Audi A5 Coupe - Interior & comfort

The Audi A5’s interior is a classic example of just how much care and attention the German carmaker puts into how the inside of its cars look, feel and operate. The whole interior is well appointed, with swathes of leather and tactile aluminium accents that help it to feel inviting and modern. The only noise that makes its way into the interior is the sound made by the tyres on the road surface; wind and engine noise aren’t noticeable.

Audi A5 Coupe dashboard

A5 drivers are treated to a dashboard that’s beautiful to look at, intuitively designed and made of very high-quality materials. While it broadly shares its design with that of the A4, it feels just as at home in a coupe as a saloon. Star of the show is Audi’s advanced Virtual Cockpit, which takes the place of a traditional instrument display. You can set it to show exactly the driving information you want, which can include a large colour navigation view.

As always, the Audi MMI infotainment is clear and offers myriad functions but an update that removed the control wheel from the centre console feels like a backwards step. The 10.1-inch display is now touchscreen or voice controlled only, which isn't always as quick or easy once you're driving.

The touchscreen perches on the dash like it does in the Audi Q5 SUV. A slight complaint is that it looks like an aftermarket accessory; the screens in the BMW 4 Series and Mercedes C-Class look far better integrated.

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Equipment

All A5s get LED headlights and daytime running lights, the latest smartphone connectivity, sat nav and DAB radio. All the media and infotainment functions are controlled by a 10.1-inch colour screen on the dashboard, while you also get the crisp 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit, keyless start, auto lights and wipers and multi-zone climate control. The S line trim adds sports front seats and a noticeable exterior makeover (including bigger wheels and lower suspension), along with Matrix LED headlights, privacy glass and a different steering wheel.

Black Edition models look even meaner, with even larger alloys, the black styling pack and darkened lights. Range-topping Vorsprung trim brings adaptive suspension, a panoramic sunroof, heated front and rear seats, parking assistance, extra driver assistance features and a Bang & Olufsen sound system.

Options

The options list features all the usual alloy wheel and upholstery choices, plus some of the kit from higher-spec models. You can choose a Comfort and Sound Pack, which includes a 360-degree camera, a hands-free tailgate, the upgraded stereo and extra ambient lighting.