2013 Audi A5 Expert Review

Want an Audi A4 Coupe? Then the 2013 Audi A5 -- as well as its progressively hotter S5 and RS 5 siblings -- is the Audi for you. Refreshed for 2013, Audi offers the A5 as a coupe or convertible, with front- or all-wheel drive, three different engine options and four different transmissions. The base A5 is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged I-4 making 211 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. A5 Cabriolet buyers have the choice of a front-wheel drive version with a continuously variable transmission, which will net them 24/31 mpg city/highway. The rest of the A5 Coupe and Cabriolet lineup comes with standard Quattro all-wheel drive and either a six-speed manual, or an eight-speed automatic transmission -- by far the better choices for sport-minded drivers. The A5 gets 22/32 mpg with the manual, 20/30 mpg with the eight-speed automatic.

True enthusiast drivers will want to pass on the A5 and instead opt for either the S5 or RS 5. The S5 comes with a 3.0-liter supercharged V-6 that makes 333 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque, while the RS 5 gets a 4.2-liter V-8 that makes 450 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque. Both come with standard all-wheel drive and a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox, but the RS 5 is quicker, capable of accelerating from 0-60 mph in just 4.0 seconds.

We've generally enjoyed the various A5s, S5s, and RS 5s that we've tested. We described the last RS 5 Coupe and Cabriolet we drove as "mad," in a good way, but we did note that the cars rode rather roughly over poor pavement. But that's the price you pay for driving a performance-oriented car.

New for 2013

The 2013 Audi A5 lineup has received a thorough update. All 2013 A5s feature new sheet metal with Audi's corporate grille, and signature LED daytime running lights. The S5 lost its V-8 for the supercharged V-6, and the limited-run RS 5 made its way to the states as well. The RS 5 is new to our shores for 2013. It packs a 4.2-liter V-8 under the hood that makes a stout 450 hp. The slightly softer S5 gets a new supercharged V-6 engine this year, while the A5's powertrains remain unchanged. The full A5 lineup gets new sheet metal outside, and a redesigned interior.