Offered as a hard-shell coupe or droptop convertible, the Audi A5 is a four-seat two-door that sports an elegant design and a sizeable cargo hold. While we review the four-door A5 Sportback separately, all A5 models—regardless of door count—feature standard all-wheel-drive and share a 261-hp turbocharged four-cylinder that mates to a seven-speed automatic transmission. Those in search of additional power can step up to the 349-hp S5, which cranks up the two-door’s dynamic performance but costs nearly $10,000 more. (Audi also offers the coupe in 444-hp RS 5 form. Plan on dropping north of $75,000 for this model.)
The A5, however, delivers an entertaining drive without the harsher ride of its more powerful kin. Although its driver-centric cabin forgoes some expected comforts, such as adequately padded armrests, the A5’s generous cargo space makes it a surprisingly practical and well-rounded choice.