When Audi launched its first coupe in 1969, it sold just over 30,000 examples during a seven-year run. The 100 Coupe S was stylish and expensive, despite having only a 115bhp 1.9-litre petrol engine.
When the A5 arrived in 2008, Audi expected to achieve rather more in terms of sales success with a car that was offered with an array of excellent petrol and diesel engines, some superb transmissions and the sort of tech and build quality that Audi buyers have come to expect. Later, there would be a cabriolet as well as a five-door Sportback. Here we’ll focus on the two-door models, in particular the coupe.
Models covered
- • Audi A5 Coupe Mk1 (2007-2017) - Sleek, stylish, well made A5 makes a great alternative to a 3 Series.
Audi A5 Coupe Mk1
History
The A5 made its debut in July 2007 in 3.0 TDI form, alongside the 4.2-litre V8 S5. In August a 3.2 FSI V6 petrol arrived, then a 2.7 TDI unit in September. The entry-level 1.8 TFSI appeared in October 2007, then the 2.0 TFSI in August 2008. The A5 Cabriolet came in spring 2009, in 2.0 TFSI, 3.2 FSI and 3.0 TDI forms; quattro was standard on the latter and optional on the others.
At the same time the S5 Cabriolet got a 328bhp supercharged 3.0 V6 and a dual-clutch S tronic gearbox became available on the A5 2.0 TFSI. A facelift in autumn 2011 brought design tweaks and revisions for the cabin, engines, steering and suspension, the 2.7 TDI was dropped and the S5’s V8 was swapped for a supercharged 3.0 TFSI engine.
Audi A5 Coupe Mk1 reviews
Audi A5 Coupe in-depth review
Audi A5 Coupe 1.8 TFSI review
Audi A5 Coupe 2.0 TFSI review
Audi A5 Coupe 3.0 TDI review
Audi A5 Cabriolet in-depth review
Audi A5 Cabriolet 3.0 TDI review
Audi S5 Coupe in-depth review
Audi S5 Coupe review
Audi S5 Cabriolet in-depth review
Audi S5 Cabriolet review
Which one should I buy?
The 3.0 TDI has four-wheel drive as standard, but these cars can be costly to run. The best all-rounder is the 2.0 TDI, which is economical, torquey and smooth. The 2.7 TDI offers a half-way house but is available only with the CVT auto gearbox.
At launch, the entry-level A5 came with 17-inch alloys, a space saver spare wheel, leather trim, 10-speaker hi-fi, xenon headlights, three-zone climate control, rear parking sensors plus electrically heated and adjustable door mirrors. The Sport added lower, stiffer suspension, more supportive seats and 18-inch wheels. Leather, the 10-speaker audio system and tri-zone climate were later dropped from entry-level cars and reserved for the SE, launched in spring 2009.
Alternatives to the Audi A5 Coupe Mk1
The BMW 3 Series isn’t any roomier than the A5, but it’s better to drive. Build quality is superb and engine choices are wide-ranging; there’s also a choice of coupe or coupe-cabriolet bodystyles. The Mercedes E-Class Coupe and Cabriolet offer excellent build quality and some superb engines, with refinement and reliability.
These German cars are costly to buy and run, especially if you purchase something with a high spec. If your budget won’t stretch to this there are a couple of more left-field choices; the Peugeot 407 and Renault Laguna Coupes don’t match the Audi’s cachet, cabin or quality, but they’re great value, unusual and worth a look.
What to look for
Windows
Regulators for electric windows can break. It’s a DIY fix, with new ones £120 from Audi.
Fuel cap
Fuel filler flap mechanism can fail. There’s an override behind the boot trim to open the flap.
Bearings
Wheel bearings are a weak spot, especially the fronts, so listen for groaning when cornering.
Doors
Make sure the door locks work properly because the mechanisms can fail; replacement is the only cure.
Interior
Audi has long made some of the best cabins in the business, with strong build quality and excellent ergonomics; the A5’s is no exception. Its seats are supportive and comfortable, and in sporty S line form they’re even more figure-hugging. A split-folding rear seat boosts practicality; the boot can stow 455 litres, or 829 with the rear seats down.
Running costs
Most A5s have variable servicing, allowing up to two years or 19,000 miles between pit stops. However, a fixed-schedule regime is offered too, under which the car requires a service every 9,000 miles or 12 months.
Service costs for four-cylinder models are pegged at £170 and £338 (minor and major); for V6 models these prices rise to £203 and £409. All 2.0 TDI models have a cam belt, which costs £495 to replace, or £599 with a fresh water pump; this is due every five years.
Brake fluid is needed after three years, then every two years (£65), and the coolant topped up as needed.
Recalls
The A5 has been recalled five times. Three recalls between October 2014 and February 2017 covered brake servo problems, fuel leaks and airbags and seatbelt pre-tensioners. Coolant pump overheating caused a May 2017 recall, then in January some A5s were recalled for air-con overheating. Some models were included in the VW diesel emissions scandal.
Driver Power owner satisfaction
Coming 35th in the 2017 Driver Power Used Car Survey is good for a decade-old car, with reliability and build quality the highlights, along with exterior fit and finish. Owners like the engines and transmissions, too. The A5 didn’t score too badly in any area, although the lowest score (60th) was for running costs.
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