Overview
Style mavens will find the 2022 Audi A5 coupe and Cabriolet convertible models more eye-catching than the A4 sedan while pragmatists will be happy to know they require few compromises to practicality. Both A5 body styles are sophisticated, upscale, and athletic, making them a great choice for luxury buyers who also enjoy driving. The coupe and convertible are both powered by a gutsy 261-hp turbocharged four-cylinder paired with standard all-wheel drive. Those looking for more oomph should consider upgrading to the Audi S5 (reviewed separately) or perhaps the BMW 440i, but most drivers will find the 2022 A5’s powertrain to be plenty potent for even spirited driving.
What’s New for 2022?
The A5 lineup received a styling refresh last year, so the changes for 2022 are minor. A new 19-inch wheel design is available with all-season tires. S-line coupe models add a sport suspension as well as a leather-and-microsuede upholstery. A new Black Optic Plus package is available on S-line models, too, and includes black exterior trim, a matte-black grille, and red brake calipers.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
We recommend the mid-range Premium Plus trim level as it’s the best balance of features and price. It comes with nice-to-haves such as the company’s digital gauge display, keyless entry with push-button start, and a wireless charging pad. The hardest decision here is whether or not to go topless, but we’d stick with the less expensive coupe.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
While we haven’t driven the 2022 A5 to sample the turbocharged 2.0-liter with the new 12-volt hybrid setup, we’re intrigued by the extra boost of power from 248 to 261 horsepower. Older nonhybrid examples with the lower output proved to be downright quick, sprinting to 60 mph in just 5.0-seconds—just 0.6 second behind the 400-hp Infiniti Q60 Red Sport. Composed and planted when cruising, the A5 comes alive on twisty roads; accurate, well-weighted steering compliments the suspension’s agility, and the A5 is easy to drive quickly. The Quattro all-wheel-drive system helps, too, aiding the chassis’ balance and providing faultless power delivery out of tight corners.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The A5 coupe is expected to earn 24 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway, but the city rating drops to 23 mpg for the cabriolet variant. Once we run the A5 models on our 75-mph highway fuel-economy route, which is part of our extensive testing regimen, we can evaluate their real-world mpg. For more information about the A5’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Stylish, modern, and well built, the A5’s cabin is comfortable, at least for front seat passengers—the rear seat is tight—and the design will surely stand the test of time. The A5’s interior oozes quality from every panel. In our Premium Plus test car, finely grained, soft-touch plastics mingled with textured aluminum trim. As you slide behind the leather-wrapped steering wheel, a motorized arm pushes the seatbelt forward to within easy reach of your left shoulder. The seat bottoms are narrow but provide enough comfort and support for long highway journeys, and a manual thigh extension should satisfy the long-legged. Everything looks and feels beautifully assembled, durable, and solid. The only missing attribute is a sense of luxury. The armrests are thinly padded, while other high-end touches are simply missing—such as heated rear seats or a power-adjustable steering wheel. The coupe’s roomy trunk and flexible, flat-folding rear seatbacks provide an unexpected amount of cargo capacity, though. We also fit 16 carry-on suitcases inside with the rear seats folded. It’s too bad the various storage bins and cubbies aren’t as useful. You’ll easily find places for smartphones, snacks, and other small items, but bulkier objects such as oversize water bottles will be left without homes.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Audi offers plenty of infotainment features standard on all A5 models, including Bluetooth phone and audio streaming, power outlets, and USB connectivity. A 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen is a floating element atop the A5’s dashboard and features both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. Navigation is optional, as is a 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
It’s worth noting that automated emergency braking and lane-departure warning are standard, but the A5’s more desirable driver-assistance features remain options. For more information about the A5’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
- Standard forward collision warning with automated emergency braking
- Standard lane-departure warning
- Available adaptive cruise control
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Audi’s warranty is average for the segment, matching many of its rivals in coverage but exceeding none. At first glance, the offer of a year of free scheduled maintenance looks like a decent perk, but it only covers the first visit and expires once the odometer hits 10,000 miles.
- Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- Complimentary maintenance is covered for one year or 10,000 miles
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