What's New
The big news for the 2021 Audi A5 is an engine upgrade, albeit a small one. Audi has converted the line into mild hybrids with a 12-volt electric system that adds 13 horsepower.
The A5 Sportback gains a new budget engine option, previously seen on the A4. The rest of the changes are minor feature tweaks, and we’re glad to see lane departure warning and wireless Apple CarPlay compatibility as standard features.
Choosing Your Audi A5
The A5 comes in three trim levels: Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige. Pricing starts at $42,845 including destination for the Premium and $53,445 for the Prestige.
To complicate matters, the car also comes in three body styles: coupe, Cabriolet (convertible), and a five-door Sportback. The Sportback is the cheapest, the coupe is $1,050 or $2,200 more depending on the trim, and the convertible is $8,600 to $8,750 more.
Engine Choices
The A5 comes with two engine choices for 2021, but the less powerful motor is only available on the Sportback body, where it's standard. The more powerful engine is a $1,350 to $2,200 upgrade on the Sportback and standard elsewhere.
Engine Type | Horsepower | Torque | Fuel Economy (Combined) |
2.0L Turbo 4-Cylinder | 201 hp | 236 lb-ft | 28 mpg |
2.0L Turbo 4-Cylinder | 261 hp | 273 lb-ft | 27 mpg |
Both engines send power to all four wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Both powertrains benefit from the new mild-hybrid system, but the EPA hasn’t released official fuel economy numbers. Last year’s A5 with the more powerful engine achieved 27 miles per gallon combined according to the EPA. We expect 2021 models to do at least as well.
Passenger and Cargo Capacity
Capacity for both people and luggage varies by body style. The Sportback is the clear winner on both fronts, with seating for five passengers, 35.1 inches of rear leg room, and 21.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the seats. The Sportback is the only trim that allows the rear seats to fold down, opening up 35 cubic feet.
The coupe and convertible condense the A5 shape, losing one rear seat and a couple inches of second-row leg room in the process. Cargo capacity goes from excellent to disappointing — the coupe can fit 10.9 cubic feet of baggage, and the convertible just 9.29.
Safety Features
Audi has a reputation to uphold, so it’s no surprise that the A5 cuts no corners on safety. Crash test scores are strong, and every model is equipped with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection. For 2021, lane departure warning is also standard.
Move up to the Premium Plus to get an A5 equipped with adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, a surround-view camera system, and parking sensors. Some of these features are available on the Premium's Convenience package ($1,800).
Connectivity
The Audi A5 improves in this department with a faster processor and newly standard wireless Apple CarPlay connectivity. Infotainment runs through a 10.1-inch touchscreen on the dash, and the system is compatible with Apple or Android.
The Premium Plus brings a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a wireless charging pad. the Prestige further adds a head-up display, navigation, and a Bang and Olufsen audio system.
The navigation system is available on Premium Plus models for $1,500, as is the upgraded audio system for $950.
The A5 Premium earns its price with leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof (for non-convertibles), heated and power front seats, and three-zone automatic climate control. Every Premium also gets sharp LED headlights and 18-inch alloy wheels.
Blind-spot monitoring comes in the Convenience Package ($1,800), which also includes satellite radio, keyless entry, auto-dimming side mirrors, and driver’s seat memory settings.
Standalone options are fairly minimal at this trim, but enthusiastic drivers may want the sport suspension ($250).
The Premium Plus trim gets an upgrade this year with newly standard adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, and a surround-view camera. Those features join upgraded headlights, wireless charging, Audi’s nifty 12.3-inch digital driver display, and all the features in the Convenience Package.
Front seat ventilation comes in the Warm Weather Package ($1,300), which upgrades front seats to sport buckets with four-way power lumbar support. Nineteen-inch wheels are an $800 standalone option.
The Prestige is the king of A5s, bringing a head-up display and high beams powered by lasers (seriously). Also standard are a head-up display, navigation, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and the Bang and Olufsen audio system.
New for 2021 on models with the more powerful engine is the Black Optic Package ($1,300), which adds 19-inch wheels wrapped in sticky rubber along with blacked-out accents.
The 2021 Audi A5 Sportback is more practical than its siblings, but it looks at least as good. Stick to the Premium or Premium Plus trims for the best value.