Methdecal

I would most likely go with the A6 if they weren't changing the body style for '12.. I have 3 kids..12,10, 5 yr olds.. We own a Q7 for family days.. usually I'll be driving around by myself and possibly a client as I am in the Real Estate business.. Don't think I would ever have any adults in the rear of the A5..

BlueSander

You have my vote on the A5. Get S-line + B&O or else you would eng up regretting it. This is purely for the fun factor. However though, also in the estate business, I do expect an agent showing up in an A6 more often than the A5. lol If you deal with a lot of high end customers, definitely show up in a proper car like an A6 though.

looking@audi

The A5 would a great option unless you will find yourself with the coupe at times when your spouse has the Q7 - and you need to stuff some soon to be teenagers in the back seat.

derfA8L

What about when you might have 2 (or more clients) with you? The A5 could pose an issue under that scenario, yes? If you can hold off until May, the new A7 will be out as a 2012 model, and would give you a sporty ride with the functionality of a sedan. However, it will price out higher than the A6, probably by about $15K.

am_ver

here is my take:
A5 = you care only about you and not your customers. Imagine working with a couple, and having to shove the wife in the back seat.

A6 = you care more about your customers. A comfortable ride for all the passengers.

NR04

My $0.02. I went through the same dilemma when my 2006 A6 3.2Q lease ended. You already know A5 and A6 are two completely different cars so there are a lot of pros and cons for each model. Absolutely love the look of A5/S5 but A6 wins in practicality (the back seats in A5 are not meant for adults). And of course the C6 design is over 5 years old and a new one will be released in 12 months.

One of my good friends owns a 2009 A5 S-line so I had a good feel for the ride/performance of A5. I was leaning towards getting the A5 until I test drove the new 3.0T engine in A6. I have to tell you that 3.0T engine is amazing. There’s a reason why Audi is putting this engine in their S4 and S5 convertibles. My ultimate decision was to purchase a slightly used 2009 A6 Prestige. The savings from getting a new model softened the blow of getting an outgoing model and the update look gets enough attention for me. Besides, my friend with the A5 commented on how nicer the ride is in my A6 and of course the performance of the engine blew him away. It put a bit of frown on his face after the test drive.

You specifically mentioned 2011 models so I assume you are looking to lease for tax advantages and not interested in getting a CPO. The problem with 2011 A5 is that it's only offered with 2.0T engine. I recently had a chance to drive the new A4 with this engine and although this is a great little engine, but I personally think it's underpowered for A5 (which is supposed to be a sleeker and sportier coupe of A4). Therefore, unless the look alone is enough for you to make the purchasing decision, I think the updated A6 achieves a lot of balance between practicality and performance. If having a sexy coupe is a must, then you should consider stepping up to a S5. If not but purchasing an outgoing model is a big concern, then the new B8 S4 deserves a closer look.

Avanttime

Perhaps consider an S4 with the 3.0 engine? The rear leg room in the new platform A4 is really quite decent. We drove the avant, I'm 6' tall and sat behind the driver's seat when it was positioned for me and I was more than fine.

Kevagonia

A4/S4 might be a good compromise, but I wouldn't be thrilled if my agent drove my wife and I to a showing in a coupe.

The G Man

If you have a family of 5, you do not want to buy a coupe. Usually people buy a coupe after all their kids have gone to college