Pros: Cargo versatility of hatchback-sedan body style; satisfying acceleration; ride and handling balance
Cons: Pricey options and packages drive up bottom line; rear-seat space is a bit stingy
CG Says: The 2021 Audi A5 Sportback has some changes to its base engine. The 2.0-liter turbo gains a mild hybrid system and is now available in two states of tune. The base 40 TFSI is rated at 201 horsepower and a 45 TFSI develops 261 hp. Previously the 2.0-liter turbo was rated at 248 hp. There is also revised styling for the high-performance RS 5.
Audi’s A5 lineup was redesigned for 2018, and it expanded to include a 4-door hatchback-sedan body style named A5 Sportback, along with high-performance S5 and RS 5 versions. The A5/S5/RS 5 Sportback is on a slightly longer wheelbase than the A5/S5/RS 5 coupe and convertible (reviewed separately)—111.2 inches versus 108.8 inches.
The 2021 Audi A5 Sportback is powered by the previously mentioned 201/261-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine and mild hybrid system paired with a 7-speed automated-manual transmission. The S5 has a 354-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter V6, while the RS 5 packs a 444-horsepower twin-turbo 2.9-liter V6. Both S5 and RS 5 have an 8-speed automatic. All Sportbacks have standard all-wheel drive.
Available safety features include autonomous emergency braking, pedestrian detection, blind-spot alert, lane-keep assist, vehicle-exit assist (a feature that warns of approaching cyclists or vehicles when occupants exit the vehicle), and turn assist (a feature that can detect approaching oncoming traffic when making a left-hand turn).
Other available features include a surround-view camera system, head-up instrument display, heated/ventilated front seats, tri-zone automatic climate controls, and Audi’s “Virtual Cockpit” digital gauge cluster.
The Sportback was a fine addition to the Audi lineup. Though it’s pricier than a comparably equipped A4 or S4 sedan, an A5/S5/RS 5 Sportback offers dynamic, fastback-esque styling and added cargo-carrying versatility that makes it worth the extra cost for the right luxury-vehicle shopper.
| Class | Premium Compact Car |
| Body Style(s) | 4-door hatchback |
| Passenger Count | 5 |
| Drive Wheels | all-wheel drive |
| Manufacturer | Audi |
| Nation of Manufacture | Germany |
| Base Prices | A5 40 TFSI Premium: $42,845 A5 45 TFSI Premium: $45,045 A5 40 TFSI Premium Plus: $47,745 A5 45 TFSI Premium Plus: $49,945 A5 40 TFSI Prestige: $53,445 A5 45 TFSI Prestige: $54,795 S5 Premium: $53,545 S5 Premium Plus: $57,145 S5 Prestige: $61,945 RS 5: $76,445 |
| Base Engine turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder/electric motor (A5) |
| Horsepower 201 (40 TFSI) 261 45 TFSI) |
| Std. Transmission 7-speed automated-manual |
| Avail. Transmission NA |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 24-25 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 31-34 |
| Optional Engine turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 (S5) |
| Horsepower 354 |
| Std. Transmission 8-speed automatic |
| Avail. Transmission NA |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 20 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 28 |
| Optional Engine turbocharged 2.9-liter V6 (RS 5) |
| Horsepower 444 |
| Std. Transmission 8-speed automatic |
| Avail. Transmission NA |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 18 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 25 |
