2018 Audi A5 Review
Used A5 for sale
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
Edmunds' Expert Review
byMark Takahashi
Correspondent
Mark Takahashi has worked in the automotive industry since 2001. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Mark has also contributed to Motor Trend, Auto Aficionado, Chevy High Performance and several motorcycle magazines in various roles. Mark is also a juror on the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards and can be seen regularly on the Edmunds YouTube channel and sometimes representing the company in media interviews.
Pros
- Interior that's understated and classy
- Strong overall performance
- Loads of tech features and options
Cons
- Interior storage is limited
What’s new
For 2018, the Audi A5 is fully redesigned.
Vehicle overview
The previous-generation Audi A5 was one of our favorite luxury two-doors. Sleek styling and a premium interior helped set it apart from its German rivals. It was getting a bit dated in the last few years, though, which is why we're happy to see the debut of the redesigned 2018 Audi A5.
For 2018, the coupe and convertible A5 models return, joined by a new hatchback (the Sportback) that has four doors. Seeing a four-door A5 might seem a little strange to you if you're used to the model just being a two-door. But like the bigger A7 hatchback, the new A5 Sportback enhances the car's cargo-carrying versatility. Other notable changes this year include a more powerful four-cylinder engine and the inclusion of Audi's latest technology and safety features.
Although we haven't yet tested the A5, we have driven the mechanically similar A4 sedan and higher-performing S5 coupe. With that background, we're confident stating Audi has another winner on its hands. The A5 checks all of the boxes required in the class for performance, comfort, luxury and technology. It gets an additional edge for its sleek styling, elegantly simple cabin and easy-to-use infotainment system. On top of that, there are plenty of advanced safety features that its predecessor was missing. Pitted against the typical leaders in the class that include the BMW 4 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class, we place the A5 at the top.
Edmunds' Expert Rating
The fully redesigned 2018 Audi A5 brings its A game to the luxury sport coupe class with graceful styling, strong performance, an elegantly simple interior and cutting-edge technology that's easy to use. We consider it the best in the class.
Trim tested
Edmunds has not yet driven any version of the 2018 Audi A5. However, we've driven the related A4 and S5. Here's our first take on what's significant about it and what you can expect.
Driving
If the mechanically similar A4 sedan is any indication, the A5 will rise to the top when it comes to performance. It will also score slightly above average for everyday drivability. We do suspect there will be a slight hesitation from the four-cylinder engine upon initial acceleration, though.
Comfort
The A5's seats are firm and well shaped for hours of comfortable driving. The cabin should be as quiet and isolating as those of the A4 and S5 that we've evaluated, and the available adaptive suspension should smooth out the ride further.
Interior
The A5 gets high marks for its modern and elegantly simple interior. Materials quality is excellent for the class, and the controls are just where you'd want them as a driver. The rear seats are rather small and best suited for smaller passengers.
Utility
The A5's 11.6-cubic-foot trunk isn't the biggest in the class, but it should be enough for most cargo, and the flat load floor and handy hooks score it additional points. Interior storage is merely adequate to hold your personal items.
Technology
Audi's MMI is one of the easier infotainment systems to operate, and the screen placement further reduces distraction. The available virtual instrument panel is as appealing to the eyes as it is useful and effective. It makes cutting-edge tech as accessible as it can be.
Which A5 does Edmunds recommend?
Since all A5 models are mechanically identical and most features are available on all trim levels, we recommend starting with the base Premium model and adding essential features as you see fit. If you desire advanced safety features, however, the top-of-the-line Prestige trim is your only choice.
2018 Audi A5 models
The redesigned 2018 Audi A5 is available in its typical two-door coupe and convertible (Cabriolet) body styles as well as a new four-door hatchback (the Sportback). All A5s are available in Premium, Premium Plus or Prestige trims and are powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (252 horsepower, 273 pound-feet of torque). All-wheel drive is also included, as is a seven-speed, dual-clutch automatic transmission. A six-speed manual transmission is only available on the A5 coupe.