Overview

The Audi A5 Sportback is a clever car. It successfully merges the sleek silhouette of a coupe, the interior space of a saloon and the practicality of a hatchback and slots above the Audi A4 in the range. It sounds like a mash-up on paper, but in the real world, it’s big, sleek hatch that offers bags of showroom appeal.

The second-generation A5 Sportback was launched in 2017 tweaked in 2020, and shares engines, interior and kit with the A4. But it aims for a more upmarket feel, with a high quality interior and comfortable but sharp driving experience. There’s a price gulf between this five-door hatchback and the four-door saloon that spawned it – but we think it’s worth it.

The A5 Sportback has few rivals, though the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe just as successfully targets exactly the same buyers. Aside from that, similarly priced upmarket alternatives include the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and the Jaguar XF, though these are conventional saloons.

Power for the A5 Sportback comes from a handful of 2.0-litre petrol and diesel engines. The petrol motors start with the 35 TFSI (150hp), and rise through the 40 TFSI (204hp), and the 45 TFSI (265hp). Diesels drivers are catered for by the 35 TDI (163hp) and 40 TDI (204hp). For those who crave more performance, you can move on to the more sporting S5 and RS5 Quattro.

Four standard trim levels are available Sport, S Line, Black Edition and Vorsprung, with the S5 and RS5 above this. Standard equipment includes niceties such as heated front seats and front and rear parking sensors. If you want sporty styling, firmer suspension and grippy sports seats you’ll need to pay more for S Line.

Click through the next few pages to read everything you need to know about the Audi A5 Sportback including its practicality, how much it costs to run, what it’s like to drive – and whether we recommend buying one.