2008 Audi A5 Review

POSTED BY Matt Farah, 26 July 2008

Some of you have requested to hear my actual thoughts on the A5, as we only used it as an intro in the video. I'm not good at writing a coherent article, so here are some random thoughts about the car:

- The interior is amazing. It's by far the best interior available at this price point, and the comfort, driving position, and fit surpasses many cars available at any price point. For instance, the A5's interior makes the much more expensive BMW 650i's interior look like amateur hour. The seats in the S5 are even better.

- Of all the knob-driven interface systems I've ever used, (and I've pretty much used them all at this point), the A5's system is probably the best. I would rather play the part of the girl in the Vern Troyer sex tape than ever use iDrive again, and Mercedes' COMMAND system requires practice to feel like you aren't a child lost in the woods of interfaces. What I like about the Audi MMI system is that there are buttons for the main controls, such as the climate controls and to switch between modes on the screen. I don't want to have to click through 3 menus because I want cold air on my balls instead of my face.

- The A5's engine is smooth, and with Sport mode engaged, the throttle is responsive. As someone who likes fast cars, the A5 doesn't quite cut it, but that's what the S5 (and upcoming RS5) are for. I could be happy with the A5's 265 horsepower for about 2 months before I needed more. In fact, when I test drove the S5 at a dealer a few months ago, I said to myself, "This car is amazing. Give me an extra 100hp and I'll be happy." Also, our test car had an extremely annoying rattle as the engine first came off idle, but it was probably just a loose bolt on my well-abused press car.

- Like all other Audi's (except the R8), the shifter is kinda rubbery for my taste, but works well and requires little effort, which makes the A5 perfect for sitting in traffic while commuting to work, which is where I'd imagine most A5 drivers will be experiencing it. For the more sporting of us, a short-throw option would be nice, but doubtful. Fortunately there are several available aftermarket products. The pedals are well spaced for heel-and toe downshifting, but the engine comes down off revs so much faster than what I'm used to, that in order to downshift effectively, you have to be quick to put the car in gear so it doesn't catch at the wrong moment.

- With the A5 platform, Audi has finally moved the front wheels ahead of the engine, which eliminates much of Audi's traditionally unwelcome understeer. This translates into a car that feels much more nimble in the twisties than you would expect from a car this size. Its no John Cooper Works Mini or Evo, but the steering feel is good and German, just like it should be.

- I fucking hate electronic parking brakes. If I bought the car, and I had it for more than 2 days, I might get used to it, but I really can't stand the fact that I have to have my foot on the brake to disengage the parking brake. But Matt, wouldn't you put your foot on the brake anyway when you disengage the parking brake? No. I never use the parking brake on my car unless I'm on a steep hill. In the A5 you can't shut the car off without it.

- The most interesting thing about the A5 is that it's the best looking car in its class, but I can't really figure out what class it's in. I would argue that it's better looking than both the BMW 3-series and 6-series, but which is its closest competitor? The A5/S5 fall into a price point that straddles the two BMW's, and yet I'd rather have the Audi than either. Sure, the 3-series is probably a better value, and the 6-series has more available horsepower, but neither has the gorgeous lines of the A5 and standard Quattro all-wheel-drive. Fortunately, the BMW's come with a lifetime supply of wife beaters and hair gel.

- Those LED's in the headlights are the most badass styling feature on any production car today. When you roll up behind someone on the highway, and they see those in the rearview, they move out of the way. Trust me. They feel like you've come to send them straight to Hell. And maybe you have.

- About the driving without a key thing, you need the key to start the car. That's it. Once it's started, you can drive around in it all day long with the key at home. But, if you shut the car off, you ain't turning it back on. Sound stupid? Well, it is. At least, unlike another (American) luxury car I drove, the A5 gives you a warning light and a sound to let you know you've left your keys elsewhere.

What's the conclusion here? The A5 is perfect for someone who wants everyone to know that they are stylish and successful, and wants a great commuter car with all the great gadgets, but doesn't need the extra power that I so desperately craved. If you're a car guy, and you can swing it, the S5 is the way to go. As for me, I'll wait a year for the RS5 to come in. Make mine black.