Loading... 
When we first drove the A5 in Verona last year we thought it was a bit like a two-door Chevrolet Impala. Smooth, quiet but meh…not really worth writing home about. Especially compared to the swaggering bravado of the V8-powered S5.
Shows what a year and a different setting can do, because the A5 is now officially one of our favourite cars. We were recently blown away by just how smooth this coupe drives and how stunning its appearance is both on the street and in the metal. If anything the A5, with its less fussy exterior, is even more attractive than the more aggressive-looking S5. Smooth and taut but creased here and there and perched on optional 19-inch wheels, it might just be the best-looking car you can buy right now.
The 3.6-litre V6 under the hood puts a purposeful 286-hp to all four wheels and it will play the role of quiet servant or vociferous aggressor. Paired only to a 6-speed manual, with its short somewhat notchy throws, the A5 is the better car because there’s significantly less weight over the front axle, which means the A5 both rides and handles better than an S5. And thought there’s plenty of performance on tap, we much prefer to lock the A5 into sixth gear and waft down the highways enjoying the quiet interior and supple ride.
When things do start to twist and turn the A5 hunkers down and digs into turns. The steering is direct and well-weighted and the suspension glides over road imperfections even mid turn making the A5 feel planted and secure on even the worst roads.
Sharp:
-Stunning good looks
-Smooth, smooth, smooth
-Great value
Dull:
-No automatic…yet
The Verdict:
While every douchebag on the block clogs the entrance to the nearest BMW dealership lining up to buy the all-too-common 335i we’d head over to one of those nifty Audi Quonset huts and get one of these sexy beasts.
