2010 Audi A5 Reviews, Pricing & Specs

Audi revamps the A5 lineup for 2010 by introducing a new A5 2.0T Quattro Premium coupe, which replaces the previous year's...

Audi revamps the A5 lineup for 2010 by introducing a new A5 2.0T Quattro Premium coupe, which replaces the previous year's manual-transmission-equipped A5 3.2 Quattro. As a result of the new trim, the entry-level price point for the A5 drops by several thousand dollars. In addition, the automaker debuts two new A5 2.0T Cabriolet trims, which join the existing 3.2 Quattro Premium trim in the A5 lineup for 2010.

Other updates for 2010 include a new wheel design for the 2.0T Quattro Premium and the addition of LED taillights to the A5's optional Premium Plus and Prestige packages. Audi also updates the A5's MMI (Multimedia Interface) to make it easier for drivers to manage the A5's audio, climate control, and optional navigation systems.

As a result of all these trim changes, the A5 lineup for 2010 consists of the new 2.0T Quattro Premium coupe, the new 2.0T Premium Cabriolet, the new 2.0T Quattro Premium Cabriolet, and the 3.2 Quattro Premium coupe. All trims display a two-door design with a low stance, muscular lines from front to rear, subtly arched headlights, and Audi's distinctive Singleframe grille. Front foglights and heated, power-adjustable exterior mirrors with integrated LED turn indicators come standard across the line.

A turbocharged, 2.0-liter DOHC inline TFSI four-cylinder engine powers all trims but the 3.2 Quattro. The four-cylinder powerplant produces 211 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, and features Audi's FSI direct-injection system, which helps improve performance while reducing fuel consumption and emissions, according to the automaker. In all 2.0T trims, the engine connects to a six-speed manual transmission, which comes standard, or an optional six-speed automatic transmission with the Tiptronic manual shift feature. The automatic transmission also offers a Sport mode, which delays upshifts or engages quick downshifts to ensure optimal revs for a sportier driving experience. Audi recommends premium unleaded gasoline for the four-cylinder engine.

The 2010 A5 3.2 Quattro retains its 265-hp, 3.2-liter DOHC V6, which also features FSI direct injection. The V6 delivers peak torque of 243 lb-ft from 3,250 to 5,000 rpm, and drives the 3.2 Quattro from 0-60 mph in about 6 seconds. The engine links to the Tiptronic seven-speed transmission, which is the only transmission available on this trim, and posts fuel economy numbers of 17/26 mpg. All trims except the 2.0T Premium Cabriolet come equipped with Audi's Quattro AWD system, which provides optimal traction and stability on all types of road surfaces.

Inside, the A5 offers a driver-oriented cockpit and a wide range of upscale features, including leather upholstery, a leather-wrapped three-spoke multifunction steering wheel, and aluminum decorative inlays. Power-adjustable front seats, a tilting Panorama sunroof, interior ambient lighting, cruise control, and automatic climate control also come standard on the A5. A 50/50-split folding rear seat adds flexibility to the A5's interior, while a standard storage system in the trunk includes side pockets, floor tie-downs, and bag hangers. A 10-speaker, 180-watt AM/FM audio system with a CD player, subwoofer, and Sirius satellite radio are among the A5's other standard features.

For the 2.0T trims, an optional Premium Plus package adds heated front seats, three-zone automatic climate control, and Bluetooth, while the available Prestige package adds memory settings for the driver's seat, an auto-dimming interior mirror with a compass, a Bang & Olufsen audio system, and a Navigation Plus system with a 7-inch color display, a 40-gigabyte hard drive, voice control, and an NVIDIA hard drive, which enables 3D display of landscapes.

The 3.2 Quattro Premium comes equipped with such standard features as leather upholstery, heated front seats, and three-zone climate control. Options include wood interior trim and upgraded Milano leather seats. All A5 trims include a full range of airbags, as well as antilock brakes with brake assist and an electronic stability control system. All trims ride on 18-inch wheels, although 19-inch wheels are available as an option.