Audi sure knows how to put on a show! From technology and lighting to driving dynamics and all points in between, this long-time innovator continues to raise the bar in this week's test drive, the all-new A5.
It's a fitting week to be bringing you an all-new Audi review given all the product news shared by the brand this week. Audi confirmed this year's launch of the next-gen Q7 and a refreshed Q4 e-tron, along with its new Q9 flagship SUV. Coming later this year, the Q9 will mark the first time Audi's ever launched a vehicle in the U.S.
All this said, the all-new A5 is part of Audi's already very busy product revamp that's taken place in recent years, and it comes at a time Audi needs a sales boost. The A5 - which replaces both the A5 Sportback and A4 - shares Audi's new Premium Platform Combustion PPC architecture with the new Q5 SUV.
Exterior
The all-new A5 presents a sculpted, athletic silhouette. It's wider, longer and taller than the outgoing A5 Sportback and features a new rear-liftback design. Standard 18-inch wheels are replaced by optional 19-inch bi-color wheels on my test model and pair well with Chronos Gray Metallic.
Design changes include a redesigned front end with a flatter Singleframe grille flanked by matrix design headlights and new flush door handles.
New to the segment, a seamlessly integrated rear deck lid opens with the rear window. Other exterior features include heated, power-folding side mirrors, a darkened diffuser integrated into the bumper and premium functional rectangular exhaust tips.
The Prestige also benefits from Audi's latest advanced lighting technology which includes eight customizable digital LED daytime running lights and new customizable second-generation digital OLED taillights.
Powertrain
The A5 is a bit more powerful than the A5 Sportback it replaces. An updated turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder mated to a smooth-performing 7-speed S tronic dual-clutch delivers 268 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. That's up a modest 7 ponies and 22 pound-feet of torque. The S5 boosts those numbers handsomely to 362 hp and 406 lb.-ft.
Interior
Audi is all about connecting with its occupants, something the A5 does extremely well via its driver-centric design, technology, and more.
Its roomy Pearl Beige interior with natural wood inlays is upscale, comfortable and well-executed with quality switchgear and materials. Prestige goodies include comfortable heated and ventilated front leather sport seats.
Designers paid a lot of attention to the door panels - they are full of interest and different textures including wood inlays. They also tastefully integrate interior lighting with Bang & Olufsen logos which is a great look at night and part of the Prestige's LED interior Lighting Pro.
A redesigned, heated, steering wheel features new steering wheel controls and hands-on detection. A next-gen head up display (HUD) is absolutely outstanding. It's 85% larger than before and drivers can now adjust vehicle and info functions directly via the HUD.
As part of connecting with the driver, the A5 interacts with occupants via a Dynamic Interaction Light, an LED light bar that stretches across the dash. It lights up to confirm functions such as lock/unlock or turn-signal operation.
Audi's new Digital Stage is an impressive curved OLED display consisting of an 11.9-inch Audi virtual cockpit with outstanding resolution, color, graphics and a 14.5-inch MMI center touchscreen. In the Prestige it adds a passenger display with a privacy screen. The MMI system with fantastic graphics is responsive and features Audi's Navigation Plus along with its AI-powered Audi assistant which responds to “Hey Audi”. It can respond to - get this - 800 functions, some requiring an Audi Connect subscription. (Note an all-new MMI design is among updates for 2026.)
You'll control most vehicle functions through the MMI system, including climate, which eliminates the need for a center stack. In its place you find vertical a/c vents only. A glossy black center console gets the wood trim treatment on each side and is where you find the shift-by-wire gear shift, wireless charging pad, drive select, cupholders and a few other controls.
The Prestige's 20-speaker Bang & Olufsen 3D Sound Premium sound system sounds incredible - and yes - there are even speakers in the headrests. The Prestige also gets a cool variable light control panoramic glass roof. Its six crystal panels can be selectively dimmed.
The second row with stadium seating is roomy and thanks to the Prestige package passengers enjoy heated rear seats and manual sunshades. Seatbacks are a mix of soft touch and plastic with mesh envelop inserts.
You'll be impressed with the cargo area which increases with the new A5.
Other standard features include 3-zone climate, a cooled wireless charging pad, illuminated front door sill inlays and four USB-C ports split between rows.
Audi engineering once again shines with the refined ride and drive of the new A5. Thanks to chassis updates to the suspension and steering rack, steering and driver feedback are more precise which gives it a more engaging feel. Handling improves, too, In terms of ride, typically Audis deliver a firmer ride than say a Lexus, and the same is true here. The ride delivers comfort as well- rather an expertly deigned balance of the two. The cabin is quiet as you'd expect for a luxury sedan.
Audi's exceptional standard advanced driver assistance technology includes Active Front Assist (Forward Collision Warning and Automatic Emergency Braking), Audi Side Assist (blind spot warning), Rear Cross-Traffic Assist, Exit Warning and Lane Departure Warning.
Front and rear parking sensors with rearview camera are also standard across the lineup. The Prestige is additionally equipped with Adaptive Cruise Assist, Park Assist Plus, and a top-view camera system. (For 2026 Prestige adds Park assist pro with remote functionality, Rear emergency brake assist, and the Top view camera system with 3D view.)
Options include the Prestige package ($6,450) and 19" wheel package ($800) bringing the total MSRP as equipped to $58,840 - a price befitting a luxury sedan loaded with Audi's best technology, comfort and convenience features.
The all-new A5 really stands out in its class as a leader in technology, advanced lighting and driving dynamics. I would personally go for the S5 for more power and a sportier ride.
Also, note that the 2026 model will arrive sometime this quarter. Among the notable tech and safety updates, the availability of an all-new Audi dash cam system that can capture 4K video. The lineup will also include Audi Signature Care scheduled maintenance.