2023 Audi A5 Convertible

　　

2023 Audi A5 Review

byAlex NishimotoCorrespondent

　　Alex Nishimoto has worked in the automotive industry since 2007. He was a staff writer for MotorTrend for 10 years and since then has contributed to CNET, PRI, AutoWise and other publications.

　　Two-door luxury cars are a rarity in today's automotive landscape, and the 2023 Audi A5 lineup is among the last holdouts. The A5 is offered in three body styles: coupe, convertible and four-door hatchback. All three share traits with the closely related A4, including engine options, tech features and more.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2023 Audi A5 Premium S line 2dr Convertible AWD w/45 TFSI (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 7AM) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.78 per gallon for premium unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$178/mo  for A5 Premium S line

　　A5 Premium S line

　　Premium S line 2dr Convertible AWD w/45 TFSI (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 7AM) - $53,900 MSRPPremium Plus S line 2dr Convertible AWD w/45 TFSI (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 7AM) (Most Popular) - $59,000 MSRPPrestige S line 2dr Convertible AWD w/45 TFSI (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 7AM) - $64,000 MSRP

　　vs

　　$165/mo

　　Avg. Midsize Car

　　For 2023, the A5 range gets a new set of standard 18-inch alloy wheels in a five-spoke design along with standard Matrix LED headlights. Packages and options also see minor changes. Like other Audis, the A5 boasts a high-quality, tech-rich interior that looks impressive without being ostentatious. One of the cabin's highlights is a 10.1-inch central touchscreen featuring clear graphics and a responsive display.

　　For propulsion, the A5 comes equipped with one of two turbocharged four-cylinder engines: a base 2.0-liter that makes 201 horsepower and an upgraded 2.0-liter that puts out 261 horsepower. If you need more performance you can step up to the S5 or RS 5 (reviewed separately).

　　The A5 is comfortable, handles confidently, and has no shortage of well-executed tech features. But it could use a bit more storage space and a more exciting driving experience to keep up with the competition, particularly the BMW 4 Series, which is offered in coupe, convertible and four-door hatch form just like the A5. Other competitors include the Lexus RC and Infiniti Q60 coupes, though both of those are getting long in the tooth.

　　

Which A5 does zzdcar recommend?

The base A5 comes well equipped, but stepping up to the midtier Premium Plus trim gets you the best bang for your buck. Choosing it unlocks extra goodies that include Audi's upgraded Virtual Cockpit Plus fully digital instrument display, a premium audio system from Bang & Olufsen, a 360-degree camera and all the contents of the Convenience package, including adaptive cruise control.

　　

Audi A5 models

The 2023 Audi A5 comes in three body styles: coupe, convertible (called Cabriolet) and a four-door hatchback (called Sportback). Three trim levels are offered for each body style: the base Premium trim, the midlevel Premium Plus trim and the range-topping Prestige.

　　The coupe and convertible come with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 261 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque (called 45 TFSI). The four-door hatchback can be equipped with the above engine or the base 40 TFSI engine, a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 201 hp and 236 lb-ft. A seven-speed automatic transmission sends power to an all-wheel-drive system regardless of body style, engine or trim level.

　　Premium

　　The A5 Premium base trim comes with a generous amount of standard features. Highlights include:

　　18-inch alloy wheels Matrix LED headlights Heated side mirrors Panoramic sunroof (coupe and Sportback) Power liftgate (Sportback) Sport suspension (45 TFSI engine) Three-zone automatic climate control Leather upholstery Power-adjustable and heated front sport seats Ambient cabin lighting Technology and safety features include:

　　10.1-inch central touchscreen 7-inch digital instrument panel display Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay smartphone connectivity Forward collision mitigation (warns you of impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios) Lane departure warning (alerts you if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane) The optional Convenience package adds:

　　Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the A5 and the car in front) Auto-dimming and power-folding side mirrors Heated steering wheel Keyless entry Satellite radio Front and rear parking sensors Premium Plus

　　Moving up to the Premium Plus trim adds the features of the above Convenience package plus:

　　Upgraded LED headlights 12.3-inch digital instrument panel Driver's seat memory functions Faux leather-wrapped center console and armrests Wireless charging pad with a signal booster Satellite radio Surround-view camera system (gives you a top-down view of the A5 and its surroundings for tight parking situations) Adaptive cruise control Blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning (alerts you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while in reverse) Lane keeping assistance (steers the A5 back into its lane if it begins to drift over the lane marker) 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium audio system Prestige

　　The Prestige trim maxes out the tech and comfort features, including:

　　Matrix LED headlights enhanced with animations, laser lighting and headlight washers Navigation system with traffic sign recognition Ventilated front seats Heated rear seats (Sportback) Head-up display (displays important information in your sight line on the windshield) Automated parking system (steers into a parking spot with little or no driver intervention) Additional packages and single feature options include:

　　Black Optic package (19-inch wheels, aluminum and black accents, red brake calipers) Ventilated front seats (standard on the Cabriolet Prestige trim)  19-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium audio system Rear side airbags (Sportback)

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