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10 September 2025 Audi A5 8ta engines
The Audi A5 8ta, which was launched in 2007 as the first generation of the A5 model series, quickly established itself as a stylish coupé in the premium segment. The engine range of the 8ta generation comprised an impressive variety from economical diesel units to powerful V8 petrol engines. Over the entire production period from 2007 to 2016, the drive range continued to evolve and integrated state-of-the-art technologies such as FSI direct injection and quattro all-wheel drive.
Audi A5 8ta engines - first generation (2007-2016)
The first generation of the Audi A5 8ta was characterized by exceptional longevity, with many engines easily reaching 250,000 to 350,000 kilometers. Major maintenance work is typically due between 150,000 and 200,000 kilometers, while minor repairs usually occur after 100,000 kilometers. The 3.0 TDI with 240 hp is regarded as the absolute highlight of the 8ta generation and combines performance with remarkable efficiency. In technical terms, this generation revolutionized direct injection in petrol engines and introduced modern common-rail technology in diesel units. In a market comparison, the A5 8ta successfully positioned itself between the BMW 3 Series Coupé and the Mercedes C-Class Coupé, impressing with its well-balanced engine range.
Audi A5 8ta FSI petrol engines: first generation (2007-2016)
The FSI petrol engines of the first A5 generation were based on proven direct injection technology and offered a wide power range. The entry-level 1.8 TFSI (CABD) engine with 160 hp ran from 2007 to 2012 and proved to be a solid everyday engine with moderate fuel consumption of 7.8 l/100 km. The popular 2.0 TFSI (CAED/CAEA) with 180-211 hp dominated the mid-range and impressed with its versatility, but occasionally showed problems with the timing chain after 120,000 kilometers.
The 3.2 FSI V6 (CALA) with 265 hp, which was available from 2007 to 2012, shone in the upper performance range and impressed with its smooth running. The 4.2 FSI V8 (CAUA) with 354 hp, which was used exclusively in the S5 and impressed with its reliability despite its fuel consumption of 11.2 l/100 km, crowned the petrol engines. Typical weak points of the FSI engines include carbon deposits on the intake valves after 80,000 kilometers and occasional problems with the high-pressure pump in the TFSI variants.
Audi A5 8ta TDI diesel engines: first generation (2007-2016)
The TDI engine range of the A5 8ta set standards in terms of efficiency and durability. The entry-level diesel 2.0 TDI (CAGA/CGLC) with 143-177 hp proved to be extremely reliable and achieved fuel consumption of just 5.2 l/100 km. These engines ran practically maintenance-free up to 200,000 kilometers, with only the particulate filter requiring occasional regeneration in predominantly urban operation.
The absolute highlight was the 3.0 TDI V6 in various performance levels: The basic version (CCWA) with 204 hp, the mid-range version (CCWB) with 240 hp and the top version (CKVB) with 245 hp. The 240 hp engine in particular established itself as the perfect balance between performance and consumption (5.9 l/100km) and is considered one of the best diesel engines in its class. Weaknesses were mainly found in the glow plugs after 100,000 kilometers and occasionally in the exhaust gas recirculation after 150,000 kilometers.
The rare 2.7 TDI V6 (CGKA) with 190 hp rounded off the range, but remained less common due to its more complex technology and frequently exhibited problems with the timing chains after 120,000 kilometers.
| Engine | Power (PS) | Fuel consumption (l/100km) | Typical weaknesses | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.8 TFSI | 160 | 7,8 | Timing chain, carbon deposits | Good |
| 2.0 TFSI | 180-211 | 7,5-8,2 | Timing chain, high-pressure pump | Good |
| 3.2 FSI V6 | 265 | 9,1 | Carbon deposits | Very good |
| 4.2 FSI V8 | 354 | 11,2 | Valve clearance, oil consumption | Good |
| 2.0 TDI | 143-177 | 5,2-5,8 | Particle filter, glow plugs | Very good |
| 2.7 TDI V6 | 190 | 6,1 | Timing chain, EGR valve | Average |
| 3.0 TDI V6 | 204-245 | 5,9-6,2 | Glow plugs, EGR valve | Very good |
Conclusion: The best Audi A5 8ta engines of all generations
The engine development of the Audi A5 8ta reflects the technological maturity of the late 2000s and offers a balanced mix of performance, efficiency and reliability. Direct injection for petrol engines and advanced common-rail technology for diesel units set industry standards at the time.
- Best Audi A5 8ta gasoline engine:
The 3.2 FSI V6 with 265 hp impresses with its exceptionally smooth running, high reliability and reasonable fuel consumption, making it the ideal compromise between performance and suitability for everyday use.
- Best Audi A5 8ta diesel engine:
The 3.0 TDI V6 with 240 hp represents the pinnacle of TDI technology and offers the perfect balance for demanding drivers with its powerful torque, low fuel consumption and high durability.
- Sportiest Audi A5 8ta engine:
The 4.2 FSI V8 with 354 hp in the S5 delivers pure emotion and impressive driving performance, while at the same time impressing with its robust construction.
For all Audi A5 8ta engines, you will find high-quality spare and wear parts at AUTODOC to ensure the longevity of your vehicle.
