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2010 Audi A5 Features Review

October 30, 2009

FEATURES | 9 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

an exceptionally well-appointed vehicle
Kelley Blue Book

will draw envy from every surrounding motorist
Car and Driver

Most of the desirable options are bundled into packages
MyRide

The 2010 Audi A5/Cabriolet is outfitted rather lavishly, as a luxury convertible ought to be-and optional audio and entertainment features make it one of the most advanced two-doors rolling down the Interstate.

Standard convenience features on the A5/Cabriolet include three-zone automatic climate control; an intelligent key system; and a 10-speaker sound system with MP3 player inputs. Among the A5's options are a fantastic 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system and a navigation system with voice control. There's an available panoramic sunroof for Coupe models; the Cabriolet offers up head-level heating built into the seat for driving top-down on cooler days, "a la Mercedes-Benz's Airscarf system," Car and Driver says; it also details the "leather upholstery treated to reduce solar heating and prevent the searing of one's buns on a hot summer day."

As Automobile points out, "While competitors (we're looking at you, 3-series) have moved to heavy retractable hardtops, Audi's stuck with a traditional cloth top." The top itself is triple-lined and power-operated, and it cycles up or down in 15 seconds at speeds of up to 30 mph-so there's no excuse for leaving it up, even at stoplights. "Trendy buyers may scoff at Audi's decision not to cap the cabs with a rigid roof," Car and Driver observes, "but Audi makes a strong case, citing the soft top's speedy operation (top-down/top-up times are just 15 and 17 seconds, respectively), thick acoustic padding, and low weight"-not to mention "the whole matter of the expense, complication and weight of a metal hardtop," Edmunds chimes in. They applaud the top's operation, the "four different exterior colors and three different headliner colors" offered, and the fact that it "steals only 2.1 cubic feet away from the A5 cabriolet's 13.4 cubic feet of cargo capacity when it's retracted into the trunk."

Audi's Multi-Media Interface (MMI) has been updated for the new model year and controls navigation and Sirius Satellite Radio with more understandable logic and fewer spins of the console-mounted click-wheel controller. "Unlike its German rivals," Edmunds says, "Audi's controller is mostly intuitive and easy to use once you clear the still-steep learning curve." Cars.com finds that MMI remains a hurdle for new owners: "Thanks to more than a dozen shortcut buttons surrounding the knob, it's easier to use than BMW's similar iDrive, but uninitiated drivers may find it confusing."

Conclusion

Audi's latest A5 Coupe and Cabriolet delight convertible fans with a great top, tailored heating, and cool seating, and it blows away reviewers with high-end Bang & Olufsen audio.

FEATURES | 9 out of 10Expert Quotes:an exceptionally well-appointed vehicleKelley Blue Bookwill draw envy from every surrounding motoristCar and DriverMost of the desirable options are bundled into packagesMyRide The 2010 Audi A5/Cabriolet is outfitted rather lavishly, as a luxury convertible ought to be-and optional audio and entertainment features make it one of the most advanced two-doors rolling down the Interstate. Standard convenience features on the A5/Cabriolet include three-zone automatic climate control; an intelligent key system; and a 10-speaker sound system with MP3 player inputs. Among the A5's options are a fantastic 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system and a navigation system with voice control. There's an available panoramic sunroof for Coupe models; the Cabriolet offers up head-level heating built into the seat for driving top-down on cooler days, "a la Mercedes-Benz's Airscarf system," Car and Driver says; it also details the "leather upholstery treated to reduce solar heating and prevent the searing of one's buns on a hot summer day." As Automobile points out, "While competitors (we're looking at you, 3-series) have moved to heavy retractable hardtops, Audi's stuck with a traditional cloth top." The top itself is triple-lined and power-operated, and it cycles up or down in 15 seconds at speeds of up to 30 mph-so there's no excuse for leaving it up, even at stoplights. "Trendy buyers may scoff at Audi's decision not to cap the cabs with a rigid roof," Car and Driver observes, "but Audi makes a strong case, citing the soft top's speedy operation (top-down/top-up times are just 15 and 17 seconds, respectively), thick acoustic padding, and low weight"-not to mention "the whole matter of the expense, complication and weight of a metal hardtop," Edmunds chimes in. They applaud the top's operation, the "four different exterior colors and three different headliner colors" offered, and the fact that it "steals only 2.1 cubic feet away from the A5 cabriolet's 13.4 cubic feet of cargo capacity when it's retracted into the trunk." Audi's Multi-Media Interface (MMI) has been updated for the new model year and controls navigation and Sirius Satellite Radio with more understandable logic and fewer spins of the console-mounted click-wheel controller. "Unlike its German rivals," Edmunds says, "Audi's controller is mostly intuitive and easy to use once you clear the still-steep learning curve." Cars.com finds that MMI remains a hurdle for new owners: "Thanks to more than a dozen shortcut buttons surrounding the knob, it's easier to use than BMW's similar iDrive, but uninitiated drivers may find it confusing." ConclusionAudi's latest A5 Coupe and Cabriolet delight convertible fans with a great top, tailored heating, and cool seating, and it blows away reviewers with high-end Bang & Olufsen audio. 2010 AUDI A5 / CABRIOLET STYLING | [9 out of 10] Edmunds: "slinky sheet metal" Automobile: "looks even better as a convertible " Motor Trend: "handsome styling, whether the top's up or down" Car and Driver: "handsome, fun-to-drive, and oozes class and refinement" The 2010 Audi ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

The 2010 Audi A5/Cabriolet has a very understated appearance, as do its direct rivals from BMW. The BMW 3-Series continues to set the standard for handling, though the folding-hardtop convertible has gotten quite heavy, with duller responses. Its interior is more conservative than the Audi two-doors' cockpits, too. The Infiniti G37 has a firm ride and sharp steering, but it's not quite as comfortable as either the Audi or the BMW coupe, and it's a little noisier. The 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe and the forthcoming 2011 E-Class Cabriolet have a new hard-edged style that's not universally appealing, but its dynamics are a step up from the former CLK-Class coupe and convertible.

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See the Audi A5 in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008

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