New Car 2017 Audi A5

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There's an entirely new family of Audi A5 models on the way next year, for the 2018 model year. And while that gives the 2017 Audi A5 lineup lame-duck status, we certainly wouldn't discourage you from this year's model.

The current A5 (and S5) lineup is one of Audi's best-designed, best-conceived affordable luxury coupes ever—a car with styling that's been widely imitated and a cabin layout and overall ambience that's considered a benchmark by designers.

Although they're looking and feeling a little long in the tooth, these models earn a solid 7.4 out of 10 in our new ratings system. 

The entire Audi A5 lineup of coupe and convertible (Cabriolet) models carries over to the 2017 model year with no changes. It consists of coupe and convertible versions, as well as high-performance S5 and RS 5 variants of both; these models are all built on the underpinnings of the previous-generation (pre-2017) A4 sedans. The sporty S5 and high-performance RS 5 variants are covered in a separate entry.

It's easy to understand why the current A5 lineup has been often imitated: It's one of the best-looking and most practical two-door cars of the century, so far, and built so far in the 21st century—elegant and striking, with careful attention to surfaces and a bare minimum of detail. It's equally handsome as a coupe or convertible, no mean feat, though the A5 convertible's dash of decadence is undeniably a star turn. It only lapses at the front end, where the deep, open-jawed grille seems too large and abstract, especially this year, since designers have slimmed down the headlamps and subdued the frame of the grille.

The cabin strikes a coordinating chord, with soothing shapes and a high level of fit and finish, and new choices of trim ranging from carbon to stainless steel to good old-fashioned wood.

In coupe or convertible form, the A5 moves quickly and responsively enough with its turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4, making 220 horsepower. Coupes offer a choice of a 6-speed manual or the 8-speed automatic, either of which makes the most of the inline-4's ample powerband; although if you want a convertible, it's automatic-only. All A5 models include standard quattro all-wheel drive. 

The optional Drive Select system on the A5 allows owners to change steering, throttle, suspension, and transmission programming for a more responsive feel; it can be paired with variable-ratio Dynamic Steering; we'd pass on both and instead opt instead for the sport suspension that brings somewhat more confident handling and a slightly firmer ride.

The Audi A5 coupe and convertible are sleek and supple, providing relaxed yet sporty dynamics in a tidy package.

The A5 is a car for a couple and their luggage to travel in, though one or two additional riders can fit in the rear. It's close-coupled but not cruel. The cabin is well laid out as well as finely built, and the controls are lighter than those of other German coupes. Leg room and shoulder room are generous, and the seats are well-padded and bolstered.

Cabriolet models are especially well designed, with weather-insulated tops that can be dropped in a matter of seconds. The cloth top does blur some of the crisp roofline, but getting just the right amount (and no more) of wind in hair will convince many that it's worth the sacrifice.

The A5 coupe and convertible haven't been crash-tested, but they do offer an extensive list of safety features. The list includes dual front, side, and side curtain airbags; knee airbags, traction and stability control; anti-lock brakes; active pop-up roll bars in the Cabriolet; and a rearview camera with parking sensors.

Luxury features are similarly exhaustive, with all of the usual luxury suspects on board, including all the power and heated accessories you can think of, dual-zone climate control, leather upholstery, satellite radio, and Bluetooth. Optional add-ons include the excellent Bang & Olufsen sound system, navigation, and iPhone integration. The latest-generation infotainment controller is also employed, making it easy to control audio, navigation, and other on-screen functions with its joystick-like controller. New Google Earth and Street View mapping provides some of the clearest, most beautiful renderings we've seen on a GPS.