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.
Audi A5
USCar Trader import service
Import this model from the USA or Canada
Choose a specific vehicle. Where data is available, its detail page shows the import cost calculation. We assess any possible duty benefit with you before purchase.
Important: A 0% EU import-duty rate may be available for a vehicle covered by Regulation (EU) 2026/1455 that has US origin and is imported directly into the EU. CETA may apply to a vehicle with preferential Canadian origin. Whether the requirements are met is assessed for the individual case. Please contact us before purchase; we review the possible duty benefit and provide non-binding support through the process. Import VAT and other costs are assessed separately.
CarHub · Audi
Audi A5
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.
- Generations
- Typical figure: B8/8T (2008–2016 US); B9/F5 (2018–2023 US)
- Body styles
- Typical figure: Coupe, Cabriolet, Sportback (B9 US)
- Core engine
- Typical figure: 2.0 TFSI turbo I4
- Power (B9 2.0T)
- Typical figure: approx. 252–261 hp
Model profile
Model history and generations
Powertrain and equipment
Engines, drivetrain and trims
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.
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.
Vehicle selection
North American market and suitability
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.
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.
Vehicle data
Technical data by generation and specification
Body and dimensions
| Body styles | Typical figure: Coupe, Cabriolet, Sportback (B9 US) |
|---|---|
| Length (B9 Sportback) | Typical figure: approx. 4,733 mm |
| Width | Typical figure: approx. 1,843 mm |
| Wheelbase (B9) | Typical figure: approx. 2,824 mm |
| Kerb weight | Typical figure: approx. 1,600–1,750 kg |
| Vehicle class | Typical figure: Premium compact executive |
Engine and drivetrain
| Core engine | Typical figure: 2.0 TFSI turbo I4 |
|---|---|
| Power (B9 2.0T) | Typical figure: approx. 252–261 hp |
| Power (B8 3.2 V6) | Typical figure: approx. 265 hp |
| S5 engine | Typical figure: 3.0 TFSI V6 (B9), approx. 349 hp |
| Transmission | Typical figure: 7-speed S tronic (B9); 6MT/CVT/Tiptronic (B8) |
| Drivetrain | Typical figure: quattro AWD (most US cars) |
| Fuel tank | Typical figure: approx. 54–58 L |
Model and other data
| Generations | Typical figure: B8/8T (2008–2016 US); B9/F5 (2018–2023 US) |
|---|---|
| Assembly plant | Typical figure: Germany (Ingolstadt/Neckarsulm) |
Values are reproduced verbatim from the existing article table. The documents for the specific vehicle govern.
Pre-purchase review
Model-specific inspection points
Inspection plan for this model
For the Audi A5, the agreed inspection plan focuses in particular on vehicle history, visible body and underbody condition, fluid leaks, warning messages, tyres, brakes and accessible suspension components. USCar Trader can document these points through a separately commissioned on-site inspection; inaccessible areas or unauthorised road tests are explicitly recorded as unchecked.
Germany and Europe
Differences, adaptation and registration
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.
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.
USCar Trader services
Inspection, purchase processing and escrow
As a buyer based in Germany, you do not have to inspect the vehicle yourself in the United States or Canada. Within the agreed scope, USCar Trader can coordinate document review, a separately commissioned on-site inspection and purchase processing.
- Vehicle profile and history: The profile can show the VIN, US title status and available history records. No data source guarantees that every earlier event was reported.
- Optional CARFAX report: Additional reported maintenance or service entries can be included. The report is not a complete service book or proof of every interval.
- On-site inspection / USCT AutoCheck: USCar Trader can arrange a separately booked vehicle inspection. Agreed visible and accessible areas are documented. Road or functional tests require suitable access and seller approval; the visual review is not a lift inspection or workshop diagnosis.
- Purchase processing and escrow: After approval, USCar Trader can coordinate seller contact, negotiation, contract and the escrow and import service. Fees, payment route and responsibilities are recorded in advance.
- Recalls: Open safety recalls can be checked by VIN through the NHTSA recall search; they do not describe overall condition.
Covered inspection points are agreed in advance. An on-site inspection records condition at the appointment and is not a guarantee.
Next step: Before commissioning, USCar Trader and the customer agree which document, history, inspection and transaction checks suit the vehicle and are included in the service. This records what was actually checked.
Import process
Import, customs, costs and delivery
Seven steps to your import
Selection comes first: we help you lock down the right generation, body and drivetrain.
Questions and answers
Common questions about importing this model
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 this vehicle automatically qualify for a 0% import-duty rate?
No, not automatically. A 0% EU import-duty rate may be available for a vehicle covered by Regulation (EU) 2026/1455 that has US origin and is imported directly into the EU. CETA may apply to a vehicle with preferential Canadian origin. Whether the requirements are met is assessed for the individual case. Please contact USCar Trader before purchase; we review the possible duty benefit and provide non-binding support. Import VAT and other costs are assessed separately.
How is import VAT treated when importing a Audi A5?
Import VAT and other taxes or costs are assessed separately under the applicable rules and the circumstances of the individual case. A blanket answer for every vehicle would not be reliable.
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.
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