Pulse Reviews and Analysis
Best Audi A5 Model Years (Ranked)
Curated by Kory White · Fractional CRO, CRO Syndicate
Best Audi A5 Model Years (Ranked)
The Audi A5 is a stylish four-seat-plus coupe, Sportback, and Cabriolet line that has delivered Audi's signature blend of quattro all-wheel drive, turbocharged power, and an upscale cabin since 2008. Two distinct generations define the used market: the long-running first generation (B8/8T, 2008-2017) and the sharper, tech-laden second generation (B9/F5, 2018-2024).
Engine choices span the 2.0L TFSI turbo four, a torque-rich 3.0L supercharged V6, and the high-performance S5 and RS 5. Choosing the right model year means weighing timing-chain tensioner and oil-consumption history against newer-generation refinement. This ranking covers the best Audi A5 model years, their powertrains, the trouble spots to verify, and where the smart value sits today.
Direct Answer
The best overall Audi A5 is the 2018-2020 second-generation (B9/F5) 2.0T quattro, which pairs a refreshed turbo four, a slick seven-speed dual-clutch, a modern Virtual Cockpit interior, and improved reliability over the earliest cars. For shoppers chasing value, the best value is the 2013-2017 first-generation (B8.5) 2.0T, a facelifted car that fixed many early oil-consumption gremlins, added the refined EA888 Gen 3 engine, and now trades at attractive used prices.
Enthusiasts should eye the S5 for its supercharged V6 punch. Be cautious with the earliest 2008-2012 cars carrying the 3.2L FSI V6 or the first-run 2.0T, which can suffer oil consumption and timing-chain tensioner wear unless service is documented.
1. 2018-2020 Second Generation (B9/F5) 2.0T quattro 🏆 BEST OVERALL
The B9 A5 is the nameplate's high point for daily buyers. It rides on Audi's MLB Evo platform, shedding weight while gaining a stiffer structure and a genuinely upscale cabin built around the 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit digital gauge display. The 2.0L TFSI turbo four makes 248 hp and a stout 273 lb-ft, routed through a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch and standard quattro all-wheel drive.
This generation moved past the worst of the early oil-consumption issues, and build quality feels a step above the B8. Sportback practicality, Cabriolet open-air options, and a smooth, quick powertrain make it the A5 to buy if your budget reaches a recent used example. Verify software updates and a clean service record.
2. 2013-2017 First Generation Facelift (B8.5) 2.0T 💎 BEST VALUE
The facelifted B8.5 A5 is the value champion. The 2.0L TFSI here is the improved EA888 Gen 3 engine making roughly 220 hp, and crucially it addressed much of the oil-consumption problem that plagued the earlier EA888 Gen 2 units. Updated styling, LED lighting, and a freshened MMI interior modernized the car.
The best value is a 2015-2017 Premium Plus 2.0T quattro, which bundles leather, xenon or LED lighting, and Audi's polished cabin at a used price well below newer rivals. These cars are mechanically sorted and durable when maintained, making the B8.5 2.0T the smart-money A5 for buyers who want Audi style without first-generation early-build risk.
3. 2018-2024 Audi S5 (B9) 3.0T
The B9 S5 earns its own spot for transforming the A5's performance. It swaps the old supercharged V6 for a 3.0L turbocharged V6 making 349 hp and 369 lb-ft, paired with a quick eight-speed automatic and standard quattro. Zero to sixty arrives in about 4.5 seconds, yet the car remains a comfortable daily driver.
The S5 brings the same upscale B9 interior, Virtual Cockpit, and Sportback or Cabriolet body styles. Reliability has been solid, though buyers should confirm the carbon-buildup and PCV maintenance has been kept up. Strong value comes from the fact that a used S5 delivers near-supercar acceleration for a fraction of its original sticker.
4. 2021-2024 Second Generation Facelift (B9.5)
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The 2021 refresh updated the B9 A5 with revised styling, a larger 10.1-inch MMI touchscreen, and a mild-hybrid 12-volt system on the 2.0T, now rated near 261 hp in updated tune. As the newest and most expensive used option, it carries the shortest track record but the most current technology and the longest remaining factory warranty.
Early reliability impressions are positive, and the interior tech feels genuinely current. Buy this one if you want the latest infotainment and design and are comfortable paying near-new pricing. The Sportback remains the most practical body style, blending a hatchback's utility with the coupe-like roofline that defines the A5 line.
5. 2008-2017 Audi S5 (B8/B8.5)
The first-generation S5 is a characterful performance pick. Early 2008-2012 cars used a 4.2L naturally aspirated V8 (354 hp) with a glorious soundtrack, while 2013-2017 cars switched to a 3.0L supercharged V6 (333 hp) that is quicker and more efficient. Both deliver standard quattro and a genuinely engaging drive.
The V8 cars are prized by enthusiasts but demand careful inspection for timing-chain tensioner wear and higher running costs. The supercharged V6 cars are the more sensible buy, with strong reliability when the supercharger and cooling systems are maintained. Either way, a clean first-gen S5 offers a lot of performance for the money on the used market.
6. 2010-2017 Audi A5 Cabriolet
The A5 Cabriolet, introduced for 2010, swaps the coupe's fixed roof for a multi-layer fabric soft top that preserves a quiet, refined cabin when closed. It shares the coupe's 2.0T and 3.0L supercharged V6 options and the same elegant proportions, making it one of the more handsome convertibles of its era.
The soft top is lighter and packages better than a folding hardtop, though buyers should inspect the mechanism, hydraulics, and seals for wear. The B8.5 facelift versions (2013-2017) are the picks for the improved engine and updated cabin. A well-kept A5 Cabriolet delivers open-air Audi style at used prices that undercut rival drop-tops.
7. 2013-2017 First Generation (B8.5) 3.0T S5-adjacent Trims
For buyers who want first-generation refinement with more grunt, the supercharged 3.0L V6 found in the S5 and related upper trims offers smooth, strong performance and that distinctive whine under load. Paired with quattro and either a manual or the seven-speed S tronic, these cars feel quicker and more flexible than the 2.0T.
The supercharged V6 has a good durability record when the water pump, thermostat, and supercharger coupler are serviced on schedule. These are not the cheapest first-gen A5s, but they reward enthusiasts who want a torque-rich engine in the proven B8.5 chassis. Confirm cooling-system service history before buying.
8. 2009-2012 First Generation (B8) 2.0T (Caution)
The early B8 2.0T uses the EA888 Gen 2 engine, which is capable and torque-rich but is the unit most associated with excessive oil consumption caused by worn piston rings and the PCV system. Affected engines can burn a quart every 600-1,200 miles, and a fix may require updated pistons.
The engine is enjoyable when healthy, but the risk makes it a cautious buy. Only purchase one with documentation that the oil-consumption service or piston update was completed, plus evidence of timely timing-chain tensioner inspection. Otherwise, the later B8.5 2.0T (2013-2017) is the far safer and recommended choice in the same first-generation family.
9. 2008-2011 First Generation (B8) 3.2L FSI V6 (Caution)
The original A5 launched with a 3.2L naturally aspirated FSI V6 making 261 hp, a smooth engine that nonetheless belongs to a family known for carbon buildup on intake valves and timing-chain tensioner concerns common to Audi's early FSI V6s. It is refined but thirstier and less torquey than the later turbo and supercharged options.
As with the early 2.0T, buy a 3.2 FSI example only if the timing-chain tensioner has been addressed and the maintenance is fully documented through service records. For most buyers, the later 2.0T or supercharged V6 cars are smarter choices, offering better efficiency, more torque, and fewer well-known headaches.
10. 2018-2024 Audi RS 5 (B9)
The range-topping RS 5 is the ultimate A5 variant. It packs a 2.9L twin-turbo V6 making 444 hp and 442 lb-ft, shared with the Porsche-co-developed engine family, paired with an eight-speed automatic and standard quattro. Zero to sixty takes about 3.7 seconds, putting it in genuine sports-car territory while keeping daily usability.
It is the priciest and most demanding A5 to own, with higher tire, brake, and maintenance costs, so this slot ranks last for value rather than capability. Buy an RS 5 only with a documented service history and ideally remaining warranty. For the right enthusiast buyer, it delivers extraordinary performance wrapped in everyday Audi comfort.
What to Watch For When Buying
The most important step when buying a used Audi A5 is to check the engine's oil-consumption and timing-chain history, especially on 2008-2012 first-generation cars. Confirm any EA888 Gen 2 piston/PCV update and timing-chain tensioner service was completed on early 2.0T cars, and verify intake-valve carbon cleaning on the 3.2 FSI V6.
- Oil consumption: test-drive and check dipstick history on early 2.0T (B8) cars.
- Timing-chain tensioner: a known weak point on early FSI/TFSI engines — confirm it was addressed.
- Carbon buildup: direct-injection V6s benefit from periodic intake-valve cleaning.
- DSG/S tronic service: confirm the dual-clutch fluid was changed on schedule.
- Supercharged V6 cooling: check water pump, thermostat, and coupler service on 3.0T cars.
- Electronics and MMI: verify infotainment, Virtual Cockpit, and quattro systems function.
Choosing a 2013-2017 B8.5 or a 2018-2024 B9 sidesteps the worst early-build concerns, which is why those years earn the most trust on the used market.
How to Choose
Match the A5 to your priorities. For the best blend of refinement, technology, and peace of mind, the 2018-2020 B9 2.0T quattro is the answer, with the 2021-2024 facelift adding the newest infotainment. For the best value with sorted reliability, a 2013-2017 B8.5 2.0T is hard to beat, delivering Audi style and the improved EA888 Gen 3 engine at a low used price.
Enthusiasts who want strong performance should target a supercharged S5, while those chasing maximum thrills can stretch to the RS 5. Open-air buyers should look at the Cabriolet, and practicality seekers at the Sportback. In every case, favor the post-2013 cars, verify oil and chain service, and prioritize a clean maintenance history over a low sticker price.
FAQ
Which Audi A5 years should I avoid? Be cautious with 2008-2012 first-generation cars using the early EA888 Gen 2 2.0T or the 3.2L FSI V6, which are associated with oil consumption and timing-chain tensioner concerns. The 2013-2017 B8.5 and 2018-2024 B9 cars are the safer choices.
What is the Audi A5 oil-consumption problem? Certain early 2.0L TFSI (EA888 Gen 2) engines, mostly 2009-2012, can burn excessive oil due to worn piston rings and PCV issues. Audi addressed it with updated pistons and service campaigns; later EA888 Gen 3 engines largely fixed it.
What is the difference between the A5, S5, and RS 5? The A5 is the standard model with a 2.0T turbo four. The S5 is the performance version with a supercharged or turbo V6 (333-349 hp). The RS 5 is the top model with a 444-hp twin-turbo V6 and genuine sports-car acceleration.
Is the second-generation Audi A5 reliable? Yes. The 2018-2024 B9 A5 moved past the early oil-consumption issues, offers a refined turbo four with quattro, and has shown solid reliability when serviced on schedule, making it the most dependable A5 generation to date.
Bottom Line
The Audi A5 is a stylish, well-engineered used coupe and Sportback, but engine and model-year choice is critical. The 2018-2020 B9 2.0T quattro is the best overall pick, with modern tech and improved reliability, while the 2013-2017 B8.5 2.0T offers the best value. When shopping any early first-generation car, confirm oil-consumption and timing-chain service through records, and favor the post-2013 engines.
Buy carefully and the A5 delivers Audi refinement, quattro grip, and genuine style at a price that undercuts most rivals.
Sources
- Audi USA official A5, S5, and RS 5 model history and specifications, audiusa.com
- NHTSA recall and complaint database for the Audi A5 by model year, nhtsa.gov
- EPA Fuel Economy ratings for the Audi A5 by model year, fueleconomy.gov
- Edmunds Audi A5 generation reviews and used-car appraisals, edmunds.com
- Kelley Blue Book Audi A5 used values by model year, kbb.com
- Car and Driver Audi A5, S5, and RS 5 reviews and performance data, caranddriver.com
- Wikipedia Audi A5 generations and technical specifications, en.wikipedia.org