The Audi A5 Coupe is aimed primarily at business drivers looking for something a little more stylish than the standard salon or estate that populates company car parks. 

Based on the A4, the A5 is more flamboyant, the design is sexier and with a range of efficient engines it certainly is an attractive proposition for many.

Performance

A varied engine line up is offered on the A5 range. Both petrol and diesel units are available starting from a 1.8-litre TFSI, a turbocharged petrol engine that produces 168bhp. One of the most powerful diesel engines is the 3.0-litre TDI, producing 242bhp.

The boffins at Audi has kept the engine in-tune with the real world by achieving 129g/km of emissions while average economy is good too – at 58mpg. Audi has recently added a range of Ultra engine to the A5 which improves economy and lowers emissions even further. The Ultra engines will be the engine of choice for the majority of business users as economy rises to 60mpg plus with emissions below 115g/km of CO2.

Ride and Handling

On the road the Audi is very comfortable but it is not quite what an enthusiast is looking for

On the road the Audi is very comfortable but it is not quite what an enthusiast is looking for. The 4 Series is a much better car when talking about driving dynamics. The A5 is well-balanced and offers decent levels of feedback, however, the steering feels a tad artificial. The 4 Series is a different matter, the feedback from the steering on it is first class while the weighting is perfect. Yet again Audi falls down in this section and BMW walks away with more plaudits. The world famous four-wheel drive Quattro system means that the A5 has phenomenal levels of grip while body-roll is minimal making the A5 a well-established all-round package.

Interior and Equipment

The A5 Coupe is actually based on the underpinnings of the fourth generation of the A4 Saloon and the A4 Avant. 

Audi builds its cars to an exceptional level. The cabin is always neatly laid out and there is minimal clutter on the dash giving it a classy look. The model is fairly well kitted out and comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, an MP3-compatible single CD stereo, a trip computer, climate control, electric front windows, electrically heated and adjustable door mirrors, three-spoke leather steering wheel, speed-sensitive power steering, electronic stability programme and a split folding rear seat as standard. Move to the SE trim level and this adds Milano leather upholstery, automatic headlights and wipers, rear parking sensors, a multi-function steering wheel, three-zone climate control and a front centre armrest.  Opt for Sport and you add 18-inch wheels, sports seats, sports suspension, a 20mm lower ride height and cruise control (on 2.0 TDI models only).  The S line has black headlining, an S line body kit and xenon lights while the S line Special Edition features 19-inch wheels and a Bang & Olsen sound system.  Coupes are not known for their large boots but the A5 will easily swallow luggage for the weekend, a set of golf clubs or even a couple of cases. The rear seats do fold so you can achieve more space.

Cost

On the costs front, the A5 fares well against rivals against its rivals

On the costs front, the A5 fares well against rivals against its rivals, including the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe and BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe. Emissions on the A5 Sportback come out at 109g/km of CO2, while Audi claims an average economy of 67.3mpg.

Our Verdict

The A5 is a classic model for business drivers – efficient engines and low C02 emissions will make the car very appealing in the company car sector. The ride is good too – crucial for those long motorway jaunts but you will need to take it easy on the option tick list. Normally Audi’s can with the minimum amount of kit making choosing options crucial – just make sure those ticks don’t get out of hand or that starting price may be a bit over the top.  Things can be a little stingy in the equipment department and you will want to opt for the higher specification models. As usual with Audi models, buyers need to be careful about piling on the options – there are plenty of them to choose from – as this will push the price up fairly quickly. Choose the right combination, however, and the A5 Coupe will be comfortable convertible with plenty of useful bits of kit on offer. It may not be a radical departure for Audi in terms of styling, but it looks purposeful nonetheless.