The 2013 Audi A4 and S4 models are both offered in Coupe or Cabriolet (convertible) body styles. A5 models all come with a 2.0L TFSI 4-cylinder engine, with turbocharging and direct injection, while S5 models get a 333-hp, 3.0L supercharged TFSI V6 engine. Quattro all-wheel drive is included in all Coupe models, but there's a base front-wheel-drive version of the Cabriolet for warm-weather climates.
Transmission options are quite different between the two models. Both the A5 Coupe and the S5 Coupe offer a 6-speed manual gearbox, but the front-wheel-drive Cabriolet comes with a continuously variable automatic transmission. A5 models can be optioned to an 8-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission, while the S5 is offered with a 7-speed S-tronic automatic.
The RS5 Coupe is in another league; it steps up to a 450-horsepower, 4.2L V8 engine and 7-speed S-tronic dual-clutch transmission. Other upgrades to suspension and braking will be included.
Most of the A5 lineup gets Audi's Quattro all-wheel drive system, which now sends 60 percent of power to the rear wheels under normal driving, to give these models more of a performance character and a more balanced feel in tight corners. S5 models get a sports differential that helps distribute power to further aid performance.
A5 and S5 Cabriolet models feature a power-folding acoustic soft top that can be operated at speeds of up to 31 mph; it also has enough thermal insulation for winter use, and special attention has been paid to trunk space. The top still allows enough trunk space (10.2 cubic feet) for a couple of small weekend bags when folded, and it still allows the rear seatbacks to be folded forward to access more space. The setup includes LED reading lamps and a heated rear window, too.
Depending on how much luxury you want built into your A5, there are three different trim levels--Premium, Premium Plus and Prestige. S5 models are available only in Premium Plus and Prestige trims.
Base Premium models of the A5 include a panorama sunroof, heated power mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, heated windshield nozzles, leather upholstery, a power driver's seat, cruise control, 3-zone automatic climate control, and a 10-speaker, 100-watt sound system with auxiliary input and SD card slot. Premium Plus add xenon headlamps, LED tail lamps, a Bluetooth hands-free interface, an iPod adapter, heated front seats, driver's seat memory settings and a universal garage-door opener, among other items. Prestige models add Audi side assist, navigation with voice control, Bluetooth hands-free, and a Bang & Olufsen sound system with 14 speakers and 505 watts.
Key options include the new Audi adaptive cruise control, which applies the brakes as necessary to keep a safe following distance, which is packaged together with Audi side-assist, a feature that informs the driver of vehicles in the blind spot with lamps built into the side-view mirrors. Heated and ventilated seats are also available as an option, and the comfort front seats in the Cabriolet circulate warm air at neck level to allow you, perhaps, to have the top down in cooler weather.
Also available on the A5 and S5 is a new Audi Connect system, with a dedicated Internet connection for the vehicle, which forms its own Wi-Fi network, working with the excellent hard-disc-based navigation system and allowing easy streaming Google Earth imagery for maps, as well as live Google Search, in addition to features for live news, traffic, and weather. The navigation system includes music-storage capability, while the MMI controller for the system has been redesigned with a reduced number of buttons to help simplify operation.
Strong And Responsive Yet Fuel-efficient Powertrains
Stylish Interior
Nicely Proportioned Exterior
Excellent Quattro All-wheel Drive System
Advanced Infotainment And Connectivity
Great Soft-top Arrangement In The Cabriolet
For 2013, the Audi A5 and S5 family of luxury and performance-oriented coupes and convertibles gets a styling refresh, with a new front fascia and a new bumper and headlamp design. Inside, the A5 and S5 get a new instrument cluster and 3-spoke steering-wheel design, (the S5's features a racing-style flat-bottom version). Perforated Milano and Fine Nappa leather surfaces are new, with oak and aluminum trim. There's also a new black headliner option, and several new exterior colors have been added to the lineup.
Feature-wise, Audi parking plus is new this year, incorporating a rear-view camera system and acoustic warning system; also making its debut in the A5 family is Audi adaptive cruise control, packaged with a side assist system, with warning lights in the side view mirrors warning of vehicles in the driver's blind spot. Audi Connect, with its first factory integration of Wi-Fi in this class of vehicle, is new to the A5 and S5; the system includes Google voice search and other real-time information services.
The 333-hp supercharged V6 is new to the S5 for 2013, and later in the year the 2.0T engine will be E85 flex-fuel capable. All A5 and S5 models now also have an electromechanical steering unit, for more precise control, with some feedback.
The 2013 Audi A5 and S5 are a family of compact luxury coupes and convertibles. While the powertrains and some of the performance hardware is different between the two models, much of the same features are carried over, and they have essentially the same seating space and design--except Coupes have seating for five and Cabriolets can seat four.
The A5 lineup offers a good alternative to the BMW 3-Series, Cadillac CTS Coupe, and Infiniti G37 Coupe, and especially in S4 form, it offers one of the best compromises between ride, comfort and performance of any of these models. And with the new Audi Connect system and revised MMI controller, and its live Google Earth maps, it has one of the best (and best-looking) infotainment systems.
The top-performance RS5 Coupe can get to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds, according to Audi.
