2009 Audi A5

Quattro All-wheel Drive
The A5's standard full-time quattro system is designed to optimize the power balance to all four tires all of the time. While normally apportioning motive force in a 40/60 percent front-to-rear split via a Torsen locking center differential, it can vary those percentages between 65/35 and 15/85 as traction conditions warrant.

Optional LED Daytime Running Lights
Included as part of the Premium Package, these high-tech dazzlers underscore the halogen and bi-xenon headlights in a sensual string of bright-white bullet points that add even more future-tech character to the A5's face.

In keeping with Audi's well-established tradition, the A5's cabin design reflects a masterful blend of contemporary style and impressive functionality. The impeccable melding of leather upholstery and wood and aluminum accents with an abundance of soft-touch surfaces and finger-friendly switchgear sets a welcoming tone for up to four people. Primary control layouts prioritize the driver's needs, but the front power seats provide equal-opportunity comfort and support for the front passenger as well. Rear seating is a bit less accommodating, although the "bucketed" bench can carry two average-sized adults and its 60/40 split-folding back opens up a huge pass-through to the A5's unexpectedly large 16.1 cubic-foot trunk.

The A5 makes a dramatic visual statement that starts with Audi's prominent mono-form grille and large air intakes. From there, its well-sculpted side contours are punctuated by a crisp character line that sweeps back from the headlights to the taillights in a manner that accentuates both the A5's shoulders and its aggressively flared wheelwells. Short overhangs, a steeply raked windshield and an equally sleek trapezoidal C-pillar treatment further reinforce the car's low, wide stance, which is complemented by 18-inch cast-aluminum wheels wrapped in 245/40 all-season tires. The optional S line Sport Package cranks that intensity up a notch, netting more aggressive fascia treatments, a lower ride height and 255/35 performance tires on 19-inch wheels.

The A5 uses Audi's superb 3.2-liter FSI V6, an aluminum engine with direct injection, a dual-stage intake manifold and Audi's variable valve-lift system that helps optimize its overall efficiency and responsiveness. While this technology-rich engine produces 265 horsepower at a fairly high 6,500 rpm, it develops a solid 243 pound-feet of torque from 3,250-5,000 rpm – and makes over 90 percent of that critical torque from 2,000-6,500 rpm. Backed with the standard six-speed manual transmission, the 3.2 FSI can send the A5 sprinting from zero to 60 mph in a claimed 5.8 seconds. Pairing it with the optional six-speed automatic adds slightly to that elapsed time, but actually yields EPA mileage numbers that are better than those of the standard gearbox on the city cycle.

3.2-liter V6
265 horsepower @ 6500 rpm
243 lb.-ft. of torque @ 3250-5000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 16/27 (manual), 17/26 (automatic)