The A5 marks Audi's return to the mid-size coupé market since the (B3/B4) Audi 80-based Coupe model ended production in 1996. The B6/B7 A4 spawned a convertible variant but not a coupé. For the fourth generation A4 (B8), Audi decided to spin off the cabriolet and new coupé into a nameplate of its own as the A5.
The new A5 and B8 A4 debuted on the new Audi MLP platform (Modular Longitudinal Platform) which is planned to underpin the next generation A6 and A8. The platform is notable for its departure from Audi's trademark "overhung" engine mounting position over the front axle, in favour of the powertrain being located behind the front axle - in an effort to achieve a more even weight distribution (52:48)[1] between the front and rear wheels.
The A5 is the third coupe in Audi's line-up, next to the second-generation TT and the R8. The A5 has adopted many design elements of the Nuvolari quattro concept. The A5 debuted with the 3.2-litre FSI V6 engine delivering 265 PS (195 kW; 261 hp).
The car was praised for its design and build quality, but almost all critics agree that it misses the point dynamically, most notably compared with the BMW 3 Series coupé [2][3][4]
In 2009, Audi announced the S-tronic transmission option for A5 with 2.0L TFSI quattro in UK market.