• 2013 Audi A5

• 2012 Audi A5
• Used Audi A5
• Repairs Audi A5

Scorecard

Overall:	2013 Audi A5 U.S. News Best Cars 7.9
Critics' Rating:	8.1
Performance:	7.9
Interior:	7.6
Safety:	N/A
Reliability:

How we calculate scores

Research analyzed for this review

Notable for 2013

• Revised exterior styling
• Available Audi Connect Wi-Fi access

Pros & Cons

• A5 Coupe comes with standard all-wheel drive
• Elegant exterior styling
• Comfortable, high-quality interior

• Competitors have more power
• Cramped back seat

Research Other Years

• 2012 Audi A5
• 2011 Audi A5
• 2010 Audi A5
• 2009 Audi A5
• 2008 Audi A5

The 2013 Audi A5 ranks 12 out of 20 Upscale Midsize Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 43 published reviews and test drives of the Audi A5, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

It’s not the most athletic coupe or convertible in the class, but test drivers agree that the 2013 Audi A5 offers well-rounded performance, as well as sharp styling and attractive interior.

The 2013 Audi A5 is powered by a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, and while some reviewers mention that other coupes and convertibles have more power, they say that there’s still plenty that the 2013 Audi A5 does right. Consumer Guide writes that the A5 is "still a luxurious and dynamically capable car." 

Thanks to its sporty, yet composed handling, good fuel economy and firm brakes, other critics agree, saying that the Audi A5 is a sporty car with a balanced nature that should fit a number of car shoppers. The A5 Coupe comes with a six-speed manual or an optional, eight-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy is good for the class, as the A5 Coupe gets up to 22/32 mpg city/highway. While a handful of reviewers want more power from the A5, the high-performance Audi S5 addresses their concerns with a powerful supercharged V6 engine.

Inside the A5, reviewers find a luxurious, high-quality design, but also lodge some complaints that are common with other coupes and convertibles in the class. Like the BMW 3-Series Coupe and Lexus IS-C, the A5’s back seat is best left to children. On the upside, most agree that the front seats are spacious, and that visibility is excellent from the driver’s seat. Another plus is that the A5 offers more trunk space than many two-door rivals in the class. While convertibles like the Infiniti G37 lose trunk space when the retractable hardtop is folded, reviewers note that the A5’s insulated soft top is quiet at speed, and doesn’t cut into cargo space when folded.

• "With even sharper looks and more elegant moves, the reborn A5 series is arguably more desirable than ever. However, none of the models is inexpensive, and although that's offset to some extent by the car's comprehensive dynamic, convenience and safety portfolio, one is reminded that this is a pretty indulgent coupe in these tight times." -- AutoWeek 
• "Many buyers will lean towards the Audi purely for the all-wheel drive; some will fall for the styling; but likely none will be disappointed." -- Motor Trend 
• "Not only is the A5 capable of turning heads, it's also able to set your mind at ease. It provides a comfortable ride, a high-class interior, confident handling and admirable fuel economy." -- Edmunds (2012)
• "Get it with the 2.0T, the six-speed, and Quattro, and you've got not only the least expensive, most economical combo, but also one that's pretty sweet to drive." -- Automobile Magazine (2011)

Other Cars to Consider

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class coupe offers the choice between a turbocharged four-cylinder engine with great fuel economy or a powerful V6, and reviewers approve of its fun-to-drive nature and luxurious interior. All-wheel drive, which comes standard on the A5 Coupe, is optional on the C-Class. However, the C-Class’ good safety and reliability ratings help it stand out among upscale midsize cars.

If you want a coupe or convertible that has more power on tap, consider the Infiniti G37. The tradeoff is that while enthusiasts love the G37’s powerful V6, it also uses more fuel than the A5. The base G37 coupe is slightly more expensive than the A5, but it also comes with more standard features.

Compare the A5, C-Class and G37 »

Details: 2013 Audi A5

The 2013 Audi A5 is available as a coupe or cabriolet and comes in three trim levels: Premium, Premium Plus and Prestige. A 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine comes in all A5 models. All-wheel drive and a six-speed manual transmission are standard on the Coupe, while the Cabriolet comes with front-wheel drive and a continuously variable transmission (CVT). High performance S5 Coupes and Cabriolets come in two trim levels: Premium Plus and Prestige. For 2013, the S5 Coupe loses its V8 engine, as both S5 models now comes with a supercharged 3.0-liter V6 engine and all-wheel drive. For even more power, the 2013 Audi RS5 Coupe offers a 4.2-liter V8 engine. All models get updated exterior styling for 2013, as well as a revised infotainment system and available Wi-Fi access. Since the A5 hasn’t been completely redesigned, this review uses applicable research and reviews from 2011 and 2012 models, as well as the current model year.

See the full 2013 Audi A5 specs »