Competition
The 2008 Audi A5 3.2 quattro starts out at $51,850. To obtain a car identical to this tester, add a metallic paint job ($800), the Technology Package that includes keyless entry and adaptive headlights ($1,600), the 6-speed automatic transmission ($1,500), a navigation system with backup camera ($3,500), a blind-spot monitor ($650) and the aforementioned 19-inch wheels with 255/35R19 tires ($1,200), for a total of $61,100.
The A5 measures up to these rivals, if we include a similar level of equipment:
Audi TT 3.2 quattro, 250 hp, $59,600
BMW 328xi with options, 230 hp, $50,700
Infiniti G37, 330 hp, $47,350
Mercedes-Benz CLK350 with options, 268 hp, $73,300
As you can see, there aren't many sport-luxury coupes on the market anymore. But in this small group, the A5/S5 is clearly the most beautiful. Only the BMW is available with all-wheel drive, and the Mercedes-Benz is really expensive.
Conclusion
The Audi A5 is a great car that could very well succeed on looks alone. That is, until the 2009 A4 sedan comes along which looks just like the A5 but with two extra doors. Personally, this coupe makes better sense to me than the S5, because I don't need the extra 100 horsepower and stiffer ride. I'd even skip on the options, but I would gladly pay extra for the 19-inch wheel package.
However, I just wish Audi would offer the S tronic sequential transmission in this car instead of the patience-depleting Tiptronic. After all, the TT and the A3 get it with the 3.2, so why can't the A5?
photo:Philippe Champoux
The 2008 Audi A5 3.2 quattro starts out at $51,850. To obtain a car identical to this tester, add a metallic paint job ($800), the Technology Package that includes keyless entry and adaptive headlights ($1,600), the 6-speed automatic transmission ($1,500), a navigation system with backup camera ($3,500), a blind-spot monitor ($650) and the aforementioned 19-inch wheels with 255/35R19 tires ($1,200), for a total of $61,100.
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| The Audi A5 is a great car that could very well succeed on looks alone. |
The A5 measures up to these rivals, if we include a similar level of equipment:
Audi TT 3.2 quattro, 250 hp, $59,600
BMW 328xi with options, 230 hp, $50,700
Infiniti G37, 330 hp, $47,350
Mercedes-Benz CLK350 with options, 268 hp, $73,300
As you can see, there aren't many sport-luxury coupes on the market anymore. But in this small group, the A5/S5 is clearly the most beautiful. Only the BMW is available with all-wheel drive, and the Mercedes-Benz is really expensive.
Conclusion
The Audi A5 is a great car that could very well succeed on looks alone. That is, until the 2009 A4 sedan comes along which looks just like the A5 but with two extra doors. Personally, this coupe makes better sense to me than the S5, because I don't need the extra 100 horsepower and stiffer ride. I'd even skip on the options, but I would gladly pay extra for the 19-inch wheel package.
However, I just wish Audi would offer the S tronic sequential transmission in this car instead of the patience-depleting Tiptronic. After all, the TT and the A3 get it with the 3.2, so why can't the A5?
photo:Philippe Champoux
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