2025 Audi A5 Sedan TFSI 150kW review

The Audi A4 has been a staple of the German marque’s range since the mid-1990s, and continued the lineage of the brand’s mid-size premium sedan offering that dates right back to the ’70s.

But in 2024, after five generations of a very popular nameplate, Audi decided to throw out the A4 name and make the A5 the combustion-powered mid-size executive sedan and estate offering in its lineup.

Yes, there was an A5 before it, but the previous generation was offered as a two-door coupe and cabriolet, as well as a five-door Sportback that was something of a four-door coupe-style liftback.

Now though, the ‘B10’-generation Audi A5 offers Sedan (liftback) and Avant (wagon) versions which effectively replace the old A4 Sedan and Avant, in addition to the previous A5 Coupe, Cabriolet and Sportback. Confused yet?

The 2025 Audi A5 range is the first to ride on the brand’s new PPC (or Premium Platform Combustion) architecture, which is an evolution of the ubiquitous MLB toolkit that has underpinned everything from the A4 to the Porsche Macan as far back as the late 2000s.

Ushering in a new design language and the brand’s latest in-car technologies, the A5 arrives as a rival to the A4’s arch nemeses, the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. In 2025, both are more niche offerings compared to their more popular SUV equivalents in Australia.

Does the new A5 have what it takes to sway Australian buyers from BMW and Mercedes-Benz showrooms? We joined the Australian launch drive in Victoria to find out.

How much does the Audi A5 cost?

The A5 range starts from $79,900 before on-road costs for the entry-level TFSI 150kW Sedan, which is about $9000 up on the previous A4’s entry point, though the base A5 is specified more like a mid-range A4 which started at $82,000.

At launch, just the A5 Sedan TFSI 150kW and the S5 range will be available, though Audi Australia has already confirmed four new grades of A5 for release in the third quarter, including a TFSI quattro 200kW and e-hybrid quattro 270kW.

Both of these trim levels will be available in Sedan and Avant body styles, priced from $89,900 for the Sedan and $92,900 for the e-hybrid PHEV – yes, Audi has achieved price parity for the plug-in variant with more power.

The addition of the e-hybrid models is also the first time Audi Australia has offered a PHEV in the mid-size passenger car segment. However, it’s worth noting the Audi A4 became the first mass-produced hybrid from a European manufacturer way back in 1997, with a diesel-electric plug-in hybrid based on the B5-gen A4 Avant.

To see how the Audi A5 lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool

What is the Audi A5 like on the inside?

The B10-gen A5 range ushers in a new design philosophy for Audi both inside and out, for better and for worse in your reviewer’s opinion.

Where Audi’s previous A4 and its other MLB-based cars were lauded for their high-quality, classically laid out interiors; the new A5 and subsequent models are going hard on display tech, and reducing physical switchgear.

The new ‘digital stage’ interior layout is headlined by the 11.9-inch Audi virtual cockpit plus (digital instrument cluster) and 14.5-inch MMI navigation plus infotainment touchscreen. This can be bolstered by an additional 10.9-inch passenger-side touchscreen in the A5 for an additional $1950 – like a Porsche.

Compared to Audi’s pared-back, fairly traditional cockpits of old, the new layout and interface can be a little daunting, even jarring. There’s a lot of piano black in the bezels of the curved housing of the main driver displays, as well as the centre console, too.

The interface is now powered by Android, which explains the smartphone-like widgets and app drawer. Audi says the software is fully tailored to the brand, and allows the installation of a wider set of in-car apps via the Audi Application Store as well as over-the-air software updates.

While it’s generally fairly usable and definitely not as fiddly as some other touch control-heavy interiors within the Volkswagen Group, the A5/S5’s infotainment interface feels less conventional and less user-friendly than the previous generation of MMI.

The displays offer beautiful clarity, brightness and graphics, though the widget-based menu structure isn’t as clean as the tiled system it replaces and you will need to spend a bit more time learning where everything is.

Unfortunately, Audi has also moved the A5 to touch-based climate controls, housed in a permanent virtual toolbar at the base of the central display. These aren’t as user-friendly as even the clicky touch controls in larger vehicles like the Q7 and Q8, and feel like a step back.

The toolbar is small relative to the available display real estate, as are the virtual buttons, meaning any quick changes while on the move require your eyes to be averted from the road and often result in a press of the neighbouring button or pressing it one too many times.

I’m also not a big fan of the new multifunction steering wheel controls, which feel like a halfway house between Audi’s old tactile physical buttons and the more fiddly touch-capacitive controls used in other VW Group models. They’re not bad, but they’re not great, either.

Be prepared to have a microfibre cloth always at the ready too, because the glossy finish of the display and the swathes of piano black trim are a nightmare for fingerprints and smudges. But it’s not all bad, I promise.

Quick load times and gorgeously bright colours make these displays beautiful to look at, and while I miss the beautiful simplicity of the old Audi virtual cockpit layout, the new one with its central dial and adjustable side widgets make me feel like I’m wearing Iron Man’s helmet.

As you’d expect, the A5’s infotainment fitout comes fully equipped with connected services, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, DAB+ digital radio, as well as native navigation with online mapping. As part of the optional $4900 premium package, the A5 is also available with a thumping 16-speaker Bang & Olufsen 3D audio system.

At full blast this immersive in-car sound experience is fantastic – though if you turn the bass and subwoofer up too high I reckon it might feel too much like a nightclub. In the flagship S5, you can also opt for additional speakers built into the front head restraints for $980, bringing the speaker count to 20.

The general feeling of quality is pretty good too, with a good mix of soft-touch and textured materials dotted throughout the cabin. While the base A5 doesn’t get the all-out extended upholstery of the flagship S5, it’s still a pretty nice place to spend time and doesn’t feel as plasticky as the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, for example.

Further back, there’s good space for four adults, though the protruding rear centre console and raised centre seat cushion mean a full-size fifth passenger might only be a good idea on the odd occasion. Audi quotes a 77mm increase in wheelbase over the old A4, which opens up more leg and knee room for rear passengers.

It can all feel quite closed in if you choose the standard black interior – I personally would be rushing to tick the pearl beige or nutmeg brown interior option boxes – and while the rear windows are decent in size, the rising shoulder line restricts outward visibility for shorter passengers.

That said, you can really open up the cabin with the available panoramic glass roof, though you need to pay $4990 for the privilege. The optional roof also comes with what Audi calls ‘switchable transparency’, basically utilising similar tech to the Porsche Taycan whereby a liquid crystal sandwiched between two glass panels can be turned clear or opaque using electricity.

That may all sound a little naff to you, but it removes the need for a conventional shade, which opens up more headroom while in theory offering similar if not better insulation from heat and UV rays.

Rear climate controls and USB-C charge ports add to the back-seat amenity, and there are your requisite ISOFIX and top-tether anchors for child seats should you need them.

Fun fact? The rear USB-C ports can output 100W to charge larger devices like laptops should you need the extra juice, too – provided you tick the $4990 Premium package.

Despite being marketed as a ‘Sedan’, the Audi A5 is actually a liftback. This makes for a very wide and practical boot opening, which opens up to a 445-litre cargo area in base trim – and expands to 1299L with the rear seats folded.

As is seemingly customary in most premium products these days, particularly European ones, there is no spare tyre – just a repair kit.

To see how the Audi A5 lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool

What’s under the bonnet?

At launch, just the 150kW 2.0-litre turbo-petrol and the 270kW 3.0-litre V6 turbo-petrol engines are available, the latter with Audi’s new MHEV plus 48V mild-hybrid system.

Overseas, there are also MHEV plus-equipped TFSI petrol and TDI diesel variants, and Audi’s local product team has left the door open to offering more mild-hybrids here, though it hasn’t confirmed when we might see them.

Speaking of, the MHEV plus tech is effectively an extended 48V mild-hybrid system that can drive in EV mode unassisted at low speeds, like when crawling in traffic or rolling in carparks. Audi says official combined-cycle testing shows the system can save 0.74L/100km of fuel – likely more in stop-start traffic than in the real world.

The system consists of an 18kW motor/generator mounted to the S tronic dual-clutch transmission, powered by a 1.7kWh lithium-ion battery pack. Audi claims its MHEV plus tech boosts performance and cuts turbo lag, in addition to the fuel savings that result from this.

Following the initial launch, Audi Australia has confirmed it will release the TFSI 200kW quattro and e-hybrid 270kW quattro variants, both of which will be available in sedan and wagon body styles.

The latter is the first plug-in hybrid Audi in the mid-size passenger car segment, and claims to offer just under 90km of WLTP-certified driving range while being about half a second slower from 0-100km/h than the hi-po S5.

To see how the Audi A5 lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool

How does the Audi A5 drive?

Our launch drive started at the Melbourne Airport north of Victoria’s capital and headed out to Mount Macedon. A second transit leg in the A5 brought us back to the airport from the town of Trentham, also in Victoria’s north-west.

I drove a bog-standard A5 Sedan TFSI 150kW for the first leg, then spent the return trip in a highly optioned example with both the Style ($3900) and Premium ($4900) packages, the former including larger 20-inch wheels.

Setting off from Melbourne in the base variant with 19-inch rims and chubbier tyres, the A5 Sedan proved to be a very refined and unassuming commuter that gets things done without much fuss. The 150kW 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine offers all 340Nm of its torque from 2000rpm, and the seven-speed dual-clutch auto is one of the best of the breed.

There’s minimal engine noise unless you absolutely wring its neck, and performance is responsive and linear. Audi quotes a respectable 7.8-second dash from rest to 100km/h, but its real strength is muscular acceleration once you’re already rolling.

Given the A5’s 2.0-litre turbo mill from the EA888 family is the same base engine as seen in the likes of the Volkswagen Golf GTI and R, it’s no wonder the effortless yet punchy performance has a familiar feel to it. The ubiquitous power unit has been honed and refined over nearly two decades and it shows.

Sadly, it doesn’t have the new fuel-saving ‘MHEV plus’ 48V mild-hybrid tech like the Q5 mid-size SUV with the same engine, though Audi has hinted that this will eventually be added to the A5 at some point.

While a 0.74L/100km saving on the combined cycle doesn’t sound like much (based on the S5’s V6 TFSI with MHEV plus), you’d see greater efficiency gains in stop-start city driving, as well as the ability to coast in EV mode when off the throttle or rolling along in low-speed traffic or car parks.

The seven-speed ‘S tronic’ dual-clutch automatic is also one of the best in the business. You rarely get those moments of hesitation off the line like with DSGs of old, and while there’s the odd elastic feeling as it shifts from first to second it’s generally a very smooth and snappy gearbox.

It’s also not a thrashy or unrefined powertrain when pushed, with a muted and raspy note permeating the cabin under hard acceleration. The standard steering-mounted paddle shifters also allow you to take control of the gears yourself, should you desire – and it’s generally very snappy and responsive here as well.

Once the road gets a little twistier, you might be surprised by even the standard A5’s cornering capability, even without quattro all-wheel drive and irrespective of the specified wheel and tyre package.

This evolution of the VW Group’s MLB platform has retained the sure-footed feel of its predecessors, thanks to a wider and lower-slung stance combined with pointy steering response. Even this base car is a bit of fun to sling through a succession of B-road bends.

However, in both the A5 and S5, I felt there was something lacking in the steering feel, even with the Audi drive select system set to the sportiest driving mode. It just lacks the feel and feedback to make this a properly engaging drive, which is a shame given any 3 Series or even the electric BMW i4 Gran Coupe gives you more of a connection to the front axle.

Particularly when trying to drive it harder, it feels too light and assisted to give you proper satisfaction through bends. Still, the quick response and keen handling makes up for that somewhat, and this is really only a criticism if you’re a keen driver that holds these sort of qualities as a high priority.

It rides well too, regardless of the wheels chosen, despite rolling on passive steel springs. In typical Audi fashion it errs on the firmer side which keeps the body fairly flat in corners and communicates the road surface and its imperfections, but even on patchy regional tarmac it rarely felt harsh or unsettled.

As for driver assistance systems, which are typically an Audi strength, the A5 and S5 range is just about fully featured, with the exception of a lane centring system, which is notably absent from all PPC and PPE (EV) products Down Under.

While the standard adaptive cruise control does a good job, as do the usual lane-keep assist and blind-spot/rear cross-traffic alert systems, the lack of semi-autonomous highway driving functionality seems odd – especially from a tech specialist like Audi.

The brand’s local product team has indicated the tech is still under development for Australia, which has various region-specific elements including lane markings, and will be rolled out ex-factory alongside other features potentially as soon as model year 2026 production, which starts later this year.

It’s understood most vehicles already in Australia should be fitted with the required hardware for these systems, meaning these systems should be retrofittable in existing customer cars at dealer level via a software update at some point in the future.

To see how the Audi A5 lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool

What do you get?

Three distinct trim levels are available at launch, including the S5 edition one that’s more of a pared-back ‘purist’ variant. It will be effectively replaced by the TFSI 200kW and e-hybrid 270kW quattro variants later this year.

2025 Audi A5 TFSI 150kW equipment highlights:

• 19-inch alloy wheels
• S line exterior
• Matrix LED headlights
  • incl. selectable light signatures
• Convenience key – keyless entry
• Projection light in exterior mirrors
• Electric tailgate with gesture control
• Digital key
• 11.9-inch Audi virtual cockpit plus
• 14.5-inch MMI navigation plus
• Audi sound system
• Audi connect plus
• Audi smartphone interface
  • Wireless Apple CarPlay
  • Wireless Android Auto
• DAB radio
• Audi phone box light – wireless phone charger
• USB-C charge points – front, rear
• Sport front seats with integrated headrests
• Leather/leatherette upholstery
• Wraparound interior elements – leatherette
• Tri-zone climate control
• Electric front seats
  • incl. driver memory
  • incl. 4-way lumbar support
• Heated front seats
• Colour ambient lighting

A5 TFSI 200kW quattro adds:

• 19-inch alloy wheels – different design
• S line interior
• Sport front seats incl. S embossing
• Door sill trims with aluminium inlays
  • incl. illuminated S logo, front
• Inlays in brushed aluminium with linear embossing
• Sport leather steering wheel – 3-spoke, flat top/bottom
  • incl. shift paddles with S emblem
  • incl. contrast stitching
• Stainless steel pedals
• Black headlining
• Roof rails – Avant

A5 e-hybrid 270kW quattro adds:

• 20-inch Audi Sport alloy wheels
• Sport suspension
• Red brake calipers
• Black exterior styling package
• Black roof rails – Avant
• Privacy glass
• Auxiliary air conditioning
• AC charging port
• 11kW AC 3-phase charging
• 240V 3-pin. Australian standard plug
• 230V 32-amp CEE industrial plug
• Type 2 charging cable for public charging
• Wall bracket for mounting of charger

To see how the Audi A5 lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool

Options

There are a few key packages and single-item options available for the A5.

Style package: $3900

• 20-inch Audi Sport alloy wheels
  • 5-twin-spoke design
  • Black metallic
  • Gloss turned finish
• Rear privacy glass
• Black exterior styling package

Premium package: $4900

• Head-up display
• High-powered USB charging ports
• Bang & Olufsen 3D premium sound system
• Acoustic glazing for door windows – front
• Colour ambient lighting pro package

Single item options include:

• Metallic or pearl effect paint: $2100
• Premium metallic paint: $3400
• Panoramic glass roof with switchable transparency: $4990
• Seat ventilation – front: $2200
• Inlays in applewood natural, brown: $1100
• Inlays in chestnut natural, grey: $1100
• 10.9-inch MMI front passenger display: $1950

To see how the Audi A5 lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool

Is the Audi A5 safe?

Since launch, the Audi A5 range has been awarded a five-star ANCAP safety rating, based on Euro NCAP testing.

Standard safety equipment across the range includes:

• Adaptive cruise control with stop/go
• Autonomous emergency braking incl. pedestrian detection
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Driver attention monitoring
• Front cross-traffic assist
• Front and rear turn assist
• Lane departure warning
• Lane-keep assist
• Parking sensors – front, rear
• Rear cross-traffic assist
• Surround-view cameras
• Swerve assist
• Traffic sign recognition
• Tyre pressure loss indicator
• Vehicle exit warning

To see how the Audi A5 lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool

How much does the Audi A5 cost to run?

The A5 and S5 range is covered by Audi Australia’s five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty. Roadside assistance is included for the duration of the warranty period, too.

To see how the Audi A5 lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool

CarExpert’s Take on the Audi A5

The new A5 Sedan doesn’t necessarily break the premium executive mould, but in the Australian market at least it makes a very strong value case against its direct German rivals.

Mid-size premium sedan buyers can get a lot more for their money with Audi’s new entrant, which starts nearly $10,000 under than the most affordable C-Class and $15,000 below the cheapest 3 Series.

The strong value equation is bolstered by sharp looks, a tech-laden cabin and keen but not class-leading driving dynamics all are big ticks. While it lacks any form of electrification (at least for now), the base powertrain also has plenty of go and is quite refined, too.

I personally am not hugely happy with the increased application of gloss black trim and the reduction in physical, tactile Audi switchgear, nor did I particularly take to the light, overly assisted feel of the steering.

That said, a lot of that is down to personal preference.

And while base pricing is very competitive, tick the two available main option packages and you’re looking at nearly $90,000 before on-road costs for a well-optioned base model, which is nevertheless still cheaper than entry-level versions of its BMW and Mercedes-Benz rivals.

I’d pass on the Style package, but I reckon the $4900 Premium package is a must-have. You also don’t need the optional passenger display, but the (expensive) $4990 sunroof with high-tech shade will no doubt have high uptake.

All told, in a segment that has been in decline for some time and could almost be regarded as ‘niche’ in 2025, the accomplished new Audi A5 shapes as a more value-driven alternative to its German competitors.

If you’re not fussed on electrification, the base petrol A5 is a very capable executive sedan (or liftback).

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