Audi A5

Importing a used Audi A5 from the USA

The Audi A5 occupies a sweet spot: it is a premium four-ring coupe, cabriolet or Sportback with real design appeal, yet the American used market offers a deep, competitively priced supply. Well-optioned quattro cars that are hard to find in Germany often sit on US lots, and specifications there can differ in interesting ways. For the enthusiast who wants a specific colour, trim or drivetrain combination, importing a used A5 from the USA can be a rewarding route. USCar Trader acts purely as your independent broker — we locate, inspect and ship the car you select, without any dealer margin and with the customs position clarified before you buy.

Generations at a glance

The first-generation A5 (internal code B8/8T) launched in Europe in 2007 and reached the US for the 2008 model year, offered as a coupe and, from 2010, a cabriolet. It was the design halo of Audi's B8 platform. The second generation (B9/F5) arrived for the 2018 US model year and, crucially, added the five-door A5 Sportback to the North American range — the practical liftback that behaves like a sedan but looks like a coupe. The B9 sharpened the styling, added Audi's Virtual Cockpit on higher trims and modernised the engines. Both generations were also sold in hot S5 form.

Powertrain lineup

US B8 cars were built around the 2.0-litre TFSI turbocharged four-cylinder (the EA888 family), rated near 211–220 hp, with an early 3.2-litre V6 FSI option (265 hp) on some coupes. Transmissions included a six-speed manual, the Multitronic CVT on front-drive cars and the Tiptronic on quattro. The B9 standardised the 2.0 TFSI at around 252 hp (later 261) paired with a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch and, on most US cars, quattro all-wheel drive. The S5 stepped up from a 4.2 V8 (B8, early) to a supercharged 3.0 V6, then to a turbocharged 3.0 TFSI V6 of roughly 349 hp in the B9.

Trims in the US market

US trim walks ran Premium, Premium Plus and Prestige, layering in leather, navigation, Bang & Olufsen audio, adaptive cruise and the larger digital cockpit as you climb. Body styles are the two-door Coupe, the soft-top Cabriolet and — B9 only in the US — the four-door Sportback. Quattro is near-universal on US cars, which is exactly what many German buyers want.

The used market stateside

Supply is strong, particularly for 2013–2016 B8 cars and 2018–2021 B9 Sportbacks. Typical import candidates carry 40,000 to 90,000 miles. Coastal and salt-belt histories vary widely, so condition sorting matters. US cars are frequently loaded with options that were pricey extras in Europe, which is part of the appeal. Look for full dealer service on the turbo engines.

Who should import one

The A5 suits the buyer who wants premium style and quattro traction without the price of a fresh European car, and who values finding a particular specification. It rewards someone comfortable with proper maintenance on a modern turbo Audi. One customs note to set expectations: US-market A5s were built in Germany (Ingolstadt/Neckarsulm), so the 0% duty reserved for genuinely US-built vehicles does not apply here; your rate follows the actual plant recorded against the VIN, which we confirm before any commitment.

Key specifications

How reliable is it?

The A5 is solid when maintained, but the EA888 turbo four has documented issues. Early B8 engines (roughly pre-2013) are known for elevated oil consumption from the original piston-ring design, and the timing chain tensioner on the earliest units is a recognised weak point that should be verified as updated. Carbon build-up on the intake valves is inherent to direct injection and eventually needs walnut-blasting. Watch the water pump/thermostat module, the PCV valve and, on B9 dual-clutch cars, the mechatronic and clutch pack condition. The B8 Multitronic CVT is the least desirable transmission and can be costly. A complete service file is the single most valuable thing to see.

What US models do differently

US A5s use amber-only or combined rear lighting without a rear fog lamp, DOT/SAE headlight beam patterns, and MPH clusters. MMI navigation and radio are set to US markets. Because the car is German-built, mechanical parts and specialist knowledge are readily available at home — an advantage over many US imports. Each lighting and instrumentation item is a defined step for approval.

Seven steps to your import

Selection comes first: we help you lock down the right generation, body and drivetrain. A VIN and origin check confirms the plant and duty position. Funds move through secure escrow, released on delivery to the port. The car ships by ocean freight to a German port such as Bremerhaven. We then handle customs clearance, arrange the TÜV individual approval and any required modifications, and support registration at your local authority.

Customs, taxes and costs explained

Key point: duty depends on the plant of build; only a VIN check secures the 0% rate. Import VAT of 19% applies regardless.

We always separate the two charges. Import duty depends on provable origin: the 0% EU rate under Regulations (EU) 2026/1455 and 2026/1461 (in force since 1 July 2026, direct transport, until 31 December 2029) applies only to vehicles with proven US build. Since US-market A5s are built in Germany, that 0% does not apply and the duty rate follows the actual plant on the VIN. Separately, the 19% German import VAT (Einfuhrumsatzsteuer) always applies to the customs value. We never advertise duty-free or guaranteed outcomes, and we quote no Euro purchase prices here.

German TÜV and registration

Expect to add a rear fog lamp, convert or adjust headlights to ECE beam specification, verify indicator and marker configuration, and correct the speedometer/odometer data for the German papers. As no CoC is issued for US cars, an engineering assessment establishes the values for the vehicle documents.

The buyer checklist

Confirm before buying: (1) the VIN and its recorded plant; (2) a full Carfax or AutoCheck history for accidents, title branding and odometer integrity; (3) engine oil-consumption evidence and, on early B8, proof of the updated timing-chain tensioner; (4) transmission health — avoid neglected Multitronic cars; (5) service records, especially oil intervals; (6) underbody condition on salt-belt cars; (7) a clean, unbranded title.

Questions and answers

Is importing a used Audi A5 from the USA a good idea?

It can be, especially for a specific quattro specification that is scarce in Germany. Choose a well-serviced turbo car and the value can be strong.

Which A5 body style is most practical?

The B9 Sportback — a five-door liftback with coupe looks and sedan usability, offered in the US from 2018.

Does the Audi A5 get 0% import duty?

No. US A5s are built in Germany, so the US-origin 0% does not apply; the rate follows the actual VIN plant, which we verify.

Do I still pay import VAT?

Yes. The 19% German import VAT always applies on the customs value, separately from any duty.

What are the common Audi A5 problems?

Oil consumption and timing-chain tensioner on early 2.0 TFSI engines, carbon build-up, water pump and PCV issues, and CVT wear on B8 front-drive cars.

Is quattro standard on US cars?

On most US A5s, yes — quattro all-wheel drive is very common, which suits German conditions.

Can a US Audi A5 be registered in Germany?

Yes, through TÜV individual approval with lighting changes and documentation work.

How long does the import process take?

Usually several weeks from purchase to plates, mostly governed by shipping and customs clearance.

Get started with Audi in the Carhub, compare the closely related Audi A4, Audi A5 Sportback and Audi S5, or view current Audi A5 listings.