Summary
The Audi A5 is – more or less – a sleeker and more attractive coupé version of the Audi A4 saloon. The current model is the second generation, which was launched at the end of 2016 and received a mild update in 2019.
The A5 range consists of the A5 Coupé shown here, as well as the A5 Cabriolet and A5 Sportback, which is a five-door liftback. Those models are not covered here and we’re building separate pages for them, so check back again soon. The higher-performance S5 Coupé is included here, but the even-faster RS 5 Coupé is a substantially different vehicle so will also have its own page as well.
The consensus from reviewers is that the Audi A5 is more of a comfortable grand tourer and less of a sporting vehicle than the rival BMW 4 Series. As with most Audis, the interior is a comfortable and high-quality environment from which to pilot the vehicle, but the driving experience is rather uneventful.
As of May 2022, the A5 has an Expert Rating of 72% based on 26 different UK media reviews. That currently puts it about 10% behind the BMW 4 Series Coupé.
Audi A5 highlights
- High-quality cabin
- Understated style, if you want to be subtle
- All-wheel-drive versions provide plenty of grip
- Very comfortable and ergonomic driving position
Audi A5 lowlights
- Driving experience can’t match the BMW 4 Series
- So understated it borders on anonymous
- S line suspension and/or big wheels make ride harsh
- Lacks any real emotional punch
Key specifications
Body style: 2+2 coupé
Engines: petrol, diesel
Price: From £40,720 on-road
Launched: Winter 2016/17
Last updated: Autumn 2019
Replacement due: TBA
Image gallery
Media reviews
Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
The Car Expert
Score: 8.2 / 10
“The second generation of the A5 builds on the success of the first model, evolved in all areas without losing the original appeal.”
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Auto Express
Model reviewed: Coupé range
Score: 8 / 10
“While it’s a handsome and desirable machine, it’s not one of the most thrilling to drive. Combine that with the less than dramatic design, and the Audi A5 Coupé faces stiff competition.”
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Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol automatic 40 TFSI S line
Score: 7 / 10
“The Audi A5 oozes premium appeal and is packed with tech. It’s surefooted and composed on the road, too, but this isn’t a two-door coupé that has driver appeal at its core; it’s not all that exciting to drive, and the large wheels on this S line model have a negative impact on comfort on British roads.”
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Auto Trader
Model reviewed: Coupé range
Score: 8 / 10
“The Audi A5 coupe certainly looks the business, but it’s far more than just a pretty face. A spacious, stylish and beautifully built interior is augmented by reassuring handling, excellent refinement and impressive comfort.”
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Model reviewed: 3.0-litre petrol automatic S5 Coupé
“The Audi S5 is a beautifully built luxury coupe that looks understated, offers lots of hi-tech equipment and practicality, and provides strong pace in easy-going comfort.”
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Autocar
Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol automatic 40 TFSI
Score: 7 / 10
“At a time when Mercedes-Benz and BMW are taking a more ‘emotional’ approach, Audi continues to mix refined cool with premium technology. It’s a strong combination that will understandably appeal to many, although those who put their focus on driving engagement will want to look elsewhere.”
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Model reviewed: 3.0-litre petrol automatic S5 coupé
Score: 7 / 10
“The story, familiar as it is where Audi’s S-badged cars are concerned, is that the S5 is car whose abilities we’re left regarding with a lot of admiration and respect but little lasting affection.”
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Model reviewed: 3.0-litre (218hp) diesel automatic S line quattro
Score: 8 / 10
“Lower-powered V6 diesel Audi A5 proves the likely pick of the range, with the pace, refinement and grip to suit UK driving.”
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Car
Model reviewed: 3.0-litre petrol automatic S5 Coupé
Score: 8 / 10
“The Audi S5 is certainly fast enough and under the right conditions can deliver some laughs but, on the whole, it delivers a very usable and easy-to-access experience rather than an adrenaline-charged one.”
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Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic S line
Score: 8 / 10
“The new Audi A5 doesn’t quite look or drive like a full-blooded coupe, but many will find its reassuring manners appealing, and feel its array of gadgetry will help present themselves to others as thoroughly modern without being nerdy or unchic.”
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Car Keys
Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic S line Coupé
Score: 8 / 10
“The Audi A5 is a very competent premium coupe that builds upon the main characteristics of its predecessor. If you feel Audis such as this one lack a fun factor and find offerings from BMW and Mercedes more compelling, this latest A5 is unlikely to change your mind.”
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Model reviewed: 3.0-litre petrol automatic S5 Coupé
Score: 9 / 10
“The Audi S5 is better than ever before and makes a strong case as a coupe that can deliver both classy, luxury transport and more aggressive, sporty driving. The powertrain is a delight, the cabin is very luxurious and the car has no trouble acting in a civilised manner when the situation suits.”
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Carbuyer
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The Audi A5 Coupe is sleek, stylish and luxurious, but its driving dynamics are likely to leave the enthusiast a little cold.”
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Model reviewed: S5 coupé
Score: 7.6 / 10
“The Audi S5 Coupe may lack the steering feel favoured by keen drivers, but it’s a deeply impressive car nonetheless.”
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Carwow
Model reviewed: S5 coupé
Score: 7 / 10
“High-performance version of the elegant and classy A5 coupe is very quick and sure-footed, but not particularly engaging to drive.”
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Model reviewed: Coupé range
Score: 7 / 10
“The Audi A5 is a stylish premium coupe that feels very well made and comes with a good selection of engines. Some alternatives look more exciting inside, though.”
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Heycar
Model reviewed: Coupé range
Score: 8 / 10
“The Audi A5 is a bit like being a contestant on Bear Grylls’ survival TV show The Island – like being trapped on a tropical paradise for weeks on end, the Audi looks like a lot of fun but is actually pretty boring.”
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Honest John
Model reviewed: Coupé range
Score: 10 / 10
“What the Audi A5 does so well is get the key elements right. The driving position is spot on, all the buttons and switches are wonderfully tactile and there’s high-quality leather on all the key points you come into contact with.”
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Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic
“The BMW 4 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupé are mightily good but for those who demand the best refinement and quality, the Audi A5 is hard to beat.
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Motoring Research
Model reviewed: Range overview (coupé, cabriolet, Sportback)
Score: 8 / 10
“If you’re prepared to sacrifice a little practicality in return for improved styling – and a higher price – the Audi A5 is one of the best looking cars in its class.”
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Parkers
Model reviewed: Coupé range
Score: 8.8 / 10
“Stylish, sought-after two-door is bristling with feelgood factor.”
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The Sunday Times
Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol automatic S line
Score: 6 / 10
“Style to spare but where’s the excitement?”
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The Telegraph
Model reviewed: Coupé range
Score: 7 / 10
“The Audi A5 is a very desirable car, but given its sleek styling and powerful engines we can’t help but wish it was slightly more fun to drive. And while the interior is classy, you have to spend a lot on optional extras to get the best from it.”
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Top Gear
Model reviewed: Coupé range
Score: 7 / 10
“Superb design and refinement cloak a nondescript driving experience. Again.”
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What Car?
Model reviewed: Coupé range
Score: 8 / 10
“Choose carefully and you’ll be getting a comfortable and quiet coupe with a very classy interior. True, the Audi A5 Coupé could be a little more exciting to drive, but it’s still an incredibly rounded car – especially if you opt for the 40 TFSI petrol in entry-level Sport trim.”
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Which?
Model reviewed: Coupé range
“The second-generation Audi A5 may look almost the same as the previous model, but under the skin it’s a very different animal indeed. It’s a safe, comfortable and superbly built large coupé. But it’s hardly the sportiest choice on the market.”
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Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: November 2016
Read the full Euro NCAP review
Adult protection: 89%
Child protection: 87%
Vulnerable road users: 75%
Safety assist: 75%
The Audi A5 Coupé and A5 Sportback share their safety rating with the Audi A4 range. The A5 Cabriolet does not have a safety rating as a result of the significant differences in its structure.
No eco rating
As of May 2022, the Audi A5 has not yet been lab tested by Green NCAP. If the A5 is put through the Green NCAP lab testing programme, we will publish the results here.
The Audi A5 has a slightly better-than-average reliability score, according to extended warranty cost data provided by our commercial partner, MotorEasy. Please note, however, that this applies to all versions of the Audi A5 (cabriolet, coupé, Sportback) and to both generations (2007–2016 and 2017 onwards).
The big thing to look for is gearbox trouble. As the MotorEasy data above shows, this is by far the most common issue found on Audi A5 models – and it’s also the most expensive, with the average repair cost clocking in at not much less than £3,000. Bear this in mind if you’re looking at a used Audi A5.
Awards
Trophies, prizes and awards that the Audi A5 has received
2020
- DieselCar & EcoCar Top 50 – Best Coupé
2019
- What Car? Awards – Best Coupé
- DieselCar & EcoCar Top 50 – Best Coupé
2018
- What Car? Awards – Best Coupé, £30K – £50K
- DieselCar & EcoCar Top 50 – Best Coupé
Similar cars
If you’re looking at the Audi A5, you might also be interested in these alternatives
BMW 4 Series | Ford Mustang | Lexus RC | Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupé
The junior executive coupé market has never been that heavily populated. The big three German rivals all maintain a presence, but no-one else has really shown much interest for a while. Lexus joined in for a while with the RC but that is no longer available, while Infiniti had its Q60 coupé a few years ago when the brand was still selling cars in Europe. The Ford Mustang is a similar size but appeals to a rather different demographic, and that’s basically your lot.
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