• Virtual Cockpit clear and simple to use
• A tactile delight with quality materials
• Comfort and control placement near perfection

How is the quality and layout?

Shared with the A4 Saloon and A4 Avant ranges, the dashboard of the A5 Coupe is ahead of its competition in terms of quality of materials, fit-and-finish and ergonomics. That’s a strong statement, but one that can be easily backed up – all of the buttons and controls feel substantial and pleasing to use; particularly the touch-sensitive climate control panel. The layout is simple, but layered in a way that groups things together to make them easy to find.

You sit quite low, which befits the coupe body shape, and it’s easy to get everything set up the way you like thanks to a highly adjustable driver’s seat and plenty of reach and rake for the steering wheel.

Leaving the majority of the interior alone, there are a couple of RS 5 logos, and Racing Aluminium or carbonfibre trim to enhance the sportier ethos. The steering wheel is a chunky, flat-bottomed leather affair that feels great; it’s sporty, but also luxurious. Even with the suspension in the firmest Dynamic setting, and a rapid pace on imperfect roads, there’s an absence of rattles around the cabin.

Infotainment and tech

The fully digital ‘virtual cockpit’ is all present and correct, ppresenting a clear and legible set of instruments for the driver. You can customise the display to display your sat-nav directions or media/radio information – with a choice of large or small dials. They are easy to read on the move, with simple steering wheel controls that make it easy to navigate between trip computer, phone, radio and navigation displays.

The central screen is similarly accessible, thanks to a rotary control at the base of the gearlever and logically arranged menus – always good that you’re not dependent on touchscreen controls. The row of horizontal switches for the climate control system is a bit trickier to use, however, as it’s hard to get the right button by feel, but this is rarely problematic.

120

Comfort

• Highly adjustable sports seats
• Front of cabin feels spacious for a coupe
• Rear seats generous but lack legroom

The seats up front are large and supportive, particularly the optional sports versions and the extra-bolstered chairs found in the S Line and Vorsprung models. Spec them with a massage function and you’re unlikely to be disappointed – it’s not as comprehensive a treatment as those in the Audi A8 Saloon, but there’s enough movement to mitigate any back pain.

The sports seats in the S5 and RS5 offer an exceptional range of adjustment in spite of their racing bucket appearance, and ultimately there’s no compromise here. They seats include heating and massage modes with optional rear seat heating, and with the car in comfort mode it’s a serene place to spend hours in search of the best roads.

120