Audi Announces U.S. Pricing For 2008 A5 And S5 Models

Audi of America, Inc. today announced pricing for the all-new 2008 A5 and S5 coupes. A5 models with a six-speed manual transmission will start at $39,900 and S5 models with a six-speed manual start at $50,500. Both the A5 and S5 have asymmetric quattro® all-wheel drive standard. Destination charges are $775 for both models, and are not included in the base price. Six-speed Tiptronic® automatic transmissions are available for both models and are a $1,300 option.

Manual transmission S5 models will arrive at dealers in November 2007. All A5 models and Tiptronic S5 cars will be available in spring of 2008.

The 2008 A5 is powered by 3.2 FSI V6 engine with the new Audi Valvelift System, and produces 265 hp at 6500 rpm and 243 ft.-lbs. of torque between 3250-5000 rpm. The S5 has a 4.2 FSI V8 engine making 354 hp at 6800 rpm and 325 ft.-lbs. of torque at 3500 rpm. Both engines give the new coupe breath-taking acceleration. The A5 takes just 5.8 seconds from 0-60 mph, while the S5 is an even faster 4.9 seconds.

All coupe models will come with numerous luxury features as standard such as leather covered power front seats, three-zone automatic climate control, in-dash six-CD changer and Sirius® satellite radio, electromechanical parking brake, driver info display, rain and light sensor for automatic lights and wipers, and a leather-covered, multi-function tilt and telescoping three spoke steering wheel. A5 models come with 18-inch alloy wheels while S5 models have 19-inch alloy wheels with performance tires.

The A5 has a comprehensive list of options that enhance the model in styling, comfort, and sportiness. A $1,850 Convenience package includes bi-xenon headlamps, heated front seats, HomeLink®, driver seat and mirror memory, heated, auto-dimming, and power folding exterior mirrors, and auto-dimming interior mirror with compass. For drivers who value performance, there is the $2,900 S line Sport package consisting of more aggressive front and rear bumpers with headlight washers, sport suspension, 19-inch alloy wheels with performance tires, sport seats, brushed aluminum interior trim, black headliner, and S line interior and exterior badging.

Options that are available on both the A5 and S5 include Audi Navigation system ($2,390), 505-watt Bang & Olufsen® audio system ($850), and Audi side assist ($500). Both models also have an available $1,700 Technology package that includes Audi rear parking system with rear-view camera, adaptive headlights, and Advanced key.

AlexTx - 9/6/2007 2:08:39 PM

+7 Boost

Wow.... better than I thought.
A 328xi coupe is $48k loaded which is the same for the A5 before the S-Line Package.
Even a 335i COupe is about $54k loaded vs $58k for the S5 (Including a gas guzzler of $1,300 estimate)
Not bad at all!!!

BMW4me4ever - 9/6/2007 2:58:54 PM

+7 Boost

alextx ... I am figuring a 335xi coupe with Nav, Auto, Premium, Cold Weather, Sirius, metallic, hd radio & comfort access to be at $51,820 ... A Audi A5 with similar equipment is at $ 47,865 & the S5 to be around $58k ... it is better than I thought it would be.

JRobUSC - 9/6/2007 3:05:59 PM

0 Boost

That still sounds like an awful lot. That makes the A5 3.2 as expensive to start as the 335i Coupe and only a couple grand less than the 335xi Coupe, and the 335's come with surround sound and xenons standard, two items that cost extra in the A5 (and yes I know the B&O system is better but still). Everything else is optional in both. The S5 is $10k more and everything again is optional.

That's a whole lot of money, the only vehicle I see being affected by the A5/S5 really is the CLK. The Audi makes the CLK way overpriced, it makes the 335 a bargain.

S4cabriofoxone - 9/6/2007 5:09:17 PM

+3 Boost

"That makes the A5 3.2 as expensive to start as the 335i Coupe."

The last time I checked, the 335xi was $42,600 and the 328xi was $37,100. That puts the A5 slightly closer to the 328xi. It does not compete with the 335i coupe.

JRobUSC - 9/6/2007 5:32:32 PM

0 Boost

really S4? They don't compete? That's funny because all the comparison tests I've seen have been 335i Coupe versus S5. They sure seem to be considered competitors by everyone else. And when "oh but the S5 is AWD" inevitably came up to counter the "it's too expensive" argument, several people (you included) didn't even believe there was going to BE a 335xi Coupe. Now that you believe there will be one, the 335i Coupe isn't a competitor because it's not AWD? Is the CLK? No, but I guarantee Audi sure wants CLK buyers to consider the A/S5.

Also, the 328xi Coupe is $2800 less than the A5 3.2, the 335i Coupe is $900 more, and the 335xi is $2700 more. That puts the A5 3.2 pricing closer to the 335i/xi, not the 328i/xi Coupe. Bottom line they are all competitors, rear drive versions included. And unless you also want to include the G37 the 335i/xi Coupe is actually the best value in the class.

S4cabriofoxone - 9/6/2007 11:35:10 PM

+4 Boost

"That puts the A5 slightly closer to the 328xi. It does not compete with the 335i coupe."

READ: A5. Not S5. The S5 certainly does compete with the 335xi coupe. But what reason would there be to compare it to the 335i when an AWD version is there? Let me put it this way... the CLOSEST competitors, though the A5/S5 really aren't directly competing:

A5 vs. 328xi

S5 vs. 335xi

RS5 vs. M3

All of the Audi models will be/are more expensive, for good reason. They offer more power as well as more comfort. In the case of the S5/RS5, there is also more exclusivity, and arguably, style.

S4cabriofoxone - 9/6/2007 11:37:19 PM

+1 Boost

And no, the "not directly competing" argument is not an excuse. The A5/S5 are very capable cars and can stand their own against the E92. However, it's just that. The target buyers are different. I feel that the 335i caters to younger clients, while the A5/S5 has a wider range of ages. It can suit a sporty driving style as well as a cruiser type.

Before the S5 came out, the 335i was my favorite sub-$100K coupe. It is now my second favorite. It easily merits consideration.

IamEvilHomer - 9/7/2007 4:15:44 PM

+2 Boost

the A5 3.2 is a 330 competitor

EL34 - 9/6/2007 2:09:53 PM

-1 Boost

Bitchin' car.

It's Made in Germany you know!

jeffy210 - 9/6/2007 2:10:20 PM

+1 Boost

And I guess no to the diesel variant? That press release just shows the A5 w/ the 3.2 FSI.

AlexTx - 9/6/2007 2:14:40 PM

+4 Boost

I doubt we will see the A5 TDi, but that engine WILL be in the B8 A4 for the States.

Heyhuub - 9/6/2007 3:54:06 PM

+3 Boost

Following amazinbimmer's logic he should now confert to liking audi's, seeing as they are more expensive then their BMW counterparts. :P

LexSucks - 9/6/2007 4:02:22 PM

-11 Boost

A5 = Underpowered, overpriced car that looks faster than it actualy is

S5 = Slightly over priced gas guzzler

A5/S5 = They look kinda girlish or blue-hair'ish IMO?

S4cabriofoxone - 9/6/2007 5:11:22 PM

+8 Boost

I didn't know 0-60mph in 5.9 seconds (A5) was so slow. I'm sorry. In this day and age, for a sports coupe at $40K, it's still quite impressive.

And S5? Do you expect it to be light on gas? And ovepriced! LOL! It's one of the best bargains on the market! 354hp and 0-60mph in 4.6 seconds, as well as having a beautiful interior and gorgeous exterior. That's cheap at $50K.

JRobUSC - 9/6/2007 4:24:00 PM

+6 Boost

yeah, totally, the extra 0.5 problems per car over three years that a German car has would DEFINITELY keep them off my shopping list. German car buyers must be idiots to accept that extra 0.5 problems per car over three years.

S4cabriofoxone - 9/6/2007 5:12:45 PM

+7 Boost

You should understand that it would be reliable. I'm not bashing anyone, and I'm really being honest. All of my Audis have been very reliable cars, even the used A4. An S5 would do you well.

Audi is now the fourth most reliable luxury brand, only behind the three Japanese brands. And, as JRob said, the difference is insignificant.

JRobUSC - 9/6/2007 5:42:55 PM

+3 Boost

thanks for agreeing with me S4, though I should point out that the "0.5 extra problems per car over three years" I was referring to were actually Lexus versus BMW. That was from a study 009 posted on here a month or two ago, and BMW was the most reliable German brand. Audi wasn't that far off though.

S4cabriofoxone - 9/6/2007 10:27:48 PM

+3 Boost

Eh, the two are basically interchangeable. Audi and BMW are frequently the two most reliable German brands, in either order. JD Power rates Audi higher, while I believe CR favors BMW.

Kinger - 9/7/2007 10:49:21 AM

-1 Boost

JD Power doesn't favor Audi, not according to this anyway: http://www.autoblog.com/photos/j-d-power-2007-vehicle-dependability-study/346679/full/

Still, thats less than one problem more than a Lexus over three years. I'm really sick of these Lexus fans who harp on about reliability but don't even understand the surveys.

Neverfollow - 9/6/2007 5:10:26 PM

+7 Boost

Better than I expected as well. Looks like a fully loaded S5 will be under $59K. I'm fully in on this deal.

S4cabriofoxone - 9/6/2007 5:13:16 PM

+6 Boost

About $5K better than I thought. Very nice!

An S5 in Sprint Blue still appeals to me...

Treeman888 - 9/6/2007 6:53:02 PM

+5 Boost

Fully Loaded S5 without side lane assist costs $56,740. If you guys didn't know, the S5 comes standard with the Convenience Package.

Treeman888 - 9/6/2007 6:54:56 PM

+3 Boost

IMO, that's pretty good for a fully loaded S5, and thats with Tiptronic. Without the Tip, you can minus $1300 from that and it will be $55,440.

iown1 - 9/6/2007 7:15:51 PM

+5 Boost

Pricing looks good. I only have one complaint about the A5/S5 and that's the sunroof not opening but just tilting. It's still on my short list though.

I don't know if I should create another post but I'ld like some educated feed back on something. My lease is up on my A8L in March which means I'll be ordering new in Dec. I want to take European delivery. I only want one car. So here's what I'm considering: A8, Maserati GranTurismo(think I'm too late to get it by March) Merc CL or CLS, Jag XKR, S5 and the 6. You can see all are coupes except four the A8. I like the idea of something more sporty but I'm here to tell you the A8 is going to be difficult to beat. Very reliable and comfortable.

If any one responds please refrain from (fill in the blank) sucks or is a rebadged whatever. I've done some preliminary research. Just like to see if there are some things I haven't considered. I'm still open to suggestions.

EvoAudi - 9/6/2007 7:42:08 PM

+3 Boost

i'd highly recomend a merc Cl i test drove a 63 the other day and it drove like a dream. but if 140K is too high i recomend a S8 or a CL550

iown1 - 9/6/2007 7:51:53 PM

+1 Boost

Where did they let you test drive ? The guy at MB Manhattan said They weren't allowing test drives (at least there) on their CL's. Drove the S550 instead. He said it would give a somewhat accurate idea of the CL, just not as nimble.

S4cabriofoxone - 9/6/2007 10:32:36 PM

+2 Boost

The CL550 is also very luxurious (like the A8), but is more isolated.

I don't know if XKR should be on your list. It's beautiful and a great GT, but if you want to seat more than two people, then... well, it can't.

6 Series has a back seat, barely. At that price, why not spring for the M6? It's still less than the Maserati.

Which brings me to the Gran Turismo... I love it. I'm thinking of getting it next year, myself. From the reviews, it has a perfectly usable, comfortable rear seat, a superb engine, great handling, a luxurious interior and (deep breath) is unbelievably beautiful. At $120K with usual options it's a pricey, but worth it.

CLS... I don't see any reason to get it. More fun or luxury (or both) can be had with other cars you mentioned.

The updated A8 looks great as usual. You should really look at the S8 instead if you want something more exciting- I'm also going to look at it, as well as a few RS models.

M53R - 9/7/2007 2:22:49 AM

+1 Boost

You should have a look at the BMW 3 coupe, why not even the M3?

JRobUSC - 9/7/2007 10:24:58 AM

+3 Boost

no they're just hoping it will make you more intelligent and less of a blind badge whore, but that hasn't worked so far either.

IamEvilHomer - 9/7/2007 4:25:38 PM

+2 Boost

go away

S4cabriofoxone - 9/7/2007 5:17:28 PM

+2 Boost

I again repeat, Audis, BMWs and Jaguars are all very reliable. Deny it if you will, but facts are facts.

DieselRules - 9/9/2007 2:31:37 AM

+2 Boost

Those ratings are so totally useless.

Here's a concept: RATE CARS BASED ON WHAT WORKS, INSTEAD OF WHAT DOESN'T!
You'll probably see Audi and Benz and BWW at the top of the list, because they come with so much more.

But a better rating is "% of features that fail".

That lame-ass rating of defects/car puts a POS Toyota Echo at a huge advantage over a Benz S class, because the Toyota has almost nothing to go wrong!
The climate control system in a VW Phaeton is about as complicated as the drivetrain in a Corolla. I hope the Corolla has no defects. if anything doesn't work its critical.

JDP rating of what doesn't work is useless since it doesn't compensate for the difference between the cheapest Kia and a 750il ... its like comparing a moped to a Honda Gold Wing.

Just because a Gold Wing has more defects than a moped doesn't mean that i'd choose the moped for a 500 mile trip!
Similarly, 0.5 defects more on a German car versus an inferior competitor won't sway me either.

SHOWTIME - 9/7/2007 9:54:57 AM

0 Boost

I wonder if tiptronics will be as fast as manual

BenzW124 - 9/7/2007 10:32:59 AM

-6 Boost

No rela car ehtusisits buy VWAudi

IamEvilHomer - 9/7/2007 4:18:15 PM

+3 Boost

benzw124

don't get yourself kicked off this site like amazingidiot

DieselRules - 9/9/2007 2:36:23 AM

+2 Boost

I'm surprised they're starting under $40k.
That's a bargain!

The Germans just LOVE America: "we leave off 2 doors, charge more, and the Americans can't get enough of them!"