2018 Audi A5 Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?

The 2018 Audi A5 is a luxurious coupe that offers a number of premium features. Although the A5 is not touted as a high-performance sports car, it is still incredibly entertaining to drive. Audi’s world-class Quattro AWD system ensures great traction throughout the year. To experience open-air thrills, take the beautiful convertible model for a spin.

What’s New for 2018?

This year, the Audi A5 benefits from a complete redesign. You will immediately notice the A5’s more refined exterior styling and improved driving dynamics.

 

Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2018 Audi A5 – The Pros

1. Strong Turbocharged Engine

Powering the 2018 Audi A5 is a turbocharged four-cylinder engine. With a total of 252 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque on tap, the all-new A5 feels noticeably stronger than the previous generation. You will certainly enjoy the coupe’s punchy acceleration. When launched from a dead stop, the A5 can sprint to 60 mph in an impressive 5.3 seconds.

2. Good on Gas

Fortunately, the A5’s additional power doesn’t come at the expense of fuel efficiency. Models equipped with an automatic transmission can return a respectable 24 mpg in town and up to 34 mpg on the open road. Manual-equipped models are nearly just as efficient. The car’s rather strong fuel economy is a key advantage for the drivers who commute daily.

3. Well-Designed Transmissions

Whether you like to shift your own gears or prefer the computer to do the work, you will be impressed by Audi’s available transmissions. The seven-speed automatic transmission never skips a beat. It does a great job of keeping the engine at the ideal rpm. On the other hand, the six-speed manual transmission puts you in total control over the car’s performance.

4. Top-Rated Quattro AWD System

All versions of the 2018 Audi A5 come equipped with Quattro all-wheel drive. It is rated as one of the best systems on the market. When facing slippery road conditions, the Quattro AWD system immediately seeks to prevent wheelspin. Even when traveling on a beautiful day, the Quattro AWD system will give you an additional peace of mind.

5. Modern Styling

There are a lot of drivers who will like the A5’s graceful styling. It attracts attention without looking too intimidating. The A5’s new “Singleframe” grille helps it to stand apart from the other coupes in the class. Audi fans will also like this car’s sporty stance. While LED headlamps come standard on the mid-level Premium trim, optional 20-inch wheels give the A5 an especially commanding road presence.

6. Very Good Handling

When driving the 2018 Audi A5, it will feel as if you are driving a true sports car. Handling is now better than before. Upon activating the A5’s Dynamic drive mode, it instantly develops a more aggressive character on the road. Audi also offers a few performance upgrades, including upgraded tires and a sports-tuned suspension.

7. Amazingly Comfortable

The 2018 Audi A5 is far more comfortable than the average coupe. Automotive journalists rave about the A5’s comfy front seats. They manage to support your entire body for hours at a time. Furthermore, the A5 is highly recommended for the tall drivers who have trouble fitting inside a tiny sports car. There is also more than enough space in the trunk for luggage.

8. Stunning Virtual Cockpit

Everyone is still talking about Audi’s Virtual Cockpit digital gauge cluster. It truly takes your driving experience to the next level. The display is fully customizable. You can even integrate the system with Google Earth satellite mapping. As you travel down the road, the Virtual Cockpit will provide a high-resolution map of your preferred route.

9. Lots of High-Tech Safety Innovations

Audi allows you to choose from an array of cutting-edge driving aids. The car’s standard forward collision braking system can detect a crash before it happens. Meanwhile, lane-keeping assist helps prevent you from drifting in front of an oncoming vehicle. Some of the other active driving aids include blind-spot monitoring, rear automatic braking, and adaptive cruise control.

10. Bang & Olufsen 3D Sound System

Some drivers consider the quality of a vehicle’s sound system to be extremely important. Although the standard 10-speaker system has a high rating, it is no match for the optional Bang & Olufsen 3D audio system. It features a total of 19 optimized speakers and a powerful amplifier.

 

Reasons Not to Buy a 2018 Audi A5 – The Cons

1. Small Backseat

If accommodating your family is a top priority, the new A5 probably isn’t your best option. Its backseat doesn’t provide a lot of room. While small children will have no complaints, most adults will not feel comfortable sitting in the back.

2. Prices Climb on the Higher Trim Levels

The MSRP for the base model is roughly $43,800, which is not a bad price for such a high-quality coupe. On the other hand, the more luxurious trims will require you to fork over a lot of extra money. While a fully loaded A5 coupe demands more than $55,000, the convertible can top out at more than $60,000.

3. Some Drivers May Prefer a More Aggressive Look

When compared to some of today’s other luxury coupes, the 2018 Audi A5 is a bit on the conservative side. While most car buyers will like the A5’s elegant styling, there are others who will desire a more aggressive-looking car. Keep in mind that Audi does offer a racier RS 5 model, which is in a different price class.

How it Stacks up to the Competition:

Some of the Audi A5’s top rivals include the 2018 Mercedes-Benz C-Class and 2018 BMW 4 Series. In the eyes of some car critics, the Audi A5’s standard Quattro AWD system makes it a better overall value. Furthermore, neither competitor offers a gauge cluster as impressive as Audi’s Virtual Cockpit.

Conclusion:

Don't hesitate to put the new 2018 Audi A5 on your list of coupes to test drive. It is a fun car that promises to keep you engaged. If you don’t want to put a huge dent in your bank account, the base model will prove to be a rewarding choice. You certainly can't overlook the effectiveness of Audi's famous Quattro AWD system.