For BETTER Or For WORSE? Did Audi Make The Right Changes With The 2012 A5/S5 Facelift?

When the original A5/S5 was released its design was applauded by just about everyone. I don't remember one article bashing the two-door Audi's looks. It was handsome and sophisticated yet not too femme. There was an underlying masculinity but it didn't come across as brute-ish.

Originally equipped with a 3.2-liter six-cylinder and the loved-by-the-masses V8, the A5 and S5 became the "it" car for a period of time. But like all cars, age creeps in and there has to be a refresh midway through the car's lifecycle.

For 2012, Audi has reworked the "face," and rear end of the A5 and S5. The most significant changes are up front with newly styled headlights, grill, and front valence. The rear taillights feature new lighting and new wheels are offered.

The question is: Are the changes for the BETTER or WORSE?


2012 Audi A5 S5 Photo Gallery








































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quizz - 7/13/2011 10:58:02 PM

+6 Boost

meh. Not an improvement, just different.

LexSucks - 7/13/2011 11:03:23 PM

-3 Boost

I like it. Headlights look a little EVO'ish. The next 3 series will also have that "Shark" like front end look. Guess that's the new style.

Steve - 7/13/2011 11:32:55 PM

+1 Boost

I'm an A5 fan, and I can't say the changes are improvements. Change for the sake of change, it looks to me.

LACMAN - 7/14/2011 1:18:23 AM

-4 Boost

Just when I thought the A/S 5 was perfect! I didnt think it could get any better. I love this!

HoustonMidtown - 7/14/2011 7:36:20 AM

-1 Boost

Not sure about the front yet -- will have to see in person....the rest of the changes are fine...can't really tell much difference from the back and the interior is still great

DENTISTCAR - 7/14/2011 9:57:24 AM

+1 Boost

Is that a Red A5 Sportback in the pics??? That's the one I want to see. These others are no diffrent from the current ones.

Phantom4 - 7/14/2011 11:00:32 AM

+5 Boost

To soft looking, definitely a step backwards in terms of design.

AlleVier - 7/14/2011 4:23:04 PM

+1 Boost

Definitely softer looking, but with the 2.0T being kind of soft, I wouldn't consider it a step backwards in design--more of an alignment with reality. It makes the base model look a little more elegant. However, it's not an improvement for the S5, which had the ideal level of aggressiveness in the original design.

gkearns56 - 7/14/2011 11:20:28 AM

-1 Boost

Similar and consistent with other manufacturers mid cycle changes. Nothing major, just cosmetics. I like the convertible.

ramirezalex - 7/14/2011 11:22:22 AM

+1 Boost

It's okay looking. But that new front headlight is very similar to the NEW CHRYSLER 300 HeadLight!!!!

http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/12/03-2011-chrysler-300-press.jpg

2ndbimmer - 7/15/2011 2:17:03 PM

+2 Boost

looks the same as the Jetta, maybe thats why it looks cheap. Maybe they can get a sunroof that retracts?

Charliebigchips - 7/16/2011 2:39:09 AM

+1 Boost

I love how Audi make the changes in a very subtle way. From a distance the only difference you'll notice will be if the daytime running lights are on. Unlike their main rivals who practically make a new car which pretty much renders the predessesor obsolete in the process.