Originally Posted by Sebastian3

Interesting. I had a B8 A5 coupe (2012) for six years and now have a B9 A5 coupe (2018). I find the handling and ride of the 2018 to be more sophisticated, elegant, and controlled. I find the engine noise to be more isolated and elegant. I noticed these characteristics on the 2018 immediately when I drove it for the first time. Steering and engine especially — way better than the 2012! Also of note, I had 19" wheels on both cars, however my 2018 has the adaptive damping suspension (which I special ordered from Ingolstadt).

Originally Posted by superswiss

How did you pull that one off? I would say the adaptive suspension makes a difference in terms of refinement and certainly ride comfort. I did a 1200 miles road trip in a B9 Allroad, which comes standard with adaptive suspension and it was a very pleasant car to drive for this long distance. Comfort mode was a bit too floaty and strange feeling over rough roads for me, but dynamic mode was still extremely comfortable and made the car more composed. The standard steel spring suspension is definitely less refined. It always struck me as a little strange that AoA is keeping the A models somewhat spartan in terms of luxury options. Makes no sense to me that the adaptive suspension is not being offered as an option.