2008 Audi A5 Review

The A5 is a new luxury coupe that debuts for 2008. It, along with the super-powered S5 variant, offer high-class style and breathtaking performance. With its standard all-wheel drive, it's sure to be a big success for Audi.

The BuyingAdvice Team Says:

There's still a lot we don't know about the Audi A5, but we do know this: we want one. They've truly outdone themselves with its sexy design and gratuitous feature list. It's one of the best-looking, value-packed models in its class.

What's New For 2008:

The A5 is all-new for 2008. It's based on the A4, but with numerous tweaks. Only one trim is available.

Request a free, no-obligation, new 2008 Audi A5 price quote or choose any other model you're interested in and receive the Buying Advice Team's Insider Report for New Car Buyers.

Vital Stats

Starting MSRP:
$40,700

Rebates & Incentives:
yes

Seats:
4

Gas Mileage:
16/27

Engine:
3.2L V6

Horsepower:
265@6500RPM

Torque:
243@3250RPM

Transmission:
6 Speed Manual

Drive:
FR/AWD

Fuel Capacity:
17

Fuel Type:
gasoline

Basic Warranty:
48/50000

Powertrain Warranty:
48/50000

Rust Warranty:
144/Unlimi

What is the Predicted Reliability:

J.D. Power information is not available. No problems or recalls have been reported. Based on their base record, expect average to above average reliability. The basic warranty lasts for four years or 50,000 miles.

Analysis Of Safety Ratings And Features:

Crash test scores are not available. Anti-lock brakes, full side airbags, and stability and traction control come standard.

Pros and Cons:

Pros
+ Fully loaded
+ Standard AWD
+ Superb design

Cons
- Cramped interior
- Uncertain reliability
- Unknown crash test scores

Head-To-Head Competition:

The BMW Z4 costs the same, but lacks AWD, navigation, a CD changer, and a moonroof. The Chrysler Crossfire costs a few thousand less, but lacks AWD, navigation, a CD changer, moonroof, and has 50 less hp. The Infiniti G35 Coupe costs a few thousand less, but lacks AWD, navigation, and a moonroof.

What Others Are Saying:

"Apart from their flamboyantly curvy sheetmetal, the A5 and the S5 represent a fairly conservative evolution for Audi. The dynamic gains don't seem to reflect the engineering effort that the company has put into the chassis; this isn't a car that will tempt those wedded to a great driving experience. But the S5, while no agile sportster, is a brilliantly executed blunt instrument with which to subdue a raucous Sunday afternoon, Italian-style." - Automobile Magazine

"If Dr. Who wished to demonstrate his sense of humour, he would drive the new Audi A5. Unlike the good Doctor's Tardis (Time and Relative Dimensions in Space), the interior of which is the perfect example of the estate agent's dream of 'deceptively large', the Audi's living space is a mite cosy." - The Times Online

"Audi's slinky new coupes are beautiful every way you slice 'em...a bargain for such a high-level combination of speed, style, luxury, and sex appeal. Get your ass in line. Behind us." - Car and Driver

Read more about the 2008 Audi A5 at the Audi manufacturer web site.

Published on Wednesday, June 25, 2008 - Email to a friend

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