Edmunds expert review
Nine years is a long time for a car to go without a redesign. In the case of the 2017 Audi A5, it's a testament to how well it was designed in the first place. With a replacement on the horizon, this outgoing A5 remains a solid choice among luxury coupes thanks to its timeless styling inside and out, as well as its impeccable balance of performance and comfort.
As well as it has held up over time, there are signs of age. The more advanced features available on rivals are not offered, and where the Audi once held an advantage, it's now considered average. If you're looking for the latest high-tech features like adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, and frontal collision mitigation, you're out of luck with the 2017 Audi A5. Performance is also merely average for the class, though still plenty capable when you consider that all-wheel drive is standard.
If the latest features are what you crave, it's worth checking out some of the A5's chief competitors like the BMW 4 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class coupe.
Standard safety features for all 2017 Audi A5 models include antilock brakes, stability and traction control, front and rear parking sensors and front-seat side and knee airbags. The coupe further benefits from full-length side curtain airbags. A blind-spot monitor is optional.
In Edmunds brake testing, the A5 coupe with the 19-inch wheels and summer tires came to a stop from 60 mph in 108 feet. It's an impressively short distance but about what we expect from similar vehicles.
What's new for 2017
Trim levels & features
The 2017 Audi A5 is a four-passenger luxury coupe that is also available as a cabriolet (convertible). The higher-performing S5 is covered in a separate model review.
The sole A5 Sport trim includes 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic xenon headlights, headlight washers, LED running lights, rain-sensing wipers, heated mirrors, front and rear parking sensors, a sunroof, a rear spoiler, tri-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, 10-way power adjustable front seats with four-way lumbar, split-folding rear seats, a universal garage door opener, Bluetooth and a 10-speaker stereo with satellite radio and iPhone input. The cabriolet adds a power-folding cloth top and a wind blocker.
Options are bundled in packages and include the Convenience package (keyless entry/ignition, auto-dimming mirrors, heated front seats), Sport package (a sport-tuned suspension, selectable drive modes, a black headliner, front sport seats), Black Optic package (19-inch gloss black wheels with summer tires and black exterior trim) and the Technology package (adaptive headlights, a blind-spot monitor, a color trip computer screen, a navigation system, a rearview camera, Audi's MMI infotainment system with a controller mounted on the center console, Google maps and services, a Wi-Fi hotspot and a 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen stereo with CD/DVD player).
Powering the Audi A5 is a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 220 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual transmission is standard on the coupe while an eight-speed automatic is standard on the convertible and optional on the coupe.
In Edmunds testing, the A5 with the manual transmission accelerated to 60 mph in a class-average 6.3 seconds.
The EPA estimates fuel economy at 26 mpg combined (22 mpg city/32 mpg highway) for the manual transmission. The automatic is rated at 25 mpg combined (21 city/30 highway) for the coupe and 24 mpg combined (21 city/29 highway) for the convertible. These estimates are better than the class average.
Driving
The 2017 Audi A5 instills cornering confidence with its well-tuned suspension and standard all-wheel drive. Whether it's a rain-slicked road or a challenging mountain switchback, the sleek coupe tracks predictably flat right where the driver intends. Adding the optional Sport package firms up the ride somewhat, but not at the expense of ride comfort.
Power from the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine is adequate, but not impressive. Drivers with a healthier appetite for performance would do well to check out the more powerful S5 model. Still, the A5 remains a well-balanced choice for comfort, luxury and athleticism that will satisfy the majority of drivers.
Interior
As is the case with the 2017 Audi A5's exterior, its interior has stood the test of time and continues to impress with its elegant simplicity and excellent materials. Most controls are logically placed and all buttons and knobs have a quality feel. It loses some points for the lack of a USB port, opting instead for a proprietary cable that only supports the latest Apple devices.
Front passengers will appreciate the well shaped seats that provide plenty of support over extended trips. More performance-oriented drivers will likely enjoy the added side bolstering of the optional sport seats. Rear seat passengers on the other hand, will find the child-sized accommodations lacking in head and legroom. The convertible top does get high marks for its quick operation and ability to keep out wind and road noise.
Cargo capacity for the coupe comes to 12.2 cubic feet, which is smaller than rivals. The convertible takes away another two cubic feet, but the folding rear seats offer good overflow space.
Edmunds expert review process
This review was written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.
We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.