Audi A5 Sportback Review 2024

Audi A5 Sportback At A Glance

4/5
Honest John Overall Rating
The Audi A5 Sportback is intended as a sportier version of the A4 saloon, though it could be argued it's simply a more versatile hatch interpretation. Either way, it looks good, goes well, and fulfils its brief to appeal to company drivers.

+More practical than the Coupe. Impeccable build quality and finish. Quiet and refined. Good performance and economy.

-Expensive compared to A4 saloon and A5 Coupe. Not as fun to drive as a 4 Series Gran Coupe.

New prices start from £38,950, brokers can source from £35,920
Insurance Groups are between 28–43
On average it achieves 75% of the official MPG figure

The Audi A5 Sportback combines the stylish looks of the A5 Coupe with extra practicality, thanks to its rear doors and more practical hatchback tailgate. The engine range is strong, with punchy performance and good economy, plus build quality is impeccable. A more pragmatic buyer will be better off with an A4, but if you want some extra style it’s hard to fault the A5 Sportback. Read on for our full review of the Audi A5 Sportback. 

You have to pay a few thousand pounds more over an Audi A5 Coupe for the extra doors of the Sportback model, but if you have children it’ll all be worth it. Even more useful is the huge, power-operated hatchback, which makes for easy access to the sizeable 480 litre boot. It’s far easier to get child seats and buggies in and out than in the A5 Coupe or even the A4 saloon.

Up front the A5 Sportback is, in typical Audi fashion, almost flawless. The driving position is excellent, material quality is superb and all the minor controls for audio or climate are easy to make sense of. It’s good to drive too, in an unflustered, capable sort of way – but if you’re a keen driver then a BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe will raise more smiles on a twisting country road. It's also given a good run for its money by the Jaguar XE and Volvo S60.

All A5 Sportbacks come with a smooth seven-speed S tronic auto, unless you choose the S5 with its eight-speed transmission. Engine noise is hushed even in the four-cylinder diesel and CO2 emissions are as low as 127g/km, which will keep company car tax bills reasonable. There’s also a 351PS S5 if you want serious performance.

Standard equipment includes three-zone climate control, Audi Smartphone Interface for connecting Android and Apple phones, Bluetooth, DAB, cruise control and active safety tech including auto emergency brakes. Going for higher grades adds largely cosmetic equipment, which leaves plenty on the options list including fancy Matrix LED headlights, along with numerous upholstery finishes. You can also get larger diesel and AdBlue tanks at no cost.

If you want coupe styling with an added sprinkle of practicality then the Audi A5 Sportback fits the bill perfectly in the same way its predecessor did. However, the looks do mean rear passenger space is limited in comparison to an A4. The A4 is cheaper and has a broader engine range too, so it’s a smarter buy for a more pragmatic motorist – but if you are willing to pay more for good looks, the A5 Sportback is great.

Ask Honest John

I want an electric car with 250 mile range and a decent boot - what do you recommend?

"I currently have an Audi A5 but I’d like an electric car next. I don’t want an SUV, but I do need something with at least the same boot capacity as my A5. It needs to fit a wheelchair plus shopping/ suitcases so at least 475 litres. I’m also looking for something with a minimum real world range of 250 miles per full charge. I’d be tempted by the Tesla 3, but it’s a saloon not a hatchback - again the wheelchair. I also like the trim quality of the Audi. Any suggestions? "
I would take a look at the Kia EV6. It has the range you need and the boot capacity. Like all Kias, the EV6 also comes with a seven-year warranty. Kia has come along way in the last decade and nothing shows that better than the EV6 – it's striking looking on the outside and solidly built on the inside. You get loads of tech for your money and a cabin that'll happily fit four adults. Kia's battery technology leads the field and the EV6 will do at least 300 miles on a charge. It also has plenty of performance and is easy to drive – it's the EV I would buy in your situation.
Answered by Russell Campbell
More Questions

What does a Audi A5 Sportback cost?

Buy new from £35,920(list price from £43,335)