For It might look understated, but the S5 delivers near-supercar performance. There’s loads of grip, and four-wheel drive for all-weather traction. Equipment is generous, too.

Against The S5’s steering and chassis don’t have the finesse of the best sports cars. Six-cylinder diesel A5’s are far easier on fuel and very quick in their own right, so why pay more for the S5?

Audi A5 Sportback

What Car? says

3 out of 5 stars

The S5 is a fine long-distance cruiser. Trouble is, you can say the same of many other A5s, which are more economical and better value.

What Car? readers say

3.5


Key facts

0–60mph
5.1 secs
Top speed
155 mph
Average mpg
34.9
Tank range
499 miles
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Features

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Size

schematic See all measurements

View the whole Audi A5 Sportback range

Cheaper

More expensive

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The full Audi A5 review


Buyer's notes

Target Price team says:

For years there's been an unwritten law in compact executive cars that says hatchbacks are a no-no, while saloons, estates, coupes and convertibles are all fine.

Not any more - but ignore the marketing spin. The truth is that the Audi A5 Sportback is a hatchback, albeit with frameless side windows and a four-seater cabin to try to convince you it's a coupe. It's based on the longer version of Audi's medium-car platform, as used for the A4 saloon, so it has comparable passenger and luggage space.

Our favourite version is the 1.8 TFSI, which makes more sense than the diesel model. In everyday driving it’s plenty quick enough, yet it still averages almost 50mpg.

Leather upholstery is standard on SE models and above, but cruise control and satellite-navigation are desirable extras.

Reader test team says:

Audi A5 Sportback 2.0 TFSI quattro SE auto 5dr

It is an excellent car, in fact the best car I have ever owned. It is used as a family car at the weekends, but a company car during the week, and it…

Matthew Aldridge

2 out of 5 stars

Audi A5 Sportback 2.0 TDI SE 5dr

WOW - what can I say, I am totally smitten with this work of art! I am new to Audi having flirted between BMW and Alfa Romeo, but now I feel I have…

Gary Hinton

5 out of 5 stars
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