2011 Audi A5 Review

The 2011 Audi A5 will be the first full sized coupe from the German automaker following the release of the Audi 100, since most of the succeeding releases were mostly sedans. There are two choices of basic line packages for the 2011 Audi A5. The first one is the S line sports package plus that offers vehicles with a sporty suspension and a choice between an 18-inch 5-spoke alloy wheels or 19-inch alloy wheels with 20-spokes.

The inside of this vehicle is quite consistent and has become somewhat of a benchmark for the Audi models. When it comes to fuel economy rating, "2011 Audi A5" is pretty remarkable, especially for the 2.0T engine.

You get a lot for that sticker price, however, including a standard turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, an optional 3.2-liter V6 and standard all wheel drive. The driving impression that you’ll get from the 2011 Audi A5 is going to largely depend on which engine and transmission it has. Also, automatic versions of the A5 tend to produce roughing riding experiences; the manual transmission allows for greater finesse and a smoother ride. The 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine produces 211 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual and a six-speed automatic transmission are both available, and Quattro all-wheel-drive comes standard.

Leather is standard on all trim levels, while two-tone leather/Alcantara is an available option. Automatic climate control is also standard.

Speed-sensitive power steering definitely ups the ante and helps mitigate the car’s somewhat rough ride quality. If you stick with the 2.0T engine, you’ll enjoy exceptional fuel economy.

If the 2011 Audi A5 was a bona fide high-performance vehicle, its cramped backseat would be a given. However, few people would classify this car as “high performance.”

The 2011 Audi A5 is available in coupe and cabriolet (convertible) body styles. Both are available in Premium, Premium Plus and Prestige trim levels. The Sport package available for the Premium Plus and Prestige trim levels adds 19-inch wheels, high-performance tires, a sport-tuned suspension, sport seats and shift paddles for the automatic transmission. The Coupe's Titanium Sport package is basically a Sport package with some dark exterior and interior trim. The cabriolet's Comfort package adds a neck-level heating system, ventilated front sport seats, adjustable lumbar for the passenger seat and upgraded leather upholstery.

The cabriolet comes standard with front-wheel drive and a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Every coupe comes standard with all-wheel drive; a six-speed manual transmission is standard and the eight-speed automatic is optional.

Antilock brakes (with brake assist), stability control, front-seat side airbags and side curtain airbags are all standard on the 2011 Audi A5.

The 2011 Audi A5 handles well, with impressive body control and tenacious traction from the all-wheel-drive system.