The 2014 Audi A5, S5, and RS5 models are offered in coupe or cabriolet body styles. A5 models all come with a 2.0L TFSI 4-cylinder engine, with turbocharging and direct injection, which produces 220 hp, while S5 models get a 333-hp, 3.0L supercharged TFSI V6 engine. Quattro all-wheel drive is included in all coupes, but there's a base front-wheel-drive version of the cabriolet for warm-weather climates.
Transmission options are quite different between the two models. Both the A5 coupe and the S5 coupe offer a 6-speed manual gearbox, but the front-wheel-drive cabriolet comes with a continuously variable automatic transmission. A5 models can be optioned with an 8-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission, while the S5 is offered with a 7-speed S-tronic automatic.
The RS5 coupe and cabriolet are in another league, with a 450-hp, 4.2L V8 engine and 7-speed S-tronic dual-clutch transmission. Upgrades to suspension and braking systems are also included.
Most of the A5 lineup gets Audi's Quattro all-wheel drive system, which now sends 60 percent of power to the rear wheels under normal driving, to give these models more of a performance character and a more balanced feel in tight corners. S5 models get a sports differential that helps distribute power to further aid performance.
Cabriolets feature a power-folding acoustic soft top that can be operated at speeds of up to 31 mph; it also has enough thermal insulation for winter use, and special attention has been paid to trunk space. The top still allows enough trunk space (10.2 cubic feet) for a couple of small weekend bags when folded, and it still allows the rear seatbacks to be folded forward to access more space. The setup includes LED reading lamps and a heated rear window, too.
Depending on how much luxury is desired, there are three different trim levels: Premium, Premium Plus and Prestige. S5 models are available only in Premium Plus and Prestige trims, while the RS5 comes only in a single "base" trim.
Premium models of the A5 include a panorama sunroof, heated power mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, heated windshield nozzles, leather upholstery, a power driver's seat, cruise control, 3-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth hands-free connectivity, HomeLink universal remote, iPod adapter and a 10-speaker, 100-watt sound system with auxiliary input and SD card slot. Premium Plus adds xenon headlamps, LED tail lamps, heated front seats and driver's seat memory settings, among other items. Prestige models add Audi advanced key and the Audi side assist blind spot monitoring system, navigation with voice control, S line exterior details, and a Bang & Olufsen sound system with 14 speakers and 505 watts.
Key options include the Audi adaptive cruise control, which applies the brakes as necessary to keep a safe following distance, which is packaged together with Audi side assist. Heated and ventilated seats are also available as an option and the comfort front seats in the cabriolet circulate warm air at neck level to allow you, perhaps, to have the top down in cooler weather.
Also available on the A5 and S5 is the Audi Connect system, with a dedicated Internet connection for the vehicle, which forms its own Wi-Fi network, working with the excellent hard-disc-based navigation system and allowing easy streaming Google Earth imagery for maps, as well as live Google Search, in addition to features for live news, traffic, and weather. The navigation system includes music-storage capability, while the MMI controller is simple and straightforward.
Strong And Responsive Yet Fuel-efficient Powertrains
Stylish Interior
Nicely Proportioned Exterior
Excellent Quattro All-wheel Drive System
Advanced Infotainment And Connectivity
Great Soft-top Arrangement In The Cabriolet
After a refresh last year, the 2014 Audi A5 gets a bump in power for its 2.0 TFSI engine, up from 211 hp to 220 hp. The previous Convenience Package is now standard, adding Bluetooth, HomeLink universal remote and the Audi music interface with iPod hookup to the base Premium trim. A5 and S5 Premium Plus trims now include Audi advanced key and Audi side assist, which monitors blind spots. S line exterior details will now adorn A5 Prestige models and Audi drive select is standard on S5 models and optional on the A5 as part of the Sport Package.
The 2014 Audi A5, S5 and RS5 are a family of compact luxury coupes and cabriolets. While the powertrains and some of the performance hardware are different among the three models, much of the same features are carried over and they have essentially the same seating space and design, though coupes have seating for five while cabriolets can seat four.
The A5 lineup offers a good alternative to the BMW 3-Series, Cadillac CTS coupe and Infiniti Q50 coupe. In S4 form, it offers one of the best compromises between ride, comfort and performance of any of these models, while the RS5 takes performance coupes to a new level, with 0 to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds, according to Audi. With the Audi Connect system and revised MMI controller and its live Google Earth maps, it has one of the best (and best-looking) infotainment systems.
