Audi’s 2019 A5 Premium Plus 2.0 exemplifies the brand’s enduring commitment to blending athletic performance with luxury, drawing directly from decades of innovation in the premium coupe segment. The A5 lineage can be traced back to Audi’s strategic reentry into the compact executive coupe market in 2007, when the first A5 set a new benchmark for design and driving dynamics by adopting elements from the Nuvolari quattro concept.
Quattro is Audi’s renowned all-wheel drive system, distributing torque to all wheels for excellent grip and stability, especially in challenging road conditions; it’s a trademark technology with roots in Audi’s racing legacy.
Each generation since has introduced refinements—from sharper exterior lines inspired by iconic German design philosophies to groundbreaking technological additions like the Modular Longitudinal Platform, advanced safety systems, and digital cockpit interfaces.
By 2019, the A5 Premium Plus 2.0 had matured into a sophisticated yet spirited machine, merging lightweight engineering, turbocharged power, and Quattro all-wheel-drive technology to deliver a responsive and secure driving experience. This model stands out for its synthesis of classic Audi sport coupe heritage and contemporary luxury features, making it an ideal choice for enthusiasts who value both historical depth and modern excellence.
Historical Context and Design Heritage
Audi has been producing the A5 series since 2007, positioning it within the world of compact executive and grand touring coupes—distinctly bridging sporty ambition and luxury requirements. By 2018, the A5 underwent a major redesign that shaped the 2019 model: a vehicle that not only inherits the precision and lineage of the original but leverages cutting-edge advancements in both engineering and design. The A5 Premium Plus is the mid-tier option, sitting between the entry-level Premium and the technology-laden Prestige trims, balancing upscale features and affordability.
Audi’s A5 Sportback and Coupe versions nod to European traditions of elegant yet practical motoring, echoing classic Gran Turismo aesthetics while advancing digital innovations and driver-centric engineering.
Technical Specification and Performance
Powering the 2019 A5 Premium Plus is a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 248 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and a muscular 273 lb-ft of torque available as early as 1,600 rpm. Mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, this powertrain delivers brisk acceleration and quick gear changes, achieving 0-60 mph in just 5.6 seconds.
Audi’s signature Quattro all-wheel drive (AWD) unlocks confident traction in all conditions—a system perfected over decades and synonymous with the brand’s motorsports heritage. The Premium Plus rides on 19-inch wheels, features a sport-tuned suspension, and maintains a measured curb weight of around 3,726 pounds for optimal balance between agility and comfort.
| Technical Characteristics Table | |
| Engine Type | 2.0L Turbocharged I4 |
| Horsepower | 248 hp @ 5,000 rpm |
| Torque | 273 lb-ft @ 1,600 rpm |
| Transmission | 7-speed dual-clutch automatic |
| Drivetrain | Quattro all-wheel drive |
| Fuel Economy (city/hwy/cmb) | 23 / 34 / 27 mpg |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 15.3 gallons |
| Range (city/highway/comb) | 351.9 / 520.2 / 413.1 miles |
| 0-60 mph Acceleration | 5.6 seconds |
| Curb Weight | 3,726–3,990 lbs |
| Cargo Volume | 9.3–21.8 cu.ft. (body style varies) |
| Seating Capacity | 4–5 |
| Recommended Fuel | Premium unleaded |
| Suspension | Sport-tuned |
| Wheels | 19-inch alloy |
The cabin of the 2019 Audi A5 Premium Plus is a showcase of refined luxury and functional design. Passengers are treated to a tri-zone climate control system that allows customizable comfort for all, while heated leather seats with adjustable lumbar and memory settings support serene driving in any season. The panoramic sunroof enhances the sense of spaciousness and ushers natural light throughout the interior, highlighting subtle touches like ambient LED lighting and premium aluminum trim.
Audi’s advanced infotainment suite centers around the high-resolution 8.3-inch MMI display, offering intuitive navigation, seamless smartphone integration (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), Bluetooth connectivity, and a 10-speaker premium audio system. In the Premium Plus model, active safety and driver assistance tech rise to the forefront, with features such as blind-spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert, auto-dimming and power-folding mirrors, parking sensors at both ends, a fully digital instrument cluster, and a wireless phone charging pad, collectively raising confidence and convenience on every journey.
Audi prioritizes safety and connectivity, as the A5 includes collision warning and mitigation systems, rearview camera, hands-free trunk operation, and Connect Care with 4G LTE emergency communications. Optional packages further allow for sport-oriented S-Line exterior upgrades, high-performance tires, adaptive steering, and heated sport seats.
S-line is Audi’s sporty trim package that delivers sharper body styling, larger wheels, and upgraded interior details for a more athletic look and feel, without changing engine performance.
Historical Audi Innovations Reflected in the A5
Audi’s development of Quattro AWD in the 1980s revolutionized rally racing and later became a staple of the brand’s identity; the A5’s modern iteration of Quattro reflects decades of evolution, using intelligent torque management and electronic controls for superior handling. The design language, with its crisp lines, muscular stance, and sleek rear profile, pays homage to classic European coupes such as the Audi 100 Coupé S, while infusing a progressive LED lighting signature and aerodynamic efficiency. The A5 Sportback body style is inspired by classic fastbacks of the 1970s, combining versatility with striking form.
Ownership Experience, Value, and Market Position
With a starting MSRP around $48,600 for the Premium Plus S-Line trim, buyers receive a full suite of technology, luxury, and performance features that rival those of BMW’s 4 Series and Mercedes C-Class Coupe. The cabin’s understated atmosphere, meticulous attention to detail, and robust digital interface all contribute to the A5’s reputation for restrained sophistication and everyday usability.
The 2019 A5 Premium Plus stands out in its class for blending high-tech amenities with historical influences—from the Quattro rally heritage to its refined German build quality. Its blend of power, style, and all-weather confidence creates a modern luxury coupe that looks to Audi’s storied past while remaining rooted in the future.
