2021 Audi A5 Review

　　

2021 Audi A5 Review

byDan FrioReviews Editor

　　Dan spent many years covering the go-fast, look-good, get-loud corners of the automotive universe. First, he served as editor of enthusiast magazines AutoSound and Honda Tuning, then as executive editor at SEMA News, the publishing arm of the trade group that produces the annual SEMA Show (yes, that show). As a contributor to zzdcar, he now likes to keep the volume low and the speed limit legal, providing expert car-shopping advice to drivers looking for the perfect match.

　　In an automotive landscape dominated by the SUV and all of its various subdivisions, the two-door coupe feels like an endangered species. Only a handful of automakers, mostly European, offer a coupe in their lineup, and most hedge their bets with a complementary four-door model built in the sleek shape of a sport coupe. Among the standouts in this shrinking class is the 2021 Audi A5.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2021 Audi A5 Premium 4dr Hatchback AWD w/40 TFSI (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 7AM) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.78 per gallon for premium unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$163/mo  for A5 Premium

　　A5 Premium

　　Premium 4dr Hatchback AWD w/40 TFSI (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 7AM) - $41,800 MSRPPremium 2dr Convertible AWD w/45 TFSI (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 7AM) - $50,400 MSRPPremium S line 4dr Hatchback AWD w/45 TFSI (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 7AM) - $44,000 MSRPPremium S line 2dr Coupe AWD w/45 TFSI (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 7AM) - $44,000 MSRPPremium Plus 4dr Hatchback AWD w/40 TFSI (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 7AM) - $46,700 MSRPPremium Plus 2dr Convertible AWD w/45 TFSI (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 7AM) - $55,300 MSRPPremium Plus S line 4dr Hatchback AWD w/45 TFSI (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 7AM) (Most Popular) - $48,900 MSRPPremium Plus S line 2dr Coupe AWD w/45 TFSI (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 7AM) - $48,900 MSRPPrestige 4dr Hatchback AWD w/40 TFSI (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 7AM) - $52,400 MSRPPrestige 2dr Convertible AWD w/45 TFSI (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 7AM) - $61,150 MSRPPrestige S line 2dr Coupe AWD w/45 TFSI (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 7AM) - $53,450 MSRPPrestige S line 4dr Hatchback AWD w/45 TFSI (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 7AM) - $53,750 MSRP

　　vs

　　$164/mo

　　Avg. Midsize Car

　　Built on the same foundation as the A4 sedan, the A5 trades four-door utility for large measures of style. Its sweeping roofline, larger wheels and sculpted rear panels make it one of the sharpest-looking coupes on the road today. The A5 is also available as a convertible and, yes, a four-door hatchback known as the Sportback.

　　The A5 interior features impeccable interior design and infotainment based around a 10-inch high-resolution display. The A5 even now offers wireless functionality for Apple CarPlay smartphone integration. Android Auto users are still out of luck for wireless support, although a USB cable connection comes standard.

　　Other A5 changes in 2021 include more horsepower (up 13 horsepower) thanks to a light electric-assist motor that shoulders certain low-intensity tasks typically handled by the engine. Key tech features also filter down one trim level, with lane keeping assist and a surround-view camera now standard on the Premium Plus, for example.

　　For 2021, the A5 Sportback variant offers a second option, with less horsepower at a lower cost. It's the most affordable entry point into the A5 lineup — and arguably the most useful with its four doors and 40/20/40-split folding rear seat. The coupe and convertible only offer 50/50-split folding seats.

　　We think the A5 is a smart pick for a small luxury coupe or convertible even against the likes of the BMW 4 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. The A5 Sportback version is similarly appealing. If the luxury sport coupe is indeed seeing its final days, the A5 remains one of its strongest survivors.

　　

Which A5 does zzdcar recommend?

The Premium Plus hits the sweet spot. You get all the goodness of the base Premium trim, along with extras including upgraded headlights, heated steering wheel and additional leather interior trim. Premium Plus also adds adaptive cruise control and parking sensors among other desirable driver aids.

　　

2021 Audi A5 models

The 2021 Audi A5 is offered as a two-door coupe or convertible or as a four-door hatchback called the Sportback. Each body style offers three trim levels: Premium, Premium Plus and Prestige. Most come with a turbocharged 261-horsepower four-cylinder engine (called 45 TSFI), a seven-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The exception is the new 40 TSFI version of the Sportback, which has 201 hp. Audi also sells the higher-performance S5, reviewed separately.

　　Premium

　　The A5 Premium base trim comes with a generous feature set that feels anything but entry-level. Highlights include:

　　18-inch alloy wheels LED headlights Heated side mirrors Panoramic sunroof Power liftgate (Sportback) Three-zone automatic climate control Leather upholstery Power-adjustable, heated front seats Ambient cabin lightingTechnology and safety features include:

　　10.1-inch central touchscreen Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay smartphone connectivity Forward collision mitigation (warns you of impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios) Lane departure warning (alerts you if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane)Premium Plus

　　Moving up one tier to the Premium Plus adds tech and convenience touches, such as:

　　Upgraded LED headlights Keyless entry Auto-dimming and power-folding side mirrors Digital instrument panel Driver-seat memory functions Heated steering wheel Faux leather-wrapped center console and armrests Wireless charging pad with a signal booster Satellite radio Dual USB charge ports in rear (Sportback) Standard driver aids include:

　　Front and rear parking sensors Surround-view camera system (gives you a top-down view of the A5 and its surroundings for tight parking situations) Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the A5 and the car in front) Blind-spot monitoring (alerts you if a vehicle in the next lane over is in your blind spot) Rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle behind you is about to cross your vehicle's path while you're in reverse) Lane keeping assist (steers the A5 back into its lane if it begins to drift over the lane marker)Prestige

　　The Prestige trim maxes out the tech and comfort features, including:

　　19-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium audio system Navigation system Head-up display Automated parking system (steers into a parking spot with little or no driver intervention)Some features on a higher trim are available on a lower trim as options. Other notable additions include:

　　S Line interior package (leather and faux suede seats, brushed aluminum trim) Black Optic package (19-inch wheels, aluminum and black accents) Sport suspension Ventilated front seats Bang & Olufsen premium sound system

　　

2021 A5 Highlights

Type: HatchbackCoupeConvertibleHatchback

　　Trim: PremiumPremium S linePremium PlusPremium Plus S linePrestigePrestige S linePremium

　　

Base MSRP	$41,800
Engine Type	Mild hybrid
Combined MPG	28 MPG
Cost to Drive	$163/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	21.8 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	all wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles