Overview: 2008 Audi A5

2008 Audi A5 Review

What’s New: The 2008 Audi A5 is the first modern coupe from Audi. Based off the new A4 platform, the Audi A5 boasts a strong 3.2-liter V-6 engine, available quattro all-wheel drive, and sexy coupe exterior styling along with a comfortable and luxurious interior.

Competes With: BMW 335xi, Infiniti G37x, Mercedes-Benz CLK350

Read the Test Drive: 2008 Audi A5 Coupe 3.2 quattro

What We Think: Coupe fans finally have a reason to go to an Audi dealership, as the Audi A5 more or less nails the coupe formula with sophistication, style, and performance to match primary competitor, the BMW 3 Series two-doors. Even our complaints – we'd like more power and tighter handling – are address elsewhere in the lineup by the V-8 powered Audi S5.

Overview: 2008 Audi A5
Audi has long positioned itself as an alternative to makes like Mercedes-Benz and BMW, successfully for the most part. For the Mercedes S-Class and BMW 7 Series, Audi has the A8; for the E-Class and 5 Series, Audi offers up the A6; and for the C-Class and especially the BMW 3 Series, Audi offers up the A4. However, this analogue to the wildly successful small Bimmer has had one shortcoming since its inception: no coupe version. It may not seem like a big deal – the majority of BMW 3 Series sold are sedans – but coupes carry with them an amount of prestige and style that sedans can't match.

For the 2008 model year, Audi threw down against the BMW 3 Series coupe with the A5. From nearly every angle, the new Audi coupe is a hit thanks to traditional Audi strengths: sophisticated styling outside; a comfortable, luxurious and exquisitely executed interior; quattro all-wheel drive of course; and a few new ones, such as a new drivetrain layout that significantly improves handling and steering feel.

However, get past the looks and the quattro, and the Audi A5 has its faults. It costs the same as the BMW, but with a significant horsepower debt. The A5's rear seat is cramped, and the large glass sunroof only tilts. Still, the Audi A5 is a compelling package. Despite the power deficit relative to its competition, the A5 still moves out quickly. It looks great from almost any angle, is comfortable and spacious for the front seat occupants, and the all-wheel drive system offers up secure handling in all weather conditions. Short on power or not, the Audi A5 is a compelling vehicle.

Next Page: 2008 Audi A5 Models, Pricing & Equipment
Test Drive: 2008 Audi A5 Coupe 3.2 quattro