It’s no secret thatcars are becoming less reliable each year, a trend that has been emerging over the past five to 10 years. This is backed up by J.D. Power’s yearly reliability surveys, and the statistics show steady drops in dependability year-on-year. One of the most significant reasons for this decline is the rise of complex systems that rely on computers and software. Simplicity is one of the key hallmarks of longevity, and in an era of packing in as many features and luxuries as possible, we are moving further away from this sentiment.
The 2010s saw an enormous growth in touchscreens, new infotainment tech, and bleeding-edge driving assistance technology. BMW and Mercedes were at the forefront of this rush towards innovation. This is proven now by Mercedes EQs, which are essentially a glimpse into a futuristic tech playground in the interior, and BMW’s iDrive9 system, which almost entirely removes physical buttons. Despite its German rivals’ ambitions, Audi has always had a more reserved approach – the company spent much of the 2010s retooling its most popular platforms and refining them to perfection. This focus on iterative mechanical enhancements means thatcertain near-decade-old Audis can hold up surprisingly well.
The Joy Of A Coupe In 2026
Choosing a two-door coupe in 2026 is certainly an act of going against the grain. With a focus on sporty crossovers and SUVs, even a sensible five-door sedan is now a far less popular decision than it once was. But choosing a coupe goes that extra mile, with its target audience prioritizing sleek looks and a sweeping silhouette over practicality and function.
As coupes become rarer, purchasing one now certainly feels like an act of preservation of an era of cars where truly sporty vehicles and practical cars could co-exist without the desperate need to market one vehicle as the best of both worlds. However, most people who require this low-slung sportiness don’t want the headache that comes with owning something old and unreliable. In 2026, there is a perfect middle ground that represents fine-tuned reliability and a sense of mechanical purity, which comes with a sporty coupe.
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The Overlooked Audi Coupe That Suddenly Makes Sense In 2026
With the risk of the Audi A5’s internal combustion platform becoming electrified and the questionable reliability of modern plug-in hybrids and electric cars, the 2017 Audi coupe represents a sweet spot. It is modern enough to feel plush and well-equipped in 2026, yet it also belongs to a bygone era of simplicity and refinement. The 2017 model was the final year of the B8.5 design, meaning it is the most perfected version of this platform. With nearly a decade of incremental upgrades ironing out all the bugs and issues of the earlier cars and a sleeker, more curvaceous design than the 2018 model, for many people, this is the perfect Audi coupe.
More Reasons To Opt For A 2017 Audi A5 Coupe
- Physical speedo needles and tactile buttons give a more analog interior appeal
- Final year of the A5’s incredibly smooth and reliable ZF 8-speed transmission
- Permanent AWD system
- Larger trunk capacity at 12.2 cubic feet
The 2017 Audi A5 Coupé’s Excellent Reliability And Value
This particular Audi A5 coupereceives a J.D. Power quality and reliability score of 86/100. This is a truly excellent score and is far better than the 79/100 score that the 2018 Audi A5 received, proving how a huge platform overhaul can affect reliability. It is also greater than the 2024 Audi A5’s score of just 77/100, showing how dependability is slowly starting to slip away. The 2017 A5’s electronics and displays were simpler and had that robust 8-speed ZF gearbox.
With examples ranging from $13,000 to $20,000 depending on mileage and condition, the 2017 A5 is now in the affordable range for a lot more people compared to the roughly $50,000 starting price nine years ago. Ultimately, due to this vehicle’s proven track record of longevity, a higher-mileage car that is on the cheaper end isn’t too concerning, but you will, of course, want to pay close attention to maintenance history. Obviously, you are looking for the classic service history. But on top of that, proof of a transmission service, carbon cleaning against soot-covered valves, and asking about the water pump and thermostat are the best signs that the A5 has had that extra bit of care.
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Performance And Powertrain
The 2017 A5 coupe utilized a swift and sensible 2.0-liter turbocharged engine. Despite being quite a tamed, lower-displacement engine, it used its power wisely. With maximum torque delivered at 1,500 RPM, speed was always available in this car, whether that was from a standstill or sitting low in the rev range on the highway for overtaking. Achieving 30 miles per gallon on the freeway and 24 combined, this generation also has quite generous efficiency for a large, comfortable vehicle, making it just that more tempting in 2026.
2017 Audi A5 Coupe 2.0-liter 4-cylinder turbo specifications
|
Horsepower |
220 |
|
Torque |
258 Ib-ft |
|
0-60 mph |
5.8 seconds |
|
Top Speed |
130 mph (electronically limited) |
|
Weight |
3,583 lbs |
While it may not have extreme amounts of power or torque, it also doesn’t weigh around 4,000 lbs like most mid-size sedans in 2026 with a hybrid powertrain. Not only that, but the excellently dependable AWD system (which isn’t FWD-biased and part-time like newer systems) helps the A5 feel planted and stable when pushing hard. This, combined with the lower-weight and constantly accessible torque, makes for a vehicle whose responsiveness feels beyond its technical specifications.
A Taste Of Analog Luxury
The 2017 A5’s interior is tactile, with physical buttons and mechanical knobs. With plenty of people tired of manufacturers’ obsession with minimalism and touchscreen controls, this A5 coupe’s interior feels like an excellent crossover point between accessibility and luxury. While smaller screens and a reliance on buttons may look somewhat dated, high-quality materials and exceptional ergonomics are timeless. Haptic touch might be the standard for touchscreens, but there is nothing quite like the weighted click for premium physical controls. The “Sports package” takes the cabin a step further, with deeply bolstered seats. Many owners swear by this package, as the seats not only hug you, but they are also supremely comfortable.
More Features Of The Audi A5 Coupe
- Three-zone climate control for the driver, passenger, and rear passengers
- Premium trims come with a Bang & Olufsen sound system, featuring 14 speakers and 505 watts of power
- Acoustic windscreen and sound insulation
- Belt handlers that bring the seatbelts closer to you
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Is It Worth Buying One In 2026?
For around $16,000, you can get yourself a genuinely good example of this vehicle, and there are plenty of reasons to buy one. The first and most practical point is that it is a very reliable car when well-maintained. With a near-decade of chipping away at this platform, a well-serviced example will likely last you for a long time. It also combines efficiency with speed generously; while not the fastest or the most economical, it represents a sensible middle ground that makes it feel like a practical buy as well as one underpinned by the gorgeous coupe design. It’s mechanical, sporty, comfortable, and interesting without feeling like you are taking a major risk on a retro coupe.
Sources: Audi, JD Power