Used Audi A5 Coupe 2016-present review

The Audi A5 Coupé may be born of the Audi A4, mechanically speaking, but it ditches that car's four-door executive car body for a sleek two-door coupé one – and the changes don't end there. Along with its more stylish exterior design, the A5's driving experience has also been sharpened over its mechanical sibling.

If you can't stretch to this generation of A5, then don't fret, because the Audi A5 Coupé (2007-2016) is cheaper and still a very good product.

Engines & Performance: There are a number of engine options, and all are smooth and punchy. Initially, you could have a 1.4-litre TFSI petrol unit at one end, and a rip-snorting super-sporty 3.0-litre S5 version at the other, that can see off the 0 to 62mph sprint in just 4.7secs.

In between are a number of diesels that offer a good compromise between enticing performance and reasonable efficiency, and there is also, in certain engine and trim combinations, the option of four-wheel drive, which offers improved traction in slippery conditions.

Ride & Handling: While Audi has tightened up the A5's driving experience over the A4's, the truth is you’d be better off with a BMW 4 Series if you're looking for driving thrills.

The A5’s steering is precise, but it never really involves you in the process of going round corners, which is a pity given how much fun the smaller Audi TT Coupé is to drive. Mind you, the A5 grips the road well and there’s little body roll through bends – especially on models equipped with sports suspension.

Sports suspension comes as standard on S line and Black Edition trims, and while the set-up isn't bone-shakingly firm, you certainly feel bumps as they pass beneath the car. That doesn't particularly suit the A5's otherwise relaxed demeanour, and is one of the reasons we reckon you'd be better off with one of the lesser trims.

Interior & Practicality: The A5 Coupé doesn’t disappoint inside, pipping the cabin quality of its German rivals with upmarket materials everywhere you look and touch. True, the design of the interior perhaps lacks the flair and imagination of a Mercedes C-Class Coupé, but the flipside is a better-structured, more logical dashboard layout. Audi’s MMI infotainment system comes as standard and features a clear 7.0in display mounted centrally on the dashboard and controlled with the usual rotary dial between the front seats.

Clearly, you won’t be considering a coupé if space is your top priority, but the A5 isn’t as impractical as you might imagine. A couple of six-footers will fit in the back easily enough, although they’ll have to slouch to keep their heads from brushing the ceiling.

Trims & Equipment: A mid-life facelift brought in a revised range of engines, now known as 35 TDI, 40 TDI 204 quattro in diesel form, 35 TFSI, 40 TFSI 204 and 45 TFSI 265 quattro as petrols, and an S5 TDI 341 quattro which was now a diesel. The trims became entry-level Sport, S line and Vorsprung, with an extra Edition 1 trim bringing you extra sporty detailing over the regular Sport trim.

Even entry-level Sport trim comes with 18in alloy wheels, LED headlights, climate control and cruise control. Meanwhile, bigger alloy wheels, sports suspension, more aggressive styling and part-leather seats are among the additions when you step up to S line trim or higher.

Interested in buying a used Audi A5 Coupé? Visit our Used Cars For Sale pages to find lots of cars listed at great prices.

You can buy a used Audi A5 for around £13,000: that'll get you a respectable 2016/'17 model. Up your budget to around £17,000 if you fancy a 2019/2020 car, then to around £30,000 for a 2023/2024 model.

The S5 starts at around £20,000, while the RS5 demands at least £29,000.

Check the value of a used A5 with What Car? Valuations

Find a used Audi cars for sale

MPG: The diesels that are the most economical engines of the lot, in particular the 2.0 TDI 190 Ultra version, with an average claimed figure of 68.9mpg under the older NEDC tests. The 1.4-litre TFSI petrol engine claims an average 53.3mpg, in some trims, while the 2.0 TFSI petrol sees an average 50.4mpg. You’ll need deep pockets to fuel the 3.0-litre S5 version, which claims an average fuel consumption of only 36.7mpg.

Later versions were tested under the more realistic WLTP tests. The 35 TDI averages 54.3mpg, the 40 TDI 50.4mpg, the 35 TFSI 41.5mpg, the 40 TFSI 42.2mpg and the 45 TFSI 35.3mpg.

Road tax: Cars registered before the car tax changes of April 2017 came into force will be taxed according to their CO2 emissions. Cars registered after that date will be taxed at an annual rate (of £180, currently), plus a supplementary £390 luxury car tax if they cost over £40,000 new. This is payable from years two to six.

Insurance groups: Insurance groups will naturally be on the high side for this swift coupe, ranging from 29 up to 42 for the S5 – that's if you exclude the RS5: it sits in group 44.

The A5 comes from new with a three-year/60,000-mile warranty. Audis do tend to be expensive to service at franchised dealers, but once these models are three years old they will qualify for Audi’s fixed-price servicing deal, which costs from £164 for a minor service and £319 for a major one (based on a 2.0 diesel model).

Reliability

The Audi A5 Coupé earns high marks for its build quality and reliability, according to feedback from our annual What Car? Reliability Survey. Most owners report a smooth driving experience with minimal issues. Nonetheless, some have encountered minor electronic glitches, especially with the infotainment system and dashboard electronics, necessitating dealer visits. Dealer service experiences vary: while many commend the promptness and professionalism of repairs, typically covered under warranty, others have faced delays and communication issues, indicating areas for improvement in customer service.

Discover more about used Audi A5 Coupé reliability and common problems on our dedicated reliability page.

Of the older cars, the 2.0 TDI Ultra 190 is the entry-level and best-selling engine, and it’s punchy enough and refined. It’s also the engine to choose if you want to keep CO2 low and fuel economy high. If anything, though, it’s the 3.0 TDI Quattro S Tronic that is the most rounded choice, proving almost as quick as the range-topping 3.0 diesel and every bit as smooth while emitting less CO2 and using less fuel.

Sport is our favourite trim on the older models. It adds different 17in alloy wheels, sports seats, LED interior lighting pack and sat-nav for not a huge amount more money than you’ll pay for entry-level SE trim. Bigger 18in alloy wheels, sport suspension, more aggressive S line styling, LED headlights and a sports steering wheel are among the additions when paying extra for S line trim. Unless you love the look, we wouldn’t bother – it pushes up the used prices considerably.

Our favourite Audi A5 Coupe: 3.0 TDI 218 Quattro S Tronic Sport

The BMW 4 Series Coupé (2013-2020) is the most logical rival to the A5 Coupé, although underneath the skin it’s rear-wheel drive, where the Audi is front or four-wheel drive. The Beemer rides and handles well, though, and the diesel engines are both punchy and economical. However, those same diesels can be a little gruff at times, and there’s not as much room in the back of the 4 Series as there is in the A5.

The Mercedes C-Class Coupé rides exceptionally well on its optional air suspension, and its running costs seem reasonable. It’s an eye-catching design too. Countered against that, the infotainment system could be slicker and rear-seat space is tight.

For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to the What Car? Newsletter here

Interested in buying a used Audi A5 Coupé? Visit our Used Cars For Sale pages to find lots of cars listed at great prices.