2016 Audi A5 Coupe 2.0L TFSI 7AT FWD (252 HP)

Vehicle Overview

Audi launched the second generation of the A5 in the summer of 2016 for the 2017 model year, nine years after the introduction of this nameplate in its inventory.

Usually, the German premium automaker replaced its models after eight years, but this time it was different. Because of the world financial crisis that damaged the carmaker’s finances, it had to keep the A5 lineup a little bit longer than expected. Therefore, instead of replacing the model in late 2015, it postponed it for more than six months, but who’s counting? Customers were eagerly expecting the new generation, and Audi didn’t disappoint them. It built the second sequel of this moniker on the same platform as the well-known A4 but with a more attractive shape. Furthermore, it didn’t ditch any of the bodywork versions that made the A5 sell well despite the company’s economic downturns. The new generation was more of an evolution rather than a revolution.

After Walter de Silva left Volkswagen Group, the carmaker’s styling department continued working on the same ideas imagined by the brilliant Italian designer. In addition, it integrated the singleframe grille design language, which was typical for the entire carmaker’s lineup. As a result, the 2017 Audi A5 Coupe showed a sharper design, with clear lines for the octagonal grille. The headlights flanked it on the upper side, and they looked meaner than those of the previous generation. In addition, the LED daytime running lights boasted an L-shape, adorning the upper outer corners of the headlamps. Along with the second generation of the Audi A5, the German automaker also added the Matrix LED option for the headlights, dramatically improving the nighttime driving experience. At the same time, in the apron, the automaker added a pair of angular-shaped side scoops that housed the available fog lamps and the air intakes that cooled the front brakes.

The low-slung profile of the A5 was one of the reasons why customers bought the first generation of this nameplate, so the carmaker kept the same ideas. However, the 2017 Audi A5 Coupe boasted sharper lines with a crisp look, even though they were flowing above the wheel arches like a calm wave. On the lower side of the vehicle, Audi placed sharper lines with an ascending look that made the compact-sized coupe look sportier.

However, the interior deserved a big round of applause due to the increased quality of the materials used and intelligent design. Audi offered the 2017 A5 Coupe with either a mixed instrument panel or a completely digital one, known as the Audi Virtual Cockpit. At the front, the two bucket seats tumbled forward and slid at the touch of a button placed on their seatbacks, easing ingress and egress for those seated in the back. Between them, on the center console, the automaker placed a couple of cup holders, the gear stick (or the gear selector), and the round dial for the infotainment system.

Under the hood, Audi installed a new range of gasoline and turbodiesel engines paired with manual or automatic transmissions. The two-pedal versions were available depending on the engine version with dual-clutch systems or torque-converter-based ones. Apart from the base model, powered by a 190 PS (187 hp) turbocharged gasoline powerplant, the rest of the range was available with Audi’s famous quattro all-wheel drive system. To make the car handle better, the automaker offered electronically-controlled dampers. In addition, to improve traction for all-wheel drive versions, the automaker added a limited-slip center differential. As a result, Audi started to close the gap to its main rivals, the BMW 4 Series and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe.