Audi A5 Sportback Review 2024

September 2016

Second generation A5 Sportback unveiled

The new Audi A5 and S5 Sportback have grown significantly inside. The interior length has gained 17mm, the shoulder room for driver and front passenger up to 11mm and the rear knee room 24mm. The sophisticated materials and colour schemes and outstanding build integrity in the interior are typical of Audi. The horizontal architecture of the instrument panel creates a sense of spaciousness. The optional ambient lighting with 30 colours to choose from always evokes a fitting interior mood.

With 480 litres of luggage capacity, the A5 Sportback rates among the best in its class. Audi also offers the option of sensor control for opening and closing the standard-fit electric luggage compartment lid.

The rear seat back splits 40:20:40 as standard. The load-area width measures exactly one metre. The rectangular-shaped layout of the 480-litre luggage compartment makes it outstanding in terms of practical use. With the rear seats folded down, it can even accommodate 1,300 litres.

The optional head-up display projects all relevant information onto the windscreen as easily comprehensible symbols and digits, thus enabling the driver to keep their eyes on the road.

The wide track and comparatively long wheelbase provide excellent foundations for composed, agile handling in the new A5 Sportback. The track width is 1,587mm at the front and 1,568mm at the rear. The wheelbase measures 2,824mm.

As standard, the A5 Sportback is fitted with 17-inch forged lightweight wheels, with a wide range of options available up to 19 inches in size. All tyres have been optimised for rolling resistance, which reduces emissions by an average of 2.8 grams per km.

Customers can choose between two TFSI and three TDI engine versions for the new Audi A5 Sportback. They produce between 190PS and 286PS of power. Compared with the previous model, Audi has reduced their fuel consumption by as much as 22 percent while increasing power output by up to 17 percent.

The top version of the 2.0 TFSI produces 252PS. 370 Nm (272.9 lb-ft) of torque is available between 1,600 and 4,500 rpm. It sprints from 0 to 62mph in six seconds on its way to an electronically limited top speed of 155mph. Up to 47.8mpg combined is achievable, which corresponds to 136 grams of CO 2 per kilometre.

The second version of the 2.0 TFSI has an output of 190PS and 320Nm of torque available from 1450 to 4200 rpm. The power unit is responsive, flexible and thoroughly economical.

The four-cylinder TDI in the new Audi A5 Sportback develops 190PS and peak torque of 400 Nm between 1750 and 3000 rpm. With quattro all-wheel drive and the seven-speed S tronic, 62mph from rest takes 7.4 seconds.

Top speed is 146mph. In combination with the seven-speed S tronic and front-wheel drive, the 2.0 TDI returns 67.3mpg combined according to the NEDC standard, a CO 2 equivalent of 109 grams per km.

Audi also offers the 2.0 TDI in an ultra version which is distinguishable externally by way of a rear-mounted badge. The ultra badge denotes the most efficient versions of a model line. Modifications to the transmission ratio, optimised streamlining of the body and suspension as well as the use of low-rolling-resistance tyres help to further reduce consumption, enabling up to 68.9mpg combined (108 grams of CO 2 per kilometre) in the NEDC cycle, which sets the benchmark in the competitive field.

The two six-cylinder TDI power units offer a blend of power, refinement and impressive efficiency. The first variant of the 3.0 TDI produces 218PS and torque of 400 Nm, available between 1250 and 3750 rpm. In the NEDC cycle, this engine is capable of a combined 61.4mpg, corresponding to emissions of 119g/km.

The new top TDI increases power output to 286PS and offers 620 Nm of torque between 1500 and 3000 rpm. It features optimised combustion chamber filling, charge cycles and thermal management. The result is increased performance coupled with a further reduction in fuel consumption. Close-coupled catalytic converters treat the exhaust gas effectively..

Six-speed manual transmission, seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission or eight-speed tiptronic – there is tailor-made drivetrain technology available for every engine version. Front-wheel drive is standard, with quattro all-wheel drive available as an option in two versions. It is standard for the 3.0 TDI with 286PS.

A V6 turbo engine with a hefty 354PS and 500Nm of torque from 1,370 to 4,500 rpm powers the latest Audi S5 Sportback from 0 to 62mph in 4.7 seconds, and on up to an electronically governed top speed of 155mph. It naturally features quattro as standard, with wheel selective torque control as well as an eight-speed tiptronic transmission that can freewheel for further efficiency gains between 34 and 99mph when the driver eases off the accelerator pedal.

October 2016

Audi announced price and spec for A5 Coupe and Sportback

A choice of three TDI and two TFSI power units are available in the new A5 Coupé and Sportback. The four-cylinder 2.0 TFSI and 2.0 TDI both produce 190PS and can be configured with either a six-speed manual or 7-speed S tronic transmission. A

A 2.0 TFSI producing 252PS and 370Nm of torque is mated exclusively to quattro all-wheel drive. 0-62mph takes 6.0 seconds. The combined economy is 47.9mpg and 136g/km.

At the top end of the scale, a V6 TDI with 286PDS and exclusively linked to an eight-speed tiptronic is available.

Drawing on a turbocharged V6 TFSI powerplant that delivers 354PS and 500Nm, the S5 Sportback has a 4.7-second zero to 62mph capability,

In keeping with the rest of the Audi range, the hierarchy for A5 Sportback consists of SE, Sport and S line specification levels. The lead-in SE option now features more equipment than ever, including a host of infotainment and driver assistance systems.

All SE models are fitted with 17-inch alloy wheels, and come equipped with xenon headlights aided by LED daytime running lights. Further highlights include Audi Drive Select, a deluxe three-zone electronic climate control system and a power-operated tailgate for Sportback models (coupé models come fitted with an electric boot lid release mechanism).

Sport models build on this further by incorporating an LED interior lighting pack, electrically adjustable sports seats with 4-way lumbar support upholstered in Twin leather, SD card-based MMI navigation and a three-month free trial of Audi connect.

Standout features on the sharper S line in addition to the customary visual enhancements are 18-inch alloy wheels, sport suspension, LED front and rear lights with dynamic rear indicators and front sports seats upholstered in leather/Alcantara.

A5 Sportback Sport pricing

A5 Sportback S line

S5 Sportback

February 2019

Audi announces new Black Edition and Vorsprung models

Black Edition specification brings larger 19-inch or 20-inch (depending on model) alloy wheels in gloss black, a black styling pack adding a Matt Titanium Black or Gloss Titanium Black finish to components such as the Single Frame grille surround, air inlets, rear diffuser and door mirror housings, plus darkened rear privacy glass. Inside, decorative inlays receive the same darkening treatment and the addition of a flat-bottomed multi-function steering wheel emphasises the more sporting slant. The Audi A5 Black Edition starts at £37,875.

Expanding on the Black Edition specification, highlights of the Vorsprung models include an upgrade to 20-inch, 21-inch or 22-inch alloy wheels in either matt grey or matt titanium (depending on model), and to advanced Matrix LED headlights which can divert their beams around oncoming and leading traffic. The Audi A5 Vorsprung start at £48,875.

April 2019

Diesel engine announced for Audi S5

Audi has replaced the petrol engine in the Audi S5 with a V6 diesel. The 3.0 TDI - set to be introduced in both the S5 Coupe and S5 Sportback later in 2019 - will produced 347PS and 700Nm of torque.

The 3.0 TDI in the S5 models is the most powerful version in the Audi V6 diesel engine line-up. Both the electric powered compressor (EPC) and mild hybrid (MHEV) systems are embedded in the standard 48-volt main electrical circuit. For the first time in the S5 TDI, a powerful 48–volt belt alternator starter is the heart of the mild hybrid system with maximum recuperation power of up to 8 kW. A DC/DC converter steps this voltage down for components in the 12–volt electrical system. A compact, air-cooled lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 0.5 kWh installed under the luggage compartment floor serves as the energy centre.

Acceleration to 62mph in the S5 Coupé takes 4.8 seconds and and 4.9 seconds in the S5 Sportback, with both reaching their peak at an electronically limited 155mph.

Quattro all-wheel-drive is standard, as is a self-locking centre differential. This distributes torque in a ratio of 40:60 betwen the front and rear axle. If a wheel loses traction, the differential will send the majority of the power to the axle with the most grip. An optional sport differential is also available.

Cosmetic upgrades include aluminium door mirrors, a spoiler integrated into the luggage compartment lid and LED rear lights with dynamic turn signals as standard. A flat honeycomb grille is integrated into the rear bumper, while a diffuser insert in titanium black matt frames the two dual chrome tailpipes of the exhaust system.

Inside, the seat coverings – optionally with contrast stitching – are available in either a leather/Alcantara combination or the top grade Fine Nappa leather. Buyers can choose from the colours black, rotor grey and magma red. Sport seats with an embossed S logo are standard.

September 2019

Audi A5 facelift revealed

The Audi A5 Coupe, Sportback and Cabriolet have been updated with new mild hybrid drivetrains and refreshed infotainment systems, along with new S5 diesel models for the Coupe and Sportback.

The exterior has been significantly revised, with the front end, in particular, delivering considerably more visual impact. The Singleframe with the honeycomb grille is wider and flatter, and above it ventilation slits reference the classic Audi Sport quattro from 1984. A bold blade forms the lower edge of the bumper, which features larger air inlets. A new sill provides for a slimmer appearance when viewed from the side, while at the rear a diffuser insert with trapezoidal tailpipes makes the car appear wider.

Customers will have a choice of 12 paint finishes for their A5, including the new shade district green, metallic, and all body and engine variants in the A5 product line will roll off the assembly line with LED headlights as standard equipment. Audi will also offer Matrix LED headlights and Matrix LED headlights with laser light and dynamic light sequencing, both combined with dynamic front and rear indicators, depending on version.

Inside, a large MMI touch display, the control centre of the new operating system, is the focal point of the instrument panel and angled slightly toward the driver. Based on the third-generation modular infotainment platform MIB 3, it offers a user experience similar to a contemporary smartphone via a 10.1-inch touch display with acoustic feedback which replaces the rotary pushbutton used in previous models.

The all-digital Audi virtual cockpit plus is another standard feature of the latest A5 models. The driver can operate the 12.3-inch display with full HD resolution using the multifunction steering wheel with a choice of three views. A head-up display that projects important information into the driver’s direct field of view is also optionally available.

The updated Audi A5 models will be available in Europe with a range of TFSI and TDI engines with outputs ranging from 163PS to 347PS. All engines satisfy the limits of the Euro 6d-temp emissions standard.

At market introduction, four A5 engine variants will be equipped with a mild hybrid system (MHEV). A belt alternator starter, which is connected to the crankshaft, recovers energy during deceleration and stores this in a compact lithium-ion battery. With the four-cylinder engines, the MHEV system is integrated into the 12-volt electrical system, while the S TDI models use a new 48-volt main electrical system.

All A5 models are equipped with an automatic transmission, either a seven-speed S tronic or an eight-speed tiptronic. The three most powerful engines in the range work with quattro drive as standard and the system is also available as an option for the mid-range units.

The suspension in all A5 models has been tuned with an underlying emphasis on comfort but also an appropriately sporting bias. A tauter sport suspension and a suspension with controlled damping are also available depending on version. The latter is integrated into the Audi drive select dynamic handling system which is a standard feature of all UK A5 models, as are the steering, automatic transmission and engine management. Drivers can choose between five Audi drive select profiles to determine how these components work together.

700 Nm of torque and output of 347PS are the headline figures for the new V6 diesel engine at the heart of the updated Audi S5 Sportback and S5 Coupé. The 3.0 TDI offers brawny pulling power, impressive refinement and long range capability, thanks in part to its MHEV system and the electric powered compressor, which supports the turbocharger. Both S TDI models accelerate from 0 to 62mph in under 5 seconds and can touch an electronically limited top speed of 155mph where conditions allow.

An eight-speed tiptronic and permanent quattro all-wheel drive transfer the power in the S5 Sportback and S5 Coupé, and it is marshalled by taut S sport suspension which is also available with the option of damper control. Inside and out, a host of design details point to the unique position of the S TDI models – from the four round exhaust tailpipes to the S mode in the standard Audi virtual cockpit.

Like every open-top Audi, the A5 Cabriolet has a classic fabric top. It is an acoustic hood and opens fully automatically in 15 seconds at speeds of up to 31mph. Targeted reinforcements provide for a highly rigid body. With the top up, the boot of the four-seater has a volume of 370 litres with the split rear seat backs in place.