Audi A5 Sportback
Audi A5 Sportback
Audi A5 Sportback

2021 Audi A5 Sportback

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.

The Facts
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

Audi RS 5 Sportback
2021 Audi RS 5 Sportback
NHTSA Ratings
Overall - 5
100%

(5 is the highest rating)

Front Crash - 4
80%
Side Crash - 5
100%
Rollover - 5
100%

For complete ratings click here.

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