2017 Audi A5 Prices, Reviews & Vehicle Overview

2017 Audi A5 Overview

They used to be called Grand Touring cars—stylish, swift, luxurious machines designed to carry two people and their Louis Vuitton luggage from one upscale locale to another. The term may have faded behind any number of of misguided "GT" trim packages over the years, but the Audi A5 is the authentic item: a smooth and very capable two-plus-two dressed in a design which still draws approving nods after nearly a decade in production.

What's New for 2017

A revised (though visually near-identical) A5 is due next year, so updates are minimal. S-line trim features which were previously optional are promoted to standard-equipment status. Front and rear parking sensors are also now standard and flat-bottom steering wheel adds a touch of high-performance style.

Choosing Your Audi A5

The A5 is in most ways the two-door version of Audi's much-heralded A4 sedan, available as either a coupe or a convertible. Power is provided by Audi's familiar turbocharged 2-liter inline-four, which makes 220 horsepower and a very usable 258 pound-feet of torque. The coupe is available with either a six-speed manual transmission or an eight-speed Tiptronic automatic; the Cabriolet is Tiptronic-only. Audi's Quattro all-wheel-drive system delivers power to all four wheels and constantly adjusts to make the most of available traction.

A5
The A5 is offered in only one trim level instead of the Premium/Premium Plus/Prestige escalation typical of its Audi siblings. MSRP for the A5 hardtop is $41,200; Tiptronic adds $1000 to the bottom line. The Cabriolet starts at $48,600.
Options are limited to paint, interior fittings, and a handful of somewhat expensive packages. The Technology Package includes xenon headlights and a heavily upgraded infotainment system with navigation, a rearview camera, and a Bang & Olufsen sound system. The Convenience Package adds heated seats and keyless entry and ignition. The Sport package stiffens up the suspension tuning and adds some bolstering to the seats.

CarsDirect Tip

If you favor classic grace over boy-racer attitude, the Cabriolet remains one of the most civilized and stylish cars on the road; that said, the Convenience package should be considered mandatory equipment for the heated seats alone. If your idea of classicism is more about a gear lever and three pedals, get the manual A5 coupe while you can—it looks like the traditional gearbox will be retired as the current model ends production.

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2017 Audi A5 Review

Don’t let the Audi A5’s clean, luxurious expression fool you. On closer examination, you’ll see hints of the spirited coupe this model truly is, along with an available convertible designed to elevate your emotions further.

Pricing and Equipment

Customers who fancy a convertible are teased by no fewer than four models from Audi. Two of these are based on the all-wheel drive A5 platform: the A5 Sport Cabriolet and the S5 Cabriolet, with the latter marketed separately under Audi’s performance umbrella.

The 2017 A5 coupe and convertible are powered by a 2-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder engine making 220 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Both models are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, but the coupe also provides the option of securing a tantalizing six-speed manual transmission.

Audi prices the A5 coupe with the manual transmission from $41,200, and $42,200 for models with the automatic transmission. Audi asks $48,600 for the convertible.

Both models offer one trim level with various packages and options available. A $900 convenience package brings in keyless start, heated front seats, and power-adjustable heated side mirrors. The $3,950 technology package adds a DVD player, upgraded headlights, Audi Connect services, and a Bang & Olufsen sound system. Sport and Black Optic packages offer further customization, the latter choice new for 2017.

Performance Pros

Only the coupe has the manual transmission option and it is one feature we’re thankful Audi still offers. Quattro all-wheel drive makes sport of winding roads regardless of the chosen transmission. That you can add three-pedal foot action while navigating twisty roads only magnifies the overall experience.

Our reviewers noted the available Drive Select and Dynamic Steering systems, but placed greater value on the optional sport suspension for delivering assured handling and a slightly firmer ride.

There isn’t a diesel that can be had in the model line, but the boosted gasoline engine is an efficient one at that. The EPA rates this model at 23 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway when equipped with a manual transmission.

Performance Cons

Not every driver will find 220 horsepower sufficient. Certainly, full power does kick in low on the band curve, but there are competing models that deliver far more boost. Fortunately, Audi solves that problem by offering the S5, powered by a 3-liter supercharged V6 engine with an output of 333 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque. Importantly, the six-speed manual is standard equipment. For people who prefer paddle shifters, a seven-speed automated manual is an option.

There is no manual transmission with the convertible. You can drop the top, but you also lose a measure of fun. We would like to see Audi correct this omission.

Interior Pros

Audi is renowned for its exquisite interiors, particularly for the brand’s signature fit and finish. Our reviewers regularly point out the clean and simple design themes in all models, including the A5.

New trim choices elevate the interior, including carbon fiber and stainless steel. You’ll also find your share of available fine grain ash wood.

The optional 14-speaker, 505-watt Bang & Olufsen sound system anchors the technology package. It delivers outstanding sound throughout the cabin and is second to none.

Interior Cons

As a five-passenger coupe, the A5 offers sufficient room for four. As a 2+2 convertible, the back seat comes in smaller than in the coupe.

Audi has made improvement in its weakest area—standard connectivity. Still, to enjoy the full Bluetooth experience, you need to opt for a package upgrade. Even most mainstream models include connectivity as standard equipment.

For 2017, Audi adds Android Auto for the coupe only. Apple CarPlay compatibility is not included.

The Most Pleasant Surprise

Although we didn’t need to use them, the pop-up roll bars in the convertible are a welcome feature. Sensors detect when a rollover is imminent and signal the roll bars to immediately move into position. Beyond that, no safety testing has been conducted for this model in the U.S.

The Least Pleasant Surprise

The available sunroof in the coupe is an enticing option, but tall passengers may find the resultant constrained headroom a problem.

The Bottom Line

You can’t go wrong to consider the A5. As a coupe, it offers manual shifting possibilities, something we wish was also extended to the convertible. Moving up to the performance-oriented S5 only makes a terrific model better, combining the best of Audi luxury, quality, and attitude.

Used 2017 Audi A5 For Sale Near Me

2017 Audi A5

2.0T Sport

Exterior Color:

House of Kars of Manassas, VA (20 mi)

Phone: 703-791-1808