2016 Audi A5 Coupe 2.0 TDI 190 Test Drive Review

Nine years after the first-generation came to UK shores, the new Audi A5 Coupe is here and seeking to establish itself as top of the pack in the executive coupe class.

Featuring a noticeably more chiselled and striking design, the new A5 is more curvaceous and showcases slimline xenon lights and a reformed bumper with that single frame grille first seen in the new A4 and TT.

There are four engines to choose from; one petrol and three diesels, and it’s the 187hp 2.0-litre TDI we’re testing here which is predicted to take 60% of sales.

Shedding up to 60kg over the outgoing model, headline figures for this 2.0-litre diesel impress. CO2 emissions are provisionally set at 107g/km, which means a 21% BIK tax band for the current 2016/17 year. Fuel economy is equally impressive with this car achieving 69mpg on the official combined cycle.

Residuals are yet to be confirmed, as the A5 is still some way from launch, but Audi cars notoriously hold their value well and we’d expect whole life costs to be very competitive with the BMW 4-series and Mercedes-Benz C-class coupes.

On the road the engine is smooth and refined, the 400Nm of torque creates plenty of pull, even at higher gears and the 0-62mph sprint takes just 7.7 seconds. Like before, you can select different driving modes via the Drive Select function, which makes subtle, yet well-judged changes to the suspension, steering and throttle set-up.

Mated to the engine is a revised version of the firm’s seven-speed automatic, the firms eight-speed Tiptronic auto is reserved for the more powerful engines in the line-up. You shouldn’t feel short-changed though, gear changes are relaxed and smooth and it’s overall a more versatile gearbox for every day driving.

The upgraded standard suspension is more comfortable too. On the motorway the car cruises along nicely and in the corners the steering provides enough feel to create an engaging drive. If you’ve driven the new A4, then you’ll be in familiar territory here.

Although this engine isn’t fitted with the firms Quattro all-wheel drive system, there’s enough grip to keep the car composed in the corners, even at high speed the A5 refuses to get out of shape. It’s arguably not as exciting or polished as it’s BMW rival, but what the A5 lacks in the thrills department, it makes up for in the cabin.

Interior fit and finish is superb. Every switch and piece of fabric feels befitting of the cars premium status. It gets all the toys from its luxurious big brother, the Q7 too, including the excellent Audi Virtual Cockpit (available as an option), elegant slimline dashboard design and advanced safety systems like Traffic Jam Assist.

New additions to the standard specification include; xenon headlamps, Audi Drive Select (previously only available as an option), and the latest connectivity system, which mirrors your Smartphone onto the infotainment screen (Sport and S-Line specs only). That’s on top of other kit like cruise control, keyless start, three-zone climate control, 17-inch alloys and a decent 10-speaker sound system. 

Interior roominess was never going to be a key strength of the four-seat coupe and although longer and narrower than the car it replaces, rear headroom will still be an issue for those over 6ft. Boot space is good though, up 10 litres to 465 litres, the best in its segment.

You’ll be able to choose the A5 Coupe in three trims, the usual SE, Sport and S-Line structure remains. Exact pricing and kit details are yet to be announced.