2013 Audi A5 vs. Its Competition

Martin Padgett Editorial Director

The Audi A5 offers either a sleek coupe or convertible body with a choice of four-, six-, or eight-cylinder engines.

It's a huge variety that's unmatched by most of the competition, but some competitors come close.

The Mercedes C-Class is only offered as a coupe, but it's in lockstep with the A5 in offering all those engines as well as fluid handling and optional all-wheel drive.

The BMW 1-Series isn't as good a choice--it's smaller, not as attractive, and expensive--but BMW's 3-Series Coupe and Convertible haven't yet made an appearance for the 2013 model year, though the sedan was new in 2012.

The Infiniti G lineup has a coupe and a hardtop convertible, but performance isn't on par with the hottest RS5.

Cadillac's CTS lineup lacks a convertible model, but the sexy Coupe comes in fire-breathing CTS-V form.

Finally, the laggard Lexus IS has a Cabriolet with a choice in powerplants, but in either form, the heavy folding hardtop makes it a sluggish, soft-handling also-ran.