2026 Audi A5

When is an Audi A4 not an A4? When it's the next-generation Audi A5. Midway through the 2025 model year, Audi introduced a new generation for its long-running small sedan. But it changed the name from A4 to A5. Why? It's simple: Audi is renaming its lineup. Gas-powered models have odd numbers; fully electric models use evens. The latest-generation 2026 A5 — again, the A4 replacement — has a hatchback despite being called a sedan. We're totally cool with this change; a power hatch means the A5 is far more functional than the old A4, with rear seats that fold down for even more cargo space.

The A5's interior takes a lot of cues from the new Audi Q6 E-tron — namely, the large curved display that houses the 14.5-inch infotainment screen and 11.9-inch Virtual Cockpit gauge cluster. To the right of that, front passengers get their very own 10.9-inch display, and if they're watching videos or playing games while driving, a special coating makes it so the driver won't be distracted. A larger head-up display is also part of the A5's tech suite, as is natural-speech AI assistant powered by — deep breath — ChatGPT. In fact, the AI tech can proactively suggest things to you while driving. Do you always turn on your heated seat when it's below a certain temperature? AI will chime in and ask if you want it on should the ambient temperature drop.

If the A5 doesn't win you over, we recommend checking out the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Both will impress you with their overall mix of luxury, performance and comfort. BMW also sells the 4 Series Gran Coupe. It has a hatchback design, just like the 2026 A5.

The new A5 is everything we've always liked about the A4, spiffed up for modern times.