The 2016 Audi A5 and S5 models are offered in coupe or cabriolet body styles. A5 models all come with a 2.0L TFSI 4-cylinder engine, with turbocharging and direct injection, which produces 220 hp, while S5 models get a 333-hp, 3.0L supercharged TFSI V6 engine. Quattro all-wheel drive the only drivetrain.
Transmission options are quite different between the two models. Both the A5 coupe and the S5 coupe offer a 6-speed manual gearbox, but the front-wheel-drive cabriolet comes with a continuously variable automatic transmission. A5 models can be optioned with an 8-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission, while the S5 is offered with a 7-speed S-tronic automatic.
The entire A5 lineup gets Audi's Quattro all-wheel drive system, which sends 60 percent of power to the rear wheels under normal driving, to give these models more of a performance character and a more balanced feel in tight corners. S5 models get a sports differential that helps distribute power to further aid performance.
Cabriolets feature a power-folding acoustic soft top that can be operated at speeds of up to 31 mph; it also has enough thermal insulation for winter use, and special attention has been paid to trunk space. Even when folded, the top allows enough trunk space (10.2 cubic feet) for a couple of small weekend bags. The rear seatbacks can still be folded forward to access more space. The setup also includes LED reading lamps and a heated rear window.
Depending on how much luxury is desired, there are three different trim levels: Premium, Premium Plus and Prestige. S5 models are available only in Premium Plus and Prestige trims.
Premium models of the A5 include a panorama sunroof, heated power mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, heated windshield nozzles, leather upholstery, a power driver's seat, cruise control, 3-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth hands-free connectivity, HomeLink universal remote, iPod adapter and a 10-speaker, 180-watt sound system with auxiliary input and SD card slot. Premium Plus trim adds a 505-watt Bang & Olufsen sound system with 14 speakers, xenon headlamps, LED tail lamps, heated front seats and driver's seat memory settings, among other items.
Key options include the Audi adaptive cruise control, which applies the brakes as necessary to keep a safe following distance, and is packaged together with Audi Side Assist. Heated and ventilated seats are also available. The comfort front seats in the cabriolet circulate warm air at neck level to allow you, perhaps, to have the top down in cooler weather.
The Audi Connect system is also available, utilizing a dedicated Internet connection for the vehicle to form its own Wi-Fi network. The system also works with Audi's hard-disc-based navigation system to allow easy streaming Google Earth imagery for maps, live Google Search and live news, traffic, and weather. The navigation system includes music-storage capability, while the MMI controller is simple and straightforward.
Strong, Responsive, Fuel-efficient Powertrains
Stylish Interior
Nicely Proportioned Exterior
Excellent Quattro All-wheel Drive System
Advanced Infotainment And Connectivity
Great Soft-top Arrangement In The Cabriolet
The A5 lineup gets only some trim and equipment tweaks for 2016. The Prestige trim is dropped and its Bang & Olufsen stereo now comes standard on the Premium Plus.
The RS5 will not be available for the 2016 model year.
The 2016 Audi A5 and its performance variant, the S5 are a family of compact luxury coupes and cabriolets. The biggest differences between the models are oriented around powertrains and performance hardware.
The A5 lineup offers a competitive alternative to the BMW 3-Series, Cadillac CTS coupe and Infiniti Q50 coupe. In S5 form, it offers an excellent compromise between ride, comfort and performance, with 0-60 times of under 5 seconds. With the Audi Connect system and revised MMI controller and its live Google Earth maps, it has one of the best (and best-looking) infotainment systems.
