Name: Audi A5 Sportback (2017 to 2024) | Expert Rating | The Car Expert
Item: Audi A5 Sportback
Rating: 56.0

Summary

The second-generation Audi A5 first appeared in 2016 as basically a coupé version of the volume-selling A4 saloon. Shortly afterwards, it was joined by a cabriolet and the A5 Sportback – this tried to retain the coupé look while adding some extra practicality with another pair of doors and a liftback rear.

The A5 family received an update in late 2019, and was produced until early 2024 when it was discontinued as an all-new Audi A5 range was readied for production. According to the company’s new naming structure, the next-generation A5 will replace the previous Audi A4 range, so the next A5s will be saloons and estates rather than coupés, convertibles and liftbacks.

Reviewers generally liked the thinking behind this car, Motors dubbing it “one of the best-looking models in Audi’s range.” Other testers also considered the A5 Sportback to be a success, retaining the sharp looks of the A5 coupé despite creating a 580-litre boot. Auto Express highlighted the frameless windows and low roof line that ensured the car was not confused with the A4.

The interior earned plus marks too – “material quality is superb and all the minor controls are easy to make sense of,” said Honest John, while adding that the exterior visuals came at the cost of extensive rear-seat space.

Three petrol and two diesel engines were offered for the A5 Sportback, with the top versions of each also including all-wheel-drive (branded as quattro in Audi-speak). There were also two potent models – the S5, which had a 341hp diesel engine, and the RS 5 with 450hp of petrol power.

Reviewers generally favoured the diesels for their smoothness and economy, but accepted that ever more stringent tax laws steered most buyers to the petrols. “All the engines are smooth, quiet and powerful enough to feel luxurious,” said Carbuyer.

The on-the-road performance produced fewer plaudits – The Telegraph commented that the A5 Sportback was “very competent” but “still not a car that delivers the kind of exciting handling that makes a BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe so compelling.”

As of September 2024, the Audi A5 Sportback holds a Used Car Expert Rating score of D, with a score of 56%. It got good grades for its low CO₂ emissions, but scored middling media review scores and had a poor reliability record. It’s also not cheap to run, while its Euro NCAP safety rating has now expired.

Audi A5 Sportback highlights

Wide powertrain choice
Sharper to look at than an A4 saloon
Practical with a big boot
Comfortable to travel in
Quality interior with luxury trim

Audi A5 Sportback lowlights

Rear seats a bit cramped
Not as fun to drive as some
Quite pricey for what it is

Key specifications

Body style: Five-door liftback
Engines: petrol, diesel
Price when new: From £44,010 on-road

Launched: Winter 2016/17
Last updated: Autumn 2019
Ended production: Spring 2024

Image gallery

Media reviews

Reviews, road tests and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

The Car Expert+

Score: 8.2 / 10
“Five-door hatchback practicality with the visual appeal of the two-door A5 Coupe, improved engines and plenty of technology make the A5 Sportback an attractive choice.”
Read review

Auto Express+

Model reviewed: Sportback range
Score: 8 / 10
“If you’re in the market for a premium-badged coupe but still need a degree of practicality, then the Audi A5 Sportback is well worth a look. It’s better than ever.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 3.0-litre diesel automatic S5
Score: 8 / 10
“Styling changes and tech upgrades are integrated well with a huge change for the Audi S5 Sportback’s powertrain. It’s a fast, relaxed and well-equipped premium model with quality at its heart, but also balances performance from its engine with rationality in terms of its efficiency.”
Read review

Auto Trader+

Model reviewed: Sportback range
Score: 8 / 10
“The Audi A5 Sportback is a fine all-rounder: relaxed as a long-distance cruiser, but still capable of putting a smile on your face away from the main road.”
Read review

Autocar+

Model reviewed: Sportback range
Score: 7 / 10
“The Audi A5 is genuinely evocative of the silken executive options that forged Germany’s reputation for superior car making some 40 years ago. But for this car, for our money, that’s still not quite cutting the mustard.”
Read review

Business Car+

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol automatic 40 TFSI S line
Score: 7 / 10
“There’s no question the Audi A5 Sportback offers a lot to drivers who want to stand out in the office car park. This is especially true of S Line spec, where those big wheels, along with a bodykit package including more aggressive bumpers and side skirts.”
Read review

Car+

Model reviewed: 3.0-litre petrol automatic S5 Sportback
Score: 6 / 10
“The Audi S5 Sportback is sufficiently quick enough to out-accelerate what’s arguably its main rival – the BMW 440i Gran Coupe – while being impressively refined. However, the refined but unexciting driving experience means the S5 can’t help but feel a little underwhelming.”
Read review

Car Keys+

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic
Score: 7 / 10
“Although Audi models may not be everyone’s cup of tea, they still perform to a high standard. The A5 Sportback is no exception and although its rivals may have a lower starting price, it competes thanks to its excellent equipment, more-than-liveable driving feel and rather economic diesel units.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic
Score: 8 / 10
“If you are concerned about the A5 Coupe’s limited rear practicality, then the Sportback’s extra doors are handy but the space at the back may not be quite as much as you’d hoped.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 3.0-litre petrol automatic S5 Sportback
Score: 9 / 10
“If you want a gentle and reasonably practical premium coupe but also a feisty speed machine at the same time, then the Audi S5 Sportback can play either role in a convincing manner. It’s luxurious, the drive is sharp and the V6 is a lot of fun.”
Read review

Carbuyer+

Model reviewed: Sportback range
Score: 8.4 / 10
“Contemporary looks, the latest technology and great practicality make the Audi A5 Sportback an interesting alternative to top executive saloons.”
Read review

Carwow+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The Audi A5 Sportback combines coupe curves with a dose of practicality. It won’t accommodate five adults in comfort, though, and there’s more fun to be had driving alternatives.”
Read review

Heycar+

Model reviewed: Sportback range
Score: 7 / 10
“The A5 Sportback is perfect for people looking for a stylish family car with an upmarket interior, low running costs and space for four adults on board. With its frameless windows, a sleek design that tapers towards the rear end and exclusive image, it feels even more premium than the excellent A4 saloon on which it’s based.”
Read review

Honest John+

Model reviewed: Sportback range
Score: 8 / 10
“The Audi A5 Sportback combines the stylish looks of the A5 Coupe with extra practicality, thanks to its rear doors and more practical hatchback tailgate. The engine range is strong, with punchy performance and good economy, plus build quality is impeccable.”
Read review

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.”
Read review

Motors.co.uk+

Model reviewed: Sportback range
Score: 9 / 10
“The Audi A5 Sportback is a car to appeal to those who want something more stylish than an A4, but not without compromising on practicality or luxury. If comfort and refinement are your key priorities behind the wheel, the A5 would make an excellent choice.”
Read review

The Telegraph+

Model reviewed: Sportback range
Score: 8 / 10
“It might be no more fun to drive than its coupe equivalent, but the Audi A5 Sportback brings a lot of extra space without compromising on the sleek styling. Its engines are brilliant, the interior classy and it is a fine car in which to cover long distances.”
Read review

Top Gear+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“The Audi A5 Sportback is beautifully built and beautiful to look at. But the A4 is 98 per cent as good, cheaper and less pretentious.”
Read review

What Car?+

Model reviewed: Sportback range
Score: 8 / 10
“The Audi A5 Sportback blends coupé-like styling with decent practicality. If you want something that’s efficient to run, comfortable and very refined, it’s one of the best of the four- or five-door coupé breed.”
Read review

Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: November 2016
Date expired: January 2022
Read the full Euro NCAP review

Adult protection: 89%
Child protection: 87%
Vulnerable road users: 75%
Safety assist: 75%

Notes on safety rating

The Audi A5 was originally assessed by Euro NCAP back in 2016 and awarded a five-star rating. 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.

However, this rating expired in January 2022 and is no longer valid as the car no longer meets the standards required for such a rating. This is normal practice, as Euro NCAP reviews its ratings on most cars annually with most ratings expiring after about six or seven years.

However, if you are comparing a used A5 Sportback to vehicles of similar age, whose ratings will have probably also expired, its safety rating score is still useful.

Eco rating

Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

No eco rating

The Audi A5 Sportback was not tested by Green NCAP during its production life.

Reliability rating

Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

Total claims: 485
Average repair cost: £950.90
Last updated: January 2024

Reliability score

All data based on MotorEasy average workshop costs for extended car warranty claims

The Audi A5 family has a below reliability score of 40%, according to workshop data provided by our commercial partner, MotorEasy. 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 suspension trouble. As the MotorEasy data above shows, this is the most common issue found on Audi A5 models, usually costing around £500 to correct. Engine issues are almost as common and a lot more expensive, with the average repair cost clocking in at more than £1,200.

Gearbox problems have also been known to crop up and are by far the most expensive faults, costing around the £3,000 mark. Bear all of this in mind if you’re looking at a used Audi A5.

Running cost rating

Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data

Fuel consumption	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Petrol models	41 mpg	D	29 – 45 mpg	C – E
Diesel models	50 mpg	B	39 – 58 mpg	B – D

CO₂ output	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Petrol models	158 g/km	C	143 – 222 g/km	B – D
Diesel models	150 g/km	B	127 – 191 g/km	A – C

Insurance group	Average	Score	Variation	Score
All models	36	C	28 – 50	B – F

Service and maintenance	Cost	Score
Year 1	£283	C
Year 2	£743	C
Year 3	£1,235	C
Year 4	£1,513	C
Year 5	£2,041	C
Overall	£5,815	C

The Audi A5 Sportback has fairly average running costs, according to data exclusively provided by our commercial partner Clear Vehicle Data.

Petrol models offer 41 mpg on average, – the petrol-powered A5 Coupé is more efficient, but the Sportback is on par with rivals like the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé. As you might expect, diesel models are the more fuel efficient choice. Insurance premiums and maintenance costs are pretty average when compared with its liftback rivals.

Recalls

Official DVSA safety recalls that have been issued for the Audi A5 range

Feb 2022

Jun 2021

Oct 2020

Jun 2020

Jun 2019

May 2019

Dec 2018

Feb 2017

Date: February 2022
Recall number: R/2022/036
Model types: All
Build dates: 11/2019 to 02/2021
Number of vehicles affected: 5,327
Defect: Following a previous campaign, the toe and/or camber values on the rear axle may, in certain circumstances, incorrectly be changed without this being noticed.
Remedy: The wheel alignment must be checked and, if necessary, the suspension must be serviced on the affected vehicles.

Date: June 2021
Recall number: R/2021/236
Model types: All
Build dates: 11/2019 to 02/2021
Number of vehicles affected: 10,089
Defect: One or more nuts which do not meet the specifications may have been fitted on the rear axle suspension links.
Remedy: The affected nuts on the rear axle will be replaced on affected vehicles.

Date: June 2021
Recall number: R/2021/204
Model types: All
Build dates: 12/2015 to 12/2018
Number of vehicles affected: 263
Defect: Vehicles may have been fitted with a hinged towing bracket on which the locking mechanism in the hinge module could be faulty.
Remedy: The hinge module for the towing bracket must be checked and, where necessary, replaced on the vehicles affected.

Date: October 2020
Recall number: R/2020/302
Model types: All
Build dates: 07/2020
Number of vehicles affected: 8
Defect: The seat frame may not have been bolted correctly to the seat rail on the driver and/or front passenger side.
Remedy: Check the affected seat frame connection and replace the frame if required.

Date: June 2020
Recall number: R/2020/138
Model types: All
Build dates: 06/2017 to 03/2020
Number of vehicles affected: 34,982
Defect: It is possible that moisture may enter the belt-driven starter-alternator.
Remedy: The starter-alternator must be replaced on the affected vehicles.

Date: June 2019
Recall number: R/2019/175
Model types: All
Build dates: 12/2015 to 12/2018
Number of vehicles affected: 135
Defect: Hinged towing bracket on which the locking mechanism in the hinge module could be faulty.
Remedy: The hinge module for the towing bracket must be checked and replaced if required.

Date: May 2019
Recall number: R/2019/149
Model types: All
Build dates: 02/2019 to 03/2019
Number of vehicles affected: 85
Defect: An error in the casting process may affect the rigidity of the shock absorber fork.
Remedy: The corresponding shock absorber forks must be replaced on the affected vehicles.

Date: December 2018
Recall number: R/2018/365
Model types: All
Build dates: 02/2017 to 07/2017
Number of vehicles affected: 8
Defect: Airbag securing bolts may not be to the correct torque.
Remedy: Check and replace bolts as required.

Date: February 2017
Recall number: R/2017/078
Model types: All
Build dates: 05/2016 to 10/2016
Number of vehicles affected: 2,622
Defect: Due to an error in the manufacturing process, the airbag and/or seat belt pretensioner may not trigger in the event of a collision.
Remedy: On affected vehicles, replace airbag assembly and seat belt pretensioner where necessary.

As of September 2024, there have been nine DVSA vehicle safety recalls on the Audi A5 range covering various different issues.

Not all vehicles are affected by recalls. You can check to see if your car is included in any of the above recalls by visiting the DVLA website or contacting your local Audi dealer.

If your car is affected by a recall, the vehicle must be repaired and you should not be charged for any work required. If you are buying a used A5, you should insist that any outstanding recall work is completed before you take delivery of the vehicle.

Similar cars

If you’re looking at the Audi A5 Sportback , you might also be interested in these alternatives

The junior executive premium liftback market is a bit of a niche, even by Audi and BMW standards, for those who want the practicality and brand cachet of a premium German badge but wanting something just a bit sleeker than the regular Audi A4 or BMW 3 Series. The Kia Stinger offers a good-value option that is also distinctive.