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2021 Audi A5 review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise
6 photos

Audi A5 highlights

Customer rating

RepairPal reliability rating

Pros

  • Understated and attractive exteriors
  • Large trunk (Sportback)
  • Power and economy from mild hybrid turbo four-cylinder

Cons

  • Coupe and convertible have cozy rear seats
  • Needs more standard driver-assist features
  • Expensive, especially in upmarket trims

Mileage (EPA estimate)

23 city, 31 highway, 26 combined

Pricing for current inventory

From $33,998*

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2021 Audi A5 offers a variety of elegant body styles

The 2021 Audi A5 is offered in a trio of flavors: coupe, convertible, and a four-door hatchback Audi refers to as the Sportback model. Based on the same platform as the A4 compact luxury sedan, the A5 enters the 2021 model year with a new base engine, an available mild hybrid engine, along with a few additional standard tech and driver-assist features. For example, wireless Apple CarPlay® is now fitted to every A5, as is lane departure warning.

The A5 Sportback gives car shoppers the choice of a 201-horsepower turbo four-cylinder engine, or a 261-hp turbo-four that serves as the entry-level powertrain in the coupe and convertible. This more powerful engine features a mild hybrid system to aid in power delivery and overall fuel economy. A seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and Audi’s all-wheel drive is standard on all A5 models. Inside, the 2021 A5 now features a 10.1-inch touchscreen located prominently in the center of the dashboard. Easy to use and with precise commands, it’s a nice complement to the A5’s elegant cabin.

All Audi A5 years

Not sure what year to select? Learn about each Audi A5 generation from 2012 to 2025

What is new for the 2021 Audi A5?

  • The A5 is available in a variety of new trims, including the Premium S-Line, S-Line Premium, S-Line Premium Plus, and S-Line Prestige.
  • A5 trims have been upgraded with Heated Steering Wheel, A/C Seat(s), Rear Seat Heaters, and Rear Spoiler as standard equipment this year.
  • The Premium Plus trim now comes with Lane Departure Warning and Automated Cruise Control as standard equipment.
  • The Premium trim now comes with Lane Departure Warning and Parking Sensors as standard equipment.

2021 Audi A5 trims

Curious how Audi A5 trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

S-Line:

  • No significant upgrades found on the S-Line

Premium:

  • Includes all features available on the S-Line
  • 261-hp, 273-lb-ft of torque 2.0L
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Smart Key
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Power Seats
  • Leather Seats
  • Rear View Camera
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Side Airbags
  • View our Audi A5 Premium inventory

S-Line Premium:

Premium Plus:

S-Line Premium Plus:

Prestige:

S-Line Prestige:

Audi A5 photos

What We Like

Standard all-wheel drive: Not only does the A5’s standard all-wheel-drive hardware provide added grip on slippery roads, it contributes to the car’s agile driving demeanor and poise in all sorts of driving conditions.

Trunk volume: The Sportback has a coupe-like shape, but this four-door hides its practical side beneath its hatchback trunk opening. With more than 21 cubic feet of trunk volume, the A5 Sportback is perfect if you're one of the people who refuse to pack light for long road trips.

Standard features: Audi has wisely made certain an entry-level A5 doesn’t feel unworthy of its luxury badge. Standard features include a 10.1-inch touchscreen, leather seating, smartphone connectivity, and tri-zone climate control.

What Needs Improvement

Lack of standard driver-assist features: The A5 is falling behind when it comes to standard driver-assist features. While desirable features like blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic warning are available, they shouldn’t cost extra to get them.

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

4 out of 5

1 customer reviews

RepairPal reliability rating

4
Above Average

RepairPal gave the Audi A5 an overall reliability rating of 4 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks Audi A5 17th out of 68 among Luxury Midsize Cars.

View RepairPal's full rating of the Audi A5

Audi A5 features and specs

Curious how Audi A5 trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

Prestige 4WD/AWD 2D Convertible

Standard Features

  • 4WD/AWD
  • A/C Seat(s)
  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • Alloy Wheels
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Apple CarPlay
  • Automated Cruise Control
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Bang & Olufsen Audio
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • CD Audio
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Head Up Display
  • Heated Steering Wheel
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Leather Seats
  • Memory Seat(s)
  • Navigation System
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Parking Sensors
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Seat(s)
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Defroster
  • Rear View Camera
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Side Airbags
  • Smart Key
  • Soft Top
  • Traction Control
  • Turbo Charged Engine

Optional Features

  • A/C Seat(s)
  • Heated Steering Wheel
  • Leather Seats
  • Rear Spoiler

Drive Wheels

All Wheel (4WD/AWD)

Engine size

2.0L

Horsepower

261

Torque (ft-lbs)

273

Engine type

Turbo Gas

Fuel capacity

15.3

Wheelbase

108.8"

Overall length

184.9"

Width

72.7"

Height

54.5"

Leg room

F 41.3"/R 33.1"

Head room

F 38.3"/R 36.3"

Front tires

P245/40HR18

Rear tires

P245/40HR18

Seating capacity

4

Transmission

Automatic

2021 Audi A5 FAQ

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* Price excludes taxes, title, registration, and fees. Applicable transfer fees are due in advance of vehicle delivery and are separate from sales transactions.

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