Key takeaway: Audi has effectively renamed the A4 to the A5 in Australia, offering a single S-line sedan (liftback) grade at launch priced at just under $80,000 before on-road costs. The standard model is a front-wheel-drive 2.0-litre turbo petrol producing 150 kW and 340 Nm, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. It delivers comfortable ride and high equipment levels, but the cabin’s screen-centric controls and reduced rear packaging versus some rivals temper the appeal.
what’s in new Audi A5 and why it matters
Audi’s newly badged A5 replaces the outgoing A4 nameplate in Australia and ships at launch as a single S-line sedan (marketed as a sedan/liftback). The change brings increased size, premium gear and a sportier exterior treatment, but also a higher entry price. For buyers seeking a family-friendly luxury liftback with a modern feature set, the A5 is a credible option, though practical compromises, an abundance of touchscreen controls and a front-wheel-drive layout at this stage may leave some buyers waiting for the promised plug-in hybrid and quattro variants.
Pricing & Australian availability of New Audi A5
- Price (Australia): Approximately $80,000 before on-road costs for the sole S-line variant available at launch.
- Range strategy: Audi plans to add plug-in hybrid variants (including a wagon) later in the lifecycle — prospective buyers who want AWD or electrified driving may prefer to wait for those versions.
Standard equipment at launch
The A5 S-line tested is well specified for the price and includes:
- 19-inch alloy wheels (S-line styling)
- Matrix LED headlights with configurable animations and dynamic indicators
- Power tailgate with hands-free kick opening
- Keyless entry and start
- Front power-adjustable sport seats with extendable thigh support
- 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Sat-nav, DAB digital radio and 10-speaker sound system
- 11.9-inch Audi Virtual Cockpit (digital instrument cluster)
- Trizone climate control and configurable ambient lighting
Interior and human-machine interface of new Audi A5
The cabin is premium in materials and ambition, but the reviewer identifies usability shortcomings:
Strengths
- High-quality seats (comfortable and road-trip friendly) and pleasing trim choices.
- Clear instruments via the virtual cockpit and a comprehensive sat-nav.
- Useful passenger and rear conveniences (USB-C ports, rear vents, directional air vents, local climate controls).
Weaknesses
- The cabin is heavily screen-centric: many functions (fan speed, some climate controls, settings) require navigating touchscreen menus or voice commands, which reduces immediacy and can be distracting while driving.
- Glossy (piano-black) finishes attract fingerprints and appear prone to glare.
- Some tactile controls (steering-wheel buttons, haptic switches) feel unfinished; steering-wheel heating is shown as a blank indicator on lower trims.
- Optional passenger display, available but of questionable utility and comfort implications for the passenger.
Rear passenger space
- Although the New Audi A5 overall footprint is large (>4.8 m in length), rear legroom and headroom are adequate but not class-leading.
- A prominent transmission tunnel intrusion (platform limitation) reduces middle-seat comfort and effectively makes the New Audi A5 a comfortable four-seater rather than a true five-seater.
Practicality and boot
- The New Audi A5 liftback design provides generous cargo capacity for a luxury sedan and benefits from useful touches: shopping bag hooks, side lights, netted storage pockets and an electronic tailgate with kick-open function.
- Under-floor: only a tyre-repair kit is provided (no full-size spare).
- Additional convenience: 12V port in the boot.
Powertrain, fuel and performance figures of New Audi A5
- Engine: 2.0 L, 4-cylinder turbo petrol
- Output: 150 kW and 340 Nm
- Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch automatic
- Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive (AWD/quattro reserved for future variants)
- 0–100 km/h: 7.8 seconds
- Curb weight: ~1,770 kg
- Fuel: Requires 95 RON premium unleaded; official combined consumption quoted on the window sticker, with real-world consumption slightly higher in mixed driving.
Driving character: The engine and gearbox are well matched in steady operation, the dual-clutch transmits gears smoothly and crisply at speed. At low speeds and from standstill the car can feel a touch sluggish (low-speed lag and start-stop behaviour), which some drivers may find noticeable in stop-start traffic. Selecting Dynamic drive mode sharpens throttle response and shift logic.
Ride, handling and driver aids
- Ride comfort: Tuned softly for comfort on 19-inch wheels; the suspension delivers composed, easygoing highway manners.
- Handling: Predictable steering with reasonable weight but not especially engaging, this A5 prioritises comfort over sportiness (the S5 will be the sportier alternative).
- Driver assistance: Well-integrated safety technology with a non-intrusive approach to speed sign recognition and lane-keeping. Systems include adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian/cyclist/junction detection, driver monitoring, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, surround view camera and front/rear parking sensors.
Safety and ownership
- Safety rating: Achieved a five-star ANCAP rating based on 2024 criteria.
- Warranty & ownership: Audi Australia provides a 5-year unlimited-kilometre warranty plus 5 years roadside assist. Optional prepaid servicing, extended warranties and aftermarket service top-ups are available. Audi Financial Services offers flexible finance packages that can include guaranteed future resale value options.
Market alternatives to consider
The review highlights several credible alternatives at different price points:
- BMW 3 Series (330i spec): A benchmark in dynamics and cabin ergonomics; more driver-focused and available as a wagon, tends to cost more but is a strong competitor if driving enjoyment is a priority.
- Genesis G70: Comparable starting price in some markets, strong value, high-quality interior and an engaging character; Genesis offers a compelling alternative for buyers focused on luxury and value.
- Škoda Octavia: A pragmatic alternative for value-minded buyers, significantly cheaper (entry Octavia well under $40,000) yet spacious, practical (liftback/wagon options) and available in high-performance RS variants that undercut the A5 on price while retaining strong everyday usability.
Verdict (who the New Audi A5 suits)
The new Audi A5 represents a logical evolution of Audi’s midsize sedan into a larger, more premium liftback with modern equipment and strong safety credentials. It will suit buyers who prioritise:
- A premium interior package and comfort on long journeys.
- Contemporary styling and tech-forward features (if they are comfortable adapting to touchscreen-led control).
- A high level of standard equipment and a generous warranty/ownership program.
However, buyers who place top priority on rear-seat space for five, driver engagement, or AWD/electrified drivetrains may want to wait for the forthcoming plug-in hybrid and quattro versions, or consider rivals such as the BMW 3 Series, Genesis G70 or the value-led Škoda Octavia.
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