Used 2021 Audi A5

The Audi A5 and S5 models were majorly refreshed last year, so 2021 is a relatively quiet year for this stylish coupe, convertible, and 5-door hatch. With one big exception: All 2021 Audi A5 models now have a new 12-volt mild-hybrid powertrain that adds 13 horsepower via the alternator belt.

That means the turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine in the base model (the A5 Sportback 40 TFSI quattro) now puts out 201 horsepower and the same 236 lb-ft of torque as last year. In the A5 45 TFSI quattro models, the engine now puts out 261 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. Performance of these 4-cylinder A5s should be a little better, and even though EPA fuel economy for the 2021 A5 has not been announced, we could see a slight improvement in that area as well.

For 2021, Audi brings additional technology and driver assistance features to the A5 and S5 lineup, in addition to streamlined packages. Although the A5/S5 is based on the platform of the compact A4 sedan, it’s available as an attractive coupe, an open-air Cabriolet, and a sleek 5-door hatchback model called the Sportback.

On 2-door versions, the A5’s rear seat is pretty much an afterthought, as can be said of the BMW 4 Series, Lexus RC, and Mercedes-Benz C-Class coupe. Trunk space isn’t much better, but it’s superior to that of rivals from Lexus, Jaguar, and Infiniti. If you need room for family or friends but still want something low and sinister, the A5/S5 Sportback is a great solution.

Quattro is standard on the A5 and S5. This all-wheel-drive system goes almost unnoticeable in daily driving, but the stability it provides in wet, muddy, or snowy conditions is much appreciated.

The 2021 Audi A5 and Audi S5 are more than just beautiful designs. With their luxury features, powerful engines, and standard quattro all-wheel drive, they drive like no other cars in this class. While the A5 coupe’s 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine is more than capable, folks desiring more power should opt for the S5 and its twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 with 349 horsepower.

Audi’s drive-mode system lets the driver adjust steering and throttle response, but there’s an Auto mode that lets the car’s brain make all the hard decisions. And it does a good job. While sometimes there’s a bit of turbo lag associated with the 4-cylinder engines, the A5 quickly gets up to speed.

No manual transmission is available in the Audi A5 and S5. However, the 7-speed dual-clutch automatic in the A5 is one of the best in the business, shifting smoothly and quickly. The conventional 8-speed in the S5 models works similarly well.

The A5/S5 lineup received an interior makeover last year, highlighted by a 10.1-inch touchscreen on top of the center stack that serves as the focal point for navigation, audio, and in-vehicle data. It’s as elegant as ever inside the A5, and the touchscreen or voice commands can be used to accomplish tasks.

New for 2021 is wireless Apple CarPlay and Audi’s integrated toll module (ITM), a transponder built into the rearview mirror. Audi says ITM functions on compatible toll roads in the U.S. and parts of Canada.

On A5 and S5 coupes, the S line interior package brings with it a flat-bottom steering wheel, leather and Alcantara seats, and brushed-aluminum inlays. It’s a beautifully designed cabin that impresses with its minimal clutter and high-quality materials.

It’s easy to find a comfortable driving position in this compact Audi, and the front seats offer excellent lateral support. As stated earlier, the rear seat of the coupe and convertible is tight on space, but the A5 and S5 Sportback is as roomy as an A4 sedan in back, with 21 cubic feet of cargo space with the seat up or 35 when it’s folded.

The 2021 Audi A5 is handsome but in a conservative way. We particularly like the A5 Sportback, which is essentially a smaller version of the A7. In other words, it’s a 4-door car with a coupe-like silhouette and a power liftgate that rises to reveal a healthy rear cargo bay. New for 2021: If you order an A5 or an S5 with the optional Black Optic package, your car will be available with a black-painted roof.

VIRTUAL COCKPIT
If you like high-tech toys, you’re going to love the A5’s available Virtual Cockpit. Using a 12.3-inch TFT (thin-film transistor) screen, Audi replaces the traditional analog gauge cluster with a virtual one allowing for various configurations including a 3D navigation display powered by Google Earth graphics.

A5 SPORTBACK
The A5 Sportback offers all the style and performance of the A5 coupe, but with SUV-like cargo room thanks to the massive hatchback design. Despite its sloping roof, there’s enough room in the back seat for 6-footers, and the seats fold down to increase overall cargo volume to 35 cubic feet.

All A5s come in three trims: Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige. Base models have the mild-hybrid 4-cylinder powertrain and lane-keeping assist, as well as 18-inch wheels, a leather interior with heated front sport seats, tri-zone automatic climate control, and LED headlights.

The basic infotainment system is good, a 10-speaker unit with two USB ports and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility.

A5 and S5 Coupes come with a panoramic sunroof while the soft-top Cabriolet versions get a power-operated fabric roof. All versions also come with automatic emergency braking and a system that cinches the seatbelts and shuts the side windows for extra safety if a potential collision is sensed.

We think the mid-trim Premium Plus A5 is worth the extra money as it adds adaptive cruise control and a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert, and will even alert you of a coming vehicle when exiting the A5. Also included are Virtual Cockpit, front and rear parking sensors, and a hands-free trunk/tailgate release.

The Prestige trims add navigation, a 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio, and a head-up display.

Powering the new 2021 Audi A5 Sportback 40 TFSI quattro model is a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine good for 201 horsepower and 235 lb-ft of torque. A new 12-volt mild-hybrid arrangement contributes 13 horsepower via the alternator belt.

The 2021 Audi A5 45 TFSI quattro has a stronger version of the mild-hybrid powertrain, one that pumps out 261 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque, again aided by the alternator-driven mild-hybrid system. With the 4-cylinder engines, you get one gearbox: a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic.

In the S5 lineup, you get a 3.0-liter V6 producing 349 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, courtesy of a twin-scroll turbocharger but no hybrid assistance. The S5s employ an 8-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission that can handle the extra torque.

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 (A5 Sportback 40 TFSI quattro)
201 horsepower @ 4,200-6,000 rpm
236 lb-ft of torque @ 1,450-4,200 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 25/34 mpg

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 (A5 45 TFSI quattro)
261 horsepower @ 5,000-6,000 rpm
273 lb-ft of torque @ 1,600-4,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 24/31 mpg (Sportback & Coupe), 23 mpg/31 mpg (Cabriolet)

3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 (S5)
349 horsepower @ 5,400-6,400 rpm
369 lb-ft of torque @ 1,370-4,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 20/28 mpg (S5 Sportback & S5 Coupe), 20/26 mpg (S5 Cabriolet)