Exploring the Audi A5 F53 Coupe (2016–2020): Luxury You Can Use, Performance You’ll Want to Use
I’ve always had a soft spot for the Audi A5 F53 Coupe—yes, Audi geeks will tell you it’s the “F5/B9” generation, but we’ll go with F53 here—because it nails that everyday-grand-tourer vibe. The kind of premium coupe that feels just right for a Friday-night dinner in the city, and just as happy carving a damp B-road on Saturday morning. When I first climbed in, I noticed the driving position right away: low, snug, and framed by clean lines. It’s an elegant luxury coupe that doesn’t shout. It just gets on with being very, very good.
Where the Audi A5 F53 Coupe Comes From—and Why It Still Matters
The 2016 launch marked the second generation of Audi’s sleek two-door coupe. Built on the MLB Evo platform, the Audi A5 F53 Coupe shed weight versus its predecessor, gained rigidity, and adopted sharper electronics—think the brilliant Audi Virtual Cockpit and a smarter suite of driver assists. In 2020 it received a facelift: crisper front and rear fascias, updated lighting signatures, and a tech refresh that brought a more modern infotainment interface. It’s the sort of quiet evolution Audi does best.
Audi A5 F53 Coupe: Engines, Numbers, and the Way It Really Drives
On paper, it’s tidy. On the road, better. I took one up a rain-slick mountain road last winter—proper British drizzle, the sort that lives in your sleeves—and the Quattro car just flowed. Balanced, predictable, and quick enough to be fun without stepping into license-losing territory.
- 2.0 TFSI (190 hp): Front-drive or Quattro depending on market; smooth, efficient, and perfectly adequate for commuting. Think 0–60 mph in the low 7s and mid-to-high 20s mpg combined in real life.
- 2.0 TFSI (252 hp): The sweet spot. Quattro standard in many markets. 0–60 mph in about 5.6 seconds. Feels punchy from 2,000 rpm and rarely strained.
- Diesel options (outside the U.S.): 2.0 TDI and 3.0 TDI deliver big range and easy torque.
- For context: The S5 jumps to ~354 hp (0–60 around 4.4 sec), and the RS 5 is the proper thunderbolt—but that’s another story.
Ride and Handling: Composed, Quiet, and a Touch Firm on Big Wheels
In Comfort mode, it’s quiet enough to hear your kids arguing in the back (briefly, because it’s a coupe). Dynamic tightens it all up without going brittle—though 19-inch wheels can add a touch of thump over sharp potholes. Steering is accurate more than talkative, but there’s a confidence to the way the Audi A5 F53 Coupe carries speed. Brakes are progressive, and the 7‑speed S tronic shifts with that Audi blend of calm and conviction.
Audi A5 F53 Coupe vs. Key Rivals
How the Audi stacks up against BMW and Mercedes when you’re cross-shopping coupes:
| Premium Coupe | Typical Engine/Power | 0–60 mph (approx.) | What Stands Out |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audi A5 F53 Coupe (2016–2020) | 2.0 TFSI, 190–252 hp | ~5.6–7.0 sec | All‑weather poise, minimalist cabin, Virtual Cockpit |
| BMW 4 Series (F32) | 430i 2.0T, 255 hp | ~5.5–5.8 sec | Rear‑drive feel, sharp chassis, sportier edge |
| Mercedes‑Benz C‑Class Coupe (C205) | C300 2.0T, 255 hp | ~5.9 sec | Plush ride, stylish cabin, laid‑back character |
Cabin, Tech, and the “Ahh, That’s Nice” Details
Inside, the Audi A5 F53 Coupe does that restrained luxury thing better than most. Thin dashboard, quality materials, lovely switch action. The 12.3‑inch Virtual Cockpit turns the instrument panel into a crisp map or clean dials at the twist of a button. Pre‑facelift cars use the rotary MMI controller (less smudging, fewer distractions). The 2020 update leans into a larger, more responsive touchscreen. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are available, and the optional Bang & Olufsen system punches above its weight—play your favorite road‑trip playlist and you’ll grin.
- Rear seat: workable for adults on short hops; the roofline is the limiting factor.
- Trunk: around 11.6 cu ft in the coupe, but the 40/20/40 split-fold seats make ski weekends doable.
- Assist tech: adaptive cruise, lane guidance, and traffic‑jam assist take the sting out of commuter clogs.
Living With the Audi A5 F53 Coupe
As a daily, it’s genuinely easy. Tight city parking spots are less of a faff than in a big SUV, but visibility is decent and the steering’s light when you need it. Weekend roads are where it wakes up: pointy nose, tidy body control, and torque right where you want it for brisk overtakes. It feels special without becoming precious—like driving in slippers that happen to be Italian leather.
Accessories That Actually Improve Daily Life
One unsexy but essential upgrade: floor protection. I’ve tried universal mats. Don’t. They slide, bunch, and look like you gave up. If you want to keep the cabin looking box‑fresh, go for mats shaped for the A5’s footwells. AutoWin offers tailored sets for the coupe that combine coverage with a bit of style flair.
Browse the relevant collections here:
My picks? The orange‑accent set above pops against a dark interior, while the Fighter Jet edition below adds a motorsport vibe without feeling try‑hard.
Ownership Notes: The Good, the Quirky, the Could‑Be‑Better
- Pros: Understated design, beautiful cabin, real‑world performance, excellent all‑weather traction, strong resale.
- Cons: Back seat is cozy for adults; 19-inch wheels can ride firmly; options add up quickly.
- Quirk: Pre‑facelift MMI’s rotary control is brilliant on the move, but a few owners mentioned occasional Bluetooth hiccups—mine reconnected after a quick restart.
- Real mpg: Expect mid‑20s in mixed driving for the 252‑hp Quattro. Easy 30+ on a gentle highway run.
FAQ: Audi A5 F53 Coupe (2016–2020)
What engines does the 2016 Audi A5 S line have?
Depending on market, you’ll find turbocharged 2.0‑liter petrols (around 190–252 hp) and V6 or four‑cylinder diesels. The punchy 252‑hp 2.0 TFSI with Quattro is the sweet spot for most drivers.
Which Audi A5 engine is “best” for daily use?
The 252‑hp 2.0 TFSI balances speed, refinement, and economy. If you rack up big miles, a 2.0 TDI (where available) is a quiet, torquey alternative.
When did the Audi A5 get its facelift?
The Audi A5 range received a facelift for the 2020 model year, with sharper styling and an updated infotainment interface.
Is the Audi A5 a good car overall?
Yes. It blends premium feel, strong real‑world performance, and everyday usability. If you want a coupe that’s stylish rather than shouty—and works in winter—the A5 is a standout.
How does the Audi A5 F53 Coupe compare to the BMW 4 Series and Mercedes C‑Class Coupe?
The Audi prioritizes clean design, tech polish, and all‑weather grip. The BMW leans sportier in feel; the Mercedes rides softer. All are excellent—your driving style will choose the winner.
Conclusion: Why the Audi A5 F53 Coupe Still Feels Like the Smart Choice
The Audi A5 F53 Coupe (2016–2020) is a luxury coupe that makes life easier, not fussier. Calm on a commute, composed when you want to play, and beautifully put together inside. Pair it with well‑fitted accessories—like tailored floor mats made for the A5 F53—and you’ve got something that looks sharp on a Miami night out and feels right on an Alpine weekend. Honestly, I wasn’t sure at first. Then I drove it. Now I get it.
