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2021 Audi A5

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Make
Audi
Model
A5
Year
2021
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OEM Interior Primary
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Used Car Price Range
$21,765 - $35,988
$21,765 $35,988
Select a Trim
Select a Trim
2021 40 Premium 4dr All-Wheel Drive quattro Sportback
most popular
Price:   -  From $41,800
2021 45 S line Premium 2dr All-Wheel Drive quattro Coupe Price:   -  From $44,000
2021 45 S line Premium 4dr All-Wheel Drive quattro Sportback Price:   -  From $44,000
2021 45 Premium 2dr All-Wheel Drive quattro Cabriolet Price:   -  From $50,400
2021 S5 3.0T Premium 2dr All-Wheel Drive quattro Coupe Price:   -  From $52,500
2021 S5 3.0T Premium 4dr All-Wheel Drive quattro Sportback Price:   -  From $52,500
2021 S5 3.0T Premium 2dr All-Wheel Drive quattro Cabriolet Price:   -  From $60,600
2021 RS 5 2.9T 2dr All-Wheel Drive quattro Coupe Price:   -  From $75,100
2021 RS 5 2.9T 4dr All-Wheel Drive quattro Sportback Price:   -  From $75,400
Expert Rating
3.5 (Good)

Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

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Overview

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 TypeHorsepowerTorqueFuel Economy (Combined)
2.0L Turbo 4-Cylinder201 hp236 lb-ft28 mpg
2.0L Turbo 4-Cylinder261 hp273 lb-ft27 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.

Audi A5

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.

Audi A5

Premium - From $42,845

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).

Premium Plus - From $47,745

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.

Prestige - From $52,445

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.

Compare A5 Trims Side-By-Side

CarsDirect Tip

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.

author image
Automotive Editor
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Expert Review

Pros
  • Incredible looking
  • Stylish and elegant cabin
  • Loads of standard tech
  • Potent optional powertrain
Cons
  • Pricier than rivals
  • Gets even more expensive in a hurry
  • Underwhelming base engine
Expert Rating
3.5 (Good)

Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

author image
Automotive Editor

A carryover model that still stands out. In 2020, the Audi A5 received updated styling, and there’s no question these looks still stand out in the carryover 2021 Audi A5. But the A5 is more than just looks; it’s also about versatility too with a body style for every buyer, roomy Sportback design with 22 cubic feet of cargo room behind the rear seats, and an array of upscale standard features and options that outplay most of its competitors.

All this usefulness and luxury comes at a premium. The A5’s sticker price also stands out from the competition – in a bad way.

A stunning body that’s hindered by a lack of colors. The Audi A5 is a gorgeous canvas upon which to paint. It boasts elegant curves and swoops mashed together with sharp creases and body lines. Pair that with a trio of body options – sportback sedan, coupe, and cabriolet – and there’s an option for everyone.

However, Audi handcuffed its artists with a lack of colors on the palette. Instead of a variety of bold color options to highlight its design, Audi offers just six shades of blacks, whites, and grays and three semi-unique hues: District Green metallic, Navarra Blue metallic, and Tango Red metallic.

Fortunately for Audi, this is a common theme in this class, as the BMW 4-Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, and Volvo S60 all offer equally limited color options.

Inside, the A5 boasts simple elegance with a relatively flat dash, full-width HVAC vents that add an airiness, a sporty three-spoke steering wheel, and a clean button setup. This is all paired with a range of warm interior color options that add variety its competitors lack.

Optional four-cylinder engine hits a sweet spot, but the base engine’s a dud. The A5 boasts a potent 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 261 horsepower and a sub-six-second 0-60 mph time. This engine performs well relative to the A5’s competition, but the issue is this is only in the A5 45 TFSI.

Powering the base A5 40 TFSI is a 201-hp 2.0-liter that lags in the class. The BMW 430i’s base 2.0-liter boasts 255 ponies; the Cadillac CT4’s base 2.0-liter pumps out 237 hp; the C 300’s base 2.0-liter delivers 255 horses; and the base S60’s four-pot injects 250 hp. Heck, even the wildly outdated Lexus IS’ base four-cylinder engine has a 40-hp advantage, though it’s terribly unrefined.

The A5 makes up for its forgettable base engine with sharp suspension and lightning-fast steering. Despite its superior handling, the A5 rides surprisingly soft in daily driving, even with its 18-inch wheels.


Audi A5

Near the top in standard tech. Inside, the A5 comes well equipped with a standard 10.1-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a moonroof, and real leather upholstery. This level of luxury easily beats the 4-Series’ standard leatherette and 8.8-inch touchscreen; the CT4’s leatherette and 8-inch touchscreen; the S60’s leatherette and 9-inch touchscreen; and the IS’ leatherette and lackluster 7-inch touchscreen.

The only way to beat the A5 is to go with the C 300, which boasts a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 10.3-inch infotainment screen. However, it still has standard fake leather seats.

Safety tech is also top notch in the A5. It features standard automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, and more. This matches virtually every key competitor – yes, even the IS has many of these safety features, but the Cadillac CT4, oddly enough, has no standard active safety features.

All this in the A5 comes in at $42,845 (destination fees included), which is lower than the 4-Series and only slightly higher than the C 300. However, that base price is dramatically higher than the CT4 ($33,990), IS 300 ($39,585), and S60 ($37,045).

Final thoughts. The 2021 Audi A5 is a good middle-of-the-pack luxury option, whether you pick the sportback sedan, coupe, or convertible. In its sportback sedan variant, it offers a balance of performance options, roominess, and loads of standard and optional luxury. However, it falls short in the luxury department compared to the Mercedes C 300 and is surprisingly expensive.

While its optional 45 TFSI powertrain offers performance that’s on par with its competitors, the standard 40 TFSI powertrain leaves it lagging in straight-line performance. The A5 makes up for this with a well-balanced suspension that properly straddles the line between performance and comfort.

For buyers seeking a body that stands out, the A5’s combination of swoopiness and sharp lines does just that, despite its lack of exciting color options. The only model that may grab more attention is the CT4.

Check prices for the 2021 Audi A5 »

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Specs & Features

Highlights
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
2.0L I-4 / 201 HP / 236 ft.lbs.
Transmission
7-spd S tronic auto-shift man w/OD
Drive Type
Full-time Quattro All Wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Highway/Combined
25 / 34 / 29 Mpg
Passenger Capacity
5
Bumper to Bumper Warranty
48 Months / 50,000 Miles
Mechanical Specs
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
2.0L I-4 / 201 HP / 236 ft.lbs.
Drive Type
Full-time Quattro All Wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Hwy/Combined
25 / 34 / 29 Mpg
Brakes
4-wheel Disc
Front Suspension
Multi-link
Rear Suspension
Independent Multi-link
Spare Tire And Wheel
Compact Steel
Fuel Tank
15.3 Gal.
Recommended Fuel Type
Premium Unleaded
Average Cost To Fill Tank
$58
Dimensions & Capabilities
Maximum Cargo Volume
21.8 Cu.ft.
Passenger Volume
Exterior Length
187.2 "
Exterior Width
72.6 "
Exterior Height
54.6 "
Front Headroom
37.7 "
Rear Headroom
37.0 "
Front Legroom
41.3 "
Rear Legroom
35.1 "
Front Shoulder Room
55.7 "
Rear Shoulder Room
54.5 "
Front Hip Room
Rear Hip Room
Curb Weight
3,759 Lbs.
Wheel Base
111 "
Turning Radius
19.2 '
Exterior Features
Door Count
4 Doors
Wheels
18.0 " Silver Aluminum / 19.0 " Machined W/painted Accents Aluminum
Paint
Clearcoat Monotone / Metallic Monotone
Exterior Mirrors
Dual Heated, Power Remote Driver, Power Remote W/tilt Down Passenger
Bumpers
Front Body-colored With Chrome Insert
Grille Moldings
Chrome
Rear Spoiler
Lip
Exhaust
Stainless Steel With Chrome Tailpipe Finish
Interior Features
Seating
Passenger Capacity
5
Seat Trim
Leather
Front Seat Type
Sport Bucket
Heated Front Seats
Driver And Front Passenger Heated-cushion, Heated-seatback
Front Driver Seat Direction Controls
(8-way Power)
Front Passenger Seat Direction Controls
(8-way Power)
Front Armrests
(8-way Power)
Rear Armrests
Center
Rear Seats
40-20-40 Bench
Radio & Infotainment
Radio
Am/fm, Seek-scan / Siriusxm Am/fm/hd/satellite, Seek-scan
Speakers
10 / 19 Bang & Olufsen
Radio Steering Wheel Controls
Apple Car Play
Android Auto
Bluetooth w/ Hands-Free Connectivity
Convenience Features
Steering Wheel Type
Telescopic Tilt
Climate Control
Automatic Air Conditioning
Cruise Control
Sun Roof
Express Open/close
Rearview Mirror
Auto-dimming Day-night
One Touch Open Window
Front And Rear
Tinted Windows
Light
Vanity Mirrors
Dual Illuminated
Remote Keyless Entry
Keyfob (all Doors)
Power Outlets
3
Safety Features
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Overall Front Crash Safety Rating
Overall Side Crash Safety Rating
Rollover Crash Safety Rating
Front Impact Airbags
Driver And Passenger
Driver Side Impact Airbags
Seat Mounted
Knee Airbag
Driver And Passenger
Passenger Side Impact Airbag
Seat Mounted
Rear Side Airbag
Rear Side-impact Airbag
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Front And Rear
Anti-Lock Brakes
4-wheel Anti-lock Brakes (abs)
Forward Collision Warning
Audi Pre Sense Basic Forward Collision Mitigation
Blind Spot Sensor
Audi Side Assist Blind Spot
Lane Departure Warning
Lane Departure / Audi Active Lane Assist Lane Departure
Autonomous Cruise Control
Hands-on Steering Assist / Hands-off Steering Assist
Pedestrian Detection
Audi Pre Sense City Front Pedestrian Detection Prevention
Driver Attention Alert
Daytime Running Lights
Auto High Beams
High Beam Assist (hba) Auto High-beam
Adaptive Headlights
Parking Sensors
Audi Park Assist Automated / Audi Parking System Plus Front And Rear
Security Systems
Security System
Panic Alarm
Ignition Disable
Immobilizer Iii
Warranty
Bumper To Bumper Months Miles
48 Months / 50,000 Miles
Major Components Months
48 Months / 50,000 Miles
Included Maintenance Months
Roadside Assistance Months
48 Months / Unlimited Miles
Corrosion Perforation
144 Months / Unlimited Miles
Accessories Months
48 Months / 50,000 Miles

Used 2021 Audi A5 for Sale

13 vehicles found within 50 miles of your area
Audi
2.0T Premium
Color: White
Price

$21,765

Mileage

59,926 mi

Map location icon

Anaheim Hyundai (31 mi)

Phone: (833) 214-6621
Audi
2.0T Premium
Color: White
Price

$21,976

Mileage

59,707 mi

Map location icon

Anaheim Hyundai (31 mi)

Phone: (833) 214-6621
Audi
2.0T Premium
Color: Brilliant Black
Price

$26,887

Mileage

61,844 mi

Map location icon

Orange Coast INFINITI (27 mi)

Phone: (714) 650-8585
Audi
2.0T Premium
Color: Tango Red Metallic
Price

$26,998

Mileage

40,585 mi

Map location icon

Ford of Downtown LA (10 mi)

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