If there is one thing Audi has always been known for, it’s producing stellar vehicles with impressive powertrains and exceptionally sumptuous cabins. The A5 for the 2013 model year is no exception. This coupe, also available in convertible or Cabriolet, is a prime example of why Audi has such a devoted fan base. While it can’t be said this is the perfect car, it can be said that is an exceptional one. From the well constructed, assertive body design, to the easy to use and reliable soft top on the convertibles, to the elegant interior, the A5 is worth paying attention to. With the turbocharged, 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine to the various transmission choices and option packages, it’s easy to make the Audi A5 into the ideal coupe for the buyer’s needs. This model is something special for anyone looking for a car capable of doing it all.
New For 2013
For the 2013 model year, there are some serious changes to note for the Audi A5. Potential buyers should look out for:
- The new RS5 trim level making huge competition for the BMW M3.
- New interface connectivity features.
- The S5 has dropped its less than desirable 4.2-liter V-8 engine for the supercharged V-6 already in place in the convertible versions.
Exterior
The 2013 Audi A5 is a high performance car available in coupe or convertible body styles. This model is featured with three available trim levels, the Premium, Premium Plus, and the Prestige. For most of the trim levels and package options, the A5 rides around on 18-inch alloy wheels. On the Premium Plus and Prestige models with the Sport package, the car features 19 inch wheels complete with high performance tires. There is no doubt about it the A5 for the 2013 model year is an attractive car with plenty of good features. The front end and grille are assertive and the grille is basically rectangular with the famous four interlocking rings in the center. The headlights are narrow and placed high on the hood. The hood, sides, and doors of this model feature plenty of curves with modern lines for a classy exterior design.
Interior & Cargo
Refinement and understated elegance is the name of the game for the 2013 Audi A5. This car fits right in with its siblings in this regard. The interior is full of top notch materials and is well constructed too. The seats are plush and comfortable whether on long trips or quick jaunts around town. The driver’s seat especially has a lot to offer with adjustable features and lumbar support. There is no helping the space issue in the rear of the cabin. Both the coupe and the convertible lack head and leg room. The backseats are only appropriate for shorter passengers. The coupe offers adequate cargo storage and comes in with the average amount for this type of car with 12.2 cubic feet. The convertible version doesn’t do too badly in this regard for itself either. It features 10.2 cubic feet of cargo space.
While the 2013 A5 is equipped with plenty of high tech gadgets and gauges, they aren’t as easy to use as many of the other interface and controller features on the market. This might be a turnoff for some buyers.
Safety
The Audi A5 is stocked with plenty of useful standard features. This model is equipped with traction and stability control as well anti-lock brakes in every trim level. It also has knee airbags and front seat side airbags. The coupe version features full length side curtain airbags additionally.
The higher trim levels are equipped with some special equipment of their own. In the Prestige trim level the coupe or convertible is standard with a blind spot monitor and adaptive cruise control. This cruise control system includes brake prep and an audible warning signal if the sensors detect an imminent frontal impact.
Driving Experience
As a high performance vehicle, the 2013 Audi A5 is naturally equipped with an impressive powertrain. This model has a 2.0-liter, turbocharged, four-cylinder engine coupled with all-wheel drive and a six-speed manual transmission on the coupe models. The convertible sports a continuously variable transmission or CVT and rear-wheel drive. This powertrain offers up 211 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy for this model is better than expected at 22/32 mpg city/highway for the coupe. The convertible offers 24/31 mpg city/highway.
Behind the wheel, the A5 acts more like a luxury coupe intended for touring the countryside than a sports car. That’s not to say it doesn’t offer plenty of power. It just manages to balance the two elements into a worthwhile driving experience. The A5 is heavier than many of its rivals, so drivers can also expect the car to feel secure on the road even around hairpin turns.
Key Competitors For The 2013 Audi A5
- BMW 3-Series
- Infiniti GS37
- Lexus IS
- Mercedes-Benz C-Class