2017 Audi A5 Pros vs Cons

What’s new in 2017 with the Audi A5 model that we haven’t seen in 2016? The 2017 model has not changed much since 2016, but hey, you know what they say, if it ain’t broke don’t fix it. While it may be hard to justify opening your wallet for this nearly unchanged model, it is notoriously one of the smartest designs for a luxury coupe. It is a decent value without sacrificing any luxury amenities, that is why the A5 has had such staying power in the industry.

Ten Reasons You May Like the 2017 Audi A5 – The Pros

1. Comfort Handling

This car is perfect for the buyer who doesn’t want a sports car but, still wants a high performance feel, without sacrificing comfort. The driver can really personalize their experience based on personal preference.

What is adjustable on this car for comfort handling?
• suspension
• steering
• throttle response calibrations
• transmission

2. Timeless Styling

The Audi A5 looked good two years ago and will still look good in ten years. The ridged hood and slightly door reliefs make the car sensible enough for the everyday commute, but also sporty and stylish enough for a weekend getaway.

3. Balanced Performance

While the engine is certainly, by no means, the fastest in its class, it still holds its own as the perfect entry-level luxury 2-door. It has the capability to provide a fun and invigorating driving experience with all-wheel drive and a 2.0-liter turbo-charged engine.

4. High Tech Safety Advancements

Beyond the run of the mill dual front and side airbags, ABS, and traction and stability control, there are safety features that use the latest technology in the 2017 Audi A5:

• lane-departure warning system
• blind-spot monitors
• adaptive headlamps
• adaptive cruise control

5. Excellent Basic Feature Set

The A5 doesn’t have unnecessary bells and whistles encroaching on the price tag, it has mainstays integrated with new technology for a great basic feature set that includes:

• standard power locks, windows, and mirrors
• 10-speaker AM/FM/CD/satellite radio audio system
• Push to start
• Power front seats
• Automatic climate control
• Sunroof (for the coupe)
• Leather interior

6. Spiffy Options for Extras

The options for the extras you can tack onto your A5 run the gambit:
• Bi-xenon headlamps
• Rearview camera
• Bang & Olufsen audio system
• Panoramic sunroof
• Blindspot monitors

7. Premium Navigation System

Never get lost again with the latest navigation system for the 2017 Audi A5 features Google Earth maps. The system allows users to have Street View when using the mobile data service via Audi Connect.

8. Great Fuel Economy

The A5 is a greener vehicle for its performance level getting an average of 26 mpg on the 6-speed manual transmission coupe and between 21-29 mpg for the 8-speed automatic.

9. Superb Base Engine

With 258 pound-feet of torque the throttle is incredibly responsive on the A5. While the vehicle doesn’t tout the highest performance in its class, the base engine is surprisingly smoot and impressive.

10. Luxury Interior Materials

The leather of the interior and contours of the seats are incredibly comfortable. There is a great balance between comfort and aesthetics with the A5’s upholstery.

Reasons You May Not Like the 2017 Audi A5 – The Cons

1. Cramped Interior

The interior is small for a coup and some even experience the inability to use a model with a panoramic sun roof if they are taller in height. There is also minimal trunk space in the convertible.

2. No Bluetooth

This one left a lot of prospective buyers scratching their heads. In 2017 it is unheard of that a luxury model would not have Bluetooth for hands-free calling and DJing.

3. No Crash-Test

This A5 has not gone through a standard crash test by any U.S. test providers. The car is not necessarily unsafe, but without a full crash test report it is hard to honestly assess the safety of this vehicle.

4. Lack of Automatic Braking

Many newer coups are offering automatic-braking systems which uses radar technology to anticipate forward collisions. Audi might be waiting until 2018 when the technology for this feature has improved to make this a standard safety feature in the A5.

How It Stacks up to the Competition?

When compared with the BMW 335i, it is easy to see that the 300 horsepower engine with 300 lb-ft of torque has better performance than the A5. However, the 2017 A5 beats out the BMW 335i when it comes to value when looking at not only upfront costs, but also fuel efficiency.

Another tough competitor is the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe; the car is almost identical in style to the A5. The car boasts better performance and technologies, and some say even a more comfortable interior as well.

When stacked up against the 2016 Infiniti Q60, it is clear that the base engine for the A5 is much better horsepower. There are no standard fold down seats in the Infiniti Q60 either, and the price is minimally cheaper than the Audi, which is by far a more luxury brand name.

The 2017 Audi A5 also beats out the 2015 Lexus RC which suffers from overloading and a weak base engine. The car is much sportier than the A5 and simply not as sleek. It may be much better than the 2016 Lexus two-door models, but it still doesn’t touch the A5.

Conclusion

If you are looking for a high performance sports car you might want to look elsewhere or wait for the 2018 model with all of its upgrades, you may be more interested in the S5 or RS5. For the entry-level luxury car owner this 2017 A5 Audi vehicle is perfection. It has a great set of features and comfort handling. If you want a little “get up and go” in the engine, the Turbo 2.0 will suffice, if not surprise you. This luxury 2-door design has stood the test of time and is dynamic enough for any and all occasions.