The Audi A5 has long been lauded for its striking design, and stepping inside the 2009 Audi A5 3.2 Quattro, it’s immediately clear why. Forget any awards lists; the cabin of this A5, especially with the S Line seats, sets a benchmark for automotive interiors. The look, the feel, the ergonomics – it’s an experience that few cars can rival. Navigating through an iPod playlist using the thumbwheel might have a minor quirk – the menu resetting if you take too long to choose a song – but beyond this tiny niggle, finding fault with the A5’s interior is a serious challenge. Even the much-debated MMI system starts to feel intuitive over time. If you’re searching for a compelling reason to admire, desire, or even purchase the 2009 Audi A5 3.2 Quattro, look no further than its breathtaking interior. However, beyond the cabin’s allure, there are aspects of this car that might give enthusiasts pause.
Exterior Styling: A Matter of Taste for the 2009 A5
The exterior design of the Audi A5 has sparked considerable debate, with many proclaiming it a masterpiece. A car’s aesthetics are undeniably subjective; if a driver connects with the sheet metal, critical reviews are unlikely to sway their opinion. From an objective standpoint, the 2009 A5 diverges from the understated elegance of its Audi predecessors. The “gangsta greenhouse” roofline might feel out of place, the swage line perhaps too flamboyant and angular simultaneously, and the “flame surfacing” somewhat contrived. Furthermore, the refusal to adapt the single-frame grille for US license plates remains a questionable design choice for some. Admittedly, the rear of the A5 possesses a certain undeniable allure. However, for those less focused on the car’s rear view, the overall exterior might not resonate as strongly.
Engine Performance: Smooth Power in the 2009 A5 3.2 Quattro
Under the hood, the 2009 Audi A5 3.2 Quattro is powered by a 3.2-liter V6 engine. This Ingolstadt-engineered powerplant delivers its peak output of 265 horsepower at a high 6,500 rpm. However, there’s ample torque available lower in the rev range, with 243 lb-ft on tap between 3,250 and 5,000 rpm. In practice, this V6 feels like two distinct engines in one. It’s a torquey unit that encourages early shifts – the car’s display even prompts you to upshift for optimal efficiency. Simultaneously, when pushed, the engine exhibits a remarkable smoothness throughout its rev range. You can confidently rev this engine high, potentially propelling the 3737-pound coupe from 0 to 60 mph in a claimed 5.8 seconds. The real question is, however, whether the driving experience truly encourages such spirited performance.
The Manual Transmission Drawback in the 2009 A5
The six-speed manual transmission in the 2009 A5 is, to put it mildly, a weak point. Less charitably, it’s simply subpar. A heavy clutch pedal combined with a vague shift action significantly dampens driving enthusiasm. Adding to the frustration is a noticeable dead zone between gears, and the gear engagement itself lacks precision. Achieving a smooth first-to-second gear shift in the A5, regardless of revs, proves to be exceptionally challenging. Drivers may find themselves shifting early simply to avoid the clunky gear changes. Considering the manual gearbox’s shortcomings, the dwindling preference for manual transmissions in the US market, and Audi’s access to world-class transmissions like DSG, equipping all A5 models with a dual-clutch system would have been a more fitting choice. The manual transmission in the 2009 A5 is, dynamically speaking, a significant letdown.
Handling and Dynamics: Capable but Disconnected 2009 A5
Despite the transmission issues, the 2009 A5’s handling is undeniably competent. The test vehicle was equipped with the S-Line package and Drive Select, featuring 19-inch summer tires, a firmer suspension, and adjustable damping. In this configuration, the A5 corners with minimal body roll, offering substantial grip even at high speeds. However, even with the steering set to its most responsive setting and the Quattro system’s rear-biased torque split (40/60), the driving experience can feel somewhat detached. The engine sounds, while refined, are muted within the well-insulated cabin, further contributing to a sense of distance from the driving experience. It’s worth noting that anyone pushing a 2009 Audi A5 hard is likely doing so out of necessity rather than pure driving pleasure.
Finding the Right Balance in the 2009 A5
The 2009 Audi A5 3.2 Quattro struggles to find its ideal driving scenario. Cruising can feel somewhat laborious, while spirited driving lacks engagement. An automatic transmission-equipped A5, perhaps with the Tiptronic system, would likely alleviate the gear shifting and ride harshness issues, allowing owners to prioritize comfortable cruising over dynamic cornering – though this would mean sacrificing the tactile pleasure of the well-designed steering wheel and supportive sport seats. The higher-performance Audi S5, with its 354 horsepower V8, is likely a more compelling performance offering, although even in that model, an automatic transmission might be preferable for broader appeal. This particular 2009 A5 model seems caught between two distinct driving philosophies.
Conclusion: Interior Excellence Defines the 2009 Audi A5
Ultimately, if someone were to choose a 2009 Audi A5 3.2 Quattro with the S-Line package primarily for its stunning aesthetics, both inside and out, it would be an understandable decision. No car excels in every aspect, even those in a premium price bracket. To achieve true distinction, a vehicle needs to surpass the competition in at least one key area. In the case of the 2009 Audi A5, that defining strength is undoubtedly its exceptional interior. For buyers prioritizing cabin comfort, design, and overall ambiance, the 2009 Audi A5 remains a compelling choice, even if its driving dynamics leave something to be desired for purists.
