Audi has officially overhauled its naming convention, retiring the long-standing A4 designation in favor of the new A5. While the name suggests a traditional sedan, the new A5 is actually a five-door liftback (or Sportback), a design choice that offers more utility but departs from the classic three-box silhouette of its rivals.
This shift reflects a broader trend in the luxury segment toward “four-door coupes” and liftbacks, which attempt to blend the sleekness of a coupe with the practicality of a wagon. However, as we will see, Audi’s latest evolution brings as many complications as it does innovations.
Design and Presence
The A5 features a more rounded, contemporary aesthetic compared to the sharp, crisp lines of the outgoing A4. It borrows design cues from the larger A7, most notably a distinctive full-width rear light bar and animated lighting sequences upon locking.
While the styling is handsome, it feels somewhat “overworked” in the front end. The base model tested was finished in Firmament Blue, a deep, muted tone that lacks the vibrancy of more expressive colors. Notably, the A5 sits on the new Premium Platform Combustion (PPC), and unlike its primary competitors—the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class—the entry-level model remains front-wheel drive.
Interior: High Tech, Questionable Quality
Audi has long been the benchmark for interior luxury, but the new A5 presents a confusing mix of high-end tech and disappointing material choices.
The Digital Experience
In an effort to cater to global markets (particularly China) where “screen-heavy” dashboards are the norm, Audi has implemented a triple-screen setup:
* 14.5-inch central touchscreen: Features crisp graphics but suffers from a menu structure that requires a learning curve.
* 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster: Provides essential data but lacks the full-screen map view that many drivers expect.
* 10.9-inch passenger touchscreen: Intended to allow the passenger to control navigation or media, though its utility feels limited in practice.
Material Concerns
While the cabin looks modern, the execution lacks the “premium” feel Audi is known for.
– Gloss black trim: Used heavily across the center console, it is a magnet for fingerprints and dust.
– Material quality: Some areas feature textured plastics that feel budget-grade, and certain dashboard components produced audible creaks during testing.
– Tactile feedback: The move toward touch-capacitive steering wheel controls and screen-based climate controls replaces physical buttons with “plasticky” clicks that lack a sense of luxury.
Performance and Driving Dynamics
The tested model is the TFSI 150kW, the entry point of the lineup. With a price tag exceeding $80,000, it is a significant investment for a front-wheel-drive vehicle.
On the Road
The driving experience is a study in contradictions:
* Ride Comfort: The chassis is excellent, absorbing bumps and ruts with poise and refinement.
* Steering: This is a weak point. Even in “Dynamic” mode, the steering lacks “road feel,” offering an artificial weight rather than genuine communication with the driver.
* Transmission: The seven-speed dual-clutch automatic is smooth and quick, though it can exhibit slight vibrations when creeping in heavy traffic.
* Efficiency: Real-world testing showed fuel consumption of 8.1L/100km in mixed driving, rising to 10.8L/100km in heavy urban environments.
Technology Glitches
While the driver assistance systems generally perform well, there were instances of “phantom braking” where the car reacted to non-existent threats. Most frustratingly, the reversing camera suffers from a heavy “fish-eye” distortion and noticeable lag, making parking more difficult than it should be in a premium vehicle.
The Verdict
The 2026 Audi A5 is a vehicle caught between two worlds. It offers a highly modern, tech-forward cabin and a sophisticated ride, but it struggles with inconsistent material quality and a lack of tactile engagement.
While the A5 succeeds in looking toward the future of digital integration, it occasionally loses the “premium” soul that defined its predecessors.
Summary: The Audi A5 is a stylish, tech-heavy liftback that excels in ride comfort but falls short in interior material luxury and steering feedback.
