2011 Audi A5: What's New

Vehicle Overview

The A5 coupe and Cabriolet are aimed straight at their fellow two-door heartthrobs: the BMW 3 Series coupe and Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class. Like its Deutschland competitors, the A5 seats four. Audi offers a performance version of the A5, the S5, that is covered separately in the Research section.

New for 2011
Aside from a few changes to option packages, there are no significant changes for 2011.

Exterior
The A5 is instantly recognizable as an Audi, with the brand’s customary wide-mouth grille flanked by lower air intakes. The Cabriolet has a power folding roof with thick acoustic fabric that keeps the interior as quiet as a hardtop, Audi says. Exterior features include:

• Twin exhaust pipes
• Standard 18-inch wheels
• Dark lower rear bumper
• Optional LED taillights
• New optional 19-inch wheel design

Interior
Audi’s Multi Media Interface system governs various functions including the optional navigation system with a central knob behind the gearshift. Thanks to more than a dozen shortcut buttons surrounding the knob, it’s easier to use than BMW’s similar iDrive, but uninitiated drivers might find it confusing. The A5 has an extensive range of materials to choose from, including two-tone leather/Alcantara seats and several decorative interior trim options. Interior features include:

• Standard automatic climate control
• Standard MP3 jack
• Standard leather seats
• Optional three-zone automatic climate control
• Optional sportier seats
• Optional 14-speaker sound system

Under the Hood
The A5’s engine features variable valve lift control (similar to Honda’s VTEC) and direct fuel injection. In normal conditions, the all-wheel drive channels 60 percent of power to the rear wheels. With the manual transmission, Audi says the A5 can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in about 6 seconds.

• 211-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 258 pounds-feet of torque
• 265-hp, 3.2-liter V-6 with 243 pounds-feet of torque
• Available adaptive cruise control
• Audi Drive Select Package available, including adaptive suspension dampers and dynamic steering system
• Six-speed manual, eight-speed automatic or continuously variable automatic transmission with sport mode, depending on model

Safety
The navigation package includes a voice control system. Standard safety features include:

• Side-impact airbags for front seats
• Side curtain airbags for both rows of seats
• Four-wheel-disc antilock brakes
• Traction control
• Electronic stability system