The Audi A5 Coupe (8T3) 3.0 TDI V6 quattro, produced between February 2007 and 2011, represents a compelling blend of performance, luxury, and efficiency within the second-generation A5 range. Positioned as a mid-to-high-end variant, it offered a significant step up in power and refinement compared to the entry-level 1.8 TFSI and 2.0 TDI models, while remaining more accessible than the high-performance S5. This model was primarily aimed at the European market, where diesel engines were – and continue to be – highly favored for their fuel economy and torque characteristics. The A5 Coupe itself was Audi’s answer to the BMW 3 Series Coupe and Mercedes-Benz CLK, offering a stylish and sophisticated alternative in the premium compact executive coupe segment.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Audi |
| Model | A5 |
| Generation | A5 Coupe (8T3) |
| Type (Engine) | 3.0 TDI V6 (240 Hp) quattro |
| Start of production | February, 2007 |
| End of production | 2011 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Coupe |
| Seats | 4 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 8.8 l/100 km (26.7 US mpg, 32.1 UK mpg, 11.4 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 5.3 l/100 km (44.4 US mpg, 53.3 UK mpg, 18.9 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 6.6 l/100 km (35.6 US mpg, 42.8 UK mpg, 15.2 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 173 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 5.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 5.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 5.6 sec |
| Maximum speed | 250 km/h (155.34 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 6.8 kg/Hp, 148.1 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 3.2 kg/Nm, 308.6 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 240 Hp @ 4000-4400 rpm |
| Power per litre | 80.9 Hp/l |
| Torque | 500 Nm @ 1500-3000 rpm (368.78 lb.-ft. @ 1500-3000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | CAPA, CCWA, CCLA |
| Engine displacement | 2967 cm3 (181.06 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 83 mm (3.27 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 91.4 mm (3.6 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 17:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 6.9 l (7.29 US qt | 6.07 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1620 kg (3571.49 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2120 kg (4673.8 lbs.) |
| Max load | 500 kg (1102.31 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 455 l (16.07 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 829 l (29.28 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 64 l (16.91 US gal | 14.08 UK gal) |
| Max. roof load | 75 kg (165.35 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (8%) | 2100 kg (4629.71 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 1900 kg (4188.78 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 750 kg (1653.47 lbs.) |
| Permitted towbar download | 80 kg (176.37 lbs.) |
| Length | 4625 mm (182.09 in.) |
| Width | 1854 mm (72.99 in.) |
| Height | 1372 mm (54.02 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2751 mm (108.31 in.) |
| Front track | 1590 mm (62.6 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1577 mm (62.09 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.30 |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 11.4 m (37.4 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives permanently the four wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent multi-link suspension |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link spring suspension with stabilizer |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 225/50 R17 |
| Wheel rims size | 7.5J x 17 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the A5 3.0 TDI quattro is the CAPA (or CCWA/CCLA depending on the specific year and market) 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel engine. This engine is a member of Audi’s modular engine family and features a 60-degree V-angle for optimal balance and smoothness. It utilizes a common rail direct injection system, delivering fuel at extremely high pressures for improved combustion efficiency and reduced emissions. The engine employs a single turbocharger with variable geometry turbine (VGT) technology, allowing for rapid response and a broad torque curve. The valvetrain is a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) design with four valves per cylinder. The engine’s robust construction and advanced technologies contribute to its durability and relatively high power output. The 6-speed manual transmission was standard, providing precise gear changes and a direct connection to the engine.
Driving Characteristics
The 3.0 TDI quattro offers a distinctly different driving experience compared to the lower-powered A5 variants. The 500 Nm (368.78 lb-ft) of torque, available from just 1500 rpm, provides effortless acceleration in virtually any gear. The 0-60 mph sprint takes approximately 5.6 seconds, making it a genuinely quick coupe. The quattro all-wheel-drive system ensures excellent traction, particularly in adverse weather conditions. While not as overtly sporty as the S5, the 3.0 TDI offers a refined and confident driving experience, well-suited for long-distance cruising and spirited back-road driving. The manual transmission, while engaging, has relatively long throws compared to some competitors. The gear ratios are well-chosen to maximize both acceleration and fuel economy.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The A5 3.0 TDI quattro typically came well-equipped as standard. Features included leather upholstery, automatic climate control, a multi-function steering wheel, and an Audi Concert audio system. Optional extras were plentiful, including a navigation system, sunroof, heated seats, and advanced driver-assistance systems like adaptive cruise control. Trim levels varied slightly by market, but generally, the 3.0 TDI sat in the mid-to-high range, offering a step up in luxury and technology compared to the base models. Sport packages were available, adding features like sport seats, lowered suspension, and larger alloy wheels.
Chassis & Braking
The A5 Coupe features a sophisticated chassis design, with independent multi-link suspension at both the front and rear. This setup provides a comfortable ride while maintaining excellent handling characteristics. The quattro all-wheel-drive system distributes power between the front and rear axles as needed, optimizing traction and stability. Braking duties are handled by ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear. Anti-lock braking system (ABS) is standard, along with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD). The suspension was tuned to provide a balance between comfort and handling, leaning towards the comfort side compared to the more aggressively tuned S5.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Audi A5 3.0 TDI quattro was generally well-received by automotive critics. It was praised for its refined engine, comfortable ride, and stylish design. The fuel economy was also a major selling point, particularly in Europe. Compared to the 1.8 TFSI and 2.0 TDI models, the 3.0 TDI offered significantly more performance and refinement, justifying its higher price tag. However, it was more expensive to run due to the higher fuel consumption and potential maintenance costs associated with the more complex engine. Against rivals like the BMW 335i Coupe and Mercedes-Benz CLK 350, the A5 3.0 TDI offered a compelling alternative, often praised for its interior quality and all-weather capability thanks to the quattro system.
Legacy
The 3.0 TDI engine, in its various iterations, proved to be a durable and reliable powerplant. While diesel engines are subject to stricter emissions regulations in some markets, the A5 3.0 TDI remains a popular choice on the used car market. Properly maintained examples can offer many years of reliable service. Common issues include turbocharger wear and potential problems with the diesel particulate filter (DPF), particularly on vehicles that have primarily been used for short journeys. However, these issues are generally manageable with regular maintenance and preventative care. The A5 3.0 TDI quattro represents a sweet spot in the A5 lineup, offering a blend of performance, luxury, and efficiency that continues to appeal to discerning drivers today.
