2012 Audi A5 Total Car Score Analysis

The 2012 Audi A5 earns an average Total Car Score in the entry luxury coupe and convertible segment. Though it’s a relative newcomer, the A5 boasts qualities that just about any shopper should find appealing.  
 
The Audi A5 (it’s essentially the two-door version of Audi’s A4 sedan) earns praise from nearly every reviewer. Typically noted advantages to the A5 include its beautifully sculpted exterior sheetmetal, a quiet and nicely furnished cabin, agile handling, a comfortable ride and impressive fuel economy.  
 
Impressive as it may be, the 2012 A5 isn't perfect. Audi only offers the standard A5 with a four-cylinder engine -- other choices in this segment offer six-cylinder power. In base front-wheel-drive trim, the continuously-variable transmission (CVT) is sluggish, and those in the rear seats will find accommodations very snug.  
 
The Audi A5 coupe debuted as a new model four years ago, with the convertible arriving a couple years later. Aside from minor equipment changes, the 2012 model is essentially unchanged.

2012 Audi A5 Model Line-Up

The 2012 Audi A5 four-passenger coupe and convertible (Cabriolet) is offered in three trim levels: Premium, Premium Plus and Prestige. A high-performance version, the S5, is also offered and covered separately.  
 
All A5 models are fitted with the same four-cylinder engine. Displacing 2.0-liters, the direct-injected and turbocharged powerplant is rated at 211 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The A5 is offered in both front- and all-wheel configurations. Cabriolet front-wheel drive models feature a continuously-variable transmission (CVT) while the all-wheel drive models are fitted with an eight-speed automatic transmission. All coupe models are fitted with all-wheel drive. A six-speed manual transmission is standard, with the eight-speed automatic optional.  
 
Base models are configured with leather upholstery, eight-way power-operated front seats, automatic climate control, 18-inch wheels and Audi's multi-media interface (MMI). A5 Cabriolets also have a power-operated soft top. Stepping up to the Premium Plus trim adds bi-xenon headlamps, Bluetooth phone connectivity and an iPod interface. The range-topping Prestige model arrives with features such as navigation, adaptive headlights, keyless entry/ignition, rear parking sensors, a backup camera and a premium Bang & Olufsen audio system.  
 
Major options are bundled into packages. Most of the features found on the upper trims are available on the lower ones as options. Other notable choices include the Sport package (tuned suspension, sport seats and shift paddles on automatic-equipped models), an adaptive suspension and adaptive cruise control.  
 
The EPA rates the fuel economy of the front-wheel-drive 2012 Audi A5 Cabriolet at 22 mpg city, 30 mpg highway and 25 mpg combined. With AWD, the Cab drops slightly to 21/29/24. The A5 coupe with the eight-speed automatic also earns 21/29/24, while the A5 with the manual transmission earns 21/31/25.

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