the Audi’s time on test.

The A5 costs more to buy, but our experts predict it will hold on to its price better than the C-Class. So after three years, the amount you’ll lose to depreciation is much closer than you might think: less than £1,000.

It’s more of a polish than a rework, but the Audi was a top-class coupé to start with. So does it have the beating of the cheaper C250 CDI?

Details

Chart position: 1
WHY: The A5 has aged well since it went on sale in 2007, but Audi has smartened it up – and the car is ready to take on its rivals with renewed vigour.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

MG MG4

MG MG4

RRP £26,995Avg. savings £8,094 off RRP*Used from £13,199
Skoda Kodiaq

Skoda Kodiaq

RRP £38,140Avg. savings £3,019 off RRP*Used from £13,895
Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tucson

RRP £29,820Avg. savings £5,075 off RRP*Used from £14,448
Kia Sportage

Kia Sportage

RRP £28,065Avg. savings £2,233 off RRP*Used from £12,420
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k
Kia PV5 Passenger - show front

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k

New entry into the electric people carrier market undercuts the VW ID. Buzz by a significant margin
News
29 Apr 2025
Car Deal of the Day: BMW’s ultimate luxury SUV at an unusually low price
BMW X7 - front

Car Deal of the Day: BMW’s ultimate luxury SUV at an unusually low price

German firm’s flagship SUV could never be called cheap but it is exceptional value at £735 a month – making it our Deal of the Day for Sunday 27 April
News
27 Apr 2025
New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645
Kia PV5 Cargo on display at Commercial Vehicle Show - front 3/4

New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645

All-new entry into the van market promises competitive pricing and comes with a range of up to 247 miles
News
30 Apr 2025