The
2011 Audi A5 is available as a hard-top or convertible coupe. More than just a convertible transformation of the A4, the Audi A5 is an innovative, fine-tuned coupe that offers a soft convertible roof that unfold/folds smoothly and quickly. The A5 is notable for a quiet ride, because the soft top does not interfere with quality of interior noise dampening.
Equipped with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, a supercharged V-6, or a V-8, the Audi A5 has added an eight-speed automatic transmission to replace the six-speed automatic, but the six-speed manual is still available. The new eight-speed automatic transmission replacement ensures smooth on-the-road performance. In addition, the 2011 Audi A5 has trims that offer new wheel designs, attractive wood trims, and upgraded interiors as well. Safety features are pretty standard and the fuel economy in 21 mpg city / 27 mpg highway is average.
New for 2011
Other than being updated with a new 8-speed automatic transmission that replaces the previous 6-speed automatic, the 2011 Audi A5 and S5 base trims are unchanged. The Premium Plus and Prestige trims, however, get two new wheel designs as well as a new Titanium Sport Package. Nutmeg Laurel wood replaces Birch wood trim and the navigation system now incorporates HD Radio. Also new for the Prestige trim is an optional power rear window shade and standard back up camera and rear parking sensors.
Essentials
Engines: 2.0L turbocharged I-4, 3.2L V-6, 3.0L supercharged V-6, 4.2L V-8
Transmissions: 6-speed manual, 8-speed automatic
Body Styles: Coupe, Convertible
Trims: Base Coupe, Base Convertible, Premium, Premium Plus, Prestige, S5
On the Outside
The 2011 Audi A5 is a fashionable coupe both in hard top and convertible forms that is more stylish than the competition. Unlike the competition, however, the convertible model's fabric roof raises and lowers faster than contemporary folding-metal roofs.
From the Inside
Leather is standard, along with power front seats, automatic climate control, a multifunction steering wheel and a power sunroof on Coupe models. Wood trim and seat heaters are optional. The trunk is fairly large and gives up only 2 cubic-feet of space on convertible models.
Driving Performance
Thanks to its turbocharger, 2011 Audi A5's base four-cylinder engine and its 211 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque is the best of the lineup. An optional 3.2-liter V-6 provides 265 horsepower and 243 pound-feet of torque for more sport; however, for the most performance you will want the S5. Convertibles offer a 3.0-liter supercharged V-6 with 333 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque, while the coupe offers a 4.2-liter V-8 with 354 horsepower and 325 pound feet. Audi's quattro all-wheel drive is optional on most trims and standard on the S5.
Safety Equipment
Standard on the 2011 Audi A5 are driver and passenger front airbags, side impact thorax bags for front passengers, front and rear head curtain bags, and electronic stability and traction control.
Gas Mileage
Cabriolet FWD: 23 mpg city/30 mpg hwy
Cabriolet AWD: 21 mpg city/29 mpg hwy
Coupe AWD manual: 21 mpg city/31 mpg hwy
Coupe AWD automatic: 21 mpg city/29 mpg hwy
Coupe AWD V-6 automatic: 18 mpg city/27 mpg hwy
S5 Cabriolet: 17 mpg city/26 mpg hwy
S5 Coupe manual: 14 mpg city/22 mpg hwy
S5 Coupe automatic: 16 mpg city/24 mpg hwy
Plusses
- Attractive styling
- Fast-folding convertible soft top
- Ample trunk space with roof down
- High-performance engines
- Roomy rear seats
Minuses
- Loose steering
- Lack of folding hard top
- Average fuel economy
- Pricey options
Rating
This topless is the way to go
People Who Like the 2011 Audi A5 Also Like
- BMW Z4
- Infiniti G37
- Lexus IS
- Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe
- Cadillac CTS Coupe