Audi A5 (B9)

Audi A5 (B9)

Model Years Produced: 2018 to Current

Summary

Like the 4-Series is to BMW’s 3-Series, the A5 is Audi’s more stylish version of the A4 sedan. Unlike the 4-Series, the A5’s design doesn’t make people who see it physically ill.

The A5 is available in three different body styles: coupe, convertible (called the Cabriolet), and a liftback/hatchback (called the Sportback). The Sportback has four doors rather than two and also is slightly longer-wheelbase than the other two body styles, providing some extra rear legroom.

The S5 and RS5 may be slightly down on power compared to the M440i and M4, respectively, nevermind the M4 Competition…but what they lack in straight-line grunt, they make up for in livability and one of the most clean interior designs to grace a car. The S5 is also significantly cheaper than a similarly-specced M440i, with the coupe coming in nearly $6000 under an M440i xDrive Coupe and the Cabriolet nearly $5000 under an M440i xDrive Convertible – leaving enough room to jump up to the “Premium Plus” trim level and tick a few option boxes.

Overall, the S5 and RS5 are excellent alternatives to their Bavarian competitors, able to serve as comfortable cruisers with enough of a sporty edge to sate the desires of most auto enthusiasts who can afford them. When outfitted with the Black Optics package, they certainly look the part, too.

Primary Criticisms

Major

None

Minor

  • Ventilated seats are an additional cost on the S5, and they require deleting the S sport seats (which means deleting the quilted/diamond leather and the massage function); they’re also only available in black. Ventilated seats are not available at all on the RS5.
  • Dynamic Steering option lacks steering feel.
  • S5 isn’t as quick as the BMW M340i/M440i or Mercedes C43.

Warranty

Information is as of 2023 model year

New

  • Limited: 4 years/50,000 miles
  • Powertrain: 4 years/50,000 miles
  • Corrosion (Perforation Only): 12 years/unlimited miles
  • Emissions: 8 years/80,000 miles
  • Roadside Assistance: 4 years/unlimited miles
  • Loaner Vehicle: Yes
  • Trip Interruption: Up to $1000 per incident

Certified Pre-Owned

  • Repair Deductible: $0 per visit
  • Limited: 2 years/50,000 miles from CPO purchase date or 6 years/100,000 miles from original in-service date (whichever occurs later)
  • Roadside Assistance: 6 years/unlimited miles from original in-service date
  • Loaner Vehicle: Yes
  • Trip Interruption: Up to $1000 per incident

S5

The S5 receives a corporate VW 3.0L turbocharged 90-degree V6 with a “hot-V” setup for improved efficiency. Thanks to the engine layout, throttle response is great, and there is very little perceived turbo lag. All S5s come standard with Audi’s “quattro” AWD system which includes a mechanical limited-slip differential, and an electronic LSD is available as an option as part of the S Sport package.

The Premium Plus trim level is the sweet spot for those looking for a luxury-sports car.

Trim Levels

  • Premium (+$0): 19″ wheels, matrix-design LED headlights w/ signature DRL, lane departure warning, Audi pre-sense basic & front, Nappa leather interior, Carbon Atlas interior inlays
  • Premium Plus (+$4000): All Premium items + Audi active lane assist, surround view cameras, Audi pre sense rear, parking system plus (front & rear sensors), Audi phone box, adaptive cruise control, Audi advanced key, auto-dim power-folding side mirrors w/ memory, Audi virtual cockpit plus, Bang & Olufson 3D stereo, leatherette-covered center console & door armrests
  • Prestige (+$8100): All Premium Plus items + laser headlights, animations on headlights and tail lights, park assist, traffic sign recognition, heads-up display (HUD), navigation, Interior Lighting Plus package

Notable Options

  • Convenience Package (+$2500): alarm system w/ motion sensor, adaptive cruise control, Audi advanced key (keyless ignition start/stop & entry), autodim exterior mirrors w/ memory, Audi side assist w/ pre sense rear, heated steering wheel, driver seat memory, parking system plus (front & rear parking sensors), SiriusXM
  • Warm Weather Package (+$550): leather seating surfaces (deletes diamond stitching/quilted leather), ventilated front seats (deletes S sport seats)
  • S Sport Package (+$2500): red brake calipers, sport rear differential (eLSD), sport adaptive damping suspension

The Convenience Package is only available on the Premium trim level. The Warm Weather and S Sport packages are not available on the Premium trim level.

Reviews


Specifications

  • Body Style(s): Coupe, Convertible (soft top), Liftback
  • Engine: VW EA839 CWGD – 3.0L V6 turbocharged
  • Horsepower: 349 hp
  • Torque: 369 lb-ft
  • Transmission: ZF 8HP55 8-speed automatic
  • Drivetrain: AWD w/ mechanical limited slip differential, electronic limited slip differential is optional
  • Fuel Economy: 24 comb / 21 city / 30 hwy

Coupe

  • Curb Weight: 3858 lbs
  • Power-to-Weight: 180.9 hp/ton
  • Cargo Capacity: 10.9 cu ft
  • Starting Price: $56895

Convertible (Cabriolet)

  • Curb Weight: 4167 lbs
  • Power-to-Weight: 167.5 hp/ton
  • Cargo Capacity: 7.3 cu ft
  • Starting Price: $65495

Liftback (Sportback)

  • Curb Weight: 3924 lbs
  • Power-to-Weight: 177.9 hp/ton
  • Cargo Capacity: 21.8 cu ft
  • Starting Price: $56895

RS5

The RS5 shares its 2.9L twin-turbocharged V6 with a number of other products in the VAG family including the Audi S7 and the Porsche Panamera. Unlike the S5, the RS5 does not have different trim levels and therefore requires selecting the specific options you want.

Unlike the A5 and S5, the RS5 is sadly not available as a convertible.

Notable Options

    • Dynamic Package (+$3400): red brake calipers, RS sport exhaust w/ black tips, RS sport suspension plus w/ Dynamic Ride Control
    • Competition Package (+$16100): 20″ Y-spoke wheels; Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires; 180mph top speed; Sport direct steering; coilover suspension; sport front & rear sway bars; front ceramic brakes w/ red calipers; carbon-trimmed engine cover; RS carbon matte interior inlays; carbon front splitter, rear diffuser, exterior mirror housings; gloss black exterior trim, Audi rings, badges; Pearl Nappa & Dinamica seats w/ piano black front seat side trim; Alcantara steering wheel, shift lever, center console; seatbelts w/ red edging; RS-logo floormats w/ red edging
    • RS Driver Assistance Package (+$3000): adaptive cruise control w/ traffic jam assist, Audi active lane assist, hands-on detection steering wheel, heads-up display (HUD), park assist, surround view cameras, traffic sign recognition

Reviews


Specifications

  • Body Style(s): Coupe, Liftback
  • Engine: VW EA839 DECA – 2.9L V6 twin-turbocharged
  • Horsepower: 444 hp
  • Torque: 442 lb-ft
  • Transmission: ZF 8HP55 8-speed automatic
  • Drivetrain: AWD w/ standard electronic limited slip differential
  • Fuel Economy: 21 comb / 18 city / 26 hwy

Coupe

  • Curb Weight: 3990 lbs
  • Power-to-Weight: 222.6 hp/ton
  • Cargo Capacity: 10.9 cu ft
  • Starting Price: $78995

Liftback (Sportback)

  • Curb Weight: 4056 lbs
  • Power-to-Weight: 218.9 hp/ton
  • Cargo Capacity: 21.8 cu ft
  • Starting Price: $79295