I will be in the market in the next few months to replace my BMW 535xi lease.

I really like the lines of the A5. My concerns with it would be performance from the 3.2 or 2.0 and is the back seat usable? Also can standard 18's be driven in winter or is it best to swap out for a set of winter wheels and tires? If so 19's all the way. I think the A5 might get more looks than my 997.

The other car that I like is the S4. That definitely would have enough power for me as a second car. Is the S4/A4 bigger inside than a 3 series?

The big question is how will the Audi's lease out? I have been spoiled by very good BMW leases over the years. Partly why more are on the road.

Any input would be appreciated.

 

The A5 is a beautiful car and a great daily driver, but I'm not sure how well it would serve as a second car.

I've got an A5 3.2. The V6 is a nice engine with good (not great) power, but nobody will confuse the A5 for a sports car. The A5 is intended as a GT car, not a sports car, so handling should be viewed through that filter. If you want some tighter handling the sports suspension would be the way to go. Keep in mind that if you want a stick you'll have to get the 2.0T engine as the 3.2 only comes in auto starting in 2010. Some '09 manuals might be hanging around and they would have the 3.2. The 2.0T can be chipped though to up the performance.

If you get the sports suspension it comes with 19" summer tires. The standard 18's come with A/S tires. The back seats are usable and actually not bad if the folks back there aren't too tall, but it is tight. Like most coupes there isn't much room back there and egress is awkward.

Audi leases are generally not very attractive, certainly less so than BMW leases. A5/S5 leases are usually even less attractive, as Audi is not interested in flooding the road with those models.

The A5 is really better suited to be a daily driver than a second car IMO. I love my car, and it is beautiful, but it is tuned for a more compliant ride. If a Porche is your daily driver I'm not sure the two-door A5 would provide much utility as a second car. The S4 would provide more utility with the 4 doors and larger cabin, and it will out-perform the A5. It's not as good-looking though.

 

as mentioned above, the A5 is great DD GT car. we've owned ours around 4 months now and can't be happier, it has all the gadgets you'd want in a DD, it's very comfortable, fast enough on the highway and around the city. the back seat would seat my 6'3 brother in law comfortably for a short ride, but i don't see him setting there for a 200 mile trip.

 

I agree with you on the A5 as more a DD. BTW- How is A5 in the snow? I hate paying a lot for a lease and only drive it in winter full time. My other option is to go for a good deal on a SUV/Crossover lease and have more utility. My primary concern is having something AWD. I guess I will just have to keep my eyes open for good lease deals before winter hits...

 

I've not had my A5 in the winter yet, but quattro is terrific in the snow and is generally acknowledged to be a good bit better than BMW's AWD system (which you appear to have experience with). It works great with all-seasons, and even better with dedicated winters.

 

Yeah I'm sure quattro is nice. My only slight complaint with the BMW is you have to disengage DSC to get the wheels spinning a little to get through tougher jams otherwise it interferes too much. Not sure if quattro is better at this.

It would be interesting to see the ground clearance difference between A5, A4/S4 and BMW 3 Series.