nec1765

I’m shopping for a 4 seater convertible and pretty set on A5/S5.

I am torn between the model years.

So there’s 2009 original, 2013 facelift, and 2016 new design.

I like 2009 most, and I don’t like how 2013 and 2016 look smaller and narrower especially when seen from the front. Especially 2016.

I think 2009 has a wide stance, more imposing and masculine, where 2016 (and to a lesser extent, 2013) looks smaller and more gender neutral.

What do do you guys think? Any comments will be helpful.

mdxers1

I think the first ones were the best looking because it was radically different. I also think the design has improved with the 2018's. Of course, it's not as radical as when they first came out. I would prefer someday to have the newer dual screen and trick new DRL's and Taillights as on the new S7

KurtEiger

Yes. Most definitely...at least I think so. Lol. It looks wider, squatter, more aggressive, and swoopier than it’s successors. It was designed by an Italian and built by Germans—so pretty much the automotive world’s Holy Grail. I think it was based on a 2003 or 2004 concept that looked like a stretched out/ flatter TT. I remember reading Walter de’Silva won awards in automotive design for the concept- the B8 A5 was based on it. And the production model was even sexier.

They have over-stylized it ever since, adding unnecessary embellishments and body lines/cutouts. They could have easily kept the B8 bodywork and simply upgraded the head and taillights, grill, powertrain, and tech/options along the way. It’d still look fresh and relevant today, 12 years after it’s introduction.
The next refresh is getting very mixed reviews. They’ve added even more embellishments...