2023 Audi A5

Audi launched the A5 as a luxury sport coupe in 2008, then added a soft-top Cabriolet (convertible) option for model year 2010, effectively picking up the traditions of the brand’s coupes and convertibles that date back to the Coupe Quattro in the 1980s. It wasn’t until the latest generation, which kicked off in 2018, that the German brand included the Sportback option, a low-slung five-passenger sedan with a wide, generous trunk opening. Audi nails the 2023 A5 with a heaping portion of style and smart engineering, riding on the success (and platform) of the smaller A4. 

For 2023, the A5 gets a few new accouterments like standard 18-inch 5-double-spoke design wheels for all three body styles (coupe, sedan, and convertible) and matrix-design LED headlights. The Cabriolet can be optioned with a new S line exterior with illuminated door sill inlays, wood trim, and sport front seats. And a Bang & Olufsen sound system with 3D sound is now standard for the Premium Plus variant, not just the top-level Prestige trim. 

The A5’s bevy of body styles puts it in competition with a wide band of cars, but its main rivals are the BMW 4 Series (which comes in the same bodies), the Mercedes-Benz C-Class (which offers a regular sedan plus a couple and convertible) and the Lexus IS sedan and RC Coupe. Audi undercuts BMW and Mercedes on price, but the IS nor the RC are cheaper. Audi, like these other brands, also offers higher-performance versions, the S5 and the rarified RS5. They’re not as hard-core as BMW’s M4, Mercedes-AMG C64 or the V8-powered IS-F and RC-F, however.

A5s are equipped with a turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder powerplant making 261 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque, unless you choose the Sportback, which adds a milder engine choice: a base 40 TFSI with 201 hp and 236 lb-ft. Power and performance compare pretty well with the lower-end 4 Series, IS and C-Class models, as does fuel economy. S5’s get a punchy 349-hp V6 and appreciably more speed, but they compare to the mid-range BMW M440i models rather than the M4 or IS-F. For that kind of velocity, buyers will want the 444-hp RS5, which comes only as a coupe or Sportback.

All A5s are all-wheel drive (AWD), and both the A5 and S5 engine options deliver similar fuel efficiency outcomes. The Sportback version does slightly better than the coupe and convertible, earning 28 mpg combined (24 mpg in the city and 33 on the highway). BMW’s 330i gets 30 mpg combined and the Mercedes-Benz C300 isn’t far behind at 29 mpg combined. Numbers go down for S5 and RS5 models, but not as much as they do for their potent AMG, M and -F rivals. Audi’s warranty is average for this segment and includes limited coverage for four years or 50,000 miles and a powertrain warranty with the same terms. 

Audi’s A5 doesn’t offer the top-shelf luxury of the Mercedes-Benz or the zippy thrill of the BMW, but it more than holds its own with its own set of charms, and it’s a more stylish and modern vehicle than the RC. Like Simone Biles, the A5 is a terrific all-arounder that’s pretty much good at everything even if some competitors shine brighter in some areas. If you’re in the market for a clean, predictably pleasant drive experience and a meticulously-designed interior without unnecessary fluff, the A5 is your huckleberry. Whether in sedan, coupe, or convertible form, this sleek machine delivers a solid package.

Performance: 12/15

The A5 is available with two power options, both harnessing a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four. First is the 40 TFSI, which brings 201 horsepower and 236 pound-feet to the party. The second is the 45 TFSI with a nice jump to 261 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. As a coupe or Cabriolet, the A5 is automatically equipped with the more powerful option. All of them employ a seven-speed transmission that drives all four wheels. 

Compared to the 4 Series and C-Class, the A5 matches best with the 45 TFSI. BMW’s 4 Series engine has the same displacement but with a little less horsepower at 255 hp and more torque with 294 lb-ft. Mercedes-Benz’ C-Class stats are almost exactly the same as the 4 Series but with one extra pound-foot of grunt. Across the board, these three German brands have mastered the art of fine handling and straightforward driveability with no dilly-dallying. You can’t go wrong with any of them, really, although Mercedes-Benz’s coupe and convertible belong to the previous-generation C-Class, not the new-for-2022 version.

For more power take a look at the S5, which is Audi’s mid-range performance version of the A5 and also comes in sedan, convertible, and coupe flavors. The S5 is also all-wheel drive and equipped with a turbo 3.0-liter V6 engine generating 349 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, tied to an eight-speed automatic transmission. When we tested the S5 Sportback this year, we found it to be an excellent blend of performance and liveability.

The ultimate A5 experience is the RS5, with its 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6, which belts out 444 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque for a scorching 3.5-second zero-to-60 run. There’s no cabriolet option in the RS5, and while it’s plenty fast it doesn’t have quite the extreme edge of the BMW M4 Competition or the V8-powered AMG C 63 S Coupe or the IS-F and RC-F. The new competition package is appealing but also raises the starting price to more than $90,000.

Fuel Economy: 13/15

All A5s are all-wheel drive, and both engine options deliver similar fuel efficiency outcomes. The Sportback version does slightly better than the coupe and convertible, earning 28 mpg combined (24 mpg in the city and 33 on the highway). For comparison, both the BMW’s 330i and  Mercedes-Benz C300 are powered by a 2.0-liter engine. The 330i gets 30 mpg combined and the C300 takes second place in this set with 29 mpg combined. Lexus’s models average about 2 to 3 mpg less than Audi’s when compared directly.

The S5 and RS5 get predictably worse gas mileage, but it’s actually not as bad as you’d think. The S5 Sportback and coupe average 24 mpg combined, and the heavier convertible 23. That’s a little less than their BMW M440i equivalents and a little more than the Mercedes-AMG C43 coupe and convertible or the equivalent IS and RC models.

RS5 versions earn 21 mpg combined, which is 2 to 3 mpg better than the M4, IS-F, RC-F and 3 to 4 mpg better than the Mercedes-AMG C 63 S coupe.

Safety & Driver Assistance Tech: 11/15

The 2023 Audi A5 Sportback and coupe earns a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), while the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gives it a five-star overall rating. Both agencies have incomplete data on the convertible variant, but it’s fair to assume that their crash structures are very similar, as is their overall safety equipment. 

Base A5s are equipped with a somewhat spare set of driver-assist features, including forward collision mitigation and lane departure warning; adaptive cruise control is optional and is part of a $2,500 convenience package but is standard on the higher trims. Step up to the Premium Plus trim for a surround-view camera system, blind-spot warning with cross-traffic alerts, and lane-keeping assistance. 

The top-level Prestige trim also includes a head-up display and a nifty automatic parking system. It‘d be nice to see Audi include more of these features at the base level in the future, and the fact that they aren’t standard costs the A5 a couple of points in our score.

Comfort & Room: 13/15

Sophisticated and sporty, the A5’s cabin is furnished with comfortable seats that come with a thigh extender to accommodate drivers of various heights. Audi doesn’t skimp on quality in any of its vehicles, and the A5 benefits from that upscale approach. Soft materials line the door panels and dashboard, creating a cozy haven, and the leather-wrapped steering wheel feels luxurious. 

BMW and Mercedes-Benz provide seats that are similarly plush as the A5’s, but the A5 beats the stiff headrests in the Lexus IS. Although the back seat rarely counts for much in coupes and convertibles, the A5’s rear confines are tighter than the BMW 4 Series, but about the same as the C-Class two-doors and definitely larger than the tight-fit RC’s. The 4 Series Gran Coupe offers a little more rear seat space than the A5 Sportback while the IS and C-Class’ more upright roofs help with headroom, but none of the rear seats here are huge.

Infotainment: 13/15

Audi is a tech-forward company, as evidenced by the choices the brand has made for the A5 and other models. Its thin-film-transistor liquid-crystal display on the driver’s side is a customizable high-resolution screen that serves up a whole lot of information. The A5’s Bang & Olufsen premium audio system performs quite well, delivering crystal-clear music with enough adjustable settings to make the pickiest audiophile happy. 

Two USB ports are well-placed up front, and a 10.1-inch infotainment screen is blended nicely into the dashboard, as is a dazzling 12.3-inch digital driver’s display. The A5’s system is compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the upper trims include wireless charging with signal boost.

Cargo Space & Storage: 11/15

While the Sportback offers 22 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 35 with them folded, you might be surprised by the flexibility of the coupe, which includes fold-flat rear seats to enhance its 10.9 cubic feet in the trunk area. Compare this to the 12 cubic feet in the BMW 4 Series and 12.6 in Mercedes-Benz’ C-Class sedan. The 4 Series Gran Coupe has less space behind the rear seats than the A5/S5/RS5 Sportbacks but more overall (45.6 cubic-feet). However, there’s no M version of the 4 Series Gran Coupe, and no equivalent from Mercedes-Benz or Lexus.

Unfortunately, the Audi’s small storage spaces don’t make up for any competitive disadvantages when it comes to overall capacity. The cupholders are small and the console is minute, leaving room for improvement.

Style & Design: 9/10

Inside the A5’s cabin, soft-touch materials blend nicely with textured metals and leather for a sophisticated, modern feel. The seats are fitted with a manual thigh extender that will be appreciated by tall drivers. Long-legged passengers, however, might find the back seat to be too tight for comfort, especially in the coupe and Cabriolet versions. 

Where the A5 shines is on the outside, employing sweeping and elegant lines that rival its competitors. The coupe and cabriolet versions have a vaguely muscle-car-like visage, but they’re perfectly balanced and sporty without being garish, and much more pleasing than the big-nosed 4 Series. The sloping rear of the Sportback and gently downward-curving nose of all models strike a distinct pose on the pavement, establishing the A5 as an unquestionably luxurious car.

Is the 2022 Audi A5 Worth it? Which A5 is the Best Value?

For 2023, the A5 is available in three trim levels: Premium ($45,195, including a $1,095 destination fee), Premium Plus ($50,795), and Prestige ($56,095), but those prices are for the Sportback. Opt for a coupe and the price rises by at least $2,100 (to $47,295 for a Premium). Choose a convertible and the price rises by $8,800 (to $53,995). 

The more style you want, the more you’ll pay, but it’s the same at BMW and Mercedes-Benz, too, and they cost even more. These entry-level A5s are much more enjoyable to drive than the base-model IS and RC, and compare well with their German rivals.

This year, Audi scaled up the Premium Plus variant with a Bang & Olufsen premium audio system, previously offered only with an A5 Prestige. That upgrade, along with the addition of better LED headlights, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and a surround-view camera system make the mid-level Premium Plus trim by far the best choice. The difference between the base Premium and one step up is about $5,000 at MSRP. 

You’ll pay more for the S5, which starts at $56,395 for either the coupe or Sportback, and $64,495 for the cabriolet, but these prices are again a little lower than the BMW M440i equivalents and have a very healthy turn of speed, features and style. Mercedes-AMG’s C43 coupe and convertible are also considerably more expensive ($63,650 and $73,300), so the S5 is pretty decent deal by comparison.

The RS5 ranges much higher, starting at $76,995 for the coupe and $77,295 for the Sportback. The Competition package puts both over $90K, but doesn’t necessarily deliver the same excitement as the M4 Competition or AMG C 63 S models. The Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing is also more track-focused, if not quite as quick in a straight line.

How Much Does it Cost to Insure the Audi A5?

Because there are so many different A5 variations, insurance costs can really vary. According to our data, a typical 30-year-old female driver with a clean record can expect an average annual premium of $2,806 for an A5 Quattro Prestige Sportback, though this averages all 50 states. The S5 version raies that total to $3,416, and the ultra-hot RS5 rings in at $4,612. The same is true of the M and AMG equivalents at BMW and Mercedes, however. The regular A5’s costs compare to $3,143 for the BMW 430i xDrive, $3,234 for the Infiniti Q60, $3,533 for the Mercedes-AMG C 43 Coupe and $3,244 for the Lexus RC 350 F-Sport. To get a more accurate picture of your potential insurance expenses, visit our car insurance calculator.