A performance version, the Audi S5, is powered by a V8 engine.

• "With its curvaceous yet muscular styling, strong performance and finely tailored cabin, the 2008 Audi A5 personifies the luxury sport coupe."
  — EdmundsEdmunds: 2008 Audi A5 Review

• "The Audi S5 is an immensely capable luxury coupe, especially for those who don't travel light or cancel plans because of weather. The A5 offers similar capabilities with a quieter demeanor for less cash. Other cars may excel at a given quality or quantity, but few can match the overall balance offered by the affordable Audi A5 or performance value S5."
  — JB car pagesJB car pages: 2008 Audi A5 & S5 Review

• "Despite its speed and sexy looks, this coupe is always well-behaved and surprisingly practical. The driving position benefits from a highly adjustable seat and a tilting-and-telescoping steering wheel with an unusually broad range of adjustment. The S5's beltline is high, and you feel a little buried in the car, but it's hard for us to imagine a driver who couldn't get comfortable behind the wheel."
  — Car and DriverCar and Driver: 2008 Audi S5 Review

• BMW 3-Series Coupe
• Chevrolet Camaro
• Dodge Challenger
• Ford Mustang
• Honda Accord Coupe
• Infiniti G37 Coupe
• Mazda RX-8
• Mercedes-Benz CLK
• Mitsubishi Eclipse