Audi A5

Initial release

When unveiled at the March 2007 Geneva Motor Show, the A5 marked Audi's return to the compact executive coupé market after the (B3/B4) Audi 80-based coupé ended production in 1996. On May 10, 2006, Audi confirmed that the A5 would go into production. The B6/B7 A4 included a convertible variant but no coupé. For the fourth-generation A4 (B8), Audi decided to spin off the cabriolet, along with a new coupé and four-door fastback sedan, into a distinct nameplate as the A5.

The A5 was the first vehicle in the B8 family to be released (the others being the A4 and the Q5 crossover SUV), all of which were based on the Audi MLP (Modular Longitudinal Platform). This platform underpins the next-generation A6 and A8.[4]

The A5 is the third coupé in Audi's lineup, following the second-generation TT and the R8. It adopted design elements from the Nuvolari quattro concept car and debuted with a 3.2-litre FSI V6 engine, delivering 195 kW.

Coupé (8T3)

The A5 and S5 design was based on the Nuvolari quattro concept car. The A5 and the S5 Coupé were unveiled simultaneously at the Salon International de l'Auto (Geneva)[5] and the Melbourne International Motor Shows on 6 March 2007.

Orders for the A5 and S5 began the same day as their unveiling, 6 March 2007; the first deliveries were made in June 2007.[6] Launch models included the 3.2-litre FSI V6 engine multitronic and the 3.0-litre TDI quattro 6-speed,[7] with the 1.8-litre TFSI available in late 2007.

Early U.S. models included the A5 3.2-litre FSI quattro and the S5 coupé 4.2-litre FSI quattro. Both included either a six-speed manual or a six-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission. The S5 model went on sale in November 2007, initially equipped only with a manual transmission, while the A5 with Tiptronic became available in early 2008.[8]

The A5 went on sale in Canada in 2008, featuring the A5 3.2-litre FSI with a choice of a six-speed manual or six-speed Tiptronic transmission. Since 2011, only the 2.0-litre turbo engines have been available for the A5 in Canada.[9] In 2013, Audi introduced the A5 Black Edition.

Cabriolet (8F)

Production of both the Audi A5 and the S5 Cabriolet (convertible) began in early 2009. The A5 Cabriolet included a fabric roof as opposed to the retractable hardtop used on the Volkswagen Eos. The engine range was the same as contemporary A5 coupé models, but the S5 Cabriolet featured a 3.0 TFSI V6 supercharged engine.[10]

The A5 Cabriolet replaced the A4 Cabriolet.[11] Deliveries of the A5 Cabriolet began in the second quarter of 2009. The vehicle was unveiled at the 2009 New York Auto Show.[12]

The U.S. versions of the A5 and S5 Cabriolet went on sale in September 2009 as 2010 models. Early models included the A5 2.0-litre I4 TFSI Multitronic, A5 2.0-litre quattro Tiptronic, and S5 quattro S-Tronic.[13]

Sportback (8T8)

The A5 Sportback has four frameless doors and a long, tapering fastback-like roofline, giving it a 'four-door coupé-like' appearance. While it shares many exterior design cues with the A5 coupé, the Sportback's interior is similar to that of the A4 saloon. Although all A5 models share the same platform as the A4, the Sportback is closer in design to the A4 than to the rest of the A5 family.[14][15]

The Sportback has been described as 'a saloon with the front end (including an identical S-line look) and taillights of the A5 coupé but the wheelbase of the A4,' with the Sportback positioned more as a 'designer's car' compared to the more conventional A4 saloon.[16]

The Sportback model is available in Europe, Japan, South Korea, China, Australia, New Zealand, the Middle East, Mexico, Argentina, and South Africa. Although not originally sold in the United States and Canada,[17] the A5 Sportback entered the North American market as a 2018 model at the beginning of 2017.[18]

Early production models included the 2.0-litre TFSI quattro 155 kW, 3.2-litre FSI quattro, 2.0-litre TDI 125 kW with a six-speed manual gearbox and start/stop system, 2.7-litre TDI, and the 3.0-litre TDI quattro. Production versions went on sale in September 2009.[19][20][21]

The A5 Sportback is available with two petrol engines and three diesel engines.

S5 (2007)

The Audi S5 was released in coupé form to the public at the same time as the A5. The Audi S5, in comparison to the A5, features a different fascia (as do most Audi S and RS models), including a string of LED daytime running lights around the bi-Xenon headlamps and a vertically striped chrome grille.

In many markets, the S5 includes as standard, 19-inch alloy wheels with a five parallel spoke design, bigger brakes, heated leather sport seats, and other convenience features, some of which are available only as an option on the A5. Changes for the 2010 model year include LED tail lamps, the introduction of Premium Plus and Prestige trim levels, and new optional equipment such as Leather/Alcantara seats.

Despite sharing the same nameplate, the powertrains were different between the coupé and the Cabriolet/Sportback for the 2010–12 model years. The 2010–12 Audi S5 coupé had a 4.2 litre fuel stratified injection (FSI) V8 engine[4] that produces 260 kW, while the S5 Cabriolet and Sportback have a supercharged 3.0 litre TFSI V6 engine producing 245 kW which is shared with the 2010 Audi S4 3.0 TFSI quattro sedan and avant.

The coupé had a choice of either a six speed manual or six speed Tiptronic automatic, while the Cabriolet/Sportback has the seven speed S-tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission.[22]

Aluminium A5 Coupé

The Aluminium A5 Coupé is a prototype vehicle demonstrating the aluminium Audi Space Frame (ASF) concept. It is based on Audi A5 Coupé 2.0 TFSI with 155 kW engine, but it uses the aluminium Audi Space Frame, aluminium and carbon fibre-reinforced plastics body. Punch riveting, bonding or laser-MIG hybrid welding replaced spot welding. The vehicle is 110 kg lighter than the equivalent steel-bodied production model.

The vehicle was built by Audi's Aluminium and Lightweight Design Centre in Neckarsulm.[23]

RS5 (2010)

Available in the coupé bodystyle, the RS5 features a 4.2 FSI engine rated at 450 PS at 8250 rpm and 430 Nm at 4000-6000 rpm,[24] coupled with a seven-speed S-Tronic transmission and quattro permanent all-wheel-drive with crown-gear centre differential and electronic torque vectoring. It has 19 inch alloy wheels in an exclusive five arm structure design with 275/35 tires (optional 19 inch winter wheels), 365 mm diameter ventilated aluminium front brake discs (optional 380 mm diameter carbon ceramic front brake discs), aluminium 8 piston brake calipers from the Audi R8, painted RS logos in high-gloss black, electronic stabilization program with integrated sport mode, speed dependent Servotronic steering, Audi Drive Select with three (4 with MMI navigation system) modes of operation (comfort, auto, and dynamic, optional custom), and optional dynamic steering.

On the exterior, the RS5 features a single-frame grille with a shiny charcoal grey rhombus pattern grid, Xenon plus headlights with a sweeping strip of LED daytime running lights, redesigned bumper tapers downward into a splitter, flared fenders inspired by Audi Quattro, side sills with angular caps, trim strips with aluminium look on the single-frame grille and near the side windows and the outside mirrors; a choice of eight body colours, two oval exhaust pipes integrated within the bumper, a spoiler in the tailgate which automatically extends at 120 km/h and retracts at 80 km/h,[25] and an extensively clad underbody integrating air vents for the seven-speed S-Tronic and the front brakes.

In the interior, the model has electrically adjustable sports seats in leather/Alcantara combination upholstery with side sections and integrated head restraints (optional bucket seats with more prominent contours and folding backrests, ventilated and luxuriously upholstered climate-controlled comfort seats; optional seat upholstery featuring special leathers and colours as well as silver headlining), steering wheel upholstered in perforated leather, black gauges with white lettering and distinctive scaling, driver information system with integrated lap timer and an oil temperature gauge, black interior with decorative inlays made of carbon fibre (optional dark stainless-steel mesh, black piano finish or brushed aluminium inlay), instrument panel fascia in piano finish, pedals, footrests, optional MMI navigation systems' control buttons in aluminium; door handles with two slim strips, aluminium inserts at door sill trims and RS 5 logos, optional suede-covered controls and floor mats bearing RS 5 logos, sport exhaust system with a sound flap and black tailpipe trims.

A Carbon design package is available for the engine compartment and for the vehicle body. Styling packages include a black or matte aluminium look.

The RS5 weighs 1800 kg, with a weight distribution of 56.3 percent at the front and 43.7 percent in the rear. Audi has added two electro-mechanical systems which ensure the care is neutral in corners. The stability-control system attempts to stop front-end plow before it happens by squeezing the brakes on the inside wheels which effectively drag those tires enough to pull the car into the corner.

The RS5 also has an active rear differential that can apportion power between the rear wheels to create a similar effect or even oversteer; in normal conditions, Quattro all-wheel-drive delivers 60% of the engine's torque rearward and rising to as much as 85 percent depending on conditions.[26] Road & Track 's Randy Pobst stated it handled better than the R8. Stephen Reil has noted that it was tested over 10k miles on the Nurburgring with input on suspension from the companies Le Mans winning race drivers.

According to Quattro GmbH chief Stephan Reil, the 4.2 FSI engine is closest related to Audi's 5.2 FSI V10 engine found in the second generation Audi R8 and Lamborghini Huracán. It features the same quasi-dry sump high G lubrication system found in the Audi R8 GT3 LMS and represents the best, most reliable, and most efficient naturally aspirated V8 engine that Audi engineers could create as the company knew it would be all turbo powered moving forward.[27][28]

The vehicle was unveiled at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show. Sales of the RS5 began in early 2010.[29]

Ethanol E100 Coupé

The Ethanol E100 Coupé is a prototype designed for the Michelin Challenge Bibendum 2010 series. It includes a 2.0 TFSI engine rated at 132 kW and 320 Nm of torque, six-gear manual quattro drivetrain. It can accelerate from 0–100 km/h in 6.9 seconds, with a top speed of 236 km/h, and weighs 1,310 kg. The car officially consumes 9.9 L/100km when running on ethanol, but drivers managed 9.5 L/100km on ethanol during the Michelin Challenge Bibendum Rallye.[30]

S5 Special Edition

The S5 Special Edition is a limited (125 units) version of the 2012 S5 4.2 FSI Quattro Coupé for the U.S. market, commemorating the end of Audi S5 4.2 FSI Quattro production. It included the Prestige Package, Daytona Grey body colour, 19-inch 5-spoke Rotor design wheels, a two-tone Polar Silver and Black S5 sport seats, silver contrast stitching on the seats, armrests, shifter and steering wheel; floor mats with a silver leather border, aluminium 'Audi exclusive' badges on door panels, carbon fibre beltline and a piano black instrument cluster.[31][32]

The vehicle was unveiled at the 2012 Audi Club North America meeting at Infineon Raceway.[33]

Specifications

Body styles

Engines

Transmissions

In 2009, Audi introduced the seven speed S-Tronic transmission option for A5 with 2.0 TFSI quattro (155 kW) for the UK market,[34] which replaced the six speed Tiptronic in the United Kingdom and Germany.

Beginning with the 2011 model year, the A5 2.0 TFSI Quattro coupé and cabriolet includes 8 speed Tiptronic transmission option, replacing the 6-speed Tiptronic in the U.S. and Canada markets.[35]

For the S5 3.0 TFSI quattro (245 kW), the manual transmission was discontinued for the European market.[36]

Equipment

The Titanium Package was introduced in the 2011 model year of A5 Coupe, S5 Coupe sold in the U.S.[37]

Reception

The car was praised for its design, build quality, performance, and all-wheel drive system, and is favorably viewed by the majority of the motoring press.[38] Appraised for a rarely seen example of an excellent all-round niche car.[39] Walter de Silva has said that the Audi A5 coupe is "his most beautiful design ever". [40]

Motorsports

The Audi A5 3.0 TDI won the Michelin Challenge Bibendum under the Prototypes category.[41]

The Ethanol E100 Coupé clinched overall victory in the Michelin Challenge Bibendum 2010 eco rally over a distance of 350 kilometers.[30]

Marketing

The television adverts for the A5 Sportback used sound from Audi Sound Studio.[42]

2011 facelift

The facelift vehicles, covering A5 Coupé, Convertible, Sportback, S, and RS models, include updated front and rear lights, as well as a new front bumper design. The new front end includes pronounced air inlets, revamped grilles, and flat fog lights. The vehicle is 10 mm longer overall than the predecessor.

Changes to S5 (available as Sportback, Coupé and Cabriolet) include the 3.0 TFSI (333PS) engines on all models, new lights, modified body details, new crystal effect paint finishes, Quattro drive with the crown-gear centre differential, electromechanical power steering, special S sport suspension, standard 18-inch wheels.

The updated vehicles were unveiled at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show.[43]

Sales began in Europe in 2011 as 2012 model year vehicles. Early models include A5 1.8 TFSI, A5 2.0 TFSI, A5 3.0 TFSI, S5 3.0 TFSI, 2.0 TDI and 3.0 TDI. The base model is the Audi A5 Sportback 1.8 TFSI.[44]

United States models of A5, S5 went on sale as 2013 model year vehicles.[45]

RS5 Coupé (2012)

The updated RS5 Coupé was unveiled at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show,[46] followed by the 2012 Geneva Motor Show.

Changes to the RS5 Coupé for 2012 included a revised front fascia design featuring new headlights with LED running lights,[47] as well as upgraded dampers and springs on the suspension front, new electric power steering replacing engine-driven hydraulic power steering, exclusive retractable rear spoiler, red cam covers, and a carbon fibre intake manifold, optional piano black trim, twenty-inch graphite-coloured wheels, and a sport exhaust system with black finishers.

RS5 Cabriolet (2013)

The RS5 Cabriolet was unveiled at the 2012 Paris Motor Show. Production of the RS5 ended permanently in June 2015. The RS5 has a naturally aspirated 4.2 V8 that produces 444 hp, as well as a valved exhaust, whose note can be tuned to suit driving conditions and personal preference.[48]

Deliveries of the RS5 Cabriolet began in early 2013,[49][50] and went on sale in the US in April 2013.[51]

A5 DTM

Codenamed R17, the Audi A5 DTM is a race car designed for the DTM beginning in year 2012, replacing the Audi A4 DTM.[52] It includes a V8 engine rated at 340 kW with a new 6-speed sequential semi-automatic transmission, pneumatically operated suspension using paddle-shifters on the steering wheel, engine electronics (Bosch MS 5.1) and the central display from Audi R8 LMS, larger and wider tires from Hankook, 120 L safety fuel tank inside a carbon fibre cell, and a larger rear wing. The prototype was built by Audi Sport in Ingolstadt.

The vehicle was unveiled at the 2011 International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt.[53] The homologation of the A5 DTM was scheduled for 1 March 2012.

Marketing

As part of the 2012 A5 launch in the United Kingdom, BBH London, Park Pictures, The Whitehouse and The Mill produced a television advert titled 'The Swan' (directed by Joachim Back), inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's tale of 'The Ugly Duckling'. The commercial featured black and white shots of the rebodied 1920 Audi concept car designed by Audi engineer Paul Jaray, trawling the streets of a sleepy Bavarian village, the streamlined model gets shunned by disapproving locals not taking too well to the new aerodynamic design. After retiring in a nearby forest, the 'ugly' car transforms into the new Audi A5, metaphorically becoming the 'beautiful' white swan. The soundtrack features Danny Kaye singing the children's classic Ugly Duckling.[54][55][56][57]

2013 update

A5 (2013)

Changes to the Audi A5 Sportback include forced induction and direct injection on all engine models, standard start-stop-system; optional sport differential on the 3.0 TDI Quattro, and 3.0 TFSI Quattro, optional MMI navigation plus.

Changes to A5 Cabriolet include optional neck-level heating, special coating for optional leather seats.

S5 (2013)

Available in Sportback, Coupé, Cabriolet bodies, it includes 3.0 TFSI engine rated 333 PS and 440 Nm, seven-speed S-Tronic transmission, S sport suspension, electronically controlled shock absorbers, dynamic steering, optional Audi drive select, 18-inch aluminium wheels.[58]

RS 5 Coupé, RS 5 Cabriolet

Available in Coupé and Cabriolet bodies, it is a version of A5 with 4.2 FSI engine rated at 450 PS and 430 Nm, seven-speed S-Tronic transmission, quattro permanent all-wheel drive system with crown-gear centre differential and torque vectoring (optional quattro with sport differential rear axle), 20 mm lower body, electromechanical power steering, exclusive 19-inch forged alloy wheels, optional carbon fibre-ceramic brake discs, Audi drive select dynamics system, optional RS sport suspension with Dynamic Ride Control (DRC).[59]

Litigation

Audi had problems with the oil consumption in the engines of the models between 2009 and 2011.[60] More than 200 car owners in Switzerland were affected as well.[61] In Switzerland, cars with less than 100,000 km and below five years old can have the hardware replaced and paid for by Audi. If the car is between 100,000 and 200,000 km and below five years, Audi fully pays the hardware but only half of the work.

S5

The S5 is powered by a turbocharged 354 PS 3.0-litre TFSI engine that worked with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Inside, the S5 has standard front bucket seats with diamond-shaped stitching, and a flat-bottom steering wheel with S badging.

RS5

The RS 5 Coupé is powered by a 2.9-litre TFSI V6 twin turbo engine producing 450 PS and 600 Nm of torque, that is also used in the Panamera 4S. It is 60 kg lighter than its predecessor. Power is delivered to the quattro system through an 8-speed automatic transmission. The RS 5 accelerates from 0 - 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds, with a top speed of 280 km/h. It also comes with a honeycomb grille, wider fenders, and aggressively styled front bumper with bigger openings than the A5 and S5.[67]

Further developments include a new chassis featuring a five-link front and rear suspension coupled to Audi Sport's Dynamic Ride Control system offering variable damping control. Other options included a carbon-fibre engine cover and ceramic front brakes.

The RS 5 Sportback was unveiled at the 2018 New York Auto Show.[68]

The RS 5 facelift was unveiled on 10 December 2019.[69]

Special editions

Panther edition

Audi released a limited run of 100 "Panther Edition" RS5s (75 Sportback and 25 Coupe) in late 2019, designed by Audi of America Product Planner, Anthony Garbis.[70] The Panther edition package retailed for $13,800 and included several exclusive options, most notably: Panther Black crystal effect paint, an Alcantara flat-bottom steering wheel, 20-inch 5-twin-spoke edge design wheels and Crescendo Red stitching on the seats, steering wheel and seat belts.

Safety

A5L and A5L Sportback

The A5L is a China-exclusive long wheelbase sedan model, which was revealed at Auto Guangzhou 2024 by FAW-Audi on 15 November 2024. It has a notchback style rear-end, and has a length of 4902 mm and a wheelbase of 2965 mm, increases of 73 mm and 65 mm over the standard model, respectively.[81]

The A5L Sportback was released on 23 April 2025 by SAIC-Audi at Auto Shanghai 2025, with preorders opening on 3 July and deliveries beginning on 1 August 2025.[82][83] It maintains the standard version's coupe shape, and has a width of 1883 mm, height of 1427 mm, length of 4903 mm, and wheelbase of 2922 mm, with the latter increasing by 74 mm and 22 mm respectively, making for a reduced stretch compared to the previous generation. Styling remains similar outside of a more aggressively sporty grille and side ducts, done by original designer Jakob Hirzel. It also features suspension tuning done by Audi's German engineers to achieve a result closer to the European market tune.

Both models feature a Huawei's Qiankun ADS system, with a 31-sensor ADAS suite consisting of 2 LiDARs, 6 mmWave radars, 11 cameras, and 12 ultrasonic sensors, and will be capable of semiautonomous assisted driving in highway and urban conditions.[83] Both are available with the same 2.0-litre 150. kW EA888 engine with twin-motor 48V system as other markets, and the FAWAudi version is also available in front-wheel drive with the 110. kW engine tune.[84][85]

RS5

The RS 5 is powered by a 2.9-litre TFSI V6 twin-turbo engine paired with an electric motor, forming a plug-in hybrid system that produces a combined output of approximately 630 hp and 609 lb⋅ft (≈825 N⋅m) of torque. The combustion engine alone produces about 503 hp, with the electric motor contributing an additional 174 hp.[86]

Power is delivered to the quattro all-wheel drive system through an 8-speed ZF Friedrichshafen automatic transmission, now enhanced with Dynamic Torque Control for electromechanical torque vectoring on the rear axle. The RS 5 accelerates from 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) in approximately 3.6 seconds.

The model introduces a significantly more aggressive design, with a wider stance, enlarged air intakes, flared fenders, and a redesigned front fascia, along with a more modern lighting signature and aerodynamic refinements.

Further developments include a heavily revised chassis with increased structural rigidity, updated suspension tuning, and improved adaptive damping. Enhancements such as brake-by-wire technology, optional carbon-ceramic brakes, and performance-focused tires contribute to sharper handling.

A high-capacity battery (around 22 kWh) enables limited all-electric driving capability, adding efficiency and instant torque delivery while also increasing overall vehicle weight due to hybrid integration.

The RS 5 continues to balance high performance with advanced technology, introducing a more digital, multi-screen interior layout and new driver-focused performance analytics features.

The RS5 Sedan and Avant was officially unveiled on 19 February 2026.[87]

Engines

The engines used are 2.0-litre in-line four-cylinder petrol engines from the EA888 series, 3.0-litre V6 petrol engines from the EA839 series and 2-litre in-line four-cylinder diesel engines from the EA288 evo series. Unlike its predecessor, the manual gearboxes are no longer available. Instead of fake tailpipe covers as in the previous generation, only real tailpipes are fitted in response to customer feedback.[88] The A5 B10 is the first model series to use Audi's advanced second-generation mild hybrid called 'MHEV plus technology'. In addition to the familiar belt starter generator, a new powertrain generator with integrated power electronics is placed on the transmission output shaft. In combination with the 48-volt battery, this enables partial electric driving with an output of 24 PS and 230 Nm of torque. The powertrain generator recuperates energy back into the battery at up to 25 kW. The battery is positioned above the rear axle and has a separate cooling circuit. Overall, the system is designed to increase the fuel efficiency.[89][90]

In March 2025, the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) powertrain marketed as the e-hybrid was introduced and it is available two power outputs. The plug-in hybrid powertrain uses the 2.0 TFSI engine from the EA888 series producing 252 PS, combined with an electric motor that produces an output of 143 PS. The 25.9 kWh lithium-ion battery is positioned above the rear axle with a maximum AC charging power of 11 kW and the charging time from 0 to 100 percent to just 2.5 hours. The e-hybrid model has two driving modes are available: EV and Hybrid. In addition to the two driving modes, the desired charge level can be individually selected for the first time using a digital slider. The e-hybrid model runs on electric power during regenerative braking to utilise the available battery charge to the driver's destination. When this function is activated, the vehicle recovers energy automatically based on route data stored in the navigation system and can also recover energy automatically without an active route guidance.[91]

Safety