2018 Audi A5
New for 2018
The A5 is all new for 2018.
A high-tech luxury coupe
The redesigned 2018 Audi A5 incorporates the automaker's latest tech into a stylish coupe body. Features like the slick Virtual Cockpit digital display and efficiency-focused quattro® all-wheel-drive system with ultra® technology were impressive in other Audi models, but they’re even better when combined with this coupe’s attractive shape.
Performance
Going back to the original Quattro coupe that dominated the World Rally Championship in the 1980s, all-wheel drive performance coupes are an Audi specialty. Like that iconic model, the 2018 Audi A5 aims to use technology and all-wheel drive traction to provide accessible and exhilarating performance.
While it will be offered with no less than five engine options in its home market of Germany, the sole engine option for the A5 in the U.S. is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder unit from the manufacturer's TFSI® family. It produces 252 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. Naturally for an Audi, drive goes to all four wheels. However, that’s not the end of the story with this one.
Audi actually offers two all-wheel-drive systems, paired with two transmission options. Models equipped with the S tronic® seven-speed automatic transmission get a conventional version of the legendary Audi quattro® system. Six-speed manual models get the new quattro® all-wheel-drive system with ultra® technology. This system decouples the rear axle when extra traction is not needed in order to improve fuel economy. Automatic models get an EPA-estimated 27 mpg combined (24 mpg city, 33 mpg highway) while manual models get an extra mile on the highway.*
When it comes to suspension, Audi says the 2018 A5 will handle “narrow, winding mountain roads and long trips on the Autobahn with equal aplomb.” To accomplish that, Audi equipped the A5 with available adaptive damping, which works with the Audi Drive Select series of programmable driving modes to alter settings for different conditions.
Features
The 2018 Audi A5 is a two-door, five-seat coupe. Audi will offer a convertible and Sportback five-door hatchback model at later dates as well. The A5 coupe is available in three trim levels starting from $42,800.**
Standard equipment on the base A5 Premium model includes 18-inch alloy wheels, Xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights, leather upholstery, power front seats, 40/20/40 split-folding rear seat, three-zone automatic climate control, three-spoke multifunction steering wheel, panoramic sunroof, MMI® infotainment system with 7.0-inch display screen, Bluetooth®, and Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ integration.
The A5 Premium Plus incorporates applicable standard features from the Premium and adds full LED headlights, driver seat memory, driver and front passenger comfort head restraints, voice control, and more.
The top A5 model is the Prestige, which adds features like driver seat lumbar adjustment, an upgraded MMI® system with navigation and handwriting recognition, six-month trial subscription to Audi connect® Prime and Audi connect® Plus online services, Bang & Olufsen® 19-speaker audio system, 8.3-inch display screen, head-up display, and the Audi Virtual Cockpit 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster.
Design
Over the past decade, Audi has become a style leader among luxury brands. The 2018 A5 features a carefully updated version of the signature Audi design language. The goal was to create something that looked fresh without trying to fix what isn’t broken.
The new A5 features many of the automaker’s greatest styling hits, including slash-like LED daytime running lights, a large shield-shaped grille, and crisp character lines. The design is more evolution than revolution, but that’s perfectly fine, given how good the last A5 looked. Audi also claims the new model is about 130 pounds lighter than its predecessor and fairly aerodynamic, boasting a drag coefficient of 0.25.
The interior boasts more space and technology. Total volume is up slightly thanks to the new A5’s larger dimensions, particularly its longer wheelbase. The A5 gets the latest MMI® infotainment system with a rotary controller that doubles as a touchpad as well as the Virtual Cockpit. This flashy system replaces traditional analog gauges with a reconfigurable digital display, putting more information closer to the driver’s line of sight.
The A5 also boasts 16.4 cubic feet of luggage space—up 0.4 cubic feet from the previous model. The 40/20/40 split-folding rear seat makes room for longer items.
Safety
Standard safety equipment on the 2018 Audi A5 includes anti-lock brakes, stability and traction controls, rearview camera, Audi pre sense®, and a full suite of airbags. Optional features include parking assist, Audi Side Assist, rear cross traffic alert and vehicle exit assist, adaptive cruise control with stop & go and Traffic Jam Assist, Active Lane Assist, Collision Avoidance Assist, and Turn Assist.
Verdict
The 2018 Audi A5 combines the latest technology with a pleasing design.
For more information or to schedule a test drive of the 2018 Audi A5, contact us online or visit Audi Silver Spring at 3151 Automobile Blvd, Silver Spring, MD 20904.
*EPA estimates. Your mileage will vary depending on driving habits and conditions.
**Actual prices are set by the dealer. This site shall not be used or relied upon by you as a substitute for information that is available to you from an authorized Audi automobile dealer. MSRP excludes taxes, destination charges, optional equipment, registration, and dealer charges. All prices are in U.S. dollars. Specifications, equipment, options, and prices are subject to change without notice. Some items may be unavailable when vehicle is built. Emissions charges may vary by jurisdiction.
Image: Audi