2011 Audi A5 Review

Audi A5

Audi A5 Review
All-wheel-drive is offered across the board. Audi promises razor-sharp handling thanks to an engine placement behind the front wheels, resulting in better weight distribution than any existing Audi, aside from the mid-engine R8.

Audi A5 S optional packages
The exterior S line package features 19-inch S line five-Y-spoke wheels with superior handling 255/35 summer performance tires. The S line designation extends to the three-spoke, leather-wrapped steering wheel featuring special perforated leather and S line badge. Also included are S line sport seats with leather and perforated Alcantara seat inserts.

The MMI Navigation plus Package features a 7-inch full-color LCD screen and MMI control logic. Also optional are heated front seats, genuine Milano leather seats, wood decorative inlays, a 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system and adaptive cruise control.

A new Titanium Sport package adds black trim and 19-inch wheels to the regular Sport package, while the Prestige trim picks up a standard rearview camera and parking sensors, plus an optional power rear-window shade. The 2011 Audi A5 is one sexy coupe and convertible. The A5 coupe comes standard with all-wheel drive (it's optional for the cabriolet). For those who like the A5's looks but want greater performance, Audi offers the high-performance S5 coupe and convertible. The 2011 Audi A5 is available in coupe and cabriolet (convertible) body styles. Both are available in Premium, Premium Plus and Prestige trim levels. The options list includes heated front seats, Bluetooth and an iPod/USB audio interface.

The Prestige can further be equipped with an optional blind-spot warning system (Audi Side Assist), Audi Drive Select (adjustable settings for suspension, steering and transmission) and adaptive cruise control.

The Sport package available for the Premium Plus and Prestige trim levels adds 19-inch wheels, high-performance tires, a sport-tuned suspension, sport seats and shift paddles for the automatic transmission. The Coupe's Titanium Sport package is basically a Sport package with some dark exterior and interior trim. The cabriolet's Comfort package adds a neck-level heating system, ventilated front sport seats, adjustable lumbar for the passenger seat and upgraded leather upholstery.

Powertrains and Performance
The cabriolet comes standard with front-wheel drive and a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Optional on the cabriolet is all-wheel drive connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Every coupe comes standard with all-wheel drive; a six-speed manual transmission is standard and the eight-speed automatic is optional.

The front-wheel-drive Cabriolet achieves an estimated 22/30/25.
Antilock brakes (with brake assist), stability control, front-seat side airbags and side curtain airbags are all standard on the 2011 Audi A5.

Driving Impressions
The 2011 Audi A5 handles well, with impressive body control and tenacious traction from the all-wheel-drive system. You get a lot for that sticker price, however, including a standard turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, an optional 3.2-liter V6 and standard all wheel drive. The driving impression that you'll get from the 2011 Audi A5 is going to largely depend on which engine and transmission it has. The 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine produces 211 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual and a six-speed automatic transmission are both available, and Quattro all-wheel-drive comes standard.

Pros
Speed-sensitive power steering definitely ups the ante and helps mitigate the car's somewhat rough ride quality. If you stick with the 2.0T engine, you'll enjoy exceptional fuel economy.
Cons
If the 2011 Audi A5 was a bona fide high-performance vehicle, its cramped backseat would be a given. However, few people would classify this car as "high performance."