Audi A5

Name: 2018 Audi A5
Brand: Audi

EPA MPG: 27 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

EPA MPG: 27 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

RECALL ALERT: There are 8 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 8 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

RECALL ALERT: There are 8 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 8 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

CR's Take

The new 2018 A5 is based on the A4. In addition to the coupe and convertible versions, the A5 is available as a four-door hatchback called the Sportback. The A5 gets a 252-hp, 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine matched to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. More powerful S5 versions are powered by a 354-hp, 3.0-liter turbo V6 mated to an eight-speed automatic. All-wheel drive is standard. Standard safety equipment includes forward-collision warning with automatic braking. We found that the A4 drives well, with nimble handling and a firm yet supple ride, and we expect the A5 to behave similarly. The convertible's soft top can be operated up to 30 mph. Based on our experience with the A4, the controls require a learning curve but prove logical with familiarity. The gear selector, however, is not intuitive to use.

Reliability Details

Owner Satisfaction Details

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2018 Sports Cars & Convertibles Reliability

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100

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Audi A5

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

Good

IIHS Side Crash

Good

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

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Value

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Audi vs. Other New Car Brands

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

Good

IIHS Side Crash

Good

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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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

Good

IIHS Side Crash

Good

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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2018 Audi A5

$13,500 - $18,850

EPA MPG 27 mpg

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Features & Specs

4-door hatchback

convertible

coupe

2 front, 2 rear

AWD

2-liter 4 turbo (252 hp)
3-liter V6 turbo (354 hp)

7-speed sequential
8-speed automatic
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.