Roadshow editors pick the products and services we write about. When you buy through our links, we may get a commission.

Photos: 2008 Audi A5

The 2008 Audi A5 is a beautiful coupe with an excellent sound system, making it fun to cruise around in or take on jaunts to the country. But it lacks some practicality with its mediocre mileage and navigation system.

CNET Reviews staff

June 2, 2008 5:29 p.m. PT

1 of 20

CNET Networks

Audi's new A5 brings beautiful coupe styling to the 4-ring brand, but otherwise relies on an existing powertrain and cabin gadgets.

View Local Inventory

Read Full Review

2 of 20

CNET Networks

The A5 gets Audi's latest styling element, LED parking lights. These outline the lower half of the headlight casings and make for a distinct look at night.

View Local Inventory

Read Full Review

3 of 20

CNET Networks

Although 265 horsepower from a 3.2-liter V-6 should be adequate, the A5 suffers from peak torque that waits for 3,250 rpms to be reached.

View Local Inventory

Read Full Review

4 of 20

CNET Networks

The styling of the A5 is truly magnificent, although we found cabin entry a little cramped, and had to pull up our feet to get in the driver's side.

View Local Inventory

Read Full Review

5 of 20

CNET Networks

Our car came with some unique looking wheels. These are optional 19 inch allows wrapped in summer performance rubber.

View Local Inventory

Read Full Review

6 of 20

CNET Networks

Quattro is standard on the A5, and delivers excellent handling. We love this car's grip in the corners.

View Local Inventory

Read Full Review

7 of 20

CNET Networks

Audi delivers a high-quality interior, with refined switchgear and good materials for surfaces.

View Local Inventory

Read Full Review

8 of 20

CNET Networks

Audi keeps it steering wheel controls simple, using rollers that also serve as push-buttons.

View Local Inventory

Read Full Review

9 of 20

CNET Networks

The six speed manual transmission shifts smoothly, contributing to the refined driving experience.

View Local Inventory

Read Full Review

10 of 20

CNET Networks

The MMI controls consist of a knob surrounded by four buttons, which correlate to on-screen labels.

View Local Inventory

Read Full Review

11 of 20

CNET Networks

The map resolution is very good with this navigation system, but the fact that they are stored on DVD, and that the system uses slow processors, makes the navigation system lag.

View Local Inventory

Read Full Review

12 of 20

CNET Networks

This rotary interface for entering destinations is tedious to use.

View Local Inventory

Read Full Review

13 of 20

CNET Networks

One feature we really like about Audis is the display between the speedometer and tachometer. It shows a variety of information, such as this route guidance graphic.

View Local Inventory

Read Full Review

14 of 20

CNET Networks

Sirius satellite radio is one of the many audio sources available in the A5

View Local Inventory

Read Full Review

15 of 20

CNET Networks

The single CD player reads MP3 CDs.

View Local Inventory

Read Full Review

16 of 20

CNET Networks

With the Audi Music Interface, you can play MP3s off any USB drive you connect to the system, although the interface is rudimentary.

View Local Inventory

Read Full Review

17 of 20

CNET Networks

iPod integration is also made possible with the Audi Music Interface, and uses this full-featured interface for selecting music.

View Local Inventory

Read Full Review

18 of 20

CNET Networks

The optional Bang & Olufsen audio system includes a 10 channel digital signal processor, which upconverts 2-channel stereo sources into 7.1 channel surround.

View Local Inventory

Read Full Review

19 of 20

CNET Networks

The Bang & Olufsen option includes 14 speakers in the cabin, comprised of six woofers, mids, and tweeters on each side, plus a center fill in front and subwoofer in back.

View Local Inventory

Read Full Review

20 of 20

CNET Networks

The Bluetooth phone system works very well, although we are not crazy about this rotary interface for manual number entry. Fortunately, you can also use voice command or choose contacts from an uploaded phone book.

View Local Inventory

Read Full Review