2014 Audi A5 Coupe / Cabriolet Expert Review
Reviewed by Alex Nishimoto
Vehicle Overview
The Audi A5 takes the four-door A4's inherent handsomeness and translates it beautifully to two-door form. If you want performance to match its racy looks, Audi also offers the S5 and high-performance RS 5 coupe and convertibles.
The 2014 Audi A5 is offered in three trim levels, including Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige. All coupe models are offered exclusively with Audi's all-wheel-drive system, and come powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter I-4 producing 220 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed manual transmission is standard, with an eight-speed automatic available. Manual-equipped A5 coupe models are EPA-rated at 22/32 mpg city/highway, while automatic coupes are rated at 20/29 mpg. A convertible version of the A5 is powered by the same turbo I-4, but comes with a CVT in front-drive trim or an eight-speed automatic in all-wheel-drive spec. Front-drive, CVT-equipped A5 cabriolet models achieve 24/32 mpg, while all-wheel-drive models are rated at 20/29 mpg.
The sportier S5 coupe receives a 333-hp, 325-lb-ft supercharged V-6, which is mated to either a six-speed manual transmission or seven-speed dual-clutch unit. The S5 coupe is rated at 17/26 mpg with the manual, and 18/28 mpg with the dual-clutch. The S5 is also offered as a convertible, though exclusively with the seven-speed dual-clutch, which is rated at 18/26 mpg. The RS 5 is powered by a 4.2-liter V-8 producing 450 hp and 316 lb-ft, mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. All RS 5 models get all-wheel drive, and for 2014 a convertible model is added to the range. The RS 5 coupe is rated at 16/23 mpg, while the cabriolet is rated at 16/22 mpg.
The A5 is a crowd-pleaser whenever it rolls through Motor Trend headquarters, with its slinky two-door shape, luxurious interior, and just-enough turbo-four. The RS5, however, is the one staffers will fight over. We said of the RS 5 cabriolet, "The aural entertainment continues at wide open throttle as the engine races to its redline of 8500 rpm, producing a frenetic snarl. The sound is fantastic and completely natural -- no firewall-protruding sound tubes or help from audio speakers here, folks -- with a pitch that falls somewhere between the C63 AMG's deep growl and the Lexus LFA's F1-like wail."
Inside, the A5 receives standard leather upholstery, eight-way power adjustable front seats, Bluetooth connectivity, a panoramic sunroof, 10-speaker CD audio system with MP3 playback capability, and tri-zone climate control. RS5 models get premium Nappa leather upholstery and 12-way power heated sport seats as standard. Optional features include Audi's MMI navigation system with Audi Connect infotainment, a rearview camera, neck-level heating vents, and adaptive cruise control.
The Audi A5, S5, or RS 5 has not yet been crash tested by the NHTSA or IIHS.
New for 2014
The Audi RS 5 Cabriolet is new for 2014. Also new is a boost in power for the A5's turbocharged 2.0-liter I-4, which rises from 211 hp to 220 hp.
Key Competitors
Sum Up
The popular two-door gets minor and significant changes for 2014.
