Audi A5 Sportback review

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. 

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wowscore
8/10
This score is awarded by our team of
expert reviewers
This score is awarded by our team of expert reviewers
after extensive testing of the car

What's good

  • More practical than an A5 Coupe
  • Strong yet economical engines
  • Decent infotainment system

What's not so good

  • Too tight for five adults
  • Some options are pricey
  • S line suspension feels firm

Find out more about the Audi A5 Sportback

Is the Audi A5 Sportback a good car?

The Audi A5 Sportback is one of your top contenders should you need a car that can carry four adults in a classy, comfy interior and look great while doing so. It’s like that pair of trousers you wear out to impress but secretly have an elasticated waist. 

Whichever Audi A5 Sportback you choose, you get a high-quality interior, if one that’s a bit sensible in terms of design. The Audi’s large infotainment screen means there are few conventional buttons, which shows off the A5’s excellent plastic quality, consistent gaps between trim pieces and expensive-looking finishes.

It’s just as well-built as the similar-size Audi A4 saloon, yet the A5’s driving position feels lower and sportier. A wide range of adjustment for the steering wheel and driver’s seat means you’ll find it easy to get comfy regardless of how tall or short you are.

That goes for your rear-seat passengers too, who get plenty of knee room and a decent amount of headroom – but things start to feel a little crushed if you stick three adults back there.  

The A5 Sportback is certainly practical for a coupe, but an estate or SUV is a better bet if you need to lug a load of stuff.

Mat Watson
Mat Watson
carwow expert

In town, the Audi A5 Sportback’s light controls make it easy to drive and its suspension is comfortable so long as you don’t go for the optional sportier setup. It’s even quiet on the motorway, which makes long journeys relaxing.

If you mostly drive on the motorway, it’s worth choosing the 40 TDI 150hp 2.0-litre diesel engine that’s brisk but also very economical on fuel. If you do shorter journeys and fancy something a bit more sporty, you may prefer the 45 TFSI 204hp 2.0-litre petrol.

Then of course there’s the 347hp 3.0 diesel in the S5 Sportback, which can hit 62mph just 4.9 seconds after setting off. Whichever you pick, though, the A5 can’t rival a BMW 4 Series in the corners.

The Audi’s standard six-speed manual gearbox is slick, but the optional seven-speed automatic takes the stress out of town drive and if you often drive on wet, slippery roads it’s worth considering the optional quattro four-wheel-drive system.

If it’s going to be carrying you and your family it’s good to know the Audi A5 Sportback was awarded five stars when it was crash-tested by Euro NCAP.

In fact, if you want a car that looks stylish, feels premium, is decent to drive and has space for the family – few cars fit the brief as well as the Audi A5 Sportback. Check out our deals for the best prices.

Buy or lease the Audi A5 Sportback at a price you’ll love
We take the hassle and haggle out of car buying by finding you great deals from local and national dealers
RRP £40,045 - £53,430 Avg. carwow saving £2,707 off RRP
carwow price from
Cash
£37,548
Monthly
£371*
Used
£37,000
Ready to see prices tailored to you?
Compare new offers Compare used deals
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