Audi A5

Name: 2008 Audi A5
Brand: Audi

EPA MPG: NA

RECALL ALERT: There is 1 recall on this vehicle. Learn More.

There is 1 recall on this vehicle. Learn More.

RECALL ALERT: There is 1 recall on this vehicle. Learn More.

There is 1 recall on this vehicle. Learn More.

CR's Take

The A5 competes directly with the BMW 3 Series coupe, Infiniti G37, and Mercedes-Benz CLK. The base A5 is powered by the same 3.2-liter V6 engine found in other Audi models. This platform is an early glimpse at the 2009 redesign for the A4. The interior features luxury accommodations for four occupants and has the MMI driver-interaction system we found unnecessarily complicated in the A8, A6, and Q7 we tested. Audi also introduced the S5 performance version, which is powered by a 4.2-liter V8. The redesigned A4 will share this platform.

Reliability Details

Owner Satisfaction Details

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2008 Sports Cars & Convertibles Reliability

This Car

100

0 - 100

Audi A5

vs. Similar Cars

BMW 3 Series

Ford Mustang

Mini Cooper

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction

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Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

Audi vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Audi vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Audi vs. Other New Car Brands

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2008 Sports cars 4/5-seat Ratings

2008 Audi A5

$4,375 - $5,575

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Audi S4

$6,225 - $6,625

EPA MPG NA

Road test

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Owner Satisfaction

2008 Audi TT

$5,350 - $8,675

EPA MPG NA

Road test

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Owner Satisfaction

2008 BMW 1 Series

$4,350 - $6,050

EPA MPG 20 mpg

Road test

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Owner Satisfaction

2008 BMW 3 Series

$5,250 - $7,900

EPA MPG 22 mpg

Road test

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Owner Satisfaction

2008 Cadillac CTS

$3,500 - $3,925

EPA MPG 21 mpg

Road test

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2008 Chrysler Crossfire

$8,275 - $10,075

EPA MPG 20 mpg

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2008 Dodge Challenger

$13,275

EPA MPG NA

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2008 Dodge Viper

$ NA

EPA MPG NA

Road test

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2008 Ford Mustang

$5,825 - $24,650

EPA MPG 20 mpg

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2008 Honda Civic Si

$ NA

EPA MPG NA

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Owner Satisfaction

2008 Hyundai Tiburon

$2,925 - $3,900

EPA MPG 21 mpg

Road test

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2008 Jaguar XK

$8,125 - $8,825

EPA MPG 21 mpg

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2008 Lexus SC

$ NA

EPA MPG 21 mpg

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2008 Mazda RX-8

$3,300 - $3,525

EPA MPG 20 mpg

Road test

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Owner Satisfaction

2008 Mercedes-Benz CL

$7,275 - $11,975

EPA MPG NA

Road test

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Owner Satisfaction

2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK

$5,550 - $9,925

EPA MPG NA

Road test

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Owner Satisfaction

2008 Mini Cooper

$3,275 - $4,000

EPA MPG 32 mpg

Road test

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Owner Satisfaction

2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse

$3,050 - $3,375

EPA MPG 19 mpg

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2008 Mitsubishi Lancer

$2,825 - $12,800

EPA MPG 25 mpg

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2008 Nissan Sentra

$2,825 - $3,025

EPA MPG 32 mpg

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2008 Porsche 911

$31,650 - $60,400

EPA MPG 21 mpg

Road test

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2008 Subaru Impreza WRX/STi

$ NA

EPA MPG 23 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Toyota Camry Solara

$4,175 - $5,925

EPA MPG 23 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Volkswagen Eos

$3,075 - $3,525

EPA MPG 24 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Volkswagen GTI

$4,225 - $4,425

EPA MPG 20 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Volvo C30

$3,125 - $4,275

EPA MPG 22 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Volvo C70

$4,075

EPA MPG 21 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

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Features & Specs

coupe

2 front, 2 rear

AWD

3.2-liter V6 (265 hp)
4.2-liter V8 (354 hp)

6-speed automatic
6-speed sequential
6-speed manual

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Read more about extended warranties

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Model History

2025-Present

Current Generation

For 2025, Audi consolidated almost its entire lineup of small luxury cars into the A5 and its sporty S5 variant, replacing the A4 sedan, A4 Allroad wagon, S4, and the A5 coupe and convertible. The A4 is replaced by a redesigned version of what is now called the A5 Sportback, which is a four-door model with a hatchback-like trunk opening. There are only two engine options: The A5 gets a 268-hp, turbocharged four-cylinder, while the S5 gets a 362-hp, turbocharged V6. All A5/S5 models have all-wheel drive and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. We found the A5 pleasant and confidence-inspiring to drive, with quick steering, well-controlled body roll, and strong brakes, which make it an engaging car to hustle along a curvy road. It also benefits from a quiet cabin, comfortable front seats, and the added cargo-carrying ability that comes with its hatchback design. The overall experience is marred by two fairly glaring issues: The first is the seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission’s lurching and hesitation at low speeds. The other sore point is the A5’s unintuitive controls, many of which are frustrating to use while driving. The outgoing A4 and A5 Sportback were sold alongside the new A5 for a short time.

2018-2024

2018 Redesign Year

The 2018 A5 and S5 coupe and convertible have been redesigned. The A5 gets a 252-hp, 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder matched to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. The S5 is powered by a 354-hp, 3.0-liter turbo V6 mated to an eight-speed automatic. All-wheel drive is standard. The Sportback, a four-door hatchback, is also be available. Standard safety equipment includes forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking. For 2022, the S line comes with a firmer, sport-oriented suspension. For 2024, all A5s get standard adaptive cruise control.

2008-2017

2008 Redesign Year

The exceptionally handsome Audi A5 coupes and convertibles have quiet and luxurious cabins with accommodations for four. Although the rear seat is snug, it's one of the best in any convertible. The Audi two-door drives well, demonstrating agile handling and a taut, but compliant suspension system. The A5 initially used a 3.2-liter V6 engine in the base model, while the S5 performance version featured a 4.2-liter V8. A turbocharged four-cylinder arrived in 2010, delivering ample power but sounding raspy. The V6 was dropped in 2013. The eight-speed automatic is super-smooth. The convertible has a shudder-free body structure and is almost devoid of wind buffeting. What's more, the well-insulated soft top can be operated while driving at low speeds. The revised S5 uses a supercharged V6 with a seven-speed automated manual transmission.