2008 Audi A5 3.2 quattro

Power and Performance

The A5 is powered by Audi’s 3.2-liter V6. The six has 265 hp, 243 lb. ft. of torque and can be linked to either a 6-speed manual transmission or optional 6-speed Tiptronic automatic. A5 is all-wheel drive, all the time, as both A5 and S5 are equipped with Audi’s full-time quattro all-wheel-drive system. A host of onboard electronics rides with you to help keep the car tracking true, orchestrated by the Electronic Stabilization Program.


Audi’s quattro divvies up the power 40 percent front, 60 percent rear under normal conditions, to give the car a natural, rear drive feel. The V6/stick tandem work well together. While some gear exchanges felt a bit notchy, the manual gearbox allows you to explore the potential of the stout V6 with maximum engine control. This duo is capable of clipping off the trip from 0-60mph in about six seconds. By comparison, the S5’s burly 354-hp, 325 lb.-ft. of torque V8 is fully one second faster to the same mark. The A5’s top speed is electronically limited to 130 mph. Fuel economy checks in at an EPA estimated 16 mpg city, 27 highway.

S-Line Package

The S-Line package also includes a few functional bits that aid driving dynamics. The 19-inch rims are wrapped with summer performance tires, and the suspension is stiffened more than the stock setup, though less than the S5. Taken together, the combination of the taut, S-line chassis and all-wheel drive make for confident handling, all-weather assurance and an easy-on-the-tailbone ride.


The A5 is an interesting new addition to the Audi fold. It enters a small but select sport luxury coupe segment, populated by the likes of the Infiniti G37, BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz CLK and even it’s line mate, the Audi TT 3.2 Coupe. What the latest Audi entry brings to the table is fine drivability and a well-dressed interior, wrapped in a distinctive, new shape. (www.audiusa.com)

About the Author
A native of New York’s Hudson River Valley, Dan Lyons has been reviewing cars in print and online for the past 20 years.