pakman56

Would it be possible to buy an A5 sportback through Euro delivery? I heard the roof at the rear of the car does not meet US crash ratings and that is part of the reason why it will not be coming to the US. Any insight into how to get one of these gorgeous cars in the states?

Hobbes

I'm pretty sure you can only purchase U.S.-spec cars via Euro Delivery. Since they won't be producing a U.S.-spec A5 Sportback you won't be able to order one.

I don't know if there is a way to import a Euro-spec car.

Shado1019

If you're referring to the European delivery program that I think you are, then I would say the answer is a definite no. I don't think Audi can legally even sell you a car that is not approved for the country you live in.

I would think you would have to buy the car through a European dealer and then arrange for shipping (without Audi's help) to the United States.

AofC_RR

DING! No Euro spec car can be sold as to the US. You could export a used car but that's going to cost some serious coin. You would have a "gray market" car so expect difficulties in getting it insured, registered, etc.

pakman56

Poop.

Lucien4

You can get some info on US import here: http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/rules/import/.

I checked the roof regulations and I didn't see anything specific about headliner thickness (which Edmunds said would be an issue). See http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/w...cfr571_01.html.
However regardless the problem is that you need certification from the manufacturer and they probably won't do it.

Second problem is that the dollar is pretty bad which means you'd end up paying at least $50K (even though it's priced same as A5 coupe in Germany).

We can only hope that Audi changes its mind. The A7 sportback would come to the US but it will be a lot more expensive and not sure yet if it will be as 'sporty' since it will be a larger vehicle.

I think next best thing would be to rent an A5 sportback if you'd be in Europe/Germany (you can rent most Audi's there).

ayap

Nooooo ... Definitely no A5 Sportsback on US soil.

Audi wants to milk the US market with higher priced cars ... so they will prefer you spend $72,000 for the A7 Sportsback than a smaller $62,000 A5 Sportsback.

Lucien4

Yeah too bad and in theory a A5 sportback 2.0 TFSI would have been priced at around $40K and about 45K for the 3.2 TFSI.

Reviews where pretty positive so far. It has a longer wheelbase than the A5 coupe but most said it drove fairly similar.
Sales estimates in Germany are about 50K which is about the same as the A5 Coupe.