2008 Audi A5 Coupe 3.2 quattro new car reviews

Better than: BMW M5
But not as good as: BMW 335i
GRM Bang For The Buck Index: 66.79

Audi's new coupe has dead-sexy good looks to spare, so it's bound to draw a lot of attention. We tested an example featuring the S Line Sport Package, which compliments the model's already snazzy appearance by adding special bumpers and 19-inch wheels.

The package also includes a sport-tuned suspension and higher-performance summer-rated tires, but calling this Audi a sports car would be a stretch. It's a perfectly capable cruiser, but if you're looking for exhilaration behind the wheel there are probably better options, including the big-brother S5 V8 from Audi.

At $50,000, this Audi represents anything but a bargain, and the fuel economy isn’t impressive enough to soften the blow. However, the interior is very comfortable and feels suitably expensive. The A5 might be the perfect status vehicle for the young executive in your life, as it could impress everyone but a true motorsports enthusiast.

Did we mention it's beautiful?

Other staff views

Tom Heath
Tom Heath
UberDork

I can't argue that this Audi isn't pretty, but that's where my praise stops. Puny back seats, sub-WRX performance, and spotty reliability make this $50,000 showpiece a bad deal in my book.

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Comments
nderwater
nderwater PowerDork
8/13/08 9:48 p.m.

Please explain how this AWD sports sedan which runs 14's in the quarter scores equally in the Stock Performance and lower in the Performance Potential categories than the Honda Element you guys just reviewed.

Tom Heath
Tom Heath UberDork
8/21/08 3:55 p.m.

Mid 14-second quarter miles and "plush" handling for 50,000 dollars don't earn many points from this tester. The car was a tepid performer, at best, so 3 stars is appropriate for this sports coupe.
Want more performance? You're far further ahead trading it in on an S-series car, which is why we knocked it for potential.

Tom Heath
Tom Heath UberDork
12/10/13 12:00 a.m.

Audi's new coupe has dead-sexy good looks to spare, so it's bound to draw a lot of attention. We tested an example featuring the S Line Sport Package, which compliments the model's already snazzy appearance by adding special bumpers and 19-inch wheels.

The package also includes a sport-tuned suspension and higher-performance summer-rated tires, but calling this Audi a sports car would be a stretch. It's a perfectly capable cruiser, but if you're looking for exhilaration behind the wheel there are probably better options, including the big-brother S5 V8 from Audi.

At $50,000, this Audi represents anything but a bargain, and the fuel economy isn’t impressive enough to soften the blow. However, the interior is very comfortable and feels suitably expensive. The A5 might be the perfect status vehicle for the young executive in your life, as it could impress everyone but a true motorsports enthusiast.

Did we mention it's beautiful?

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