Low J.

I picked up the newly released Thule 9003 Raceway trunk rack for my A5 and put it on the car today. Even though the Thule fit guide does not show fitment for the A5, as you can see it fits fine which you'd expect since the fit guide does show it fits about anything else Audi makes. It installed really quickly and was solid as a rock. I had it on the highway as well and no issues. When I took it off there was no messed up paint or anything but I always make sure to clean things very well before I mount anything like this. I also like the fact that this one locks. Not only does the carrier itself actually lock to the car but the bike then locks onto the carrier. Good to have this option for the A5 because I just couldn't bring myself to ruin the looks of my car with roof bars. Here's a few pics I snapped.

Audirings4

No way in heck would I mount one of those on my trunk.

Low J.

Why not? I mounted one on the old A4 for the better part of 2 years and it never left so much as a scratch. If you're careful you have little to worry about.

a5sport

If you're worried about scratches, do what I do.

When mounting something on any car, I always put some heavy duty clear packaging tape on the car where any contact points are. That way the rack, or whatever, is resting on the tape, and not the paint.

And very simple to remove when done. Just peel it off. If any adhesive residue is left, a little paint prep spray, or other mild solvent, gets it off. Then I apply a light liquid wax to that area...and no harm...no foul.