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- Attractive interior and exterior styling
- Excellent performance and handling
- Standard all-wheel drive (AWD)
- Refined, smooth ride
- Lack of headroom in rear seat
- Complicated controls
- Tilt-to-open sunroof
The 2008 Audi A5 (*est. $39,900 to $41,200) and its performance variant, the S5 (*est. $50,800), are new models that are based on the 2009 Audi A4 platform. Reviewers are almost unanimous in their appreciation of the Audi A5's curvaceous styling, which many describe as both elegant and aggressive. The A5's interior gets compliments for styling and quality as well, though a few reviewers are not happy with the control layout and the complexity of Audi's MMI multi-function control system. With its 265-horsepower V-6, the A5 is a comfortable touring coupe with capable handling and a smooth ride, critics say, though it is noted to be 'not as sporty or fun to drive as its prime competitor, the BMW 3 Series coupes (*est. $36,425 to $57,325). The 354-horsepower, V-8-powered S5 steps up the performance dramatically, but tests reveal it still can't match the class-leading BMW M3 coupe (*est. $57,325). Reviews indicate the Audi A5 is a better buy than the pricier Mercedes CLK-Class (*est. $46,450 to $55,150), and the A5 offers more refinement and comfort than the bargain-priced Infiniti G37 (*est. $34,900 to $36,200). Reviews give credit to the Audi A5 and S5 for standard AWD, which is another advantage over rivals.
Automobile.com has the most detailed Audi A5 review with more driving impressions than other sources. Edmunds.com features a comprehensive summary review, as well as a comparison test between the Audi S5 and the BMW M3 coupe. NewCarTestDrive.com has a lengthy road test evaluation of both the Audi A5 and S5, while Motor Trend offers a recap of both cars written during the their introduction. Car and Driver has a useful "Short Take" road test of the A5, while CNet.com provides good information on cabin electronics and chooses the Audi S5 as an Editors' Choice. TheTruthAboutCars.com offers an especially opinionated review that contains valuable insights.
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Comparing the A5 to the BMW 3 Series, Automobile.com's Justin Couture writes, "Audi's new coupe is still best as a relaxed, high-speed, long distance runner." Of particular note is the Audi's extra weight, which is said to be felt at speed while cornering.
Review: 2008 Audi A5 3.2 quattro Road Test, Justin Couture
2. Edmunds.com
Of an A5 rival, Edmunds.com says, "The Benz offers little beyond prestige, starting out at six grand more than the A5 while lacking the Audi's engaging character."
Review: 2008 Audi A5 Review, Editors of Edmunds.com
3. Edmunds.com
Edmunds.com editors say, "We love the 2008 Audi S5. We love its elegance, its hidden performance potential and especially its bargain pricing." In the end, however, the BMW M3's performance is deemed superior.
Review: On Paper, It Seems Like a Fair Fight, Chris Walton, Mar. 23, 2008
In this review at NewCarTestDrive.com, the A5 is said to deliver "confidence and luxury in a package not likely to be seen at every intersection and very likely to come across as a good value."
Review: 2008 Audi A5, G.R. Whale
The Audi A5 is said to have "nicely understated but beautiful styling" in this review by editor Bengt Halvorson, who also praises the car's stylish, comfortable interior. The A5's headroom is noted to be tight, however, especially in the rear seats.
Review: 2008 Audi A5 Bottom Line, Bengt Halvorson
6. Motor TrendDetails/Subscribe
Markus deems both the Audi A5 and S5 to be strong performers in this review, but he adds: "If shifter and steering feel are your top purchase priorities, consider the BMW 3 Series."
Review: First Drive: 2008 Audi A5/S5, Frank Markus
7. CNET
The Audi S5 is chosen as a CNet.com 2008 Editors' Choice. Cunningham says the S5 is "not only beautiful, it is just about perfect." Though noted for its" "simply awful mileage," the car is praised for its' "excellent cabin gadgets" and "exhilarating performance."
Review: 2008 Audi S5, Wayne Cunningham, Jan. 2, 2008
8. Car and DriverDetails/Subscribe
According to this review by Car and Driver, the Audi A5 is somewhat overshadowed by its more aggressive sibling, the S5. The much less expensive and equally attractive A5, however, is predicted to "draw envy" from other drivers. Praise goes to the A5's "crisp steering action," impressive braking and high cornering limits.
Review: 2008 Audi A5, Jared Gall, May 2008
In this review, the Audi S5's exterior is described as "gorgeous." The reviewer, however, has reservations about the interior's control layout and objects to the A5's automatic transmission behavior, high price and handling (which he claims will not satisfy an enthusiast).
Review: 2008 Audi A5 Review, Jonny Lieberman, May 19, 2008
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