2018 Audi A5

2018 Audi A5 Review

Sleek and classy, the Audi A5 is at the top of its class.
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by Mark Takahashi
Edmunds Editor

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.

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what's new

For 2018, the Audi A5 is fully redesigned.
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we 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.
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trim levels & features

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.

Standard Premium trim features include 18-inch wheels, xenon headlights, heated mirrors, automatic wipers, a sunroof, keyless entry and ignition, selectable drive modes, tri-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, power front seats, folding rear seats, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, a 7-inch infotainment display with Audi's MMI interface, a rearview camera, and a 10-speaker sound system with a CD player, two USB ports and HD radio. Low-speed frontal collision warning and mitigation is also included.

Stepping up to the Premium Plus trim gets you LED headlights, auto-dimming exterior mirrors, front and rear parking sensors, Audi's Connect Care (with 4G LTE connection and emergency telematics), rear collision mitigation, blind-spot monitoring, heated front seats, driver-seat memory functions and satellite radio.

The Prestige trim rounds out the lineup with a head-up display, a Bang & Olufsen premium audio system, simulated leather upholstery for the center console and armrests, a digital instrument panel, remote vehicle function controls via a smartphone app, a top-down parking camera system, an 8.3-inch infotainment display and a navigation system.

Most features on the upper trim levels are available on supporting trims as options. Other add-ons include 20-inch wheels, high-performance summer tires, sporty S line exterior embellishments, adaptive steering, a sport suspension, ventilated sport seats and a heated steering wheel.

The Prestige model is also eligible for the Driver Assistance package (adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, automatic high-beams and a traffic sign reader) and an adaptive suspension.

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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.

edmunds expert review process

This review was written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.

We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.

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