Review: Audi A5

For those exploring the Audi range for the first time in a while, the A5 might confound expectations.

What was once the TT’s big brother, a mid-sized coupe which later expanded from two to four doors as a sleek alternative to the A4 saloon, is now a more mainstream offering.

The A5 badge now sits on the boot lid of Audi’s smallest petrol- and diesel-powered saloon and avant models, effectively becoming what the A4 was. The A4 is now destined to become an EV.

We drove the 201bhp A5 Avant TDI quattro to see if any of the nameplate’s dynamic DNA had been retained.

In a world of SUVs, the A5 Avant looks low and sporty. Measuring 1,424mm high and 4,835mm long, it is longer than the previous A4 Avant and sleeker than the chunky A6 Avant.

That said, its 448-litre boot falls short of that in its nearest rival, BMW’s 3 Series Touring.

The A5 is available with petrol and plug-in hybrid drivetrains. However, the two-litre turbocharged TDI driven here quickly reminds you of its appeal.

Now mated to a mild hybrid system, which can propel for short distances under electric power, this is one diesel car capable of a very smooth and quiet getaway.

All A5 Avants feature a seven-speed DSG gearbox. Our test car swapped the standard front-wheel-drive for quattro all-wheel-drive, cutting acceleration to 62mph from 7.7 seconds, to just 6.9.

The torquey diesel drivetrain facilitates easy overtakes and relaxed motorway cruising. Furthermore, A5’s helm is sharper than the old A4 Avant’s, its chassis more communicative.

Inside, it is also larger than the old A4, with decent rear legroom and a driving position which settles naturally into quite a low stance.

A panoramic screen dominates the top of the dashboard, integrating an 11.9-inch Audi instrument display and a 14.5-inch touchscreen. In between sits a cluster of menu shortcuts, aiding access to some key functions.

Our test car also came with the optional (£2,495) Sound and Vision Pack, adding a head-up display and an impressive Bang & Olufsen sound system.

An additional 10.1-inch screen ahead of the front seat passenger is another option that was not fitted here. Its functions include in-journey gaming.

The cabin is of typical Audi quality. That said, the centre console’s piano black trim can mark easily.

Our S line car’s flat-bottomed steering wheel, with its perforated leather, looked and felt great. For 2026, Audi has replaced some of its integrated touch-sensitive pads with physical buttons, aiding usability.

Also among the A5’s recent upgrades are an optional dashcam and autonomous parking capabilities.

It is fair to say that the A5 has matured. However, it still stands out in its new guise as a quick and dynamic-looking modern estate car.

A5 Avant TDI quattro S line

Price: £57,730 (as tested)

Engine: two-litre turbocharged mild hybrid

Power: 201bhp

Torque: 400Nm

Transmission: seven-speed DSG

Top speed: 147mph

Economy: 54mpg (WLTP combined)

0-62mph: 6.9 seconds

CO2 emissions: 137g/km