2016 Audi A5 Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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Audi's A5 two-door coupes and cabriolets roll into the 2016 model year largely unchanged. Introduced in 2008 and revised in 2012, the A5 received a power boost in 2014 and continues to offer a pleasing balance of performance, styling, interior comfort, and fuel economy. While it's not the fastest or most agile car in its class, the A5 delivers a sporty feel with good acceleration and responsive handling. In addition, Audi's quattro all-wheel-drive (AWD) system comes standard on all trims, giving the A5 a leg up on the competition for buyers who seek a little extra traction and control while driving in inclement conditions.
Outside, the A5 looks good in both coupe and drop-top versions, sporting a glossy skin, relatively simplistic lines, a distinctive curved nose, and a solid overall coolness factor. The A5 cabriolets also come equipped with a fully-lined power-operated convertible soft top that promises to be a little snazzier than before thanks to the addition of an available Red Acoustic convertible top option. Audi offers the A5 in a new Misano Red pearl-effect color, the only other exterior update for 2016.
The A5's exterior design provides its unique, sporty appearance, thanks to the signature Singleframe grille, 3-dimensional hood, and overall streamlined appearance. Such features as HID automatic headlights, LED daytime running lights, front foglights, power heated side mirrors, and dual exhaust pipes remain standard on the entry-level A5 Premium trim. Audi equips the mid-level Premium Plus trim with an S line exterior package, which includes unique front and rear fascias and sportier side sills. The top-level Prestige trim also gets the S line exterior package, along with adaptive headlights.
All trims continue to draw their power from a turbocharged 2.0-liter TFSI powerplant with direct injection, which generates 220 hp and a generous 258 lb-ft of torque at 1500 to 3500 rpm, linked to an 8-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission with a manual-shift mode. This powerplant pushes the A5 from 0-to-60 mph in 6.4 seconds, and while that's not a head-whipping number, it's decent for its class. Prospective buyers who seek a little more power should consider the Audi S5, which wears the same skin as the A5 but gets a supercharged 3.0-liter V6 engine which pumps out 333 hp, 325 lb-ft of torque, and makes the 0-to-60 jaunt in 4.9 seconds. Note that Audi limits the A5's top speed to 130 mph. Despite its sporty nature, the A5 achieves good fuel economy numbers of 22 mpg city/32 highway/26 combined for the coupes and 21/19 for the cabriolets. Premium fuel is required.
Inside, the A5 cradles 4 passengers in a comfortable, well-equipped cabin. Updates for 2016 include available Audi Connect as part of the Navigation Plus package, and a standard Bang & Olufsen sound system for Premium Plus trims. All trims come equipped with leather upholstery, 3-zone automatic climate control, a leather-wrapped 3-spoke sport steering wheel, and ambient lighting, as well as a panoramic tilting sunroof on the coupes. The front seats feature 10-way power adjustment, 4-way power lumbar for the driver, and the rear seatbacks split 50/50 and fold, adding flexibility to the A5's interior.
The standard package for Premium trims includes a 10-speaker, 180-watt Audi MMI audio system with a 6.5-inch color display, a CD player, a subwoofer, satellite radio, and speed-sensitive volume. The Premium Plus trim adds heated front seats, memory for the driver's seat, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and keyless start, while the Prestige trim includes navigation, a rearview camera, and the new 14-speaker, 505-watt Bang & Olufsen sound system with HD radio. The navigation system includes Side Assist, which monitors blind-spot areas and alerts the driver of approaching vehicles.
Legroom in the rear seat can be tight for taller passengers or those with longer legs, but front passengers should find plenty of legroom and headroom, as well as well-padded front seats that are supportive enough for longer trips. Cargo space in the A5 coupes checks in at 12.2 cubic feet, and drops to 10.2 cubic feet in cabriolets. Trunk storage features include side pockets and floor tie-downs.
The A5 rides on a firm yet comfortable suspension, with a 5-link setup in the front and a trapezoidal-link configuration in the rear. The suspension does a good job of smoothing out rough road surfaces while ensuring minimal body roll in corners. The electromechanical power steering system has a light feel at times but still delivers precise control. Under normal operation, the quattro AWD system splits power 40/60 front to rear; but it shifts up to 80 percent of available power to the rear wheels when coming out of curves in order to offset road slippage and ensure optimal acceleration. All A5 trims get 18-inch wheels with all-season tires, except for the Prestige, which can be equipped with a number of available 18- and 19-inch wheel designs.
Standard safety features for all A5 trims include electronic stability control, traction control, and antilock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution and brake assist. Eight airbags, including knee and thorax side airbags, also come standard. In addition, Audi offers an optional adaptive cruise control system with long-distance radar to maintain an acceptable distance from the vehicle ahead. Although the Audi A5 has not been safety tested, the similar A4 was named a Top Safety Pick by the NHTSA.
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2016 Audi A5 Pricing
Trims & specs
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · HD radio · Remote CD: single disc · Remote CD changer location: in glove compartment · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 9 · 180 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 12.6 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.8 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Center console trim: simulated alloy · Dash trim: simulated alloy · Door sill trim: aluminum · Door trim: simulated alloy · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: with lighting · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: cargo net · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 14
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 3.69 · Limited slip differential: center
Engine
Alternator: 150 amps · Battery: maintenance-free
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: stainless-steel · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black with chrome accents · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Window trim: aluminum
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment screen size: 6.5 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder
Lights
Daytime running lights: LED · Headlights: HID · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 14
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: tilt
Safety
Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear · Impact sensor: door unlock
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather
Security
Power door locks: anti-lockout
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Steering
Steering ratio: 15.9
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lateral links · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Telematics
Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Wheels
Wheel spokes: 10
Windows
Front wipers: rain sensing · Power windows: with safety reverse
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · Premium Brand: Bang & Olufsen · AM/FM radio · Remote CD: single disc · Remote CD changer location: in glove compartment · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 13 · 505 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 12.6 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.8 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Center console trim: simulated alloy · Dash trim: simulated alloy · Door sill trim: aluminum · Door trim: simulated alloy · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: 2 driver · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: multi-function screen controls · Storage: door pockets · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 14
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 3.69 · Limited slip differential: center
Engine
Alternator: 150 amps · Battery: maintenance-free
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: stainless-steel · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black with chrome accents · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Window trim: aluminum
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment screen size: 6.5 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Daytime running lights: LED · Headlights: self-leveling · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 14
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: power panoramic
Safety
Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear · Impact sensor: door unlock
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather
Security
Power door locks: anti-lockout
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Steering
Steering ratio: 15.9
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lateral links · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Telematics
Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Wheels
Wheel spokes: 10
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: with safety reverse
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · AM/FM radio · Remote CD: DVD audio · Remote CD changer location: in glove compartment · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 9 · 180 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 12.6 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.8 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Center console trim: simulated alloy · Dash trim: simulated alloy · Door sill trim: aluminum · Door trim: simulated alloy · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: front seatback · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 14
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 2.85 · Limited slip differential: center
Engine
Alternator: 150 amps · Battery: maintenance-free
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: stainless-steel · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black with chrome accents · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Window trim: aluminum
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment screen size: 6.5 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: lamp failure
Lights
Daytime running lights: LED · Headlights: wiper activated · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 14
Rear Seats
Type: 50-50 split bench
Roof
Convertible rear window: glass · Convertible roof: with wind blocker
Safety
Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: fuel cut-off
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front and rear · Seatbelt pretensioners: front and rear · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather
Security
Power door locks: anti-lockout
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Steering
Steering ratio: 15.9
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lateral links · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Wheels
Wheel spokes: 10
Windows
Front wipers: rain sensing · Power windows: with safety reverse
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · Premium Brand: Bang & Olufsen · HD radio · Remote CD: DVD audio · Remote CD changer location: in glove compartment · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 11 · 505 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 12.6 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.8 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Center console trim: simulated alloy · Dash trim: simulated alloy · Door sill trim: aluminum · Door trim: simulated alloy · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: with lighting · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: 2 driver · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: door pockets · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 14
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 2.85 · Limited slip differential: center
Engine
Alternator: 150 amps · Battery: maintenance-free
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: stainless-steel · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black with chrome accents · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Window trim: aluminum
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment screen size: 6.5 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder
Lights
Daytime running lights: LED · Headlights: self-leveling · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: auto-dimming
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 14
Rear Seats
Type: 50-50 split bench
Roof
Convertible rear window: glass · Convertible roof: soft top
Safety
Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: fuel cut-off
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather
Security
Power door locks: anti-lockout
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Steering
Steering ratio: 15.9
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lateral links · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Wheels
Wheel spokes: 10
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: with safety reverse