Having recently test-driven the Lexus IS350 and been impressed by its dynamics, I turned my attention to another long-admired vehicle: the Audi A5. Specifically, the 2013 Audi A5 Premium Plus model caught my eye. After spending a significant amount of time with this car at Audi of Tucson, I’m ready to share a detailed review focusing on what makes this coupe a compelling option, especially for those considering a blend of style, performance, and all-weather capability. My test model was a 2013 A5 Premium Plus in the elegant Cuvee Silver metallic, complemented by a black leather interior. While initially aiming for a Prestige S-Line trim, the allure of the Cuvee Silver on the Premium Plus, along with the opportunity to evaluate its core features, led me to this particular model, which carried an MSRP of around $50,000. The inclusion of Audi’s renowned Quattro all-wheel-drive system was a key factor, given my potential relocation to a colder climate. While rear-wheel drive with snow mode and all-season tires is appealing, the added confidence of Quattro in challenging conditions is undeniably attractive.
Key features of this model included the MMI Navigation Plus package, striking 19-inch 10-spoke wheels, the Sport package for enhanced driving dynamics, Audi Advanced Key for convenience, and the premium Bang & Olufsen sound system.
Exterior Elegance and Practicality: Design That Endures
From the moment you approach the 2013 Audi A5, it’s clear this is a design masterpiece, not merely an afterthought. Unlike some coupes that can appear awkward or disproportionate, the A5 boasts a thoughtfully sculpted silhouette. Its wide stance and low profile immediately communicate an air of sophisticated aggression and performance. For drivers who appreciate the sleekness of two doors but still require a degree of practicality, particularly in terms of rear passenger space, the A5 stands out. Even for taller individuals, the A5 offers a comfortable and accommodating cabin. However, the real surprise lies in the trunk space. The depth of the A5’s trunk is genuinely remarkable, rivaling that of many full-size sedans. Combined with fold-down rear seats and a pass-through, the A5 offers a level of cargo versatility rarely found in coupes.
Interior and Technology: A Premium Cabin Experience
Audi interiors consistently rank among my favorites in the performance car segment, and the A5 is no exception. While photographs often fail to capture the true ambiance, stepping inside the A5 reveals a cabin of exceptional quality. The sport bolstered seats, equipped with standard memory function, are both supportive and comfortable, providing a snug fit without feeling restrictive. The overall fit and finish are impeccable, with every element feeling robust and well-assembled. The instrumentation, while perhaps showing subtle signs of age compared to the latest digital displays, remains highly legible and tactilely pleasing. The steering wheel feels substantial in hand, and the buttons and surfaces throughout the cockpit exude quality. Ergonomics are clearly a priority, with a driver-focused tilted center dash, a high center console, and a wide range of adjustability in the power driver’s seat, ensuring a comfortable driving position for various body types.
Navigating the MMI system, Audi’s infotainment interface, quickly became intuitive. While the control knob’s inverted default direction might require a brief adjustment, the knob and button-based system offers a tactile and direct approach to menu navigation. The center console does house a considerable number of buttons for MMI functions, which may initially seem overwhelming. However, their logical positioning and intuitive layout allow for rapid familiarization and efficient operation.
Audi’s navigation system lives up to its reputation. The display quality and available options are remarkably detailed and comprehensive. Features like Google Earth 3D graphics and a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot elevate the navigation experience. Voice activation is a significant advantage, responding quickly and accurately, minimizing the need for manual destination input. The system also allows for downloading directions from a personal computer, adding further convenience. Additional tech features include a compass integrated into the rearview mirror and a rearview camera with dynamic guidelines, now essential features in modern vehicles. Despite its coupe form factor, the A5 offers surprisingly good all-around visibility, a practical benefit in daily driving.
Driving Performance: Smooth Power and Quattro Confidence
The driving experience of the 2013 Audi A5 Premium Plus is genuinely satisfying. The Quattro all-wheel-drive system, combined with the car’s low stance and torque-biased engine, results in confident and rapid acceleration from a standstill. The turbocharged engine delivers power precisely when needed, and the 8-speed Tiptronic transmission seamlessly selects the optimal gear, ensuring readily available power at any moment. While the 211 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque figures might appear modest on paper, the 2.0 TSFI direct-injection turbo engine is a proven performer, utilized across the Audi and Volkswagen ranges for good reason. Subjectively, the A5 felt only marginally slower than my G37, perhaps by just 0.4 to 0.6 seconds, a difference that was hardly noticeable in everyday driving. The most striking aspect of the A5’s performance is its exceptional smoothness and quietness. Even with the larger 19-inch wheels and summer tires, the suspension and chassis maintain composure, effectively absorbing bumps without any sensation of floatiness.
While not delivering outright blistering speed, the A5’s well-rounded “package” compensates admirably. The combination of a taut sport suspension and the responsive turbo engine provides ample performance for spirited driving, all while remaining within responsible limits for public roads. The low-end torque of the turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, coupled with the surefootedness of Quattro, creates an impression of greater speed than the numbers might suggest. Thanks to Audi’s torque distribution and vectoring systems, the A5 exhibits impressive cornering agility, turning in sharply and powering out of bends with confidence, maintaining excellent grip. Regrettably, my test drive was limited to the dealership’s immediate surroundings in a busy part of town, precluding a proper evaluation on more challenging, winding roads.
The 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system is another highlight, delivering a rich, immersive, and crystal-clear audio experience. It rivals, and perhaps even surpasses, Lexus’ renowned Mark Levinson system in sound quality. During the test drive, the sales representative was genuinely impressed by the system’s capabilities when I played tracks from my audio test CD, featuring a diverse mix of genres. He was so enthusiastic that he requested a copy for use in the showroom and during other test drives, showcasing its impressive sound reproduction to potential buyers.
Potential Downsides: Value and Feature Considerations
One potential drawback for some buyers might be the perceived value proposition of the 2013 Audi A5 Premium Plus. At a $50,000 price point for this trim, while well-equipped, it does lack certain features found in competitors or higher trims. Standard features include paddle shifters, sport mode with sport suspension, rearview camera, heated seats, navigation, keyless start/entry, LED running lights, memory functions, Bluetooth, and all-wheel drive. However, this particular trim level omits adaptive Xenon headlights, adaptive cruise control, power lumbar support, dynamic steering, and Audi Drive Select. Furthermore, the A5, even in higher trims, doesn’t offer features like a heated steering wheel, active lane assist, ventilated seats, anti-collision systems, or an around-view monitor, which are available in some competing models. While undeniably stylish and desirable, the Premium Plus Quattro package, and the A5 in general, might not fully satisfy tech-focused buyers seeking the latest cutting-edge features commensurate with its price. For those desiring the ultimate A5 experience with more comprehensive features, the top-of-the-line Prestige S-Line package would be a more compelling, albeit pricier, choice, although still lacking the outright performance of the S5.
Other minor criticisms relate to the MMI interface. While functionally excellent, the sheer number of buttons surrounding the MMI control knob on the center console can feel somewhat cluttered. Navigating through the various menus and accessing specific functions may require a learning curve to become fully proficient. The navigation/multimedia screen, while clear and functional, is of comparable size to that in the Lexus IS350, meaning it’s not as large as some competitors’ displays.
A personal preference point is the absence of a traditional USB input. An iPod cable in the glovebox is provided, but transitioning to this connection method from USB might require adjustment for some users. Paddle shifter placement on the steering wheel, rather than the steering column, means they rotate with the wheel. While not a major issue, especially for those who primarily use the gear selector for manual shifting, column-mounted paddles are often preferred for their fixed position.
Overall Verdict and Comparisons
Summary Ratings:
- Looks: 9.5/10 (Even acknowledging that its design might begin to show its age in the coming years, the A5 remains arguably the most refined and beautifully sculpted coupe in its price range. Its exterior is low, wide, sharp, and clean, while the interior exudes premium craftsmanship with leather and chrome accents, driver-centric design, soft-touch materials, and a tangible sense of value.)
- Performance: 8.25/10* (The A5 strikes an excellent balance of everyday usability and engaging performance. Its smooth chassis, quiet cabin, and composed handling are complemented by a responsive 8-speed Tiptronic transmission that always seems to be in the right gear. Cornering is sharp and planted, and the car feels lighter than its actual weight. However, at this price point, some buyers might desire more outright power. *Note: Performance score is preliminary and subject to further evaluation under more demanding driving conditions.)
- Personal Practicality and Appeal: 8.5/10 (The A5 scores highly for brand prestige and distinctive appeal. It’s not a commonplace car, enhancing its exclusivity. Despite being a coupe, its interior dimensions are generous for its class, feeling surprisingly spacious, and the trunk is exceptionally deep. Fuel economy is respectable at 20/30 mpg. Entry and exit are easy, and the front cabin feels less confined than the Lexus IS350. The usable back row adds to its practicality.)
- Options/Tech: 7.25/10 (The Bang & Olufsen audio system is a standout feature and a must-have option. Beyond the MMI button cluster, the navigation system is impressive, though the screen size could be larger. The overall interface is user-friendly, and climate/audio controls are readily accessible. However, for a $50,000 car, the absence of Audi Drive Select and Dynamic Steering on the Premium Plus trim is a notable omission. More available tech options overall would enhance its competitiveness.)
Overall: 8.3/10 (Compared to other vehicles in its class, the 2013 Audi A5 Premium Plus earns a strong overall rating, positioned above the Cadillac ATS (7.6/10), Lexus IS350 F-Sport (8.1/10), and Lexus GS350 F-Sport (7.8/10), but slightly below the BMW 335i M Sport (8.6/10) in my previous comparisons).
Bottom Line: If you seek a strikingly stylish, premium coupe that turns heads, offers a refined driving experience, is fuel-efficient for its class, provides all-weather confidence, and delivers enjoyable performance for everyday driving, the 2013 Audi A5 Premium Plus is an excellent choice. The trade-off at the $50,000 price point of the tested model is that it’s not the top-tier A5 trim, nor does it offer the blistering acceleration of the S5. Furthermore, it lacks some of the latest tech features found in competitors like the BMW 335i and Infiniti Q50. However, for a balanced blend of style, practicality, and driving pleasure in a luxury coupe, the 2013 Audi A5 Premium Plus remains a compelling contender.
