2026 Audi A5

The 2026 Audi A5 is one of the German luxury automaker's midsize sedans, supported by the subcompact A3 below and the slightly larger midsize A6 above. While it looks like a typical sedan, it has a rear hatch instead of a trunk to enhance versatility and cargo space. As with previous generations, the A5 serves as a gateway to the higher-performing S5 and a forthcoming 630-horsepower RS 5 beast, both of which are reviewed separately.

The 2026 A5 faces a competitor within its own Audi lineup in the form of the A6 sedan. The A6 has a traditional trunk but is showing its age after seven years without a redesign. The BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe is a newer and more performance-focused alternative, while the Mercedes-Benz C-Class leans more heavily into opulent luxury and technology. These rivals also have sportier models that align with the Audi S5 and RS 5.

After a major redesign, we typically don't expect many changes for the following year, but the A5's sophomore follow-up includes some notable changes and upgrades. Audi's new three-year/30,000-mile free scheduled maintenance improves the ownership experience, while revised infotainment menus simplify the tech interface. While it may seem trivial, the new physical scrolling wheels on the steering wheel make a big difference, as the previous capacitive touch sliders were difficult to use. You also get more features for 2026, including a navigation system, additional safety features for all trim levels, and a few items that move from the options to the standard list.