A new generation of arguably prettiest Audi arrived last year to the Europe, and it is currently newest product in its premium coupe segment. Mercedes C-Class Coupe was introduced year earlier, while BMW 4 Series, Lexus RC, Cadillac ATS Coupe and Infiniti Q60 are all a bit longer with us. So, since the 2018 Audi A5 finally reached the US shores, let’s see how it stacks against the competition?
2018 Audi A5 STYLING
The previous generation was prettier for its time when it was introduced compared to the new one. But, still, in usual Ingolstadt manner, high dose of elegance and simplicity breeding sophistication is overwhelmingly present. Perfect choice for anyone in search of grace brought by fewer doors, but without any traces of immaturity within the self.
Mercedes do offer similar visual sophistication, while BMW adds sportier flavor, Infiniti is undoubtedly most passionate and gorgeous, Caddy is all about the sharpness, while Lexus is what every latest Lexus is, or insane looking.
CABIN
Interior lacks an instant wow effect, but it stuns after you spend some time in it. Build quality is sublime, and only Mercedes could surpass it with used materials, leaving all others well behind.
The cabin is obviously taken from A4 model as in the previous case, but this time it comes with much sleeker shape, suiting better its sports car body. Tech part is well covered, you can opt for Virtual Cockpit, while MMI infotainment system is one of the industry’s best, though it is still not touch-sensitive, as we’ll have to wait for the debut of new A8 for that.
Audi A5 2018 PERFORMANCE
In Europe, you can choose between two diesel options and two petrol ones. However, US market only gets stronger petrol, or 2.0-liter turbocharged I4 rated at 252 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque mated to a 7-speed dual clutch automatic or 6-speed manual. Interestingly, spicier S5 model switched to the traditional 8-speed automatic, while regular “less hot” version kept the dual-clutch one.
Acceleration time is at 5.6 seconds or much faster than Q60 2.0t, RC200t or C300 Coupe, but slower from 428i and ATS Coupe 2.0T for a couple of tenths. The car is agile and determined enough in corners, but not especially sporty, while chassis better communicate with the driver than the steering wheel does. Giving the fact that BMW went mildly in driving dynamics with current 4 Series, Audi appears even more alluring, but if you are for superb handling that ATS is top choice undoubtedly.
IN CONCLUSION
Starting price of $43k is a decent one, not highest but neither cheapest one in the bunch. If you are in search for classy exterior and refined interior, 2018 Audi A5 stands as top offer along with Mercedes C-Class Coupe. Like every vehicle from the German company, A5 is a complete package, giving everything in abundance but never going overboard with something. If you want to be mesmerized by the looks, then Infiniti Q60 will suit better, if you want to be stunned by appearance, the Lexus RC fits the story, while if you want to rip the back roads, then nobody does it better from Caddy’s ATS Coupe. In all other cases, A5 would be just fine.
