Beautiful car.
That goes without saying. The new Audi A5 sedan is a looker from pretty much every angle – sleek, modern proportions with that signature single-frame grille stretched wide, sharp LED headlights that give it presence, and a coupe-like roofline that flows elegantly into the tail. It’s longer, wider, and taller than the old A4 it replaces, giving it a more premium, planted stance. Some might call the design “evolutionary” rather than “revolutionary”, meaning no wild risks taken, but it works beautifully, exuding understated sophistication that promises to age gracefully. The rear end is clean and purposeful, with those slim taillights tying it all together without feeling dated.
How advanced is it?
Audi positions this car as a tech-forward step up, and on paper it delivers: the latest E³ 1.2 electronic architecture, which in this instance applies to Premium Platform Combustion platforms. It powers a digital-heavy cabin with responsive interfaces, plus standard kit, like Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Assist, Park Assist Plus, and a rear-view camera among others. The MMI Navigation plus with Audi connect keeps things connected seamlessly. That said, it doesn’t necessarily push boundaries far beyond what we’ve seen in recent Audis, or rivals. While it’s polished and intuitive, it does lack that immediate “wow” factor that makes you stop and stare in admiration. The trusted quattro AWD adds confidence in wet or twisty conditions though.
How did you find the interior?
Refined, spacious, and a genuinely pleasant place to spend time. The cabin wraps you in that familiar Audi quality, including high-grade leather/artificial leather combinations, soft-touch surfaces everywhere, and plenty of brushed aluminium or piano black accents for that premium feel. The driver-focused “Digital Stage” setup includes an 30.2cm Virtual Cockpit and a large 36.8cm central touchscreen that’s crisp, responsive, and loaded with wireless Apple CarPlay/ Android Auto. It’s comfortable front and at the back, with extra legroom and shoulder space over the old A4. Three-zone climate control keeps everyone cool in summer heat, and the seats are supportive without being firm. Piano black touch points add a modern touch, though they do show fingerprints and need regular wiping. Audi fitted a multifunction steering wheel inspired by the old 100 model, and it feels substantial and nicely weighted: classic Audi tactility.
Does the drive impress?
The 2.0-litre petrol turbo unit is responsive and refined, pulling smoothly with the 7-speed S tronic dual-clutch shifting seamlessly in everyday traffic. It’s comfortable and composed, with a good ride quality that prioritises serenity over sharpness. The twin tailpipes give off a pleasant, mid-throaty sound. Quattro AWD adds subtle grip and stability without drama. Ultimately though, it doesn’t move the game forward dramatically—it’s competent and easy to live with, but lacks that extra spark to make every drive feel special.
Worth the buy?
It’s a solid, premium package that ticks most boxes for lifestyle appeal—elegant looks, a tech-rich and comfortable interior, effortless daily usability, and that reassuring quattro grip. As a 2026 SA Car of the Year finalist, the A5 steps in confidently as the A4’s replacement (which might return as an EV down the line). At around R1.2 million for the quattro variants, it’s pricey compared to some rivals, but the build quality, refinement, and brand cachet justify it for those seeking understated luxury without compromise.
QUICK STATS
AUDI A5 SEDAN TFSI QUATTRO S LINE
ENGINE: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo petrol mild-hybrid
POWER: 200kW
TORQUE: 400Nm
0 – 100KM/H: 6.4 seconds
GEARBOX: 7-speed S tronic dual-clutch automatic
DRIVE: All-wheel-drive (quattro)
TOP SPEED: Around 250km/h (limited)
FUEL AVERAGE: 8.7 L/100km
TANK RANGE: 650km
CO2 e: 186 g/km
PRICE STANDARD: R1 238 000
NATURAL RIVALS: BMW 330i, Mercedes-Benz C300 (no longer on sale in Mzansi), Lexus IS 350.
*PRICE RIVALS: Alfa Romeo Giulia Veloce,BMW 520d, Ford Everest Platinum, Volkswagen Amarok V6 Extreme.
BABE-MAGNETIC FACTOR: Very High
*Price rival falls within R150 000 or so of the subject’s price on either side of its price spectrum for cars over R1 200 000.
