Introduction
The Audi A5 might be lumped in against the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz CLK, but its real competition is a lot higher up the automotive food chain than these.
What are its rivals?
The obvious choices when looking for direct rivals for the Audi A5 are the BMW 3 Series Coupé and Mercedes-Benz CLK. However, they're arguably too different in focus to the grand touring credentials of the A5, it perhaps more relevant to pitch it up against BMW's 6 Series and Merc's flagship CL coupé. That's serious kit to be mentioning alongside the A5, but not unrealistic. After all, it feels significantly bigger than the CLK and 3 Series, and more expensive inside too.
How does it drive?
It drives like a big GT car. That's to say it's fast, the 3.0-litre turbodiesel giving it the ability to sprint to 62mph in just 5.9 seconds and onto 155mph. But the A5's real appeal lies in its ability to cover ground quickly and in comfort too. The big diesel V6 is refined - inside at least, it being rather noisy when experienced outside - and hugely punchy. Its 368lb.ft of torque from 1,500rpm gives it serious, any gear flexibility. So much so we kind of wish it was offered with a smooth automatic, the only option currently being a six-speed manual. You'll not need all the ratios on the manual, the engine's flexibility enough to easily allow you to slip from first through to third and then straight to sixth.
An auto would suit the A5's GT-like feel too. The big Audi coupé might lack the sharp dynamic ability of its BMW-badged rivals, but that's more of an observation than a complaint. There are few cars that cover ground so competently and easily. The quattro four-wheel drive gives great traction, and so long as you keep it at sensible speeds the handling is largely neutral. It's nose lead at higher speed, though the A5 isn't a car you'll revel in pushing to its limits, as the steering is rather lifeless and there's very little information through the seat of the pants. Which is why we'd have it in non-Sport guise, trading some sharpness for greater ride comfort.
What's impressive?
We're like a broken record when it comes to praise for Audi's interiors, and the A5 is no different. The clear instrumentation, fantastic build quality and materials used inside are among the best available in any car - not just cars in its class. The 3.0-litre TDI engine is hugely flexible, picking up from low revs with surprising urgency even if in the longer upper gears. Economy is good too, the quoted official 39.2mpg not unbelievable and 191g/km of CO2 is impressive given the A5's performance potential. The rear seats are genuinely useable, and the boot is massive, making it a surprisingly practical coupé choice. The quattro transmission gives it phenomenal traction too, and the driving position is near perfect. Long journeys are dispatched with utter impunity, the A5 a very nice place to spend time.
What's not?
Nice as the A5 is it's not all perfect. Audi has fallen into the trap of being a bit showy with its technology in places. There's no need to have the heated seat display interrupt the (optional) satnav screen when you turn it up or back a notch, and the MMI control isn't quite as user friendly as we previously thought. Our chief complaint though is with the push in fob that operates as a key and starter button. It wasn't always easy to remove when turning off the engine. The ride on the Sport suspension is a bit prone to crashing, sending judders right through the car. There are a few obvious omissions on the standard kit list too: Bluetooth connection should be standard on anything that costs the sort of money an A5 does, as should cruise control. We'd like an automatic gearbox option with this engine, too.
Should I buy one?
We'd be very tempted indeed. The A5 is a comfortable, refined and elegant car that also happens to be remarkably practical and fast too. Not the sharpest drivers' car, but that's part of its appeal. Perhaps the greatest compliment though is that it feels like a far more expensive car than it is, something that you might struggle to say about its BMW and Mercedes rivals.
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