Overview

If you like the look of a sleek two-door coupe, but need more space and more doors, the Audi A5 Sportback is an excellent solution. It successfully merges the stylish traits of a coupe, the interior space of a saloon and the practicality of a hatchback, slotting neatly into Audi’s previous-generation line-up above the Audi A4. It’s little wonder that, when it was new, it was the most popular version of the A5, outselling both the Coupe and Cabriolet variants.

The second-generation A5 Sportback was launched in 2017, tweaked in 2020, and shares engines, interior and kit with the A4. But it aims for a more upmarket feel, with a high quality interior and comfortable but sharp driving experience. There’s a price gulf between this five-door hatchback and the four-door saloon that spawned it – but we think it’s worth it.

The A5 Sportback was discontinued in 2024 alongside the A4 line-up to make way for a new generation of A5. This is sold as both a five-door hatchback layout (like the Sportback) and an estate model. The change was made as part of Audi’s plan to make all its evenly-numbered models (e.g. A4) into electric cars, while odd-numbered cars (e.g. A5) will continue with regular engines and hybrid options. There is a plentiful supply of used A5 Sportbacks for sale, however.

It has few direct rivals, with the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe appealing to the same audience. Aside from that, similarly priced upmarket alternatives include the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and the Jaguar XE, although these are conventional saloons.

Power for the A5 Sportback comes from a handful of 2.0-litre petrol and diesel engines. The petrol units start with the 35 TFSI (150hp), and rise through the 40 TFSI (204hp), and the 45 TFSI (265hp). Diesels drivers are catered for by the 35 TDI (163hp) and 40 TDI (204hp). For those who crave more performance, you can move on to the more sporting S5 and RS5 Quattro.

Four standard trim levels are available – Sport, S Line, Black Edition and Vorsprung, with the S5 and RS5 above this. Standard equipment includes niceties such as heated front seats and front and rear parking sensors. If you want sporty styling, firmer suspension and grippy sports seats you’ll need to pay more for S Line.

Click through the next few pages to read everything you need to know about the Audi A5 Sportback including its practicality, how much it costs to run, what it’s like to drive – and whether we recommend buying one. You can also read our how we test cars at Parkers page to see the rigorous process involved in reviewing every new car on sale.