Audi A5 review (2016-2023)

By Cazoo editorial team

The Audi A5 is a sleek mid-size model that's available as a two-door coupe or convertible (called A5 Cabriolet), or as a five-door hatchback (called A5 Sportback).

It's based on the Audi A4 saloon and shares many parts with it, including much of that car's beautifully designed, top-quality interior. Every A5 comes with a long list of standard features and there are a lot of different versions to choose from, including both cost-effective models and the high-performance RS5 models. There are manual and automatic versions to choose from, as well as front- and four-wheel-drive models.

We're focusing here on the second-generation Audi A5, which was introduced in 2016 and updated in 2020 with new tech and minor design changes inside and out.

The Audi A5's interior is one of its major plus points, with top-quality materials, clean design and lots of high-tech features giving it a premium feel to match rival BMW and Mercedes-Benz models.

The infotainment system isn't as advanced as the one in Audi's latest models but it looks good and is easy to use. The central touchscreen sits on top of the dashboard to avoid distractions and essential information is available in front of you in the digital display.

In all A5 models there's lots of space in the front two seats. The A5 Sportback is quite roomy for two adults in the back seats but things are a bit more of a squeeze in the back of the coupe and convertible models. r

Boot space in the coupe is 465 litres, which is as much some large family cars, while the Sportback has even more at 480 litres. The A5 Cabriolet has a 370-litre space, which is about the same as you get in a Ford Focus, but there's 60 litres less space when the roof is folded.

Every A5 is good to drive, if not quite as rewarding as an equivalent BMW 4 Series. With the exception of the high-performance RS5 versions, they’re comfortable over long distances and more than capable of driving quickly on country roads. They’re also at home in the city.

The suspension can feel a bit firm, particularly on models with sports suspension and larger wheels but most models allow you to change the driving settings to prioritise performance or comfort.

All of the available engines give good performance and many of the higher-spec models are very fast.

Most models offer decent value but you're likely to pay a bit more for S-Line equipped versions and the Sportback. Prices are similar to those of BMW 4 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class models.

With the exception of the entry-level diesels, most models sit in higher insurance groups, but so does the BMW 4 Series, and road tax rates are also similar. Maintenance and insurance costs will be higher than for run-of-the-mill mid-size cars, especially for the high-performance models.

Fuel economy for most models is pretty good, but the high-powered models get through petrol pretty rapidly.

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