The Audi A5 isn’t just about good looks and all-wheel drive. It's a well-balanced coupe (or Sportback) that competes with cars like the BMW 4 Series, Mercedes C-Class Coupe, and even higher-trim Mustangs and Challengers in terms of real-world driving experience.
But the A5’s edge has always been its composure and grip. And with the right upgrades, it holds its own—and then some.
Where the A5 Beats the Competition
- Quattro traction gives it better all-weather performance than rear-drive BMWs or Mercs.
- Interior quality is high across all generations—refined, not flashy.
- Chassis balance is underrated. This platform responds well to smart suspension upgrades.
While a stock A5 feels polished, it’s still tuned more for comfort than for performance driving. That’s where it leaves something on the table—especially when compared to M Sport or AMG-line variants.
Fixing the Weak Spot: Suspension
Every A5 generation—B8, B9, and B9.5—shares the same flaw: overly soft factory suspension. It’s fine at low speeds but loses confidence when pushed.
That’s where JRZ suspension comes in. These coilovers are engineered for serious driving, not just ride height. You get real rebound and compression control, better weight transfer, and much sharper turn-in. Compared to stock—or even most “sport” packages—the difference is night and day.
Better Grip = Better Drive
Even with Quattro, you won’t feel confident pushing the A5 with stock tires. A simple switch to Nankang performance tires gives you immediate improvements in cornering, braking, and stability.
- CR-S: Ideal for spirited daily driving
- AR-1: Maximum traction for serious weekend performance
Compared to run-flat or premium touring tires, Nankangs give you real feedback and predictable grip—without the premium price tag.
A5 vs The Rest: Who’s It For?
If you're cross-shopping the A5 with a BMW 430i or a C-Class Coupe, here's the bottom line:
- The A5 has more usable grip out of the box.
- It feels more composed in bad weather.
- With suspension and tire upgrades, it handles just as well—if not better—than most rivals at the same price point.
You’re not chasing raw horsepower here. You’re chasing balance. That’s what the A5 offers—and what Elite Performance helps bring out.
What We Recommend
- JRZ coilovers to eliminate body roll and tighten handling
- Nankang tires for reliable grip in real driving conditions
- Upgrades that improve performance without sacrificing comfort
Build an A5 that drives like it should.
https://www.elite-performance.com/search?q=Audi+A5