There was a video posted up a while back with a test between the 3er coupe and the A5. IIRC the BMW stopped shorter than the A5. If I find the video I'll post it up later.
On the note regarding brakes, I was up in Aviemore (North Scotland) over the weekend, and I admitedly drove the A5 very harshly. Results....
I'm very UNimpressed with the A5's Brakes - The problem being with the brake pads. If you take the A5 on a good harsh run with plenty of braking along some fast country roads, and the brakes are well heated up, then they turn to
jelly - Seriously! (Over a 4 Hour harsh run). It got to the point where I was having to press extremely hard on the brake pedal to get any real response.
So, to prove that it was the temperature that was affecting the performance of the brakes, We stopped off at a restaurant in Fort William - At low speeds, and just after the fast run, and the brakes once again were extremely spongy. Depressing the brake pedal all the way down was the only way of getting a response.
So When I came out after getting something to eat, I start driving again, and weyhay!... the brakes are back to normal - taking effect as soon as you tap the brake pedal - Oviously they had cooled down.
So, in conclusion, the brakes aren't to my satisfaction (If you intend to drive your car hard from time to time), but if you dont intend on driving a solid 4 hours hard drive or using your A5 on track, then It should be fine
Next thing on the shopping list - some good brake pads.