2023 Audi A5 two-door luxury cars are rare in today’s automotive landscape, and the 2023 Audi A5 lineup is one of the last survivors. The A5 was offered in three body styles: coupe, convertible, and a four-door hatchback. All three share traits with the closely related A4, including engine options, technology features, and more.
For 2023, the A5 lineup gets a new set of standard 18-inch alloy wheels in a five-spoke design along with standard Matrix LED headlamps. Plans and options have also seen minor changes. Like the rest of Audi, the A5 offers a high-quality, tech-rich interior that looks impressive without being flashy. One of the highlights of the cabin is the 10.1-inch central touch screen that displays crisp graphics and a responsive display.
As for propulsion, the A5 is equipped with one of two turbocharged four-cylinder engines: a base 2.0-liter producing 201 horsepower and an upgraded 2.0-liter producing 261 horsepower. If you need more performance, you can upgrade to the S5 or RS 5 (reviewed separately).
The A5 is comfortable, handles confidently, and doesn’t lack well-executed tech features. But it could use a bit more storage space and a more engaging driving experience to keep up with the competition, particularly the BMW 4 Series, which is offered in coupe, convertible and four-door form like the A5. Other competitors include the Lexus RC coupe and the Infiniti Q60, though both are getting longer.
- The interior is understated and classy
- Strong overall performance
- Many standard and optional technology features
- New standard 18 inches five-spoke wheels
- Matrix LED headlamps are now standard
- Part of the second A5 generation introduced for 2018
2023 Audi A5 Review
The A5 is the seductive sloping roof cousin of the understated A4 and was available as a hatch-equipped Sportback, a two-door Coupe, and a drop-top Cabriolet. The Sportback is the most popular, compared to the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe, the electric BMW i4, and the Polestar 2. The four-door model was in the first-generation A5 lineup but was not sold in the US; thankfully, Audi is bringing it as part of its second-generation lineup for the 2018 model year.
The A5 Sportback is a great-looking, fun, smooth-driving premium sedan that’s nowhere near as aggressive as the 349-hp S5 Sportback, which we reviewed separately. As an extended version of the A5 coupe and convertible, the A5 Sportback uses an identical powertrain setup with a turbocharged inline-four bolted to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.
The A5 Sportback 40 model has 201 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque, while the A5 Sportback 45 model gets an additional 60 horsepower and 40 pound-feet of torque. Standard comforts like high-quality leather, a panoramic sunroof, and moody ambient lighting make even the basic A5 Sportback feel luxurious.
Whereas rivals such as the Mercedes-Benz C-class or Genesis G70 have arguably more stylish interiors, the Sportback is supported by an obvious, high-tech digital gauge display with available navigation handled by Google Earth imagery.
The Audi A5 Sportback arrives largely the same car, with only a few equipment changes for 2023. A new set of 18-inch wheels and Audi LED matrix-style headlamps are now standard across all models. A Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system has also been added as standard equipment for the Premium Plus trim only. The Black Optic Plus appearance package has been expanded to include a black rear lip spoiler and exhaust tip. Adaptive cruise control is now included with the optional Comfort package.
Finally, the new Chronos Gray color replaces Quantum Gray as the paint option for the 2023 A5 Sportback.
There’s a lot to like about the A5, but we never fell in love with it. The fit and finish and build quality are all top-notch; it’s hard to find a car with tighter panel gaps or more elegant details. The interior and exterior designs are both elegant, unobtrusive, and not too minimalistic for a luxury car (cough, Tesla Model 3).
The driving experience, however, can only be forgotten. This A5 lacks the velvet hammer quality of its predecessor. It’s fast and competent, plenty for road trips or for those who use their car more as a tool than a toy, but we wouldn’t call it fun. On our First Drive, we complained about tire noise on the road. However, there is a lot of technology, and the Sportback offers plenty of usable cargo space. The A5 is an objectively good car not exciting.
- The standard 18-inch wheels are redesigned
- The convertible gets the new standard S Line exterior package, sport seats, illuminated door sill plates, and wood inlay
- Matrix-designed LED headlamps are now standard
- The Premium Plus trim now includes premium Bang & Olufsen audio
- Extended Black Optic package for coupes and four doors
- Adaptive cruise control is now included as part of the Comfort package
- Chronos Gray replaces Quantum Grey
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2023 Audi A5 Specs
- MSRP: From $44,600
- Engine: 2.0 L 4-cylinder
- Dimensions: 185-187″ L x 73″ W x 54-55″ H
- Curb weight: 3,682 to 3,990 lbs
- MPG: Up to 24 city / 33 highway
- Cargo volume: 9.3 to 21.8 ft³
2023 Audi A5 Coupe
Two-door luxury cars are rare in today’s automotive landscape, and the 2023 Audi A5 lineup is one of the last survivors. The A5 was offered in three body styles: coupe, convertible, and four-door hatchback. All three share traits with the closely related A4, including engine options, technology features, and more.
For 2023, the A5 lineup gets a new set of standard 18-inch alloy wheels in a five-spoke design along with standard Matrix LED headlamps. Plans and options have also seen minor changes. Like the rest of Audi, the A5 offers a high-quality, tech-rich interior that looks impressive without being flashy. One of the highlights of the cabin is the 10.1-inch central touch screen that displays crisp graphics and a responsive display.
As for propulsion, the A5 is equipped with one of two turbocharged four-cylinder engines: a base 2.0-liter producing 201 horsepower and an upgraded 2.0-liter producing 261 horsepower. If you need more performance, you can upgrade to the S5 or RS 5 (reviewed separately).
The A5 is comfortable, handles confidently, and doesn’t lack well-executed tech features. But it could use a bit more storage space and a more engaging driving experience to keep up with the competition, particularly the BMW 4 Series, which is offered in coupe, convertible and four-door form like the A5. Other competitors include the Lexus RC coupe and the Infiniti Q60, though both are getting longer.
- The interior is understated and classy
- Strong overall performance
- Many standard and optional technology features
- New standard 18 inches five-spoke wheels
- Matrix LED headlamps are now standard
- Part of the second A5 generation introduced for 2018
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2023 Audi A5 Sportback
Before crossovers became famous, the battle between sedans and hatchbacks raged on, but why choose one or the other when you can have the best of both worlds? The 2023 Audi A5 Sportback proves that you can have all the styling and coupe-style body styles while still enjoying superior practicality, at least when it comes to cargo.
However, the sloping roofline means taller passengers won’t enjoy the back seat. A turbocharged four-cylinder engine is standard, in two conditions of tuning, producing up to 261 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque.
This puts it in a good position to compete against the sporty BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe, one of the most capable sports executives in the US. There aren’t many other direct competitors to the Audi A5 Sportback. Standard Quattro four-wheel drive and a good selection of driver assistance features help round out the A5 Sportback and keep it competitive.
Changes to the new 2023 Audi A5 Sportback are minimal but noteworthy. The wheels gain a new five-double-spoke 18-inch design (for the ’45’ variant), and matrix-designed LED headlamps are now standard on every trim.
The premium Plus mid-range enjoys the Bang and Olufsen 3D sound system. Models equipped with the Black Optic Plus Package boast more jet-black exterior accents and adaptive cruise control has been included in the Comfort Package. Finally, Chronos Gray has replaced Quantum Gray in the exterior color palette.
2023 Audi A5 Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The A5 Sportback’s cabin isn’t as luxurious as some would expect from a luxury brand, but all of the materials are top quality, the fit and finish are superb, and there are enough high-end features to keep it away from mainstream sedans. Rear-seat passenger space isn’t as cheap as the Audi A4 sedan, but it’s roomy enough for two average-sized adults and for a small sacrifice in rear headroom, you get the A5 Sportback’s sleek roofline, which is much sexier than its more angular A4 sibling and upright.
All A5 Sportback models are equipped with luxury essentials such as powerful front seats, leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, ambient interior lighting, and three-zone automatic climate control. Hatchback in disguise, the A5 Sportback’s sloping rear roofline hides a power-operated liftgate and ample cargo space, making it far more practical than the Audi A4 sedan or A5 coupe and convertible.
It proved its worth in our carry-on luggage test by accommodating 16 crates despite having a small cargo area by number. In fact, the Sportback beat all its direct rivals in our real-world cargo tests.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Audi’s MMI is one of the most enjoyable infotainment systems among premium brands. This gets even better with the optional and highly recommended 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit digital gauge display on the A5 Sportback. All models come with a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen which a console-mounted click wheel between the driver and front seat passengers can also control.
Audi’s MMI interface is easy to use on the go, but Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration is standard if users prefer to interact directly with their smartphones. Navigation is optional and comes with access to a suite of internet and vehicle connectivity features called Audi Connect Prime and Audi Connect Plus.
Storage
The A5 has more cargo space than its sibling the A4 and more space behind the rear seats than the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe. That said, the BMW has more room if you can sacrifice second-row seating. Average legroom for this segment.
Tech
Each A5 includes a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system centered on the dashboard, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both standard. The Premium Plus trim adds a wireless charging pad, and if you go for the top-spec Prestige, you’ll get a head-up display and integrated navigation. Those higher trims also feature a 12.3-inch Audi Virtual Cockpit display behind the wheel.
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2023 Audi A5 Engine, Transmission, and Performance
For 2023, the A5 Sportback is available with two turbocharged four-cylinder powertrains. The model wearing the 40 badges produces 201 horsepower while the 45s make 261 horsepower. All-wheel drive is standard and all A5 Sportback is equipped with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
We haven’t tested either model, but the last-gen car with a 252 hp engine managed a zero to 60 mph finish in 5.0 seconds on our test track, so we expect the 45 to be just as fast. The A5 Sportback is well laid out, confident, and easy to drive quickly through corners; that’s all a modern sports sedan should be.
Its agility also belies its comfort: Pits and broken pavement don’t bother much, especially when equipped with the optional adaptive suspension. The well-weighted steering feels natural in the driver’s hands, and the front tires respond immediately to input, making this Audi a joy to drive on twisty asphalt.
Performance and Efficiency
Unless you go with one of the A5’s performance variants the S5 or the RS5 every sporty compact Audi example is equipped with a 2.0-liter turbo-four working in tandem with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. There’s a less powerful version of the car’s quieter sibling, the A4, but the A5 just gets the more powerful variant making 261 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque.
Audi claims the A5 Sportback with this powerplant will accelerate to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds, and the 2022 model is EPA rated at 26/34 mpg city/highway. Coupes and convertibles are back at 24/31 mpg.
2023 Audi A5 Safety Ratings and Features
The A5 Sportback earns a 2022 IIHS Top Safety Pick (as long as you get better headlights on the Premium Plus and Prestige trims) and a five-star NHTSA overall safety rating. For features, Audi includes forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking, and automatic high beams.
If you choose the Premium Plus or Prestige trim, you’ll get adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, blind spot monitoring, back-traffic warning, and side-traffic warning.
2023 Audi A5 Price
We like the mid-range Premium Plus. It adds a slew of features to justify its increased price, including Audi’s trick-of-the-mill Virtual Cockpit digital gauge display. We’d also suggest the much more powerful 45 model, which has 261 horsepower over the ’40s.
- Premium $45,195
- Premium $45,695
- S line Premium $47,795
- Premium Plus $50,795
- Premium Plus $50,795
- S line Premium Plus $52,895
- Prestige $56,095
- Prestige $56,095
- S line Prestige $57,345
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2023 Audi A5 MPG Savings and Real-World Fuel
The EPA estimates the A5 Sportback will produce up to 26 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway. However, we can’t evaluate real-world mpg until we run it on our fuel-efficient 75 mph route, which is part of our extensive testing regimen.
While we haven’t tested the new A5 Sportback on our real-world highway fuel-efficient routes, the older model we evaluated returned 34 mpg during that test. For more information on the A5 Sportback’s fuel economy, visit the EPA website.
Verdict
Six years into its second generation, the sleek Audi A5 is as handsome and rugged as ever. Known for its classy and tasteful interiors, Audi channeled its style gurus to the A5 and its more racist sister, the S5. Each comes in the form of a cabriolet sedan, coupe, or dashing Sportback, although the most racist RS5 only comes in the last two models.
The Audi A5 and S5 use a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, both agile enough to inspire confidence, with the latter offering real speed, while the RS5 gets a hot V6. Those looking for a cutting-edge, stylish driving experience without the visual controversy of the BMW 4 Series need to look no further.
Handling is also impressive, with plenty of traction provided by the Quattro all-wheel drive. The standard suspension ensures a comfortable ride, while the available sport suspension adds some flair to the fun, which is matched by the more powerful turbo four-cylinder engine.
The new Audi A5 Sportback sedan has all the essentials, but a few desirable extras are just too pricey. The Sportback’s body styling is nice to look at, but it’s a double-edged sword when it comes to practicality. The rear passengers sacrifice some of the headroom, but the increase in overall cargo capacity is well worth it.
The fact that it has a reasonable price tag and highly efficient fuel economy only increase its appeal, especially among discerning buyers who want a well-balanced everyday car.
People also ask Audi A5 2023
Q: Is there a new Audi A5 coming out in 2023?
A: The Audi A5 Sportback arrives largely the same car, with only a few equipment changes for 2023. A new set of 18-inch wheels and Audi LED matrix-style headlamps are now standard across all models. A Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system has also been added as standard equipment for the Premium Plus trim only.
Q: How much is a 2023 Audi A5 sedan?
A: Starting from $47,795. Highest Satisfying drive, powerful four-cylinder turbo, and ample cargo space. Lowest No manual transmission option, cramped front seating area, increased options. The two-door A5 verdict is like the better-looking A4 sedan, but with less rear seat space.
Q: Do Audi A5 hold its value?
A: The 2017 Audi A5 is our top pick for the best model year value for the A5. By 2017, you’d only be paying, on average, 58% of the new price, with 58% of the vehicle’s useful life remaining. The 2022 and 2021 model years have also been interesting years for the A5, and provide relatively good value.
Q: What are the trim levels for the 2023 Audi A5?
A: The A5 has three trims: the base Premium trim, the mid-range Premium Plus trim, and the luxury Prestige trim.
